Crafting on the Go with EasyPress Totes

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Do you ever want to take your crafting with you somewhere else but not sure how to safely travel with everything?  I know in the past when visiting family, I wanted to be able to show off my crafting skills and make them some personalized crafts with Cricut Iron-On but was worried about my EasyPress™ getting damaged in my travels.

Luckily, Cricut has released the EasyPress™ Totes so that you can now take your iron-on skills on the go.  The EasyPress™ Tote are the perfect way to safely carry your EasyPress™ 2, Safety Base, mat, and small accessories.

The EasyPress™ totes are assembled with a study, heat-resistant material to keep your machine protected from the bumps along the way as you travel. Whether you use the padded should strap or the strong handle, your machine is kept safely in place by the velcro strap.

Each totes is creatively designed so that you can included your safety based underneath your EasyPress™.

As well, there are pockets on both the front and back of the tote to carry almost all your needs including your mat and Cricut iron-on accessories (both sold separately).

The Cricut EasyPress™ totes are available in three sizes (compatibility is based on the EasyPress™ you currently own.)

• * Small – Cricut EasyPress 2, 6″ x 7″
  * Medium – Cricut EasyPress 2, 9″ x 9″
  * Large – Cricut EasyPress 2, 10″ x 12″ and Cricut EasyPress, 9″ x 9″

Now you can take your crafting inspiration on the go with you.  You are not longer confined to your home to craft, you can share you style and Cricut iron-on creations wherever you go.

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Best Crafts of 2018

And in a flash, 2018 is over. I can’t believe how fast this year has past. But in this year, I got to see a lot of amazing crafts from all the amazing ladies in the Inspire My Creativity group.

I had to take a bit of time away from the group in the last part of the year, but I am so happy to be starting off 2019 year off right and rejoining the monthly crafting group.

So here is a round up of some of our best work of 2018 for you all to enjoy and perhaps add to your crafting to do list for 2019.

Doodlecraft | Simple Washi Tape Birthday Cards: Papercrafting

Practical and Pretty | How to Dye with Pine Cones

Leap of Faith Crafting | Glitter Tumbler Step by Step Tutorial

Glitter on A Dime | Sharpie Mug Bird Feeder

Living Letter Home | Knockoff West Elm Curtain Rods

The Happy Scraps | DIY Chore Chart With Curved Text In Design Space

Dazzle While Frazzled | How to Make A Decorative Pillow from A Tote Bag

Sunshine & Munchkins | Easy Blooming Envelope and Card

Sugar Bee Crafts | Layering Vinyl Decals

Sew What Alicia | 15 Minute Tote Bag

Lawrence Made | DIY Tinkerbell Lantern

Adventures of A DIY Mom | DIY Wooden Triangle Christmas Trees

5 Little Monsters | Bead Stitch Hat

Sisters, What! | Unicorn Sweatshirt

Organize and Decorate Everything | Embroidery Felt Pouches

See the Happy | Soda Crate Sock Organizer

Happy Go Lucky | One of A Kind Unicorn Mug

She’s Crafty | Farmhouse Table Centerpiece

Artsy-Fartsy Mama | Free Printable Lego Challenge Game

A Girl and A Glue Gun | Giant Vinyl Decal

A Boy and His Mom | Dollar Store Monogram Bag

Ginger Snap Crafts | Personalized Candles

GYCT Designs | Reverse Canvas Tutorial

Legally Crafty | DIY Boho Backdrop & Photobooth

Halfpint Design | DIY Dino Egg Piñata

Heather Handmade | 16 Tips for Sewing Knit Fabric

The Ruffled Daisy | Whimsical Window Paint Pouring

Inspire My Creativity – Dollar Store Monogram Bag

It’s time again for our Inspire My Creativity blog hop.  If you haven’t visited us before, you can check out one of our previous hops where we made DIY gifts including my  Sugar Scrub Lip balm.  Each 2nd Wednesday of the month, we post our latest and greatest creations.  Each month has a predetermined theme and this month’s theme is “Dollar Store”  Crafts.

If you love the your local dollar store as much as I love mine, you know there are so many great crafting ideas to be found. Although when it came time for me to pick a craft this time, it definitely took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do.  But then I saw these great burlap shopping style bags hanging on the wall and I knew I had to use them.

