Doodlecraft

50+ Easy DIY Halloween Costumes! (Last-Minute Ideas)

2026-10-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

50 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes! Last Minute Ideas too!

Getting ready for spooky day has never been easier than with these over 50 easy DIY costume ideas!

Instead of just buying a cheap crappy costume that ends up being a glorified garbage bag with printing on it...make a high quality costume using thrifting, sewing, Cricut, painting, creativity and imagination!

I'm sharing 50 (maybe 51--I can't count) awesome cosplay or Halloween costumes that I made!

I love dressing up and costuming and have been known to dress up for church or even just to go shopping with friends!

Make a costume completely from scratch or find base pieces at the thrift store and make fun accessories to go with it.

Anyway, hope you enjoy all these costumes of my past and they'll give you inspiration for your costuming needs this Fall season--which is your favorite?

Indiana Jones

Perfect costume to celebrate one of the most favorite characters in cinematic history, Indiana Jones!

Grab a classic fedora, a leather jacket and a whip--then just wear a button up from the closet and khaki pants...if you don't have them just thrift them for a fraction of the price.

Doctor Costume

This cute doctor costume is a creative diy halloween costume that you can make with just a little iron-on vinyl and a lab coat--great for busy parents!

Use Cricut and Iron on Vinyl for the perfect finishing touches to any costume!

Naruto Cosplay

Get creative thrifting for the perfect group costume, family costume or creative costumes for comic conventions.

These creative costumes are made with thrifted old clothes for the base orange pants, orange shirt, etc...then decorated with paint, hot glue and fabric.

Simple DIY Pirate Costume

Arrr! A pirate costume is a fun costume with the classic looks that just say pirate.

Felt pirate hat, simple tie up shirt and vest are super easy to DIY with just a white t-shirt, shoe lace, a thrifted vest and some felt.

Make the entire family buccaneer costumes and don't forget Captain Hook, or use for last minute Halloween costumes.

This could be a fun idea for a Peter Pan theme with family members all dressed up to match the movie.

Young Maleficent Costume

This Walt Disney World movie inspired costume is perfect for a creative costumes DIY.

Use craft Styrofoam and spray paint for the perfect headband horns, use poster board and feathers for the wings!

Legend of Zelda Link Costume

Legend of Zelda is a classic video game with the iconic character, Link!

Use freezer paper and Cricut to make the perfect Hyrule Shield stencil.

This costume is so much fun--great for older kids, and it won a cosplay contest too with minimal effort!

Strawberry Shortcake

Learn how easy it is to make a Mobcap or Mop Cap--or as I call it a Muffin hat!

Move over Barbie costumes, Strawberry Shortcake is where it's at.

Get a simple red dress, a white apron and sew up a round gathered hat for perfect easy costume ideas.

Fortnite Enforcer Costume

Turn a video game character into the perfect costume made of cardboard and repurposed items--just need a black shirt, black pants and black masks make the perfect base!

Making your own costumes is the best part of the halloween party and letting your children decide and help is so fun!

This costume was made with cardboard boxes, spray paint, and a hot glue gun!

It's a great way to learn how to sew, how to shape an old cardboard box into armor and how to fit to a body.

Greek Goddess Costume

Make a metallic leather leaf laurel crown and pair it with a drapey white dress and rock some metallic gladiator sandals.

Easy Halloween costumes are my jam.

I found this white dress at the thrift store for a few dollars and I searched long and hard for the perfect sandals...but that was the best part of the costume!

Ron Weasley Costume

You will not believe how I colored his hair!!!

Creative costumes don't have to be complicated, just a simple black robe with his church clothes is an easy way to make great Halloween costumes.

The make up can be the focal point of the costume!

Miss Frizzle Costume

Get ready kids! This costume is perfect in all the details...and also some fun additions like a Tardis and Millennium Falcon.

When you make your own easy DIY Halloween costume, you can make it with your own extra fun personal touch!

Why not add your favorite features to a costume!?

Ghostbuster Costumes

Use Cricut and Heat Transfer Vinyl to make the perfect Ghostbuster costume jumpsuits!

Simple khaki jumpsuits and some heat transfer vinyl is all it takes for this costume theme for best friends.

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is a great family Halloween costumes theme, there are so many fun characters that just take a little creativity.

This classic Alice costume I did 2 different versions of because I couldn't decide which blue dress I liked best!

Which blue dress do you like better? This baby blue...

Or this aqua blue dress?

I ended up liking this one the most, I just love the aqua blue for the perfect quick costume.

Just a blue dress and a white apron is all that is needed.

Naruto Headband DIY

Old tee shirt, leather scrap, brads, and puff paint for the best Hidden Leaf Village Headband.

This costume theme headband is easy to make with a little dimensional paint in the right place.

Cindy Lou Who

Cindy Lou is a classic and cute costume that works great for Halloween and Christmas parties alike.

It's an easy way to look over-the-top!

The best hair style for Halloween to Christmas!

20 Minute Cape Tutorial!

How to make a cape!

This is the perfect gathered cape, easy to make with just a couple straight seams!

This is a great option for DIY Halloween costume ideas, even if it's not a recognizable character from movies or video games...a cape is great to class up any costume.

Princess Anna Cape

This cute costume is easy to make with thrifted base pieces and a pink capelet.

Capes are such a good part of every costume!

Just pair it with a blonde wig in braids and you are ready to go win a Halloween costume contest!

Creepy Doll

Thrift an old dress with a fun pattern and take some scissors to it to rough it up.

Old dress with cut edges, pinafore apron and some creepy make-up!

Easy Mermaid Costume

Get some iridescent Iron-on and use Cricut to cut some seashells!

Perfect last minute costume...pair with mermaid scale skirt or leggings!

As far as homemade costumes go, this one gets lots of attention.

Rapunzel Braid

Hair clip goes great with pajama dress!

This braid is the perfect alternative to a blonde wig for a Rapunzel costume.

It's cute and fun for dress ups later too!

French Maid

This fun costume uses the same white apron as other costumes I've done...just needs a black dress.

Lace, ostrich feather and rose for the perfect French Maid hair piece.

Egyptian Mummy

Wrap up a perfect last-minute costume idea with this mummy costume...but take it a step further with the Egyptian headdress for a perfect finishing touch.

Make a King Cobra headdress for the crowning touch on a mummy costume!

Maleficent Costume

Most iconic villain costume!

This Maleficent costume isn't a last-minute costume idea...it takes a little more effort to make this high quality costume theme.

But this could be built simpler with the headpiece and a black shirt, skirt and staff.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter will always be iconic themed family Halloween costumes because the books are so good and focus on Halloween themes.

Make the whole family ties, robes and wands!

Learn how easy it is to make a Gryffindor striped tie!

Nurse

Make a felt headband nurse hat for a quick last minute nurse costume...pair with scrubs or a dress and apron.

Again using this apron, having some stock base pieces makes DIY costumes so much easier...and makes the last-minute Halloween costume ideas a breeze.

Pinkie Pie Gala Costume

Throwback to the My Little Pony days!

Halloween is a great way to let your children express themselves in a fun and colorful way.

My daughter loved picking hard costumes to make, but I think we did great with this My Little Pony costume theme!

Vampire Costume made with Cardboard!

Make a costume out of boxes and plastic table cloth--it's a great option to make your costume out of the recycle bin!

Amazon asked me to make a costume out of their shipping boxes a few years ago and I love it.

I was able to make this high collar Vampire costume and a big jewel necklace.

I love how this turned out using recyclables as my costume!

Vanellope Von Schweetz Cosplay

Sugar Rush racer!

Paint the striped tights, tie up the hoodie and make the candy for the hair in one easy hair piece!

You can make this with a hoodie or just bluish green shirts.

Elf Ear Headband

Make magical elf ears for a Christmas elf, Lord of the Rings elf or some other pointed ear creature!

This fun costume accessory takes an ordinary costume and amplifies it.

Corpse Bride with Maggot Worm Cosplay

Maggot.

Hair piece or necklace, perfect finishing touch for a Corpse Bride cosplay.

Wear a colorful wig and clip the little maggot on your hair for Emily from Corpse Bride.

Get a similar look with big eye makeup!

Soos from Gravity Falls Cosplay

Simple costumes are the best!

Be Soos from Gravity Falls with this simple tee shirt and hat tutorial.

We found this hat at the grocery store and it was perfect for this character.

Steampunk Mermaid

Add a little steampunk flair to a mermaid costume.

Use a stencil to paint scales on face, and wear fish scale leggings for a fun costume.

Once Upon a Time's Belle Cosplay

Even though Once Upon a Time was so 2011, this Belle cape is dynamite!

Capes add so much to a costume, no matter the theme. Easy cape with hood pattern!

Jedi or Wizard Robes

Jedi robes double as wizard robes, renaissance, medieval, Kingly, Biblical and much more!

Robes are a staple in our costume wardrobe!

Knight/Paladin/King Costume

Real Chain maille and a stenciled shirt, perfect little knight.

If you have a wood shop, adding a wooden sword and shield is a fun accessory, but they won't want to carry it around all night anyway.

My Little Pony Derpy Cosplay

So good. My little pony days were some of my favorite days.

Easy wing tutorial can be customized for so many other winged costumes.

Morgana from Merlin Cosplay

Make a great hooded cape or cloak.

Again, a great cape makes the costume.

This one is hooded and no sleeves.

Luna Lovegood Cosplay

Earrings and other fun Luna goods, easy to make with clay and a great way to accessorize a Luna costume.

Princess Leia

Learn how to make extra big Princess Leia buns!

This iconic hairstyle is all it takes to look like the Star Wars character...just add a white dress or jumpsuit and you are good to go.

Twilight Sparkle Cosplay

Twilight Sparkle as an Equestria Girl cosplay. Oh how I loved my daughter's pony craze days.

Draco Malfoy Costume

How to make a Slytherin tie to complete your family's Harry Potter costumes.

Get a similar look with a blonde wig.

Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls

Stencil a sweatshirt for the perfect Mable Pines!

Thrifted sweat shirt that we painted directly onto for this cute Halloween costume.

Valkyrie Headband

Thor, Hermes, Valkyrie!

These little wings make a great accessory for a variety of costumes.

Wolf Tail

Reminds me of 10th Kingdom, Wolf.

This fun wolf tail is easy to make, pair it with some ears for a homemade cat costume or wolf!

Pop Art Comic Girl

Just add make up--and maybe a colorful wig!

Sometimes all you need is make up for your costume.

This would look great with blue jeans and a yellow t-shirt, and maybe some red shoes --easy quick costume!

Link from Legend of Zelda Costume

Fleece is great for costumes because it does not fray...but it can be too warm in parts of the country.

This costume is easy to make with fleece and a sewing machine.

See my other Link costume post for the Hyrule Shield.

Queen Amidala Cosplay

Hairstyle tutorial!

This hairstyle is easy to make for the iconic queen.

Add the make up dots on the cheeks and the painted lips and everyone will know who you are dressed like.

Moaning Murtle Costume

Fake bangs, ghosty make up!

Harry Potter costumes DIY are so fun to make.

Thrift a gray sweater, add a black robe and then accessories to transform into any of the Hogwarts students or teachers!

Rainbow Dash Equestria Girls Cosplay

Simple stencils make all the difference, attention to details.

Get a rainbow wig and some fun foam for this fun cosplay.

Add some thrifted base pieces and you've got a quick costume!

Cindy Lou Who from the Dr. Seuss Book

The littlest Who! This headband is easy to make and pair with a sweater for Halloween or Christmas!

This cute costume is made with a headband, black or white pipe cleaners and ribbon bows!

That's it!

Which of these 50 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes do you like best!?

Most of these DIY Halloween costume ideas are pretty fast to make and pretty low cost.

There's a few that take much more time (looking at you Maleficent!)

My favorite ever is...

Strawberry Shortcake!

I loved being her last year!

Like, Pin and Share--or Save for later!

27 Doodled Christmas Nativity Scene Images with Ideas

2026-10-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

27 Doodled Christmas Nativity Scene Images with Ideas

If you knew me in high school, you know how much I loved doodling little stick figure people...that's how I got the nickname doodlecraft. I would draw them and hand them out to everyone in class. I decided it was time to pick up doodling again, and create the Christmas story in doodled stick figure form.

I’ve spent a long time drawing, tweaking, redrawing, and fine-tuning this Nativity collection, and I’m so excited to finally share it!

Introducing the Doodlecraft Nativity Collection!

I wanted to create a Nativity set that felt true to me. 😇

DIGITAL PRODUCTS:

Nativity Coloring Book PDF to Print as many as desired (digital images)

Sticker Sheet Images (size to print and cut by hand...AND print and cut with Cricut) (digital images)

Printable PDF, perfect for puppet shows, cutting out and laminating, and teaching/telling the Christmas story (digital images)

ULTIMATE BUNDLE: get all the digital images in one big bundle!

PHYSICAL PRODUCTS:

Physical Nativity Coloring Book (44 pages to color and enjoy the Bible story) ordered through Amazon! Receive a physical coloring book with biblical text to enjoy year after year...or buy one for all the kids and grandkids.

I didn’t want something overly serious or perfectly polished. I wanted something cute, playful, whimsical, and full of personality while still honoring the Christmas story.

And there are a few details in these drawings that were especially important to me.

A Nativity With a Little More Life

I included women in the manger scene because I’ve always imagined Mary having women around her, her mother, a midwife, friends.

Mary had just given birth in a stable, far from home. I can easily imagine women coming alongside her to help, comfort, and care for her and the new baby.

That little bit of imagined humanity is part of what I wanted this artwork to capture.

I also made one very intentional choice when drawing Joseph.

You’ll see plenty of AI-generated Nativity "slop" artwork where Joseph is holding a shepherd’s crook. 🤮 But Joseph was a carpenter, not a shepherd!

Those little details matter to me...and this set was hand drawn and designed by me!

I wanted these characters to feel like real people while still having the adorable doodle art style that makes you want to color them, cut them out, print them, or turn them into something completely new.

And that’s exactly what this Nativity image bundle is designed for.

Here's the Nativity Scene Image links:

🥰 Thank you so much for your support and purchases!

If you do make something fun with your nativity, please email me a picture at maildoodlecraft@gmail.com 🥰

Digital Images are just that, digital images. Nothing will be mailed to you if you order digital...but you'll receive an email with the download.

Here's the product list again:

DIGITAL PRODUCTS:

Basic (12 main images) as line art (digital images)
Deluxe (27 images) as line art (digital images)
Basic (12 main images) as colored art (digital images)
Deluxe (27 images) as colored art (digital images)
Nativity Coloring Book PDF to Print as many as desired (digital images)
Sticker Sheet Images (size to print and cut by hand...AND print and cut with Cricut) (digital images)
Printable PDF, perfect for puppet shows, cutting out and laminating, and teaching/telling the Christmas story (digital images)
ULTIMATE BUNDLE: get all the digital images in one big bundle!

PHYSICAL PRODUCTS:

Physical Nativity Coloring Book (44 pages to color and enjoy the Bible story) ordered through Amazon! Receive a physical coloring book with biblical text to enjoy year after year...or buy one for all the kids and grandkids.

Turn the Nativity Into a Laser-Cut Wood Set

One of my favorite ways to use this artwork is as a laser engraved and laser-cut Nativity set.

