The Darice Core’dinations paper line features NO white core!  The papers are embossed with patterns that can be sanded down to reveal different colors!  It is seriously one of the coolest things ever!  {And I am NOT just saying that because this is sponsored!}  It reminds me of Hypercolor t-shirts from the 90s!

Here’s an example of how it works…

The paper is available in 6×6 and 12×12 cardstock.  I chose the Spotted 12×12 papers to make the Paper Succulents.  Using the Sand It Set, I sanded the paper down to reveal the lighter green polkadots.  The dust buddy came in handy to clear away all the paper dust.

Check out the before and after!

How cool is that?!

Darice graciously provided me with a variation of greens to use for my Paper Succulents.

I of course also used my Cricut for this project, as you know .. it’s one of my very favorite things!

To create the three different Paper Succulents I made for the vertical wall planter, I used a couple of different pre-made designs available in the new Cricut Design Space.  

Design Space Images:

#M3DF4F from Image Set: Flower Shoppe

#M46E00 from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

#M4429A from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

#M45516 from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

#M457B8 from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

I simply adjusted the image sizes and nested them as I built my own design on the canvas.

The paper cut BEAUTIFULLY with the new machine and I have to say I was quite impressed!  No ripping or tearing, even on the smaller images!

All in all, I cut and glued together 32 Paper Succulents!

I added the little pink blossoms to add a pop of extra color from the Botanical Core’dinations paper collection!

To mount the Paper Succulents, I used an old window with the screen intact.  I punched out 1 inch circles from the left over paper and hot glued them together around the screen.

It’s like having my own botanical garden in my craft room!  And the best part?  I CAN’T KILL IT!  hee hee

I’d LOVE for you to pin this image!

Share this image on Facebook!

The post Vertical Wall Planter with Paper Succulents appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Creating your own DIY Halloween Shirt has never been easier!  The Cricut EasyPress takes the guess work out of iron on and heat transfer vinyl!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

I’m not going to lie.  I used to hate heat transfer projects.  No matter what the package says, ironing times were never accurate and half the time the vinyl ended up overheated and wrinkled.  Why?  Because iron temperatures can vary 200 degrees depending on which part of the iron you are using!  Who knew?  The Cricut Easy Press has eliminated that variable.

I had no idea!  The Cricut EasyPress has a uniform heat distribution to ensure professional results.  It has a built in timer and temperature setting for more accurate results.

Create your own Halloween Shirt with Cricut EasyPress

Sometimes I like to create my own designs and upload them into Design Space.  Other times, I find something I love online, buy the image and take the easy way out.  I am head over heels for this Broom Hair Don’t Care design I found at Hungry JPEG. 

For this project I used Cricut Iron On Lite in silver.  Don’t forget to mirror your image before you cut!

Once image is cut, weed out the excess iron on vinyl.  I used my Cricut Brightpad to assist. Learn more about it HERE!

Each Cricut EasyPress comes with a quick reference guide to ensure perfect results every time!  As you can see it is broken down between base material and iron-on type.  I used metallic iron on with a cotton poly blend short.  Therefore, I set my Easy Press to 305 degrees for 20 seconds.

Using your EasyPress to finish your shirt

Set your EasyPress to the appropriate setting based on quick reference guide.  Click the temperature icon button and adjust your temperature with the plus and minus buttons to the right of the display.  Follow the same procedure to set the timer but clicking on the clock icon button and adjusting time setting.

Once the it reaches temperature it will beep.   Pre-heat the base material for 4-6 seconds by placing the EasyPress over the area where you will apply the iron on.

Place the weeded vinyl design sticky side down on your shirt.  I used a terry cloth washcloth inside the shirt to protect my table.

Lift the EasyPress from it’s cradle and place on top of your vinyl.  Apply light pressure and hit the green Cricut button.  Hold pressure as timer counts down.

For larger designs, lift EasyPress and move to remaining section.  Repeat process.