Now that I am going to the gym on a regular basis, I was needing something to carry my shoes, water bottle, etc and this bag was the perfect size to hold my things plus any of my son’s things when he joins me.

After a bit of pondering, I decided that I would monogram the bag with my initials to make it truly make it “mine”.   This was a fairly easy craft that need just a few supplies but with so many different options that anyone can easily make their own in no time.

The supplies I used were:

1.  My Cricut Explore Air
2.  Cricut Vinyl
3.  Krylon Spray Paint

The first thing I did was cut out a stencil with my initials using my Cricut.  I then peeled the backing off the vinyl very carefully and placed the stencil on my bag and made sure I had it positioned properly.

I then made sure everything was stuck to the canvas as smoothly as possible so avoid any bleeding from the paint.  I also covered as much as the edges so that they did not get any spray off as well.  I then carefully sprayed the paint over the stencil.  Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area and use small quick strokes to get the best coverage.

I let the paint sit for a few moments before I carefully peeled off the stencil.  Please note (I learned this the hard way) that the paint on the vinyl will still be wet and be careful not to let if touch anything.

And there you have it!!  I now have my very own, one of a kind, monogrammed bag.

This was so easy to make and there are so many different ways you could make this your own.  Are you looking for some other Dollar Store craft ideas?  Check out the other hostesses for our link party and see what great ideas they came up with.

Shani  |  Sunshine & Munchkins

Anna  |  Practical and Pretty

Christine  |  Swordfights & Starry Nights

Meg  |  The Kusi Life

Candice  |  She’s Crafty

Amy  |  Leap of Faith Crafting

Jaclyn  |  The Dotted Nest

Victoria  |  Dazzle While Frazzled

Sydney  |  Tastefully Frugal

Lindsay  |  See Lindsay

Julia  |  The Quiet Grove

Pam  |  P.S. I Love You Crafts

Marie  |  The Inspiration Vault

Do you have a Dollar Store craft that you would like to share?  Please join our Link Party and add yours!

 

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Inspire My Creativity – DIY Gifts – Sugar Lip Scrub

It’s time again for our Inspire My Creativity blog hop.  If you haven’t visited us before, you can check our link up from last month with all of our great crafts using Embroidery Hoops.  Each 2nd Wednesday of the month, we post our latest and greatest creations.  Each month has a predetermined theme and this month’s theme is “DIY Gifts”. With the holidays just around corner, this is the perfect blog hop to pull together some easy, cost effective gifts for all of those on your list.  My DIY gift is a super easy sugar lip scrub.

If you live anywhere that has a cold, harsh winter, you know how chapped your lips can get.  Using a sugar lip scrub can help scrub away those chapped lips and leave them smooth and kissable.  The sugar lip scrub is so super easy that you can make it in no time but include it in a cute little container and add a ribbon or stickers and you have a perfect little gift to give this holiday season.

All you need for this sugar lip scrub are a few ingredients:

1.  White sugar
2. Coconut Oil
3. Vanilla extract or any essential oil of your choice
4. Container with a tightly fitting lid

All you need to do is mix equal amounts of sugar and coconut oil in a bowl and add a few drops of oil in and mix well.

Once the scrub is mixed well, spoon it into the container of your choice, it is seriously as easy as that.

You can make as little or as much as you want based on how many containers and their size.  You could make enough for everyone on your list.  They make great stocking stuffers too.  Who doesn’t love gifts that make your lips feel super soft?

Are you looking for some other DIY gift ideas for this holiday season?  Check out the other hostesses for our link party and see what great ideas they came up with.

Shani  |  Sunshine & Munchkins

Anna  |  Practical and Pretty

Ali  |  Home Crafts by Ali

Emy  |  Semigloss Design

Missy  |  Gypsy Magpie

Christine  |  Swordfights & Starry Nights

Kim  |  Creigh-ations

Candice  |  She’s Crafty

Lauren  |  A Life of Love and Joy

Sarah  |  Making Joy & Pretty Things

Do you have some great DIY gift ideas that you want to share?  Join our link party below.

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Fall – The Very Best of Food, Fun & Fashion

Fall is such a great time of year so I’ve gotten together with some of my favorite bloggers to put together the ultimate list of fall fun!  Make sure to check out all of the awesome posts below and get inspired for fall fun!