I created a larger, substantial version from 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood, creating sturdy little Nativity characters that can be displayed year after year.

I love the engraved images on the natural wood, of course if you made these, you could also paint them!

Each of the little characters has such a fun little face, personality and charm that adds to the manger scene.

I love that little camel, he looks great with the wise kings from the East.

If you get the digital black and white deluxe images, this engraved nativity is one of the many things you can create with it.

I also created a smaller version using 1/8-inch basswood.

The images scale up and scale down pretty well. I haven't experimented to see how tiny I can make them...but you know I will!

The same artwork can be transformed into completely different handmade Christmas projects depending on the material and size you choose.

These could have magnets added to the back for a magnet board nativity story.

Ideas include:

Laser-cut Nativity sets
Engraved Christmas decorations
Nativity ornaments
Wood Christmas signs
Shelf sitters
Christmas village displays
Nativity play pieces
Handmade Christmas gifts
DIY Christmas crafts

The simple doodle art style makes the characters recognizable and charming without requiring overly complicated designs.

Printable Nativity Sticker Sheets

Next up: stickers--these were the original plan!

I created a full-page 8.5 x 11 printable Nativity sticker sheet so you can print the characters at home and use them for all kinds of Christmas projects.

I also created a version specifically sized for Cricut Design Space.

Simply upload the image into Cricut Design Space, it may do a little resizing, but it will fit in the registration marks, perfect for printing and precise cutting.

The full color images are perfect for stickers!

The Cricut cuts out those little sparkle dashes around the star and the angel halo, but I didn't end up using them on my paper nativity set.

I love peeling back the negative space from the stickers!

Simply peel off a sticker and place it on a folded piece of cardstock or a block of wood cut to size.

I love the versatility of these Nativity stickers.

These folded pieces measure about 2.25x3.5 inches when folded.

This is a great way to do a kid-friendly nativity set...or make a set for each of the children in your primary or sunday school class.

Blocks of wood is another fun surface for stickers, making them a little more durable and long lasting.

I'd give the blocks a sanding and a light coat of white paint before sticking on the images.

These print and cut images would work great with printable magnet sheets as well!

That makes it easy to upload the file, print your stickers, and use Cricut Print Then Cut to create individual Nativity stickers.

Use them for:

Christmas planners
Scrapbooks
Handmade cards
Christmas gift tags
Bible journaling
Classroom activities
Children's Christmas projects
Advent activities
Christmas crafts
Holiday party activities

One set of artwork gives you a whole bunch of creative possibilities.

A Nativity Coloring Book

And then there’s my Nativity coloring book!

Get a printable PDF version and print as many as you like

Get a physical Coloring Book through Amazon

I turned the Nativity artwork into a full coloring book featuring bold, easy-to-color illustrations of the familiar Christmas story.

The printable coloring book PDF can be printed again and again, making it especially useful for families, classrooms, homeschool activities, church groups, and Christmas gatherings.

Prefer a physical book?

The Nativity coloring book is also available on Amazon as a professionally printed, high-quality coloring book.

The illustrations feature familiar characters and scenes from the Christmas story, including:

Mary
Joseph
Baby Jesus
Angels
Shepherds
Wise men
The manger
The Nativity animals
Other characters from the Christmas story

Plus Bible verses proclaiming the Birth of Jesus--read the coloring book and recount the story of Christ's birth in Bethlehem.

The bold doodle-style illustrations are simple enough for kids to enjoy, while still being fun for adults who love coloring.

Make Adorable Nativity Wood Slice Ornaments

Turn the Nativity images into sweet little keepsake ornaments with a few simple steps!

Start by choosing your favorite Nativity image--or grouping of images and importing it into your laser software.

Resize the image to fit your wood slice, then use the appropriate settings for your laser and the type of wood you're using.

I love using small natural wood slices because the organic shape and wood grain give each ornament a cozy, handmade look. Once the image is engraved, give the surface a quick sanding if needed, then add a small hole near the top for ribbon or twine.

Finish it with a pretty ribbon, baker's twine, or a bit of greenery, and you've got a charming handmade Nativity ornament that's perfect for your own Christmas tree, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a sweet keepsake to bring out year after year.

Printable Nativity Set

Bring the Christmas story to life with a simple printable Nativity set!

Start by printing the PDF onto cardstock for sturdier pieces, then carefully cut out each Nativity character and scene element.

These images print out large, about 5 inches and are easy to cut out by hand.

Cut them out as neatly and precisely as you want--or just kind of wing it.

For pieces that will get lots of use, laminate them to make them more durable and easy for little hands to handle.

You can use the finished pieces as storytelling props while teaching children the Nativity story, arranging the characters as you read through the Christmas story together.

For even more fun, glue a craft stick or popsicle stick to the back of each character and turn them into adorable Nativity puppets!

Kids can act out the story themselves, put on a little Christmas puppet show, or use the characters for imaginative play.

It’s an easy way to create a reusable Nativity activity that can be enjoyed year after year.

One Nativity Bundle, So Many Creative Possibilities

That was really the goal behind this entire collection.

ULTIMATE BUNDLE: get all the digital images in one big bundle!

I didn’t want to create a digital product that could only be used one way.

I wanted to create artwork that could become something.

You can:

Print it
Color it
Cut it
Engrave it
Make stickers
Create ornaments
Use it with your Cricut
Use it with your laser
Create Christmas decorations
Make handmade gifts
Use it for Christmas activities

And hopefully, make some wonderful Christmas memories along the way.

Quick Check: Which Nativity Files Do You Need?

If you’re looking through the collection and wondering which version is right for your project, here’s a quick check.

ULTIMATE BUNDLE: get all the digital images in one big bundle!

Want to Make a Wooden Nativity?

Choose the files designed for laser cutting and engraving.

These can be used with materials such as:

3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood
1/8-inch basswood
Other compatible wood materials

Want Printable Nativity Stickers?

Choose the 8.5 x 11 printable sticker sheet.

Print it at home and cut the stickers by hand or use a compatible cutting machine.

Want to Use Cricut Design Space?

Choose the Cricut-ready Print Then Cut sticker file.

It is sized specifically to make the process simple inside Cricut Design Space.

Want a Nativity Coloring Book?

Choose the printable coloring book PDF if you want to print multiple copies yourself.

Or grab the professionally printed version on Amazon if you'd rather have a finished coloring book ready to go.

Designed to Be Used Again and Again

One of my favorite things about creating digital artwork is seeing all the different ways people turn it into their own projects.

A single illustration can become a coloring page, a sticker, a laser-cut ornament, a wooden Nativity character, a Christmas decoration, or part of an entirely new craft.

That’s what I wanted this collection to do.

I wanted to give you the artwork and let you take it from there.

Here's 30+ ways to use these little Nativity doodles:

Printable Nativity coloring pages
Mini Nativity coloring book
Christmas activity book
Nativity bunting
Christmas greeting cards
Nativity gift tags
Nativity bookmarks
Christmas place cards
Popsicle-stick Nativity puppets
Nativity sticker sheet
Planner or journal stickers
Bible journaling stickers
Digital scrapbook elements
Reward stickers for kids
Layered wooden Nativity
Nativity ornaments
Nativity shadow box
Shelf sitter
Mini tabletop Nativity
Nativity wreath
Nativity sign
Christmas T-shirt design
Nativity tote bag
Nativity pillow
Shrink Plastic Charms
Christmas stocking design
Nativity wrapping paper
Nativity gift bags
Water bottle stickers
Church object lesson
Nativity Set Neighbor Gift

A Nativity That Feels Like Me

After spending so much time drawing these little characters, they’ve become pretty special to me.

I wanted a Nativity that felt joyful, handmade, imperfect, whimsical, and full of heart.

A Nativity where Mary feels surrounded by people.

Where Joseph looks a little more like the carpenter he was.

Where the characters have personality.

And where the artwork can be used in all sorts of creative ways.

Whether you color the pages with your kids, make a wooden Nativity with your laser, print a sheet of stickers, create Christmas ornaments, or find your own creative way to use the artwork, I hope these little doodle characters bring some extra joy to your Christmas season.

Because Christmas crafting can be meaningful and fun—and I think the Nativity can absolutely be both.

How to Make Air Dry Clay Trinket Dish (DIY Ring Bowl)

2026-09-30T01:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Air Dry Clay Trinket Dish (DIY Ring Bowl)

Learn how to make gorgeous air dry clay trinket dishes, ring bowls and home decor.

Sparkly, glitter, and a touch of gold flashing on brightly colored painted dishes--perfect effect for a ceramic like finish.

Make one clay dish or make several for handmade gifts.

Air Dry Clay is not just for kids--it's so much fun for high quality clay projects too.

These little dishes are perfect for a conversation piece on the coffee table or on a vanity for easy jewelry safe keeping.

Get ready for a ton of pictures, a video and a few varieties demonstrated so you can make them yourself.

Do you use ring dishes?

A DIY ring dish is convenient for placing rings while washing hands, so having one near the sink is a great idea.

They are also perfect for a catch-all, holding keys, wallets or even loose change after a days work.

These little dishes are the perfect size for a ring or 2, although you can make them whatever size you want.

Starting with little bowls is a great way to get used to crafting with clay and then you can feel confident doing a large scale project.

These are for decorative purposes only, as the paint and finish is not food safe.

These are ceramic-like, but not glazed and heat set in a kiln, so don't make a coffee cup for your daily coffee.

Instead, go to a paint your own ceramic pieces place for that.

Here's some more air-dry clay project templates that can be used to create gorgeous trinket dishes.

Find a big maple leaf, cookie cutter shapes, small items to imprint into the clay...get creative making your ceramic like dishes.

If you homeschool or do a co-op, this is the perfect way to host a pottery class without a pottery wheel.

Supplies Needed for Air Dry Clay Dishes:

affiliate links

Air Dry Clay (I'm using Crayola)
Cling Wrap
Shallow Dishes (just pull some from the cupboard)
Rolling Pin
Clay Tools
Background Rubber Stamps (optional)
Acrylic Craft Paint
Glitterific Gold Paint
Gold Metallic Paint
Paint Brush
Mod Podge Iridescent Sealer Spray
Craft Knife
Small Bowl of Water

(Get supplies online or in the craft store)

Definitely watch the video tutorial!

Step 1: Air Dry Clay Prep

Begin with a small handful of clay, squeeze it until it is soft and form it into a ball of clay.

I'm using Crayola air dry clay, but there are all kinds of air dry clay, so if you use something different, follow the directions specific for the type of clay.

Make sure to work on a clean work surface, no cat hair, lol.

You can work on a piece of parchment paper so the clay won't stick on the work surface.

Smooth out the clay and roll it to about a quarter of an inch thick.

If you make the clay too thin, it will break easily.

You can use a regular wooden rolling pin to roll it out into a flat surface.

Step 2: Shaping Template Technique

Making a Hibiscus Flower and Monstera Leaf Ring Bowl

Now I'm going to step you through a variety of shaped dishes.

If you are excited about a flower or a leaf, you can print off or draw a shape on paper, cut it out and use it as a clay template.

Just place the paper on the rolled out air dry clay and then cut around it with a craft or hobby knife.

Use a simple clay knife or a metal craft knife and cut out the shape.

I was not too careful with all the little details, just cut out the rough shape.

Remove the leftover clay and put it back in the container to use later.

Now add additional details to the flower, I'm placing a stamen on my hibiscus.

It's a good idea to use a clay tool to make some rough edges on the dish and the stamen and then combine them with a little bit of water.

This technique will make them connect firmly.

Then lift the flower and place it in a shallow dish covered in cling wrap, this will help the clay dry with a curved dish shape.

Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and rub a little water on all the edges of your dish, creating a smooth rounded edge.

This will make your project much more professionally finished.

The smooth finish is easily achieved with a little water.

Then the clay is ready to be set aside to dry.

Do not speed up the drying process by baking or heating, just let the air dry clay dry naturally until it is completely dry.

Heating can cause little cracks and brittleness.

Here's another simple example of the template technique, using a print out of a monstera leaf.

I cut a bunch of slits and then realized I needed it to actually be a useful bowl, so I filled a couple of them back in and I actually like the indents that remain.

Then use a little bit of water to make the rounded shape around the edges, including all the cut parts.

Step 3: Rubber Stamping Technique

This technique is a fun part of clay making, especially if you aren't confident in your own artistic skills.

I got this rubber stamp a decade and a half ago, and I really like it.

Find a big patterned background stamp to give texture, any stamp will work.

It makes me glad that I hoard craft supplies!

Okay, just press the stamp (or multiple stamps) down into the clay and roll over it with a rolling pin or press it with your hands.

Remove the rubber stamp from the clay and see the awesome impression!

Cut the clay into a circle by setting a bowl or dish on it and then cutting around the bowl.

Remove the excess clay and put it back in the bucket for future projects.

The remaining clay is easy to cycle through if you are making more than one ring bowl.

Pick up the clay, place it in a shallow bowl covered in cling wrap and mold it to fit the inside of the bowl a little...there is a little bit of squishing involved, just try to keep as much of the pattern in tact as possible.

Again, use water to round the edges and then set the bowl aside to dry slowly--check on it the next day.

Step 4: Dry and Demold

After the clay has hardened and dried completely, gently lift them from their dishes.

There is a possibility of small cracks, like my monstera leaf, completely broke.

If this happens, use a little super glue to put the pieces back together and paint as usual, really, no big deal.

Check out all the pictures of my monstera leaf ring dish and see if you can tell where it broke.

The type of clay can make a difference, but super glue on clay breaks is a great fix.

After removing the clay from the dishes, make sure they are dry underneath.

If not, give them some additional drying time.

The color of the wet versus dry clays is also an indicator.

Step 5: Painting Time

I love using acrylic paint to paint clay.

You can totally use spray paints too, but they require ideal weather and acrylic craft paint is great any time of day.

So pick out about 5 colors of paint that you love.

Start by painting the flower all pink!

I love bright pink hibiscus flowers, so I knew that my trinket dish needed to be bright pink and yellow.

I painted my monstera leaf all bright green.

See, after painting it, there is barely any way of telling that the top of the leaf broke off.

This is soooo important to teach kids...that we can fix things instead of just throwing them away.

Now for the patterned dishes.

I am going to just add lots of thick acrylic paint to them, cautiously mixing the colors and then wipe away the surface color before it dries completely.

Begin by painting some sections of turquoise paint.

Now add splotchy areas of baby blue paint.

It does not have to be precise or perfect.

Then add some yellow...remembering that everywhere it touches the blue it will make green!

Finally add some pink to the dishes wherever it needs to be painted.

The splotchy painted dishes look really cool and could be left just like this if desired.

Next, take a baby wipe or a damp paper towel and gently wipe the surface paint off the bowl.

This will make the raised stamped impression white again and really pop out.

There are still large sections of the clay dish pattern that has been smoothed out during crafting, but they look great.

Step 6: Gold Leaf Details

Now it's time to use the gold metallic paint to give the dishes a little shimmer.

You'll need a small detail paintbrush for this step.

Just paint around the edges of the ring dishes with the paint brush, no worries if it is a slightly wavy edge, that just adds character.

I love it when things are uniquely mine and not just clearly manufactured.

These ring dishes look fabulous just after a gold edge but we are going to keep going to make them even more fabulous!