Allow 15 seconds for vinyl to cool before peeling back the lining.

After cutting the vinyl, applying the iron on to the t-shirt took 40 seconds.  (My design was large enough that it had to be done in two sections.)  The vinyl was perfectly adhered!

I love how easy it is!  Plus everyone loves my new DIY Halloween Shirt!

The Cricut EasyPress is available for $149.  This would be the perfect Christmas gift for the avid crafter in your life!

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

The post DIY Halloween Shirt with Cricut EasyPress appeared first on Create Craft Love.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

The Cricut Maker takes your DIY to the next level with it’s accessibility and simplicity!

Let me preface this post by saying that if you own a machine from the Explore line, it is NOT obsolete!  Cricut will continue to make and support Explore machines.  Cricut Maker is for anyone who wants to take their DIY to the next level.  Read on to find out why!

I have been working with Cricut for over four years.  I was blessed to be a part of the launch of the Explore line of machines in 2014.  (You can see that post HERE!)  The Explore changed the way I craft.  I was finally able to make my creations a reality.  It was the perfect marriage of DIY and technology.  The easy dial on the side of the machine took the guess work out of it.  But as Ashish said, we wanted more…

Last week, I had the opportunity to be in Salt Lake City again for the official launch of the Cricut Maker.  This machine is going to change the face of the crafting industry.  Cricut wants to be more than just cutting machines.  They want to help from the beginning to the end of the project!

What’s different with Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore?

The Cricut Explore is the perfect starter machine.  It is a great way to get your feet wet.  The machine can cut 100s of different materials.  Research shows that the majority of people who purchase a cutting machine, use it for cutting vinyl and heat transfer vinyl.  This machine will do all of that!

The Cricut Explore Air is the next step up.  It allows for bluetooth connection without an additional adapter.  It will also hold two tools at once (scoring + cutting or writing + cutting).

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is all of the above PLUS double the speed.  It has a fast mode option for cutting multiple simple shapes much more efficiently.

Then there is the Cricut Maker.  This is the holy grail of cutting machines.  It has an adaptive tool system for cutting even more materials!  This system allows for changing and upgrading without needing to upgrade the machine once more tools become available.  (And rumor has it, there is a lot more to come!)  It has a rotary blade for cutting virtually any fabric.  In October, they will release the knife blade which cuts thicker materials with X-ACTO precision

Cricut Maker: Rotary Blade, Simplicity and Riley Blake

Cricut has teamed up with Simplicity and Riley Blake to bring sewing back into the home and to encourage the next generation of makers.  They spoke to thousands of makers and found that the biggest complaint about sewing is cutting the pattern out of fabric.   The rotary blade provides a level of precision that used to only be available in clothing factories.  

With the purchase of the Cricut Maker machine, you will receive 50 FREE sewing patterns.  This includes two quilt patterns!  Each sewing pattern also comes with assembly instructions in an easy to save/print PDF file.  You can print that file and head to the fabric store to pick up all of your supplies for your next project!

It also comes with a fabric mat.  That means you don’t have to back the fabric!  How cool is that?!  Again, another step eliminated for quicker project time.  

And it’s pink.

Place the fabric, right side down onto the pink fabric mat.  The Cricut Maker will draw pattern markings straight to the fabric with the washable fabric marker.  If you are a seasoned sewist, you can turn this option off.  For all projects with markings, Cricut has already mirrored these pieces for you!  While we were at the Mountain Make-a-thon, Anna Rose raced the machine in cutting a pattern the old way.  The machine cut the pattern in a fraction of the time!  Now you can do what you love best which is the sewing!

Cricut has also released a sewing kit!  Remember, they want to be known for making, not just cutting.  The sewing kit includes 8 inch fabric sheers, thread snips, seam ripper, pin cushion with pins, measuring tape and a leather thimble. 