Warm up to a Hearty Harvest Stew- A Boy and his Mom

https://aboyandhismom.com/recipe/warm-hearty-harvest-stew/

 One of my favorite things about fall is the abundance of fresh harvest vegetables that are now in prime season.  With the cooler weather, it is time for me to break out the crockpot and make this delicious hearty Harvest Stew.  So easy to make and perfect to come home to after a long day.

 
Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites (Great For Breastfeeding Moms)- My Momtastic Life

http://mymomtasticlife.com/pumpkin-pie-energy-bites-great-for-breastfeeding-moms/

It’s officially Fall, which means – you guessed it – Pumpkin Spice Everything! These Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites are delicious, and the oats and flax seed make them great for breastfeeding moms. You can even add a little bit of brewer’s yeast for an extra boost in your milk supply! Breastfeeding or not, these are delicious, super easy to make and will surely get you in the Fall mood.

 

DIY Pumpkin Playdough- This Mama Needs Chocolate

http://thismamaneedschocolate.com/2017/09/29/diy-pumpkin-playdough/

Who doesn’t love an easy DIY project to do with the kids? This homemade pumpkin playdough has the sweet smell of the fall season.

Fall Fun for Little Ones – Travels with Tots

https://travelswithtotsblog.com/2017/09/26/fall-fun-for-little-ones/

Fall is such a great time of year to go on family adventures with your little ones. Here are some of our fav fall time activities to help you get the most out of the season!

Easy and Fun Fall Leaf Tree Craft for Toddlers- Fab Working Mom Life

https://www.fabworkingmomlife.com/2017/09/easy-fun-fall-leaf-tree-craft-toddlers/

Fall is such an exciting time, and Pinterest is overflowing with cute toddler crafts. You just have to create this fun fall leaf tree craft with your toddler with leaves you can collect together on a nature walk through your backyard.

8 things to do outside this fall – Mamablabs

https://mamablabs.com/2017/09/01/8-things-outside-fall/

Looking for new ideas for how to get the kids outside this fall? Read on for 8 fun things to do outdoors as a family that everyone will love!

Fall bucket lists (for moms and toddlers)- Motherhood in the Mountains

https://motherhoodinthemountains.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/fall-bucket-lists-for-moms-and-toddlers/

It’s finally fall!! That means tons of fall themed activities for you and your little one. Check out these bucket lists for toddlers and moms!

Fendi inspired fall fashion- Viva La Dolce

http://www.vivaladolce.com/2017/09/fendi-inspired-fall-fashion.html?m=1

Want to look like you just stepped off the runway? Check out these Fendi inspired fall fashion pieces!

 

Easy Easter “Carrots” and other Egg-cellent Ideas

Looking for an easy Easter treat that doesn’t involve chocolates or candy?  These “carrots” super easy to make and the kids will love them.  And if you are short on time or have procrastinated and left everything to the last minute like I tend to do, you can whip these up in just a few minutes.  This is one of those crafts that won’t turn into a Pin-tastrophe.

With only 3 supplies needed, these carrots are also easy on the wallet.  All you need are icing bags, fishy style crackers and green ribbon.   Be sure to try and find the icing bags without a company logo on them.  I was able to find mine at Michael’s.  Depending on the fishy crackers you buy, these are great for a nut-free school treat.

All you need to do is fill the icing bag with fishy crackers about 3/4 full, tie with a green ribbon and voila, you are done.  I have found that in making these in the past, that if you buy the fishy crackers in individual serving packages, 1 package fits perfectly into the icing bag.

I love these carrots.  They look so cute and I always get so many compliments on them.  Simple ideas that make such an impact are my favorite types of crafts.  As a Mom with not a lot of spare time, but loves making these types of crafts, I need ideas like these.

Here are some other EGG-CELLENT ideas for Easter fun with your littles! Just click on the photos to read more from these creative mommy bloggers!!

Easter Bunny Alphabet Game FREEBIE from Resources By Mrs. Roltgen   Resurrection Egg Garland [Freebie] from Buck & Chuck   Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs from Oh My Gee   Vegan Bunny Pancakes from The Mama Journey Pretty Easter Wreath from Real Life Mama Drama Easter Themed Sensory Bin from Kenz and Matt

DIY Motivational Wall Hangings

Taking a short break from my “Fitness Friday” posts until I have some worthwhile content.  I don’t want to bore everyone with the same old thing every week.  But in the lines of my fitness theme, I thought I would share a DIY project I completed recently.  A little motivation on the walls never hurt anyone.