Plaid's Glitterific paint is chock full of different sizes of shimmery glitter and a clear thick glaze. I love the Glitterific paint and want to use it on everything, always.

Here's a link to Glitterific paint in case you can't resist.

Just paint on a generous amount of glaze and glitter.

I painted it in clusters rather than all over the entire dish.

This is the absolute BEST way to use glitter--it doesn't become airborne, it doesn't get everywhere and it's still super glittery.

On the pattern dishes, I just filled the plain spaces--or the places I had to smooth out too much, with glittery gold paint.

This adds an intentional feel to the glitter and the plain spaces.

The glitter paint just adds those perfect little finishing details to the ring dish.

They are just about finished, just one final step, the finish sealer.

Step 7: Iridescent Sealer Spray

Finish off the trinket dish or dishes with a high glossy finish.

I am using Plaid Iridescent Sealer spray.

It's just more gorgeous fine, sparkly glitter in a high gloss spray.

The sparkle and shine on these ring dishes is brilliant!

I love this sealer, seriously, highly recommended and worth the price!

There are so many fun air dry clay ideas that you could be crafting forever!

Whatever thing is your favorite...a mushroom, a flower, an animal, etc...transform it into a template shaped ring bowl.

These are vibrant and shiny and look great as home decor.

Put a little diy ring bowl near every sink in the house for you or guests to place their rings as they wash their hands.

Put a trinket tray on your nightstand for those earrings you forgot to take out before bed.

Place one on the coffee table to hold other scatter or just to look amazing.

An awesome handmade clay bowl is a great project to make and one of the easiest things to create.

It's a great way to start an interest in pottery without masses of expensive equipment and ultimately much more pottery than you could ever need.

Begin with a 5 pound bucket of air dry clay and create a plethora of fun knick-knacks.

I would love to have a pottery wheel, a billion tons of clay, every color of glaze and finish and a huge kiln.

I would love to make all my own clay bowl, dish, plate, mug, and teacup for every occasion...but alas, I cannot justify that expenditure yet and so simple clay craft projects are the solution.

I've got a few more fun ideas in mind, so I'll keep sharing my air dry clay journey with you.

That's it!

Hope you love this tutorial about how to make an air dry clay trinket dish.

Which one of these fun ring bowls is your favorite? Which one are you most likely to make yourself?

Air dry clay is so much fun to work with and can make amazing pieces for home decor, functional storage and beautiful handmade gifts.

Like, Pin and Save!

Here's some more CLAY Crafts you are sure to love!

How to Make Air Dry Clay Mushrooms Decor Cloche!

Learn how to make fake mushrooms in a cloche, appearing to be a delicate eco system terrarium, for the perfect home decor!

This fun project is made of air dry clay and are the perfect addition to a fairy garden, book shelf or unique gift!

How to Make Marbled Polymer Clay Earrings!

Learn how fun and simple it is to make marbled polymer clay earrings!

Polymer clay bakes is soft to work with and bakes hard in the oven.

Marbling the clay makes gorgeous quartz crystal effects, paired with gold leaf for the ultimate classy earrings.

Damask Polymer Clay Pendants made with Sculpey!

Learn how to make these stunning damask polymer clay pendants!

These pendants are beautiful but are much easier to make than they look.

This fun craft I did back in 2014 and I thought it was time for a much needed refresh!

Leave me a comment if you saw it on my blog originally!

100 DIY Resin Crafts Projects Ideas (Beginner and up)

2026-09-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

100 DIY Resin Crafts Projects Ideas! (Beginner and up)

Hey friends! Welcome to Doodlecraft! I'm Natalie and I am a lover of resin crafts.

I've worked with Resin Crafts Blog for years and so if you do a quick google search for "resin crafts", chances are, you've seen a lot of my work.

There's a huge variety of resin products out there, so there are some things you should know.

Resin is magic. Okay, there's some science to it, but it basically is polymers that make a plastic.

There are different resins for different applications.

If it's your first time working with resin, I have a bunch of projects that are all really beginner friendly, simple projects and using different types of resin--and I've got step-by-step guides for all of them!

Story time:

During 2019, I worked at a Pinner's event with Plaid Crafts running their Make-and-take booth.

I met a lady there that was proud to tell me that she was a resin crafter.

I was curious, because I too, am a resin crafter.

I asked her what she makes.

She produced her phone to show me a picture of a project she did.

It was made with DVD's and high gloss resin, put on a small coffee table.

She used my tutorial to make something of her own.

I didn't tell her that I was the inspiration of her project.

I just let her have that flex. 💪

Here's my project:

What is the BEST Resin to use?

For clear projects that are more than 1/4" thick use: EasyCast
For quick projects that are opaque or white use: Fast Cast
For a thick glossy finish on projects use: High Gloss Finish
For pressing or molding things into resin clay use: Epoxy Sculpt Clay

Wear protective gear like a Respirator Mask, when working with resin and read the instructions thoroughly!

Work in a well ventilated area, it is smelly and has chemicals that should not be huffed. Resin can also cause skin irritation, so wear gloves.

But lots of resin is also food safe when cured, so read labels and make sure you are using your resin exactly as directed.

Other Supplies to Use with Resin:

Alcohol Inks
Mica Powders
Heat Gun
Silicone Molds

What Can I Make with Resin?

What Resin Crafts SELL the Best?

Selling resin crafts is a fusion of artistry and entrepreneurship. From personalized jewelry to functional decor, the versatility of resin appeals to a market seeking unique, handmade treasures.

Utilizing online platforms, social media, and a cohesive brand identity is crucial for success, transforming a creative passion into a sustainable and rewarding business venture.

As far as selling goes, I find that my items priced at $10 or less sell the best and those small "microtransactions" add up to big bucks!

Here's my Top 10 Resin Crafts to Sell:

Resin Jewelry (Earring, Pendant and Bracelet or Ring sets)
Resin Coasters
Mosaic Resin Trays
Glitter Resin Tumblers
Resin Keychains
Resin Poured Wall Art
Resin Trinket Boxes or Dishes
Resin Paperweights
Resin Coffee Tables
Resin Flowers or Bugs

100+ Resin Craft Ideas for Any Skill Level!

It's been such a fun journey of resin crafting--with several fails along the way.

Hopefully I've made it so that you are guaranteed success with your resin adventure!

105 How to Make Monogram Resin Keychains DIY Tutorial

Learn how to make monogram resin key chains with colorful tassels!

Resin keychains are easy to make, are great gifts and perfect for back-to-school backpack flair.

You just need a letter mold, a small amount of resin and some hardware--and not much time at all before you have monogram keychains!

104 How to Make a Resin Geode Mirror (Easy DIY Tutorial)

Learn how to upcycle a chipped mirror into a resin geode mirror with Amazing Clear Cast Epoxy resin, Color Creator Mica Powders, glitter and glass crystals!

This gorgeous mirror looks amazing and takes just a little bit of time to create this piece of art.

Maybe you have a mirror that already could use a face-lift or you can thrift one easily over the weekend and make a statement geode art piece for your home!

103 Lightwish UV Colorful Resin Pendants

Lightwish has completely changed the resin game with their new UV Colored Resin!

This amazing resin totally hardens in mere minutes under a UV light and it comes colored.

No fussy mixing or stirring or waiting.

It's seriously a game changer!

102 How to Make Resin Nuka-Cola Quantum Keychain DIY

Crafting the Apocalypse has become my newest obsession--I'm thinking of new Fallout crafts to make every day.

Hopefully there's other Fallout nerds out there to appreciate these--or at least this can give you an idea on how to cast an object in mold making resin and duplicating it in resin.

Let's make a DIY Fallout 76 Nuka Quantum Resin Keychain!

101 How to Make Custom Shrink Plastic Enamel Lapel Pins

Learn how to make your own enamel pins with this fun faux shrink plastic enamel pin technique!

Make a collection of full color pin badges in various shapes.

I'll show you how to make them every step of the way!

100 Glitter Resin Tumblers

Using glitter in all shapes and sizes is the perfect way to decorate a boring blank tumbler.

You'll want t cup spinner for this craft, but it's one of the great beginner resin projects!

How to Make Glitter Resin Tumblers!

Learn how easy and fun it is to make glitter resin tumblers.

These tumblers are super sparkly with a variety of glitter colors and sizes!

Customize these tumbler for any occasion! Wedding party color scheme, Graduation gift school colors, or just a favorite color!

99 Miniature Guita r Studio

Small objects made with a laser cutter are awesome when coated with some high gloss clear resin.

How to Make a Miniature Acoustic Guitar Studio! This miniature guitar studio is one of my most favorite projects to date. I love how this tiny little acoustic guitar turned out.

I love that mini hairpin leg stool. Learn how to make a miniature acoustic guitar and potted plants for the miniature lover in your life!

98 Marbled Polymer Clay Earrings

How to Make Marbled Polymer Clay Earrings!

Learn how fun and simple it is to make marbled polymer clay earrings!

Polymer clay bakes is soft to work with and bakes hard in the oven.

Marbling the clay makes gorgeous quartz crystal effects, paired with gold leaf for the ultimate classy earrings.

97 Letterboard Letters

How to make letterboard letters with fastcast resin and bling jewels!

If you are wanting to do a resin project but don't have a long time, Fast Cast sets in 15 minutes!

It's a simple project if you have a silicone mold.

96 Unicorn Painted Rock with Resin Horn

How to paint a unicorn rock with felt flowers, ears and a glittery resin horn.

Using casting resin in a silicone mold makes the cutest horn for a rock painting!

Small projects are a perfect place to start with epoxy crafts.

95 Colored Pencil Vase

Make your own colored pencil vase with 216 colored pencils, Easycast Deep Pour resin and a lathe for wood turning.

This is definitely an advanced project, you'll need a lathe and a several steps, but this is an interesting craft if you are ready for new possibilities.

94 Vintage Lucite Resin Grapes

How to make Vintage Resin Lucite Grapes DIY with easycast resin.

This home décor resin art is an old crafting technique from the 50's!

Use different colors and make lucite grapes match your vibe.

Great project for someone that's worked with resin before.

93 Crystal Orb Staff

Full tutorial for a Crystal Orb Scepter made with Resin--and the air bubbles add to the orb!

This amazing crystal orb scepter is the perfect addition to a costume or cosplay.

A Wizard, Warlock, Sage, Witch, Sorcerer, Mage, Enchanter, or Necromancer would all be excited to hold a staff like this.

This could be used by an Adventurer, Druid, Plague Doctor, or just as an exotic walking stick.

92 Iridescent Tumbler

Make a resin tumbler that rivals the shimmer of a little mermaid tail!

This iridescent resin tumbler diy is easy to make and has texture, shine and smoothness.

Resin crafts are so much fun and if you haven't tried a tumbler yet, consider this your sign!

This shiny tumbler is perfect for staying hydrated, mixed drinks or as the perfect handmade gift.

This is a great first resin project!

91 Resin Cake Topper

How to Make a Resin Birthday Cake Topper in Minutes! Resin Crafts are a favorite of mine.

They take a project and amp up the coolness! It's basically the "icing on the cake" to have a fabulous cake topper.

Cake toppers are my favorite birthday element, and this one is quick casting resin!

Learn how easy and quick it is to make a Resin Birthday Cake Topper in just a few minutes!

90 Coconut Shell Necklace

Make a high gloss resin coconut shell necklace for a natural and tropical look.

Turn ordinary pieces of coconut shells into glossy and stunning jewelry.

Craft projects like this are so fun...to take something on the way to the compost and turn it into something amazing!

89 Glitter Keychains

How to Make Glitter Resin Keychains!

Make gorgeous glitter resin keychains with power words as the perfect handmade gift. These glitter keychains are a great resin craft for beginners.

Learn to make glitter resin keychains with power words using EasyCast Resin, letter beads, tassels and keychain hardware.

Small items made with pour resin and glitter is an easy way to make a statement without too much work!

88 Felix Felicis Liquid Luck Pendant

Make liquid luck to wear around your neck.

Are you a fan of Harry Potter like me? I love the books, the movies and all the merch!

Use Resin to make a Felix Felicis Liquid Luck vial necklace to wear and showcase your true devotion to the Wizarding World.

87 I Spy Game Trinket Tray

This I spy game resin serving tray filled with miniatures and trinkets is a fun DIY and would make a great gift!

Fill the tray with little things from the junk drawer or little heirlooms that sit in a jewelry box collecting dust. (Or you can buy a bunch of miniatures at craft stores)

With a thick layer of glossy resin--done in several thin layers, the trinkets stay in place and offer a smooth surface for using the tray for serving or a coffee table catch all.

86 Layered Resin Painting

Make a layered piece of art with layers of flowers (could even use pressed fresh flowers), textures and sparkle.

This painting is canvas with multiple layers of thick, creamy paints and 2 layers of Envirotex Lite High Gloss Resin.

There are a variety of textures, shines, depths and finishes on this painting that makes it so intriguing.

85 Galaxy Coasters

Make stunning galaxy coasters with high gloss resin and vivid colors.

These amazing coasters are addicting to make with this fun resin pour technique.

84 Acrylic Paint Poured Pendant

How to make a resin pendant with paint pour skins leftovers from dirty paint pours.

This is a great way to make craft gold gold with otherwise useless pieces from another project!

83 Geode Resin Pour

How to make a geode resin pour canvas with glitter!

Making art projects for home decorations is a great option for resin crafting.

82 Resin Faux Quartz Crystals

How to make faux quartz crystals using easycast resin!

Create beautiful items with a clear deep pour type of resin, that sparkle in the sunlight just like the real thing!

81 No Tumbler Polished Rocks

How to make polished shiny rocks without a rock tumbler using high gloss resin spray!

For best results, spray in warm temperature...but not hot or cold temperatures.

80 Hairpin Leg Table

Make a stunning table using reclaimed wood and DIY Hairpin Legs!

This versatile table can be used for anything and everything. Is there a wedding in your future?

This is a great option for a wedding cake table.

Perfect on the patio for cocktails or in the living room holding a big plant. What will your table be used for?

79 Lucky Keychain

Learn how to make a Lucky Keychain with resin and glitter...great ideas for older kids crafts too.

78 Succulent Vase Magnet

Make a cute succulent vase magnet with FastCast resin, a little faux succulent and a disc magnet, perfect for a fridge or locker ornament.

I love filling my fridge with wedding invitations, cards, kids artwork and more…most days my fridge looks completely cluttered.

77 Conversation Heart Necklaces

How to make resin conversation heart necklaces with sparkly tinsel and letter beads!

Great craft for special events or gift ideas!

76 Resin Fish Bowl

Resin Fish Bowl Easy Pet DIY Fish are the only pet that we can own…because of our especially horrible animal allergies.

It got me thinking that it would be fun to make a resin fishbowl, then it’s the perfect pet that needs no attention or care.

Little fish bowls would make a cute table centerpiece, fun for an animal themed party or a carnival set up...this is a longer period of layering and curing...so not a quick craft.

75 Colorshift Popsocket

Color Shift Pop Socket with Resin DIY Make a fun custom POP Socket craft using color shift pigment and Envirotex Lite Pour-On High Gloss Finish.

Make your pop socket shine in the sunlight with this simple resin DIY. The best thing--this fun craft makes a great handmade gift too!

74 Faux Greenstone Oblique Calligraphy Holders

Make a shiny oblique calligraphy pen holder that looks like jade!