Cricut Maker: Knife Blade and Thicker Materials

In October, Cricut will release a knife blade for use with the new machine.  This knife blade has the ability to cut through materials 2.4mm thick with even more force!  It has the precision of an X-ACTO knife.   This blade will be sold separately.  It is NOT included when you purchase the machine (but the rotary blade is).

This new blade will cut through balsa wood, heavy leather and matboard with ease.  Just think of the dimension you can add to your projects!

What I love most about this company is the time they spend paying attention to the tiniest of details.  The new tool storage on the left has a rubber bottom so it won’t damage the tips of your tools.  The new blades and their housings are colored coded so you know which blade you are using.  The tool storage in the door of the machine is deeper so you no longer have to play tetris to get your tools to fit.  Cricut Maker is still quiet enough to use crafting into the night.  They have seriously thought of everything. 

The Cricut Maker will hit store shelves on August 20th!  It retails for $399.99.

What will YOU make with the Cricut Maker?

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

The post Introducing: Cricut Maker appeared first on Create Craft Love.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  I do receive a small compensation for items purchased.

The Cricut BrightPad allows for easy weeding and tracing which encourages you to create more!  This machine is so versatile you don’t have to have an Explore to make it work for you!

You guys.  This is my new favorite craft tool (next to my Explore, of course)!  I do a lot of vinyl projects.  I would vinyl the world if I could.  Let me show you what it can do.

First of all, the BrightPad is super thin.  It fits comfortably on my lap and does not even get hot after two hours of weeding.  It also has a non-slip grip on the bottom so it will not slid off onto the floor.

How to use your Cricut BrightPad

There are 5 different brightness settings.  I could see well on the lowest setting in my living room, watching TV without any other lights on.  (I know that is probably not good on my eyes but I wanted to show you how good this thing is!)

Do you see how beautifully it lights up the vinyl?  This makes weeding 20 times easier.  I swear.  I’m not just saying that.  If you have ever tried weeding white vinyl, you know the struggle is real.  In the past, I would have gotten frustrated with this after about 10 minutes.  I sat comfortably on my couch for 2 hours weeding this bad boy.

Cricut also has a new weeding tool set which is amazeballs.  There are two different types of tweezers, two different hooks and a piercing tool.  This also makes the tedious task of weeding much more palatable.  

As you can see, I accidentally pressed too hard with my weeding hook in a couple of spots and I’m proud to say the BrightPad doesn’t even have a scratch!  This thing is the best crafting companion for all of your DIY needs!

Imagine paper piecing on this thing!  How much easier would that be?!  And you can trace designs for embroidering!  I love that it’s so versatile.  So even if you don’t own a machine, you can use it for a variety of other purposes!  It’s seriously groundbreaking, people.

Stop by on Thursday to see what I created with this piece!

I received a free Cricut BrightPad for the purpose of this post, however, all opinions are 100% my own.  See full disclosure here.

The post How to Use Your Cricut BrightPad appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Create and customize your jewelry with these Cricut Craft Foam Earrings!  I have multiple pairs for different outfits!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience!

Make your own Cricut Craft Foam Earrings!

Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Plush Craft Foam
Deep cut blade
Jump rings
Fishhook earrings

I use my deep cut blade on a regular basis because I like to cut the more challenging materials for my projects.  The deep cut blade can even cut balsa wood!  (Don’t believe me?  Check out this post I did a couple of Christmases ago!)  If you are not using it, you will need to change to that blade to create your earrings.

Open blade clamp B and remove the blade housing unit.

Depress the plunger which will expose the blade.  Carefully pull blade out and set aside.  Open package for deep cut blade and remove the plastic cover.  Place blade into opening.  It is magnetized so you will feel it pull into the housing unit.  Place entire housing unit back in clamp B and close clamp.

You can tell the difference between the standard blade and deep cut blade.

Now that your blade is in place, you are ready to cut the thicker materials!  For this project, I used the plush craft foam but you could also use faux leather to make some amazing jewelry!

I made teardrop earrings but you can use any shape you want.  You can also size it to your preference.  I don’t like particularly long earrings so I would say these are about medium length.  