I recently became the proud owner of the new Cricut Explore One!  It was something I always wanted but was never in the budget.  I attended BlogPodium 2016 and walked away with one as a door prize.  Big thanks to everyone involved!!!  Needless to say, I wanted to start using it right away.

Don’t cringe at the bubbles in vinyl, I am still learning. 🙂

I knew that I wanted to make some sort of motivational art to hang in my bathroom.  First stop, my local dollar store to pick up frames and this project was off and running!

Krlyon had been kind enough to include some samples of their product in our loot bags that we brought home from the conference, so I knew I wanted to incorporate that into my project as well. One of my  paints was this amazing Sea Glass Cornflower color that worked perfectly with the colors in my bathroom.  I took the glass out of the frames and gave each one a coat of the paint.  Note to self:  next time put paper under what I am painting so it doesn’t stain my front porch.  Ooops!

This paint dries in 10 minutes so there isn’t a huge wait to move forward on the project.  In that time, I got the Cricut working and cut out the letters for each of my frames and got them ready to place on the now dried glass.  One thing I didn’t have readily available for my project was the Transfer Paper that Cricut recommends to move the cut out letters to their spot nice and neat and straight, so I had to realign everything a few times to get it right.  I will definitely know for next time.  Once everything was aligned, I popped them back into the frames.

As part of my fitness journey, there are 2 phrases that I often use; “You can do this” and “Never give up”.  I thought in my bathroom where I pretty much start and end each day was the perfect place to place these and remind myself of these things.

For my first DIY project with my Cricut, I am really pleased with the outcome.  It was a lot easier than I had thought it would be and have given me the motivation to do a lot more creative projects.

Back to school in groovy tie-dye style

A few weeks back, we were doing a little shopping and I asked my son if he wanted to pick out a new shirt for back to school.  He looked at me and gave me a huge sigh. For the life of me I didn’t I couldn’t understand his frustration until he said “Mommy, do I HAVE to buy a new shirt for back to school?  Can’t I got back to school as plain old me?” My heart melted.  If he doesn’t want to fuss and muss with back to school wear, so be it.

About a week later, we were discussing crafts and things we wanted to do and he talked about making a tie-dye shirt.  He had made one at camp earlier in the summer but the shirt was already a bit small on him.  (We’ve had a 1 1/2 inch growth spurt since July.)  It sounded like a fun idea and so I headed off to our local Michael’s to pick up supplies.  Luckily for me, the day I went, the shirts were on sale and there were 2 coupons available for me to use on my purchase.  My purchase ended up costing me less than half the regular retail price.

My son was thrilled when he came home and saw our impending craft.  He immediately decided this was going to be the shirt he wore to back to school.  There were kits with 5 and 10 different colors but I settled for one with 3 for our first attempt.   Next time, I would love to try more colors.

I made sure we wore old clothes that would be okay if they got stained and made sure the floor was well covered with plastic to ensure the mess factor was kept to a minimum.  The instructions were really easy to follow and before you knew it, our shirts were dyed.  They recommend letting the colors cure for 6-8 hours.  We ended up leaving ours overnight.  Mr. Impatient, however, couldn’t wait to see the end product.

I swear we were only up for 10 minutes the next morning, when my son asked if we could see our shirts.  I had to rinse the excess color from them and then put them thru the wash but at least we got a sneak peak before I had to throw them in the dryer.  They turned out amazing!!  Definitely not one of my epic Pinterest fails that I have endured before.

We each made one for ourselves and then we used the excess magenta dye and the extra shirt to make a shirt for my son to wear when they have Pink Shirt Day for anti-bullying later on this school year.  I ended up wearing mine that day to a friends bbq and got a ton of compliments.  And of course my son, wore his to back to school.  He LOVED it.

It was definitely a fun, inexpensive and easy craft to do with my son.  I am pretty sure we will be adding more of these to our wardrobes.

My son and I love to do all kinds of crafts however, after a few Pinterest fails, I became a little disenchanted.  With winter approaching, I was thinking I would need to start finding some new craft ideas when going outside wasn’t a great option.  I was kind of dreading it to be honest.  This has given me new motivation to find some new fun crafts.