Have you used an oblique calligraphy pen before?

They are my favorite, maybe because they look weird...but they let you angle you hand and paper and still write with the nib straight.

73 Food Safe Chocolate Molds

How to make food safe chocolate molds out of easymold silicone rubber.

72 Mosaic Cake Stand

Resin crafting is awesome, there are so many different applications for resin.

Here's a fun cakestand that makes a great resin project for a beginner, without looking like a beginner project! Great for a cake mix cake or just decor!

Upcycle an old cake stand with a glass mosaic finished with high gloss resin to give it new life.

71 Glitter Light Switch Plate!

How to make a glittery light switch plate cover using glitter and resin!

Customize the color of glitter and top it off with High Gloss Resin for a smooth and shiny finish.

It’s a simple DIY craft (and hack light light) that just takes a few minutes of work time and overnight drying.

70 Skeleton Key Necklace

How to Cast Skeleton Key in Clear Resin Skeleton keys are my favorite, they remind me of secret doors.

Create an amazing skeleton key necklace with resin for an especially fun steampunk flare accessory.

This project takes just a few supplies and a little time.

69 Resin Glitter Hairclips

Make gold and sparkly hair clips with jewelry resin to match an outfit or for a handmade gift.

This unique resin craft takes just a few supplies and about 10 minutes of working time, then overnight to dry.

These cute clips should be made in every color, perfect for every outfit or dress in the closet.

One can never have too many hair clips!

68 Faux Jade Stick Barrettes

How to Make a Faux Jade Resin Stick Barrette!

Learn how to make a faux jade stick barrette.

It's a breeze using Easy Sculpt epoxy clay and scrap tooling leather. Perfect for totally chic hairstyles!

67 Pineapple Canvas with High Gloss Resin

Pineapple Painted Canvas with High Gloss Resin is a simple project.

Best part, paint whatever you like on a canvas and then coat it in art resins for gorgeous shine!

66 Paperclip Bookmarks

Make a darling bookmark with a paperclip and some regal resin shapes painted with metallic paints.

This is a perfect craft for a book club, quick gift or for fun.

Create the perfect paperclip bookmark with small amounts of FastCast resin, metallic paint and a little twine.

65 Resin Monster Eyes

Resin Monster Eyes Perfect for Costumes Cosplay DIY!

This type of resin can be colored with acrylic paint for an opaque finish!

64 Metallic Leaf Crochet Hooks

Do you crochet or know someone that does?

Crochet hooks are not especially comfortable and this craft makes them more comfy to use–plus more fashionable!

These hooks will make a uniquely great gift for a yarn crafter.

63 Gold Leaf Necklaces

How to make gold leaf necklaces with bezels and jewelry resin clay!

This type of resin is not in liquid form, it's a clay that you mix 2 parts together to trigger the chemical reaction!

It's a simple project and looks awesome!

62 Resin Pine Needle Coasters

Pine needle coasters are easy to make with EasyCast Resin and a small branch from your Christmas tree.

Make a resin coaster each year to memorialize your holidays spent together.

Make some of these coasters now...or save this idea for the holidays!

61 Resin Wood Slice Ornaments

Wood slice ornaments are perfect to give as neighbor gifts or to deck the tree with matching handmade ornaments.

Make stunning wood slice ornaments using high gloss resin and the dirty pour technique.

Resin pouring is a highly addictive craft, let’s get started!

60 Faux Butterfly Wing Earrings

How to make faux butterfly wing earrings with high gloss resin!

59 Upcycled EasySculpt Make-up Brushes

How to upcycle old make up brushes with easysculpt resin clay and paint--cool ideas for upcycling!

58 Metallic Leaf Serving Tray

How to make a metallic leaf serving tray with high gloss resin!

Just a thin layer of table top resin makes this tray an awesome open concept art piece.

57 Motherboard Jewelry

How to make jewelry with an old motherboard and high gloss resin.

This is a thin layer of resin, so using UV light or a UV resin starter kit would work great for these!

56 Resin Vintage Frame Art Magnets

How to make mini vintage works of epoxy resin crafts art!

Casting vintage frames out of Fast Cast resin and printing famous works of art, then coating them with high gloss resin for the perfect fridge artwork.

55 Crayon Marbled Pendants

Learn how to make marbled pendants with melted crayons and covered with high gloss resin.

54 Make your own Silicone Cabochon Mold

Learn how to make your own silicone cabochon mold with easymold resin putty.

53 Marbled Resin Wood Slice Table

How to make a wood slice hair pin leg table with a split cup or marbled resin flo paint pour.

52 Faux Enamel Pins

How to make faux enamel pins with shrink plastic and high gloss resin...just a thin layer of low viscosity resin is the perfect shine finish for these pins reminiscent of the old olden days.

52 Copper Acorns

How to make copper acorns out of EasySculpt resin clay--great examples of a different resin item!

51 Ocean Resin Pour with Sand

Use glossy resin to make the perfect ocean pour including a little beach sand. Great for beach-inspired home decor.

50 Four Leaf Clover Coaster

Preserve a four leaf clover in a wooden coaster with glossy resin for a long lasting reminder of your good fortune!

49 Lightsaber and Magic Wand Pens

Customize your cheap plastic pens with EasySculpt resin clay in your favorite fandom like Star Wars lightsabers or Harry Potter magic wands...like a classic controller.

48 EasySculpt Marbled Ring Dish

Make a ring dish with easy sculpt 2 part epoxy resin clay and marbled with acrylic paint.

47 Flower Vase Centerpiece

Make a flower vase centerpiece that looks great year round and doesn't need any maintenance using EasyCast resin.

46 Abstract Canvas with Gold Leaf

Gold leaf high gloss resin abstract painted canvas.

Perfect home decor with an easy painted abstract wall art.

I love having unique decor in my home!

45 Leaf Pendants

Autumn leaf pendants coated in high gloss resin for long lasting finish.

44 Marbled Calligraphy Pens

Marbled Oblique Calligraphy nib holders made with Easy Sculpt resin clay.

43 Resin Paperweights

Learn how to make resin paperweights using deep casting resin and found objects, like a full dandelion!

Paperweights made of resin are the perfect beginner resin craft to get started!

42 Acrylic Paint Pour

Acrylic paint poured round serving cheese tray coated in high gloss resin for long lasting finish.

41 Maui Hook Necklace

Moana inspired Maui's fishing hook necklace made with EasySculpt resin clay.

40 Gold and Silver Leaf Pendants

Gold and Silver leaf suspended in clear Easy Cast resin made into pendant necklaces.

39 Gold Glitter Tray

Gold Glitter tray with high gloss resin finish--this is a perfect beginning resin craft project!

38 Four Leaf Clover Keychain

Four leaf clovers set in clear Easy Cast resin and made into easy key chains.

37 Steampunk Bottle Caps (keychains, magnets, pinbacks)

Steampunk bottle caps using resin epoxy clay--great for keychains, magnets and pinbacks!

36 Sparrow Mold and Casting

Sparrow mold made with silicone mold putty and fast cast resin.

35 Emerald and Gold Leaf Knobs

Emerald green resin with gold leaf suspended inside and made into dresser knobs.

34 Faux Agate Slices

Faux agate slices made with easy cast resin and translucent dyes.

33 Gold Leaf Paperweights

Gold Leaf Paperweights with black background. Made with EasyCast resin.

32 Jewelry Tree Organizer

Tree branch jewelry organizer using a real tree branch and resin.

31 Rainbow Alcohol Ink Coasters

Petrified Rainbow coasters using Easy Cast resin and Alcohol ink drips.

30 Lace Pendants

Lace pendants coated in jewelry resin for long lasting heirloom.

29 Mermaid Tale Keychains

Glittery mermaid tale keychains made with easy cast resin and silicone mold.

28 Mixed Media Canvas

Mixed media resin canvas diy.

Paint, stencil and add texture...then finish it off with high gloss resin.

27 Mosaic Frame

Paper pieced mosaic frame with high gloss resin finish.

26 Beetles Paperweights

Beetles or bugs in clear resin for paperweights or pendants--great way to preserve insects for specimens or fun!

25 Cicadas in Resin--Specimen Art

Cicadas in resin for the perfect clear resin specimen art.

24 Candy Keychains

Candy sprinkles in resin key chains.

23 DVD Mosaic Tray

DVD mosaic serving tray with high gloss resin for smooth and glossy finish.

Upcycle those old burnable dvd's or cd's and let the shimmery shiny finish make the perfect mosaic.

Finished off with high gloss resin for the perfect effect!

22 Rainbow Acrylic Paint Pour

Rainbow acrylic paint pour coated in high gloss resin for a beautiful glossy shine!

21 Pressed Flower Paperweight

Pressed flowers suspended in Easy Cast resin paperweight.

20 Pink Glitter Knobs

Pink Glitter resin knobs made with Easy Cast resin, great for adding a personal touch to your furniture!

19 Faux Crystal Necklaces

Faux crystal turquoise wire wrapped pendant necklace diy.

18 Fabric Serving Tray

Flower fabric lined serving tray coated with high gloss resin for long lasting finish.

17 Resin Cameo Brooches

Cameo Brooches made with Fast Cast resin and high gloss resin with geek inspired pictures.

16 Galaxy Clock

Galaxy painted resin clock with high gloss resin finish.

15 Metallic Photo Holders

Metallic photo holders made with Fast Cast resin for quick set project.

14 Resin and Wood Bookend

Geometric Resin and Wood Bookend made with EasyCast resin.

13 Geometric Succulent Holder

Geometric succulent holders made with Easy Cast and Fast Cast resin.

12 Steampunk Pendant

Steampunk gears and cogs set in ornate pendant with jewelry resin.

11 Seashell Soap Dish

Blue ombre resin in seashell for soap dish.

10 Rolled Paper Pendant

Rolled paper upcycled scrap papers pendant coated with glossy jewelry resin.

9 Glitter Tumbler

Glitter tumbler coated in high gloss resin for long lasting finish.

8 Trinkets in Spoon Pendants

Trinkets in spoon pendants filled with resin to look like water.

7 Resin Pour with Gold Leaf Gallery Art

Gallery Wall canvas resin paint pour with gold leaf finish.

6 Monogram Necklace

Monogram pendant coated with jewelry resin. Coat with a little Mod Podge for a clear finish.

5 Rainbow Resin Pour Coasters

Rainbow sunset resin paint pour on wooden coasters.

4 Tropical Leaf Serving Tray

Paper tropical leaves on serving tray coated with high gloss resin for long lasting finish.

3 Unicorn Horn Calligraphy Pen

Easy Sculpt resin clay formed into Unicorn horns and then made into oblique calligraphy pen holders.

2 Unicorn Jewelry Dish

Unicorn ring dish with horn for rings made of easysculpt resin clay.

1 USA Ocean Resin Pour

Resin paint pour ocean waves across the United States wood cut out.

That's it!

Phew, can you believe I've created 100 things from resin!?

Which projects are your favorite?

I love number 99, 31, 46, and 80 so much!

Of course, I love them all!

Like, Pin, Share and Save for Later!!!

How to Make Nursery Name Sign (Custom DIY with xTool)

2026-09-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Nursery Name Sign (Custom DIY with xTool)

Learn how to make a gorgeous nursery name sign for a new bundle of joy!

Make a name sign for any occasion, not just a new baby...change the text for a wedding, family name or with a fun saying.

This wood sign is perfect for customizing with a first and middle name, and looks great as home decor.

Supplies Needed to Make a Laser Cut Nursery Name Sign:

affiliate links

How to Get Laser Cut Files:

Creative Fabrica is a great resource for template files.

I just purchased a one-year plan, and it comes with unlimited downloads. Granted, there are a bunch of AI generated images that do not thrill me...but the reason I decided to pay the $49 for the year was for the laser cut files.

No adobe illustrator or other graphic design programs needed, I can just download any laser-cut file and load it right into xTool Creative Space and it's ready to go.

You can get 10 free download files as a free trial. I got 10 free DXF files and then decided it was worth it to get a year subscription...which I immediately bought and canceled so I can redecide next year. (files come in all file formats)

You can subscribe and pay per month, or pay for the year. Note: if you do pay for a year, they will give you an option of paying for another year at a lower price immediately. You can purchase images by the single image, but it's not as cost effective.

Okay, these are affiliate links for Creative Fabrica, I get store credit or a small percentage if you make a purchase.

If you are running a Laser Cutting Business, I highly recommend like Creative Fabrica a site to get tried and true, tested, laser cut files that fit together perfectly...and MOST of their files come with a commercial license, so you can make things to sell!

Let me show you a few favorite files:

Step 1: Laser Cut Settings

Begin by importing the file into xTool Creative Space (XCS), then edit the text with your custom name, making sure the name size fits on the pallet, the file has everything ready to go!

I did the first name in the bold font and the middle name in the stylized font...this will help the child learn to spell their own first name as they age. (I had a nursery sign when I was a child and that's how I learned to spell my name.)

Then place the 12x12 3mm basswood in the xTool and select the size.

Then adjust the images to fit on the 12x12 pallet and arrange them on the basswood to use the most efficient amount of space.

Then have the xTool cut out the basswood, typically my settings are the standard for basswood.

Step 2: Painting Wood Letters and Flowers

After laser cutting the wood, it is ready to paint.

Pick the colors of acrylic craft paint you are excited about, the colors that match the home decor or the little girl room.

The first thing is to paint the palette, you can have a laser cutter cut out the palette background as well, but I am using this pre-made one from Plaid. (Get the circle backer here for $4)

It's sturdy and has the hanging hardware built-in.

This could also be sold as a round wood name sign kit and the customer could paint and assemble it themselves.

I used Brushed Metal Rose Gold Metallic acrylic paint and a small paint brush to paint the top surface of the shapes of the flowers and the letters of the name.

If your name has a big number of letters, this process can take a long time.

Just paint the surface carefully, I left the dark edge because I love it.

The outlines of the flowers and the delicate letters are fragile, so paint them with care.

Line up the outline of the flowers on the base of the flowers and see or mark with pencil where the paint colors need to change for the different colors.

Or leave the flowers natural wood or stain or paint them all the same color.

I love the bright colors under the rose gold!

Step 3: Paint the Pallet Background

For the background of the wooden name sign, I picked blush, which is very nearly close to the natural wood finish anyway.

Use a wide flat brush or even a foam brush to paint the full background.

Step 4: Glue the Wood Pieces to the Pallet

Finally, after the paint has all dried, use wood glue or a hot glue gun to adhere the letters and flowers to the wood pallet sign.

Letters and flowers would also look fabulous glued on a wood slice for a very different look and a unique touch!

Line up all the wood cutouts on the background before gluing to make sure you know where everything should go.

Mark with a pencil, or just add glue and "eyeball" it.

I started gluing the name first, lined up with the lines of the pallet for straightness.

It's a little more finicky when gluing the flower outlines, since the lines are so thin.

Use caution so you don't break it while gluing and try to add a bead of glue over the main parts of the flower outline, especially all around the border.

Now the beautiful name sign is ready to hang in baby’s room or the kids room!

I love how it looks with the pastels, natural blush and the rose gold.

This is really such an easy baby name sign to make if you have a laser cutter, which is totally worth the investment, in my opinion.