Preparing to cut your Cricut Craft Foam Earrings

Once you have created your image in Design Space, you will need to adjust the machine for the new material.  Craft foam is considered a custom material.  Turn the knob on the right hand of your machine to custom.  In your mat preview, click change material.  Use the drop down box and choose”craft foam, plush”.  You are ready to cut!

Remove your cut earrings from the craft foam.  Using your weeding hook, punch out the small hole in the top.  This is where you will place your fishhook earrings.

You will need 2 jump rings and a fishhook earring to complete each earring.

Attach a jump ring to the craft foam through the hole at the top.  Add another jump ring so that when you add the fishhook it will hang the correct way on your ear.  Finally, add the fishhook.

I LOVE how these turned out!  I’ve made a couple of different pairs now!  

You should see the ones I made from cork!  Swooning…

I’d love for you to pin this image!

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

The post Cricut Craft Foam Earrings appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Sponsored by Cricut

Learn how to upload your own images into Cricut Design Space to create this adorable 4th of July Shirt!

Create an image for your 4th of July Shirt!  Begin by creating your own image with your favorite design software.

Upload your own images into Design Space to create your 4th of July Shirt!

Once your design is complete, open Cricut Design Space.  Begin a new project.  When the canvas opens, click upload in the left hand side bar.  This will cause a new box to open.  Click upload image.

Choose the image file you just designed by clicking browse.

Your image will open in design space.  You will need to choose the complexity of the image you are uploading.  (I usually choose complex to maintain the resolution.)  Now click continue.

In this window you can erase any parts of the image that you do not want.  Since I designed it, my image is free from those types of flaws so I just bypass through this step.  You can click continue.

Now we will save the image we just uploaded.  You want this as a print and cut file so be sure that one is highlighted.  If you want, you can rename your image over on the left.  Click save.

Your image will now appear in your uploaded image library.  Highlight the image to insert it onto your canvas.

Let’s print and cut your 4th of July Shirt!

Size the image on your canvas and click continue.  When it brings up the mat page, be sure to click “mirror image” so your iron on prints correctly.

For this project I used printable iron on vinyl light.  You can get it here.

When you open the package, there will be a piece of parchment paper.  You need this when you iron so set it aside and don’t lose it.  Place the printable iron on into your printer tray, matte side down.

Click print in design space.  You may have to pick your printer if you have never used this feature.

The image will print with registration marks so the Cricut can detect where to cut.  Place the printable vinyl sheet on the mat, the same direction as shown on your computer or iPad. Allow the ink five minutes to dry before placing on mat.  Proceed to cut as you usually would.

After the image is cut, weed away the excess leaving the image attached to the backing sheet.

Set iron to cotton with steam turned off.

Pre-heat your fabric by ironing for 10-15 seconds in the area where you will be applying the vinyl.

Position the iron on face down on fabric.

Without removing backing, cover with parchment paper.

Use both hands to press firmly against parchment paper for 40-60 seconds.  Move iron slowly and constantly to adhere vinyl to fabric.

For 15-20 seconds, press tip of iron around edges of vinyl to secure it.

Let cool for 5 seconds and slowly remove backing.  If not completely adhered, repeat above process.

Reed loves it!  So I got cool mom points for this one!

If you don’t want to create your own image, you can download the one above by clicking HERE!

I’d love for you to pin this image!

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

The post 4th of July Shirt with Cricut appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Sponsored by Cricut

I don’t have a craft room.  And I constantly struggle with where to store my Cricut.  It’s a beast at DIY but it’s still delicate, you know?  So in order to keep it beastly, I have to be very careful with it.  Just when I thought Cricut could not out do themselves, they’ve done it again.  The Cricut Tote Bags are perfect for storage and the DIY-er on the go!

Cricut Tote Bags

These bags are covered in a gorgeous gray tweed with black leather trim.  Each bag is loaded with pockets and spaces for all of your larger and smaller craft supplies.  My favorite part, is the leather Cricut tag on the inside!