The price of the laser cutter I have now is nearly 1/2 the price it was when it was released a year ago and it is still cutting edge.

I highly recommend an xTool laser cutter, so you can make baby's nursery name signs for everyone you know...baby shower gifts and more!

The file is easy to use and doesn't take adobe illustrator to design yourself--I love how easy it is to get really high quality files for free or nearly.

Customize the file right in xTool's software easily just change the name and alter the size if needed.

You'll be thrilled at how easy it is to create this gorgeous piece of home decor with hardly any time needed!

That's it!

Hope you love how adorable and charming this baby nursery name sign turned out.

There are so many great occasions to make a sign for...nurseries, weddings, and custom home decor.

What name will you make one for?

What colors will you paint yours?

If you make one, share it on social media and tag me @doodlecraft so I can see and cheer you on!

Like, Pin and Share!

Here's a bunch of other xTool Crafts to make!

How to Engrave Stainless Steel with 2W IR Laser DIY

Turn a love letter signature into a heirloom keepsake!

Learn how to engrave stainless steel pendants with the xTool S1 2W infrared laser.

Think of all the handmade and personalized gifts you can make with this amazing technique!

These are gorgeously engraved permanent marks and will not wipe off...turn your handwriting into a treasure.

Here's the step-by-step guide!

How to Laser Engrave Journals DIY with xTool S1

Learn how easy it is to make a laser engraved journal or notebook with xTool laser cutting machine.

Every time I do a laser cutting project it becomes my absolute favorite--and this is no exception, I totally love these faux leather engraved journals!

Engraving on journals is so fast, just minutes, and makes a gorgeous handmade gift, branded business merchandise or custom swag.

Make a Laser Cut Earring Holder DIY with xTool S1

Learn how to make a gorgeous DIY earring display perfect for keeping track of earrings or for displaying earrings for sale at an event!

If you have a big earring collection there are so many wonderful earring stand options--even combining with jewelry organizer solutions too!

How to Make Rubber Stamps with xTool S1 Laser Cutter

Learn how to make your own custom rubber stamps with the xTool S1 Laser cutting and laser engraving machine!

I am absolutely addicted to making rubber stamps now and you will be too--they are super intricate and detailed, I'm in love!

Layered Laser Cut Wood Sign with Tooli-Art Paint Pens

Layered laser cut wood signs are beautiful, fun to make, and totally the thing right now!

The intricate cuts of a laser cutter make it possible to stack very delicate layers into a work of art easily and making it not quite so delicate.

The depth, texture and colors make this little planter sign so intriguing!

How to Make Leather Bracelet with xTool Laser Cutter

Learn how to make stunning leather bracelets with the xTool Laser Cutting machine.

It's easy to make laser cut leather bracelet and makes a meaningful gift for a special occasion!

These wrap-around wrist bracelets are easy to make and secure with a stud rivet...they are adjustable in size, can be customized and only take 3 supplies!

DIY Laser Engraving a Mirror with xTool S1 20W Diode

Engrave a mirror with the xTool S1 Laser Cutting machine for a gorgeous statement piece of home decor.

Add an inspirational message or family motto on a mirror with glass laser engraving!

The possibilities with the xTool electronic products are endless!

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Wedding Cake Topper DIY

If you are planning a Harry Potter themed wedding, event, birthday party or special occasions, this Deathly Hallows cake topper is the icing on the cake.

I'm sharing these 2 different cake toppers, free downloads at the end of the post, as an inexpensive way to do cake decorations with a high quality professional look.

Acrylic Monstera Leaf Earrings

Cut acrylic with a diode laser and make earrings!

Diode lasers can cut cast acrylic in specific colors...not clear, white or blues.

Black acrylic cuts best--so smooth and dreamy!

How to Engrave Rubber Stamps xTool DIY (Cat Stamp Set)

2026-09-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

How to Engrave Rubber Stamps xTool DIY (Cat Stamp Set)

Learn how to make your own rubber stamps set!

This fun craft tutorial will take you through the designing, engraving and stamping process for a custom set of stamps.

I love how these kitties turned out and they would make a perfect DIY gift!

Let's get started!

Pro tip: Settings: 90% Power, 98mm/s, 3 passes

PERFECT HANDMADE GIFT

Learn how to make a set of rubber stamps, like these cute little cats, perfect for a thoughtful handmade gift!

There’s something so timeless about rubber stamps — they bring a touch of nostalgia and creativity to every paper craft project.

This week, I decided to take stamping to the next level and make my own rubber stamps using my xTool S1 20W diode laser and the gray laser-safe rubber sheet.

The result is a darling set of cat-themed stamps inspired by coloring book pages, each one engraved in amazing detail and mounted for easy use.

MAKE ONE RUBBER STAMP OR AN ENTIRE MATCHING SET

These custom kitty cat stamps turned out beautifully — crisp lines, clean edges, and perfect impressions.

Whether you’re new to laser crafting or just looking for your next step in creative projects, making your own stamps is easier than you might think.

Here’s the full step-by-step tutorial for making your custom stamp kit with professional results at home.

I'm sure you can think of several cute kids that would love a rubber stamp set like this--this is exactly what 7 year old me would have wanted!

Supplies Needed for Engraving Rubber Stamps Set:

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xTool S1 20W diode laser
Gray laser rubber sheet
xTool Creative Space software
Cat coloring book pages (Creative Fabrica or your own artwork)
Cling back mounting foam (or double-sided adhesive foam if you prefer)
Wooden blocks for mounting (optional for a vintage style look)
Stamp pad (I love memento)
Acrylic Stamping Block (I found some at Dollar Tree)
Scissors or craft knife (if needed for trimming)

If you are making a rubber stamp set for a gift, get some colored pencils, gel pens or crayons for coloring in the images...and some paper for stamping.

Step 1: Choose or Design Your Artwork

INVERT YOUR IMAGE, make the background black and the desired stamp lines white, so it engraves away the background.

You'll also need to mirror the image, so when it stamps, it stamps properly.

For this project, I browsed Creative Fabrica — one of my favorite creative resources — and found a few adorable cat coloring book pages.

The cool features of the site include vector files, ready-to-edit SVGs, and incredible artwork from artists all over the world.

Line art is the best for rubber stamps, so check out coloring book pages--or you can use your own line art instead!

Kitten Coloring Book Pages:

I downloaded them and altered a few to make my rubber stamp set.

I picked seven cat designs that matched stylistically and simplified the details a bit in my graphics program so they would all look cohesive as a set.

If you’re drawing your own images, make sure your lines are bold and closed — think coloring-book-style outlines. These translate beautifully into stamps.

Step 2: Prepare Your Files in xTool Creative Space

Open xTool Creative Space and import your cat images. Once they’re loaded, select each design and reverse the image (mirror it) — this is very important for stamps!

When you stamp, your design transfers backward, so mirroring ensures it prints the correct way.
Adjust the size of each cat depending on how you plan to use them.

Then, position each stamp design so they’re spaced out nicely on your rubber sheet.

Step 3: Set Up the Engraving

Settings: 90% Power, 98mm/s, 3 passes

Select rubber from the material list in xTool Creative Space. The standard rubber setting works perfectly for engraving at a medium depth.

I used 3 passes, which gave me a clean, deep engraving that captures all the details while keeping the edges sharp.

Be sure to focus your laser carefully — the xTool S1 is a precision tool, and a well-focused beam gives you clean cuts and fine lines.

Once you’re ready, secure the rubber sheet to your laser bed. Double-check that the workspace is well-ventilated and that your sheet is flat against the surface for the best results.

Then click Start, and let the laser machine do its magic.

Step 4: Cut Out the Stamps

After engraving, the xTool will also cut around the shapes.

The clean cut-out around each cat makes them easy to handle and gives that professional, custom stamp feel.

If you prefer, you can adjust your cut line to make the border slightly larger — this gives the stamp more stability, especially for fine-line designs.

When the job is done, remove your pieces carefully from the sheet. Brush off any dust or residue.

You’ll immediately see how crisp the lines look — it’s always amazing to watch laser technology reproduce intricate designs like these!

Step 5: Mount the Stamps

This step gives your stamps their structure and grip.

For this set, I used cling back mounting foam — it’s soft, flexible, and works perfectly with acrylic blocks or stamp mounts.

I actually cut the mounting foam with the laser, too, for perfect sizing!

Peel one side of the foam, press your engraved rubber firmly onto it, and then trim if necessary.

If you don’t have cling foam, you can also use double-sided adhesive foam and attach your stamp to a wooden block.

This gives your set that vintage style look and feels like old-school wood-mounted stamps — a favorite among collectors and nostalgic crafters.

Make sure your adhesive is strong enough to withstand repeated use.

Step 6: Test the Stamps

Now the fun part — testing your own rubber stamps!

Grab an ink pad or stamp pad, lightly press your cat stamp onto it, and stamp onto a scrap piece of paper or pink eraser (if you’re testing texture).

The deep engraving from the xTool S1 gives amazing definition, especially around the whiskers and fur lines.

If you see any spots that didn’t transfer well, you can lightly trim away small raised bits with a carving tool.

Once you’re happy with the prints, your custom stamps are ready for crafting!

Step 7: Use or Gift Your Stamps

This custom stamp kit makes the perfect handmade gift — for a child, tween, or adult, anyone who loves cats or stamping will adore them.

You can package the set in a small box, tie it with ribbon, and add an ink pad for a thoughtful, creative present.

They’d also make great hosts gifts, stocking stuffers, or swaps for lively forums and crafting communities.

And of course, keep a set for yourself — these cats are perfect for journaling, scrapbooking, or decorating vintage-style stationery.

Tips for Success

✅ Use the right tools — the xTool S1 makes this project quick and professional, but make sure your focus and speed settings are accurate for rubber material.

✅ Always reverse your images before engraving.

✅ Deep engravings give you cleaner, easier-to-ink impressions.

✅ Use strong adhesive foam for long-lasting stamps.

✅ Keep a stamp pad nearby for testing and touch-ups.

Making your own rubber stamps is such a satisfying project. You get to blend modern laser technology with traditional crafting methods — creating something personal, practical, and beautiful.

The xTool S1 20W diode laser handles the detail work effortlessly, turning digital images into tangible, custom stamps with crisp lines and perfect impressions.

With the right setup, you can make any theme imaginable — cats, florals, holidays, or even vintage-style logos.

It’s one of those projects that shows off the cool features of your laser while giving you something fun to use every day.

So, gather your materials, pick your favorite artwork, and make your own stamp kit — you’ll be amazed at what you can create with the right tools and a bit of imagination!

That's it!

Making little rubber stamp kits is so much fun and makes the perfect holiday, birthday or other occasion gift for a child--or anyone!

I love these darling little kitten stamps, you can make them just like me or customize your own stamps using the xTool laser cutting machine.

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN RUBBER STAMPS POSTS:

How to Make Rubber Stamps with xTool S1 Laser Cutter

Learn how to make your own custom rubber stamps with the xTool S1 Laser cutting and laser engraving machine!

I am absolutely addicted to making rubber stamps now and you will be too--they are super intricate and detailed, I'm in love!

How to Make a Personalized Library Stamp with xTool!

Learn how to make a beautiful custom stamp for marking that book collection with a signature library stamp.

Custom book stamps are the perfect gift for book collectors and book lovers. Create a high quality stamp with a business logo, a favorite quote, a full name, phone number, or even just monogram stamps.

Create a personal library stamp with crisp impression lines using the xTool laser cutting machine.

How to Make Monarch Butterfly Wings

2026-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Monarch Butterfly Wings with xTool M1

Make the perfect Halloween costume butterfly wings using things on their way to the trash.

I love upcycling, reusing and thrifting for the perfect costumes.

These monarch butterfly wings were easy to make, took less than one hour, they look amazing and they were FREE!

Aren't these the perfect little butterfly wings!

My model friend was amazing and helped me model this Halloween costume for kids, which I paid her for her time...so that was my only expense.

Let me explain.

FREE.

I mean, that's loaded. Nothing is free, right!?

I have an xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine, that's not a cheap investment.

However, I refuse to buy a $50 garbage Halloween costume at the store that is nothing more than a glorified garbage bag. ($50 x 3 kids...$150 already!)

Therefore, justifying a big purchase is made easier in effect.

Buy the laser cutting machine...then make Halloween costumes, Christmas gifts, birthday presents, customized things for back to school, stuff to sell, etc.

It's the purchase that keeps on giving, whether or not you use it for a side hustle.

Save money on trash heap fodder and make your own costumes with...
CARDBOARD!

Supplies Needed for Monarch Butterfly Wings:

Cardboard (4 pieces the same size)
xTool M1 Everything Bundle (Includes Air Assist)
Acrylic Craft Paint in Orange, Yellow and Black (I use this from Plaid)
Paintbrush
Hot Glue/Gun
1/4" Elastic (about 2 feet)
Black Felt Squares (4x4 inch)
3D Butterfly File (FREE)
xTool Creative Space (XCS)

Step 1: Cardboard Cut

Cut down pieces of cardboard to fit inside the xTool machine comfortably.

Then pick the butterfly 3D design you like the best--there are 10 to chose from!

In XCS import the DXF file.

Select half of the butterfly and delete it.

Then move the outline of the other wing to the side.

Select all the "holes" and click the "combine" button at the top and select "unify".

Then move the outline back around the holes.

Select all and click the "cut" option.

Then size the butterfly wing to fit nicely on your cardboard piece.

Screenshot or take a picture of the size of the wing, width and height.

Then send to the machine for processing!

It will cut all the holes and then cut out the outline.

After the delicate lacy wing cuts out, remove all the pieces and place down another piece of cardboard.

In XCS, delete the holes from the wings, leaving just the outline.

Then have the xTool cut the silhouette shape of the wings.

After cutting out the wing, repeat the process for the other side of the butterfly wing.

Open a new project or delete the wing completely.

Then import the DXF again, this time deleting the butterfly wing you just finished cutting.

Combine the holes, and replace the outline, set them both to "cut".

Then size them, to the exact size the other wing was...which is why the screenshot or picture is so helpful.

Then cut the delicate lacy wing and a silhouette wing for the other side.

Phew--in less than 20 minutes, I had the perfect pair of wings cut!

Now you have 4 pieces of intricately cut cardboard that you would not want to cut by hand.

I love my xTool!

The cardboard stacks together, 2 on each side, then slides together making the perfect 3D butterfly.

Step 2: Paint

Use yellow and orange paint to paint the solid butterfly wing silhouette on both sides, allowing it to dry between sides.

use DOODLECRAFT15 on Plaidonline.com purchases for 15% off

Really, use whatever colors you are excited about.

Finger paint them, mix them around, have fun.

Then let the cardboard dry completely.

My cardboard wings dried perfectly and didn't even bow the cardboard because of moisture.

The side of the colored wings that will be covered with the black lace cardboard, I didn't color to the edges completely.

But the back of them should be painted completely, these will show from the front.

Then paint the delicate cardboard cut out wings black.

Just one side is all that is necessary, just make sure they match up to the right orange pieces.

Step 3: Hot Glue

Plug in the hot glue gun!

Line up the cardboard butterfly wings so they are ready to glue together and make sure everything looks right.

Then turn over the black cut out cardboard piece and run hot glue around all the edges, especially the delicate parts, like antennae and side part.

Place the glue side down on the painted colorful silhouette wing and repeat for the other side.

They should slide together with not must coaxing.

If you are using too thick of cardboard, you can crush it gently in your fingers to compress the corrugation and make it fit a little better.

I had no issues.

Then turn over the butterfly and hot glue it down the middle.

This will prevent it from being able to slide apart.

If you'd rather skip this step, give it a try, it will be easy to store later!

Step 4: Elastic Straps

Cut a piece of elastic about 12 inches...this will vary based on the human that will wear it.

My model is a petite 6 year old.

Run hot glue over half of the 4x4 inch felt square.

Place the elastic loop around it and glue it in place.

Then fold over the felt.

Then hot glue the felt squares on the back of the butterfly wings.

Hold the cardboard up against the child's back so you can see exactly where they should be placed based on the width of their back.

Let the hot glue set completely and they are ready to wear!

Help the child slide one arm through a loop and then the other arm.

Adjust the straps and the butterfly so it's laying straight.

That's it!

Ready to flutter through the garden!

This cute costume accessory piece would look darling with any outfit for any type of Halloween weather!

I love a great costume and these wings are my favorite for this spooky season!

It was so fun to watch my little model flutter around the yard!

Hope this tutorial was as fun for you as it was for me.

I absolutely love my xTool laser cutting machine and the endless list of things it can do.

If you haven't looked into one, check it out here!

xTool M1 Everything Bundle

That's it!

Can you believe this Monarch Butterfly Halloween costume was put together with stuff I already had?

It's basically free--just cardboard, paint, hot glue, elastic and felt...that transformed, like a butterfly, into the perfect costume and reason to have an xTool M1 in your craft supply!

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65 Best Laser DIY Gifts with Cutting/Engraving Ideas

2026-09-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

65 Best Laser DIY Gifts with Cutting/Engraving Ideas

There’s something extra special about a handmade gift, especially when it has a personal touch.

With a laser cutter and a little creativity, everyday items can become custom gifts made for special occasions, special events, or simply because you want to make someone smile.

From personalized cutting boards and wooden signs to leather wallets, wooden coasters, phone stands, acrylic frames, and custom jewelry, the world of laser engraving is full of creative possibilities.

Whether you’re working with laser cut wood, plywood, leather, acrylic, or different materials, you can create unique designs that fit the recipient perfectly.

This collection of laser cut gift ideas is packed with creative laser engraving ideas, practical projects, and unique gifts for family members, friends, business owners, and everyone in between.

Great xTool Machines:

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If you own a laser engraving machine, these laser engraving projects are a great opportunity to put your machine to work and create some of the best gifts around!

Here's 65 of the BEST laser cutting/engraving gift ideas:

How to Make Wooden Laser Cut Name Puzzles with xTool

Looking for a fun, personalized project that makes an adorable handmade gift? These custom name puzzles are one of my favorite projects to make with my xTool P3 CO2 Laser cutting machine!

Made from 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood and backed with 1/8-inch basswood, these wooden puzzles are sturdy, colorful, and completely personalized for the recipient.

How to Make Paint By Numbers Kits (Laser Custom DIY)

Creating your own paint-by-numbers kits is a great way to mix laser cutting, painting, and creativity into one fun project.

I made a set of four 6x6 inch laser-cut coloring book images on 1/8" basswood using my xTool S1 20W laser.

These charming pieces make a unique gift or a relaxing weekend activity—perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the process of painting without the stress of drawing.

How to Make Faux Stained Glass with Acrylic & Resin

Learn how to make faux stained glass art using acrylic and resin.

This fun geometric diamond is made with 2 layers of laser-cut acrylic, alcohol inks and clear epoxy resin.

It's a gorgeous statement piece for any room home decor, handmade gifts or as a small business seller,

How to Engrave Own Rubber Stamps DIY (Cat Stamp Set)

Learn how to make your own rubber stamps set!

This fun craft tutorial will take you through the designing, engraving and stamping process for a custom set of stamps.

I love how these kitties turned out and they would make a perfect DIY gift!

DIY Screen Printing Holiday Cards (Make with xTool)

Learn how to make a bunch of cards easily using xTool Screen Printing system.

Silk screening on paper is easy, inexpensive and a great way to mass produce handmade cards.

The silk screen paint is slightly raised, giving the cards a wonderful texture.

Great way to make a bunch of holiday or Christmas cards, or generic cards that can be giving as thank you's or neighbor and friend gifts!

How to Make Gold Acrylic Cake Topper with Laser DIY

Make the perfect gold acrylic cake toppers for event decor, that special day, or for a touch of sophistication in a small cake.

This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through making your own DIY cake topper for a special occasion.

Party enthusiasts everywhere can make this stunning centerpiece for birthday parties and the best part is I'm giving you the free file!

How to Make Mini Charcuterie Dollhouse Dessert Board

Learn how to make the most adorable miniature charcuterie dessert boards.

These cute mini's are perfect for a dollhouse at 1:12 scale.

They also make the most darling earrings, magnets, ornaments or just shelf decor.

How to Engrave Fingerprint Dog Tag Necklace xTool DIY

Personalized jewelry is one of the most meaningful gifts you can create, and nothing feels more unique than engraving a fingerprint onto a keepsake piece.

With the xTool S1 2W IR laser cutting machine, you can transform a simple stainless steel dog tag necklace into a lasting treasure—perfect for memorial pieces, anniversaries, or gifts for loved ones.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of engraving a fingerprint onto stainless steel, showing just how precise and professional results the xTool S1 can achieve.

How to Make Acrylic Name Keychains DIY with xTool P3

There’s something extra special about having your name on something—especially when it’s colorful, handmade, and just plain cute!

These pastel acrylic name keychains are a fun project to make with the xTool P3 CO2 Laser, and they come together with just a few pieces of acrylic and some colorful hardware.

How to Make a Mountain Sunset Mandala

This mountain sunset mandala art is the perfect Summer craft!

It's got all the late night/camping/sunset in the mountains vibes.

I'm a beach girl in my mind, but my budget and location make me a mountain girl.

Let's make this gorgeous wall art piece in just a few minutes!

Learn How to Make a Mountain Sunset Mandala Wood Pallet!

How to Make Laser Engraved Key Fob (Free Cut Files)

Learn how to make leather key fobs for vehicle owners, home owners or anyone with a new key using a laser engraver and cutting machine.

How to Make a Laser Cut Wooden Unicorn Puzzle DIY with xTool P3

If you have a little unicorn lover in your life, this colorful wooden unicorn puzzle is such a fun handmade project! I made this adorable animal puzzle using my xTool P3 CO2 Laser cutting machine, 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood, and 1/8-inch basswood.

How to Make Mini Canvas Easel Art (Miniature Artwork)

Tiny art lovers, this one’s for you!

Mini paintings on miniature easels are proof that beautiful artwork doesn’t need a big footprint to make a strong presence.

These 1:12th scale pieces are quick to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely charming—perfect for decorating a small space or adding a pop of creativity anywhere you need it.

Interlocking Acrylic Trees with xTool S1 and FREE Files!

Let me show you how easy it is to make these adorable interlocking trees using the xTool laser cutting family.

If you have the CO2 laser, the xTool P2, you can cut all the colors, shades and finished of acrylic.

If you have a diode laser, the S1, M1 or other variants, you can still cut quite a few shades of acrylic.

How to Make Fallout Miniature Vault Door Ornament DIY

Learn how to make a laser-cut, hand-painted, distressed, post-apocalyptic Fallout inspired miniature world with Free Files Included at the end of post!

How to Make Paint Palette Christmas Ornament Laser DIY

Make a charming handmade ornament to add to your Christmas tree holiday decor.

This DIY paint palette ornament is the perfect blend of creativity and holiday cheer.

Just transform simple laser-cut wood into a keepsake that celebrates the special talents of the artist in your life.

DIY Laser Engraving a Mirror with xTool S1 20W Diode

Engrave a mirror with the xTool S1 Laser Cutting machine for a gorgeous statement piece of home decor.

Add an inspirational message or family motto on a mirror with glass laser engraving!

The possibilities with the xTool electronic products are endless!

How to Make Laser Cut Wreath Ornaments (FREE FILES)

If you’re looking for a Christmas ornament project that’s fast, fun, and endlessly customizable, this tiny laser-cut wreath base is going to be your new favorite file.

I designed a simple 1/2" wreath shape with a built-in loop for hanging—perfect for creating wooden ornaments, attaching embellishments, or experimenting with unique materials you already have in your craft stash.

How to Laser Cut a Felt Banner with the xTool P3 Machine

There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about a hanging felt banner, but using a laser cutter to create one takes it to a whole new level. Instead of painstakingly cutting every little detail by hand, you can create beautifully intricate patterns with clean edges and precise cutting in a fraction of the time.

How to Make Nativity Christmas Ornament (Laser DIY)

The holiday season is the perfect time to create meaningful laser cutter creations that bring faith, beauty, and a heartfelt personal touch to your home.

I used my xTool S1 20W watt laser engraver and 1/8" basswood to make a layered Christmas nativity ornament design—a peaceful silhouette of the Holy Family on the top layer and engraved names for Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World on the bottom layer.

It turned out beautifully and makes one of my favorite Christmas ornaments of the year.

Laser Engraved Gifts: Cutting Board, Coasters, More!

Laser engravers have completely transformed the way we think about DIY projects and handmade gifts.

With the right laser engraving machine, you can take everyday items—like a cutting board, a wine corkscrew, or even bamboo coasters—and turn them into thoughtful, high quality keepsakes that will last for years.

HOW TO MAKE CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTED T-SHIRTS WITH XTOOL

Learn how to make your own custom t-shirts with xTool screen printing!

Take your own design, image or logo and flawlessly screen print it onto shirts, merch, gear bags, and much more!

This is a great way to make custom merchandise for a business, handmade gifts, family reunion shirts!

How to Make DIY Personalized Acrylic Stocking Tags

Learn how to make DIY personalized acrylic stocking tags using the xTool S1, a 20W diode laser!

These darling custom stocking tags can be altered to be made as leather stocking tags, wood stocking tags or acrylic stocking tags.

Add special name tags to each stocking so the correct recipient gets their Christmas stockings filled with surprises!

Layered Laser Cut Wood Sign with Tooli-Art Paint Pens

Layered laser cut wood signs are beautiful, fun to make, and totally the thing right now!

The intricate cuts of a laser cutter make it possible to stack very delicate layers into a work of art easily and making it not quite so delicate.

The depth, texture and colors make this little planter sign so intriguing!

How to Engrave Stainless Steel with xTool 2W Infrared (IR) Laser DIY

Turn a love letter signature into a heirloom keepsake!

Learn how to engrave stainless steel pendants with the xTool S1 2W infrared laser.

Think of all the handmade and personalized gifts you can make with this amazing technique!

These are gorgeously engraved permanent marks and will not wipe off...turn your handwriting into a treasure.

Here's the step-by-step guide!

How to Make Nuka Cola LED Sign (Fallout Craft DIY)

If you’re a fan of the Fallout series or games, then you already know one thing for sure — the Nuka Cola logo deserves to glow.

There’s something about vintage-style neon signs that fits perfectly with that retro-futuristic Fallout aesthetic.

How to Make Leather Bracelet with xTool Laser Cutter!

Learn how to make stunning leather bracelets with the xTool Laser Cutting machine.

It's easy to make laser cut leather bracelet and makes a meaningful gift for a special occasion!

These wrap-around wrist bracelets are easy to make and secure with a stud rivet...they are adjustable in size, can be customized and only take 3 supplies!

Make Fake Gingerbread House DIY (Super Thick Paint)

Learn how to make a fake gingerbread house for Christmas decor using FolkArt Super Thick Paint!

This holiday season, skip the sticky mess of real icing and crumbling cookies and make a faux gingerbread house that lasts for years!

How to Engrave Wood Spoons with LOKLiK iEngrave Laser

Learn how to easily engrave wooden spoons using the new LOKLiK iEngrave laser cutting machine.

LOKLiK has done it again, giving us an affordable entry level laser machine, that gives enough diode laser power to customize, cut and create wonderful pieces.

I'm super excited to get a chance to review the LOKLiK iEngrave and love how these wooden spoons turned out, perfect for a personal touch on a gift!

How to Make Rubber Stamps with xTool S1 Laser Cutter

Learn how to make your own custom rubber stamps with the xTool S1 Laser cutting and laser engraving machine!

I am absolutely addicted to making rubber stamps now and you will be too--they are super intricate and detailed, I'm in love!

How to Engrave Small Rocks xTool Laser (Little Peace)

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, handmade holiday neighbor gift, these engraved “Peace” stones are a beautiful and meaningful idea.

With just a few small stones, a little laser power, and some creative flair, you can turn natural stone options into charming décor pieces or thoughtful perfect gifts.

How to Make Nursery Name Sign (Custom DIY with xTool)

Learn how to make a gorgeous nursery name sign for a new bundle of joy!

Make a name sign for any occasion, not just a new baby...change the text for a wedding, family name or with a fun saying.

This wood sign is perfect for customizing with a first and middle name, and looks great as home decor.

How to Make Handwritten Heart Sign xTool Acrylic DIY

Learn how to take handwritten hearts and cut them out of acrylic to make the perfect Mother's Day gift.

xTool has done it again, with black core gold acrylic that can be cut easily on the xTool S1.

It's easy to make something beautiful and custom for your home in just a few minutes with the xTool S1.

Wearable Butterfly Wings

Make the perfect Halloween costume butterfly wings using things on their way to the trash.

I love upcycling, reusing and thrifting for the perfect costumes.

These monarch butterfly wings were easy to make, took less than one hour, they look amazing and they were FREE!

How to Engrave Stainless Steel Envelope Necklace

These little envelope necklaces are the perfect way to carry a heartfelt message close to your heart.

Using the xTool S1 with the 2W IR laser head, you can easily engrave “I love you” (or any custom phrase) onto the shiny stainless steel surface, creating a personalized keepsake that’s as beautiful as it is thoughtful.

With these love letter envelope necklace blanks from xTool, you’ll have a simple yet stunning project that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, or just because.

How to Laser Cut Wooden Cardinal Christmas Ornaments

Cardinals are such a beloved sign of Christmas, a reminder of loved ones long passed and a good omen.

Learn how to make laser cut wooden cardinal Christmas ornaments using the xTool S1.

Make a bunch of laser cut ornaments for family, friends and neighbor gifts.

Make a Laser Cut Earring Holder DIY with xTool S1

Learn how to make a gorgeous DIY earring display perfect for keeping track of earrings or for displaying earrings for sale at an event!

If you have a big earring collection there are so many wonderful earring stand options--even combining with jewelry organizer solutions too!

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Wedding Cake Topper DIY

If you are planning a Harry Potter themed wedding, event, birthday party or special occasions, this Deathly Hallows cake topper is the icing on the cake.

I'm sharing these 2 different cake toppers, free downloads at the end of the post, as an inexpensive way to do cake decorations with a high quality professional look.

How to Make Wood Bouquet Flowers xTool Spring DIY

Finish off National Craft Month with xTool making the perfect wood bouquet of flowers for Spring.

I love how these delicate and detailed flowers turned out and especially love that I'm not allergic to them.

Decorate your home, DIY a wedding or make a handmade gift easily and quick with xTool S1.