But it’s not the exterior that packs the biggest punch, it’s the interior.  The machine storage case is lined in soft padding, perfect for protecting my favorite crafting tool!  There is even a depressed center to store your cords!

Look how snug the machine is!  No jostling around when transporting!  It has a nice magnetic close.

But where am I going to store all of my supplies?  In the rolling craft tote, of course!

It’s deep enough to store all of your vinyl and other materials!  It even has a place for your smaller machines!  There are two detachable zipper pouches to store tools and markers!

Mats fit perfectly in the middle storage area!

The tote itself is equipped with multi directional wheels and a telescoping rolling handle.  The machine bag stacks perfectly.  

Finally, they introduced a shoulder bag.  The bag even fits my large laptop (which is 17 inches)!  It’s so cute, that I plan on using it as my computer bag now!

The best news is the Cricut Tote Bags are on SALE!  Head over to cricut.com and order yours before they run out!  

I received product for the purpose this review.  All opinions are 100% my own.  You can find my full disclosure here.

The post Introducing the New Cricut Tote Bags appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Throw an awesome LEGO Batman Movie Premier Party with these amazing ideas!

I don’t know about you, but our household went NUTS for the LEGO Batman Movie.  The digital release was May 19th.  We decided to turn it into an end of school celebration!

LEGO sent me a bunch of fun stuff to get the party started!

Reed wanted to invite his best friend who lives in the house behind our house.  I downloaded the movie on iTunes and threw together a little LEGO Batman Movie Premier Party!

I grabbed some black shower caddies from Wal-mart and filled them with movie goodies including the LEGO Brickheadz, candy and a personalized Batman cup that I made just for the occasion.  We even had Joker Juice which was delicious!

We started by decorating our shower caddies with the LEGO Batman Ultimate Sticker Book.  The boys loved picking their favorite stickers and personalizing their caddies.

Then we put the LEGO Brickheadz together.  Have you seen these yet?  They are super cool!  These came out in March of 2017 and are a fun new way to collect, build and display your favorite LEGO characters.  The boys put together The Joker and Batgirl.  Each Brickhead comes with a base plate that includes the series number if you are into the collecting side of things.  The boys had no problem putting them together.

They were so excited!  While they were finishing up, we showed the movie.  The boys loved it!  Of course, we had seen it in the theater but I’m glad we own it now.

I created this custom cut file to make the LEGO Batman cups.  The tagline for the movie was “Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman”.

You can grab your free cut file HERE!

We filled these with Joker Juice and grabbed out candy to finish watching the movie.

Joker Juice is 50% Hawaiian Punch Green Berry Punch and 50% lemonade.  It’s a fun twist on your standard lemonade.

Reed has loved reading Batman’s Guide to Being Cool.  Plus I just loved this picture…LOL

LEGO has a complete Batman Movie line of LEGO sets.  THE LEGO® BATMAN MOVIE sets feature a collection of function-packed vehicles and locations.  You can find them all HERE!

The DVD release date is June 13th!  Be sure to grab a copy!!  You will laugh your butt off.  I love movies that have hidden adult humor and this is riddled with it. (See what I did there?!)  The best part of the movie is it’s heart.  It is all about the value of friendship and perfectly appropriate for my son and his little buddy.

I received free product for the purpose of this post.  You can see my full disclosure here.

Looking for more LEGO inspiration?  Check out my LEGO Dimensions Storage Idea!

The post LEGO Batman Movie Premier Party appeared first on Create Craft Love.

This Cricut Giveaway was organized by Juggling Act Mama and brought to you in part by the following awesome bloggers:

Doodlecraft, Daily Dish Magazine, Second Chance to Dream, Live Like You Are Rich, Bree Cooley, Organized Island, My Mommy Style, Your Everyday Family, and Create. Craft. Love.

And one very lucky winner is going to receive a Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine!

It’s easy to get inspired on the

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