How to Laser Engrave Journals DIY with xTool S1

Learn how easy it is to make a laser engraved journal or notebook with xTool laser cutting machine.

Every time I do a laser cutting project it becomes my absolute favorite--and this is no exception, I totally love these faux leather engraved journals!

Engraving on journals is so fast, just minutes, and makes a gorgeous handmade gift, branded business merchandise or custom swag.

How to Make Happiness Calligraphy Sign

Hand written laser cut outs are my favorite thing!

Nothing is quite as awesome as seeing your own artwork, hand lettering, family name or your artistic touch come to life.

Using an iPad is an easy way of saving off artwork in a useable file, like svg files, and sliding it directly into xTool Creative Space (XCS).

How to Make a Personalized Library Stamp with xTool!

Learn how to make a beautiful custom stamp for marking that book collection with a signature library stamp.

Create a personal library stamp with crisp impression lines using the xTool laser cutting machine.

How to Make Heart Hoya Kerrii Plant (Faux Succulent)

Learn how to make a sweet, low-maintenance plant that will never wilt!

Today I’m sharing how to make a faux heart-shaped Hoya kerrii using the xTool S1 20W laser cutting machine and light green acrylic.

This modern DIY captures the charm of the popular “sweetheart plant” without any of the upkeep, making it a perfect desk accent, Birthday, Holiday or Valentine’s day gift, or year-round décor.

With just a sheet of acrylic and your laser, you can create a lasting piece that looks both playful and chic.

Make a layered Snow Globe Scene

Layered laser cut wood is the trending laser cut craft of choice.

Adding multiple layers of delicately lasered basswood makes all those precise designs stand out.

You can take the time to paint the layers or put kits together for a great product for consumers to paint and assemble!

Laser Cut Comic Cake Topper!

A custom cake topper made from wood that fits the theme of the party is a great addition for special occasions.

This simple cake topper with its colorful designs was the crowing piece for this cartoon cake.

Give your wedding cake a special and unique look by making the topper yourself using xTool and basswood!

With the xTool's ultra-fast laser engraving speed, you'll quickly be in mass production status with these best sellers!

Laser Cut Heart Earrings

Earrings, earrings and more earrings!

Earrings are the BEST laser cut craft and fashion accessories to use up all those scraps of basswood from other projects.

They are the perfect size, but they boast delicate and intricate laser cut designs--so lightweight and gorgeous to wear!

Make dangles, studs, everyday wear and holiday specials!

If you are running a laser business, earrings are a great item--one of the BEST sale items!

Laser Engraved Bookmarks

Laser engraved bookmarks are an awesome project to start with to learn engraving and outlining.

Laser engravers are a big component of a laser machine, it's awesome to engrave images, detailed images like photographs and more.

The 3mm basswood might be a little heavy duty for a bookmark, but they are beautiful display pieces for a bookshelf, gift tag or just laser cutting practice.

Miniature Acoustic Guitar Studio!

This miniature guitar is arguably one of my favorite laser cut crafts made with my laser cutter--look at its compact size--it's so cute.

The 3 layers of basswood make it look to scale sitting on a stand by these little clay plants in pots--like a little tiny living space!

I absolutely love it!

The guitar and stand laser cutter projects starts as the engraving machine does all the engraving, then it switches to the cutting beam for the perfect print.

Personalized Wood Tags

These wood tags are easy to make and are a great project for beginners.

These laser cut and engraved wood tags can be used for Stocking tags, luggage tags, Easter Basket name tags, keychains and much more!

Custom projects and special orders are a big ticket item--just make sure your customers know that custom/personalization are non-returnable items!

Guitar Pick Holder

This miniature guitar is a little larger than the one above, but it's a little box.

This cute guitar has 3 layers, revealing a place to store 3 guitar picks inside!

This guitar pick holder is a great gift idea for Father's day, birthdays or holiday gifts.

Celebrate Lunar New Year: The Dragon!

I love celebrating the new year with the Eastern world.

It's the Chinese Zodiac year of the dragon...so let's make an acrylic dragon cake topper. (do you know anyone who's a dragon? I married a dragon!)

Chinese Dragon Cake Topper cut from black acrylic on xTool S1 Laser Cutter.

Hello Spring Sign

Welcome Spring with the perfect sign!

This darling sign is mostly sourced from amazing products bought at the dollar store with a little laser cut hello on the front.

This could be adapted to any word, or even a phrase like "hello Spring" or "welcome baby".

How to Make Engraved Cutting Board (Custom Boards DIY)

Learn how to engrave wooden cutting boards for a perfect addition to the kitchen.

It takes no time at all for a laser engraved cutting board to finish, making these a great last minute, but super thoughtful, gift.

A personalized cutting board with the family name is the perfect present for a wedding gift, or a variety of designs is great in your own kitchen!

Laser Cut Ornate Frame

This laser cut ornate frame is 6 layers of gorgeous intricate cuts!

This frame was actually cut without air assist--back before I had it.

I love how it turned out--I got this file in a super cheap bundle, and I'm so happy about it. It came with about 10 other designs and I need to make them all.

It even has a display stand that notches in to the back of the layered frame!

I am such a lover of natural wood finish, so no paint is necessary for me.

What do you think? Would you paint it? It would look stunning in gold!

How to Laser Engrave Rocks (xTool Place Settings DIY)

Learn how to make beautiful engraved stones that make perfect decorative items or custom place settings for a holiday dinner table.

Each one looks elegant and timeless — a keepsake your guests can take home after the meal.

How to Laser Engrave Bamboo Candle Lids (xTool DIY)

One of my favorite things about crafting is combining handmade projects with a touch of high-tech customization — and this bamboo candle lid engraving project is the perfect example!

Disco Ball Plant Pick

This is the perfect little laser cut "I will survive" disco ball plant stake! (my husband thought it was the death star...lol)

I need to make more plant adornments for all my other plants now too!

It's easy to engrave and cut with the xTool.

The software is smart, it does all the outlining, then engraving and finishes off with the cutting, so the print turns out perfectly every time!

This specific item ends up soaking up the moisture in the planter and does not last forever.

How to Make Mother's Necklace Jewelry (Easy Gift DIY)

There’s no perfect way to say “I love you, Mom” quite like a handmade gift.

This year, I used my xTool S1 with the 2W Infrared Laser head to engrave a beautiful stainless steel dog tag necklace featuring the eight children’s names for one special mother.

Along the edge of the tag, it reads: “A mother’s love endures through all.”

Wood Burned Engraved Florals:

First, let's talk about the FolkArt Watercolor Gelz.

They are awesome acrylic paints in more of a gel consistency than other acrylic craft paint--works almost like a wood stain--I love being able to see the wood grains under the colors.

You don't have to water them down, but I like to add water and paint just like watercolors.

They come in a huge array of beautiful and vivid colors--I'm using 14 different colors in the one engraved wood plaque.

They are perfect to use in connection with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine.

This image was a single file I bought on etsy and then repeated over and over to make a stunning bouquet of flowers to be engraved in the plywood.

Hand Lettered Cake Topper

Another fabulous laser cut cake topper made with xTool--customization is going to be your number one best seller!

This cake topper is to celebrate Diwali, but it could be made to celebrate anything!

A little paint and a little glitter make this cake topper the perfect bling for the cake!

3D Butterfly Place Settings

Make 3D butterfly place settings with basswood and xTool.

This cut easily and beautifully--the file is a freebie on Designbundles.net and is made for 3mm wood or acrylic, so it just fits together perfectly after its cut.

Test them out of cardboard first and you will instantly fall in love and want to cut them out of every material--I've done cardboard, basswood and acrylic!

Snowflake Name Ornaments

Make custom name ornaments with an iPad, ProCreate app and xTool Laser Cutting Machine.

I love how these turned out, but they are very fragile...they cut out perfectly from cardboard and are way less delicate.

I love the custom names giving it uniqueness and personalization--names are best sellers!

How to Make Acrylic Earrings with xTool!

Learn how to cut cast acrylic sheets with the xTool M1 Everything Bundle Laser Cutting Machine.

I love the versatility of the xTool M1, perfect for a craft, hobbyist and even a small business!

I had to test my xTool with acrylic with a small pair of monstera leaf earrings--earrings are ALWAYS the first craft I make with a new machine!

How to Make an Engraved Leather Bracelet with xTool!

Learn how to make an engraved leather bracelet with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine.

This stunning bracelet is the perfect custom gift to make for Mother's day, and took less than 5 minutes from start to finish!

That's it!

From wedding gifts featuring a wedding date or wedding rings to personalized whiskey decanters, wooden keychains, love-themed mugs, laser-engraved dice, and custom-made covers, there are so many different ideas to explore with laser cutting.

A simple design can become a meaningful keepsake with a family name, favorite quote, special message, or special date, while intricate designs, floral motifs, geometric shapes, and intricate patterns can turn a practical purpose into something truly unique.

Whether you’re creating for personal use, building a unique product for small businesses, or looking for hostess gifts and excellent gifts for the holiday season, laser-engraved items offer almost endless customization options.

Experiment with different designs, different colors, wood type, and materials, and don’t be afraid to try something unexpected.

With the creative potential of a laser machine, even a simple plywood piece can become a fun gift, a personalized gift, or a one-of-a-kind treasure.

These laser cut gifts are a great idea for anyone looking for a creative use of your laser machine—and a better way to make thoughtful gifts with a personal message.

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How to Make Spooky Cheesecloth Ghosts with Stiffy DIY

2026-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Spooky Cheesecloth Ghosts with Stiffy DIY

Learn how to make spooky cheesecloth ghosts using cheesecloth or fine netting and Mod Podge Stiffy.

Mod Podge Stiffy makes fabric and cloth hold its shape, making it the perfect medium for ghostly haunting decor.

This fun Halloween craft just takes a few supplies and less than an hour, plus drying time, to make the perfect ghosts.

I made these ghosts back in 2016 and thought it was time for an updated post--Let's get started!

This fun craft is a great one to create with the family.

I enlisted the help of my 14, 12, and 8 year old (at the time in 2016) kids.

They loved making these and were very impressed with the ghostly results.

These ghosts are 16 inches tall and are quite large, they are great for table centerpieces, window displays, entry way greeters, and coffee table spookers.

You can make your cheesecloth ghosts any size you want, just follow the process and it's simple to scale them bigger or smaller.

BASIC SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR CHEESECLOTH GHOSTS:

affiliate links

CHEESECLOTH
MOD PODGE STIFFY
OLD GLASS BOTTLE (MARTINELLI'S OR SIMILAR)
WIRE (and wire cutters) (OR ALUMINUM FOIL)
PLASTIC GROCERY BAG (OR PLASTIC WRAP OR ALUMINUM FOIL)
SCISSORS
BIG BOWL FOR MIXING
TAPE
PLASTIC TABLE CLOTH

Mod Podge Stiffy is available at Plaid Crafts and you can use my code: DOODLECRAFT15 for 15% off your entire "regularly priced" purchase!

STEP 1: BUILD THE GHOST FRAME

Begin by building the armature frame that the ghost will form around.

Wad up one or two grocery bags and tape them at the base to make the dome shape for the top of the ghosts head.

You can use aluminum foil for this step instead of plastic bags, just use what you already have.

Squeeze the head inside the top of the empty glass jar, the Martinelli's bottle made a good sized ghost, so if you are hoping for something smaller, use a shorter glass, like a mason jar.

Fold some wire over itself a few times and wrap it around the jar to make the "arms" of the ghost.

This needs to be taped to the jar, close enough to the head to look ghost-like, and less like arms.

This wire arm frame can also be made with aluminum foil, just enough that it will hold its shape.

STEP 2: CHEESECLOTH AND STIFFY

Now cut your cheesecloth into squares, about 3 feet in size, no need to be super precise, just measure them around your form and cut about 2-3 pieces for each ghost.

Again, if you are making a smaller ghost, the pieces don't need to be as big.

Place the cheesecloth, sort of wadded up in a big mixing bowl, we used a plastic table cloth as our work surface for easy clean up.

Then squeeze a little bit of Mod Podge Stiffy right into the mixing bowl on the cheesecloth.

Mod Podge Stiffy is a fabric stiffener that will have the cheese cloth hold its shape when it dries.

It's possible that you can get the same effect from liquid starch, but I have not tried that.

Now get your hands in it. (This was not pleasant for my youngest, but wearing gloves would help!)

Mix the cheese cloth or fabric with the stiffy, adding more as needed, until all the fabric is lightly coated in the glue mixture.

STEP 3: GHOST FORMING

Now take the first layer of the stiffy soaked cheesecloth and drape it over the top of your ghost structures.

Move the cloth around to form the ideal body of your cheesecloth ghost, making the arms come out as wide as you like and at the right angles.

Then add additional layers of cheesecloth soaked in Stiffy over the top of the first.

Move the base of the cheesecloth around, this will make it have a strong base for standing up on its own after the structure is removed.

The less layers of cheesecloth you add to your ghost, the more transparent it will appear, so just 2 layers is all we did.

Enough to give it structure to stand on its own but not to make it too visible...keep that ghostly look.

Once you are satisfied with the shape and thickness of your stiffy ghost, let them dry completely.

We set ours on a plastic tablecloth and let them dry overnight.

STEP 4: REMOVE STRUCTURE

Now that the body of your cheesecloth ghost is completely dry, it's time to remove the armature.

Carefully lift the head off the top of the bottle or glass jar.

Then peek in the underside of the ghost and carefully remove the plastic bag head.

The plastic was easy to remove from the cheese cloth, but it's a good idea to still be careful.

Now place the Stiffy ghost back down on the table and see if it stands up!

I love the spooky vibe of this Halloween craft ghost!

This is how I finished off my ghost, but you can touch up any dark areas with white paint if needed.

Now this scary little trio of ghosts are ready to decorate the home in a spooky way!

Use them on the kitchen table to give a fun vibe during the month of easy dinners.

They would be awesome even hanging from the ceiling or on the awning of a porch, in which case, they don't need to be free standing ghosts.

Just keep them out of the rain, because water will turn them back into a soggy pile of cheesecloth.

I love how wispy and ethereal they look.

Mod Podge Stiffy is great for stiffening fabric for all kinds of crafts, ghost crafts are just the most fun!

That's it!

Making Spooky Cheesecloth Ghosts with Mod Podge Stiffy is a fun and easy DIY to do with the whole family.

Add a touch of fun to the table all during October with a hauntingly handsome centerpiece!

This cute ghost is a quick craft that just takes a few supplies and drying overnight.

Everyone will love seeing your cheese cloth stiffy ghosts! (Am I the only one that laughs every time I read stiffy!?)

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CHECK OUT THESE FUN GHOST CRAFT POSTS TOO!

MOD PODGE STIFFY GHOST EARRINGS DIY:

Make smaller ghosts with fabric and Mod Podge Stiffy and turn them into darling ghostly earrings, perfect for all of Summerween and Halloween season!

See video on Instagram!

Victorian Ghost Children Halloween Photograph Editing Tutorial

There is nearly nothing creepier than melancholy Victorian-era children in haunting ghost form.

This is such a fun way to capture ghosts on camera!

This is a fantastic photo shoot is one of my favorite projects I did with my kids.

That lacy parasol and swinging pocket watch...these kids know how to make a creepy look in a tranquil setting.

Check out my social media channels too! Instagram and Tiktok - make crafts daily!

How to Make Jean Shorts Tote Bag DIY (Upcycled Jeans)

2026-09-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Jean Shorts Tote Bag DIY (Upcycled Jeans)

Have an old pair of jean shorts sitting in your closet that you just can't bring yourself to throw away? Turn them into something absolutely adorable and useful instead!

This easy upcycled denim tote bag is a fun way to give old jeans, jean shorts, and denim scraps a whole new life. The finished bags are sturdy, practical, and completely customizable—and because you get to keep the original pockets, they have built-in storage that makes them even more useful.

I made these darling denim bags from jean shorts and added colorful fabric linings, sturdy repurposed straps, and cute iron-on-style patches with Aleene's Fabric Fusion. The result is a one-of-a-kind handmade bag that looks adorable while also being surprisingly functional.

This is a great sewing project for beginners because the construction is relatively simple. You don't need a complicated bag pattern, and you can customize the size based on the shorts you have available.

The best part? You are essentially starting with a nearly finished bag!

Instead of constructing the entire body of a tote bag from individual pieces of fabric, the existing waistband, pockets, seams, and denim structure of the shorts do most of the work for you.

Why Make a Tote Bag from Old Jeans?

Upcycling old clothing into something new is one of my favorite kinds of crafting. Rather than sending worn-out clothing to the trash, you can turn it into handmade home decor, accessories, gifts, or useful everyday items.

Old jeans are especially great for sewing projects because denim is durable and holds its shape well. The pockets are also perfect for upcycled bags because they become convenient exterior storage without any additional sewing.

This project is also a great way to repurpose clothing that has sentimental value. If you have a favorite pair of jeans or shorts that no longer fits, has a worn-out leg, or simply isn't being worn anymore, turning them into a tote bag gives the fabric a second life.

And let's be honest—cute bags are always useful!

Supplies Needed for Jean Shorts Tote Bag DIY:

You don't need a huge collection of sewing supplies for this DIY denim bag.

Here's what you'll need (affiliate links)

A pair of jean shorts
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Fabric for the lining
Old karate belts, ribbon, or webbing for handles
Sewing scissors
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Ruler
Pins or sewing clips
Iron and ironing surface
Aleene's Fabric Fusion
Decorative patches
Seam ripper, optional
Fabric marking pen or chalk, optional

The beauty of an upcycled sewing project like this is that many of the supplies can come from your craft stash.

For the handles, I repurposed a couple of old karate belts. Ribbon, cotton webbing, sturdy twill tape, or even handles salvaged from another bag can work too.

Just make sure whatever you choose is strong enough to support the weight of the finished tote and anything you plan to carry inside it.

Choosing the Right Jean Shorts

Look for jean shorts that have a sturdy waistband and back pockets you want to preserve.

The length of the shorts determines the overall height of your tote, so longer shorts will generally make a taller bag.

I especially like using denim shorts with interesting details—contrasting stitching, decorative pockets, worn-in denim, zippers, buttons, or other details can make the finished bag even more unique.

You don't necessarily need a perfect pair of shorts. In fact, distressed denim can look fantastic when transformed into a handmade tote.

Before cutting, turn the shorts over and look carefully at the pockets and crotch area. The goal is to remove as much excess fabric as possible while keeping the back pockets intact.

Step 1: Cut the Legs Off the Jean Shorts

Start by cutting off both legs of the shorts.

Make your cut as straight as possible across the bottom of the shorts.

This will become the opening of your tote bag.

Depending on the style and construction of your shorts, you may also be able to cut away some of the crotch area.

I cut the crotch as high as I could while still keeping the back pockets intact. This helps eliminate some of the extra bulk and gives the tote a cleaner shape.

Take your time with this step.

Because you're working with an existing garment, the seams aren't always perfectly positioned for a bag. Hold the shorts up and visualize where the bottom of the tote will be before making your final cuts.

Step 2: Sew Across the Bottom

Turn the shorts inside out.

Line up the cut edges at the bottom of the shorts and sew straight across the opening.

I don't normally pin a lot of things while sewing, but I did go ahead and pin this so the layers would stay together.

This creates the basic bottom of your DIY denim tote bag.

Because denim can be thick, use a sturdy needle appropriate for heavier fabrics and sew slowly over bulky seams. You don't need to race through this part!

Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to help secure it.

For extra durability, you can sew a second row of stitching along the bottom seam.

At this point, you already have the basic shape of a denim purse or tote.

But we're going to give it a little more dimension.

Step 3: Create Boxed Corners

Here's where the bag gets its nice, structured bottom.

With the bag still inside out, flatten one bottom corner so that the bottom seam lines up with the side seam.

This creates a triangular section of fabric.

Sew across this triangle.

Repeat on the opposite corner.

These are commonly called boxed corners, and they create a simple gusseted base for the tote.

Instead of having a flat seam running straight across the bottom, the boxed corners create a little bit of depth. This allows the finished bag to have more of a base instead of looking like a flat pouch.

You can make the boxed corners larger or smaller depending on how much depth you want.

For a shallow tote, make a smaller triangle. For a deeper bag, make the triangle wider.

Once you've sewn the corners, trim away the excess fabric beyond the seam, leaving a reasonable seam allowance.

Be careful not to cut through your stitching.

Turn the bag right side out temporarily if you want to see how the shape is developing.

It's pretty satisfying at this point—you can finally see the tote emerging from a pair of shorts!

Step 4: Make the Tote Bag Handles

Next, it's time to make the handles.

I used old karate belts for the straps on these bags, but there are plenty of alternatives.

You could use:

Cotton webbing
Ribbon
Twill tape
Repurposed belt material
Sturdy fabric strips
Handles removed from an old purse or tote

Cut two pieces to the desired handle length.

Think about how you want the finished tote to hang before cutting. A shorter handle creates more of a handbag-style tote, while longer handles make it easier to carry the bag over your shoulder.

I recommend making both handles exactly the same length.

Step 5: Attach the Handles

Turn the denim shorts inside out again.

Position one handle on the front of the bag and the other end of that same handle on the back.

Make sure the two attachment points line up.

This is important!

You want the handles to sit directly across from one another so the bag hangs properly when you're carrying it.

Pin or clip the handles in place.

Sew them securely to the inside of the denim bag.

Because the handles will carry the weight of the bag, don't rely on one tiny line of stitching. Sew across the strap several times, and consider creating a rectangle with an X through it for additional reinforcement.

Repeat with the second handle.

Before moving on, give the handles a gentle tug to make sure they're firmly attached.

Step 6: Cut the Lining Fabric

Now let's give the inside of the tote a pretty finish.

Choose a fabric that coordinates with your denim. This is a great opportunity to use a fun quilting cotton, floral fabric, novelty print, or leftover fabric from another project.

Place the denim tote on top of the lining fabric and use it as a rough guide for sizing.

Cut the lining approximately 2 inches larger than the bag.

The extra fabric gives you enough room for the seams and the finished top edge.

You will need two pieces of lining fabric—one for the front and one for the back.

Step 7: Sew the Lining Using a French Seam

This is the part where we're going to use a French seam.

A French seam is a sewing technique that completely encloses the raw fabric edges inside the seam. Instead of leaving the cut edge exposed, you sew it once, fold the fabric, and sew it again so the raw edge is hidden.

It's especially nice for unlined projects, but it also works beautifully here for creating a neat and tidy bag lining.

Place the lining pieces together with the wrong sides facing each other.

In other words, the right sides are facing outward.

Sew around the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.

Trim the seam allowance slightly if necessary, especially around the corners.

Now turn the fabric so the right sides are facing each other.

Press the seams flat.

Sew around the sides and bottom again, this time enclosing the original seam allowance inside the new seam.

The raw edges should now be completely enclosed.

That's your French seam!

This extra step creates a beautifully finished interior without exposed fraying fabric edges.

Step 8: Finish the Top Edge of the Lining

Next, finish the top edge of the lining.

Fold the raw edge down once.

Press it.

Then fold it down a second time and press again.

Sew around the entire top edge to secure the hem.

This creates a clean finished edge that will sit neatly inside the denim bag.

If you're using a lightweight lining fabric, pressing each fold before sewing makes this step much easier.

Step 9: Put the Lining Inside the Denim Bag

Turn the denim shorts bag right side out.

Then place the finished lining inside the denim bag.

The right sides of the lining should face inward toward the inside of the tote.

Adjust the lining until it sits neatly inside the denim bag.

Match the side seams and make sure the top edge is sitting evenly all the way around.

This is also the point where you'll make sure your handles are positioned correctly.

Step 10: Sew the Lining to the Tote

Here's the fun part where everything starts looking like a real bag!

Tuck the handles between the denim exterior and the lining.

The ends of the straps should be sandwiched between the two layers.

Pin or clip everything securely around the top edge.

Sew all the way around the top opening of the tote.

Go slowly when you reach the handle attachments because you're sewing through several layers of thick material.

For extra strength, sew over the handle attachment points again.

Once you've finished sewing around the entire opening, check the inside and outside of the tote.

The lining should sit neatly inside, and the handles should be securely enclosed between the denim and lining.

Turn the bag over and give it a good press if needed.

At this point, you officially have an upcycled jean shorts tote bag!

Step 11: Add Some Personality with Patches

Of course, I couldn't stop there.

A plain denim tote is cute, but adding patches makes it even more fun.

I used Aleene's Fabric Fusion to attach colorful patches to the front of the bags.

This is where you can really make the project your own.

Try:

Floral patches
Fruit patches
Letters
Initials
Retro patches
Cute animals
Stars
Hearts
Embroidered patches
Vintage-inspired patches
Travel-themed patches
Funny sayings
Your favorite hobbies

Arrange your patches on the bag before gluing them down so you can experiment with the placement.

Once you're happy with the design, attach the patches according to the adhesive manufacturer's directions.

Allow the adhesive to fully cure before using or washing the bag.

Customize Your Upcycled Denim Tote

There are so many ways to customize these handmade bags.

You could add an embroidered name to the front, sew on decorative trim, add fabric flowers, incorporate lace, use contrasting stitching, or even create a completely different lining for each bag.

The original jean pockets are one of my favorite parts because they're already attached and ready to use.

You can use them for your phone, keys, sunglasses, craft supplies, or anything else you want to keep easy to reach.

You could even use different pairs of shorts to create an entire collection of one-of-a-kind denim purses.

More Ways to Upcycle Old Jeans

Once you start looking at old jeans as craft supplies instead of clothing, there are endless possibilities.

Denim can be transformed into:

Tote bags
Purses
Zipper pouches
Baskets
Placemats
Coasters
Christmas stockings
Fabric pumpkins
Quilts
Aprons
Plant holders
Storage bins
Pencil cases
Tool rolls
Gift bags

The waistband and pockets can also become useful pieces for other sewing projects.

Don't overlook the little scraps, either. Small pieces of denim are perfect for patchwork, appliqué, ornaments, and other fabric crafts.

Tips for Making Denim Bags

Use sturdy denim. Lightweight denim can work, but heavier denim will make a more durable tote.

Don't throw away the pockets. When cutting the shorts, take your time so you can preserve as many existing pockets as possible.

Reinforce the handles. The handles receive a lot of stress, especially when the bag is full. Multiple rows of stitching will make your tote much sturdier.

Use a denim needle. A heavy-duty or denim sewing machine needle can make sewing through thick layers much easier.

Go slowly over bulky seams. Jean seams can be surprisingly thick. Slow and steady wins the sewing race!

Press as you go. An iron makes a huge difference when creating the lining and getting professional-looking seams.

Get creative with the lining. The lining is practically a hidden surprise, so use a fabric that makes you happy.

A Handmade Bag with a Story

I absolutely love projects like this because they combine creativity, practicality, and a little bit of nostalgia.

There's something really satisfying about taking something that would otherwise sit unused in the back of a closet and turning it into something completely different.

And because every pair of jeans is different, every upcycled denim bag will have its own personality.

One might have a great faded wash. Another might have interesting pockets. Another could have a worn-in vintage look. Add a fun lining and a few colorful patches, and suddenly you have a bag that looks intentionally designed rather than simply repurposed.

These would also make fantastic handmade gifts. Customize the patches and fabric lining around someone's favorite colors, hobbies, or interests and you've got a thoughtful personalized gift without needing to start from scratch.

Finished Upcycled Jean Shorts Tote Bag

This jean shorts tote is proof that you don't need expensive materials or a complicated sewing pattern to make something adorable.

Grab a pair of old jeans or jean shorts, raid your fabric stash, find some sturdy material for handles, and start creating!

The existing waistband and pockets do much of the heavy lifting, while the boxed corners give the bag a little more structure. The French-seamed lining gives the inside a polished finish, and the decorative patches add that final bit of personality.

That's it!

I love how these turned out—and I'm especially happy that materials that might have been destined for the donation pile or trash bin became something useful and cute instead.

So before you toss out that worn pair of denim, take another look.

It might just be your next favorite tote bag waiting to happen.

Like, Pin and Save!

CHECK OUT THIS POST ON CUTTING JEANS INTO SHORTS TOO!

How to Upcycle Jeans into Bermuda Shorts DIY

I love upcycling things to make them last longer and keep them out of the landfill.

This is the perfect way to take old jeans, pants and even active wear yoga pants and turn them into Summer time shorts.

I love bermuda, board shorts or longer shorts in general...you can go shorter, but let me show you the BEST way to do the trick in just a couple of minutes!

This particular pair of pants is being sacrificed for several craft projects, stay tuned for more fun denim ideas.

Follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok - make craft tutorials daily!

Join Ali Kay Paint Week 2026 & Fresh Paint Membership

2026-09-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Join Ali Kay Paint Week 2026 & Fresh Paint Membership

Paint Week 2026 with Ali Kay Studio: Learn to Paint with Bold Color

It’s almost time for my favorite week of painting!

If you’ve been thinking about learning to paint, getting back into painting, or simply making more time for creativity, Ali Kay Studio is bringing back Paint Week for 2026!

I'm an affiliate for Ali Kay Studio: Paint Week!

KEY PAINT WEEK POINTS:

SEPTEMBER 28TH TO OCTOBER 2ND (recordings available until October 5th)
1PM EST LIVE STREAMS DAILY
ALL TEMPLATES AND INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED
BUY A PAINT WEEK KIT OR USE WHAT YOU HAVE
JUST $10

SIGN UP HERE!

Paint Week 2026 takes place September 28 through October 2 and is a five-day online painting experience designed to help you actually sit down, pick up a brush and paint.

And yes, I’ll be joining in again!

I discovered Ali Kay Studio a couple of years ago during Paint Week, and what started as a fun little creative experiment turned into a full-blown painting hobby/business for me. I eventually joined Fresh Paint and have painted more nearly 200 paintings through the program.

So if you've ever thought, “I’d love to paint, but I don't know where to start,” this is your sign.

Here's my most recent Paint Success story:

My Art Pays for itself!

When I first started Fresh Paint, Sept 2024, I had no intention of selling my art, exhibiting in shows or making my "art" pay for itself.

However, after painting my 183 piece, I realized I needed my space back.

I was the featured artist in my local coffee shop for the full month of July. I sold 65 paintings! They were mostly class pieces (12x12's to 4x4's) and I sold them lower than I would price solos, but I desperately need the space! I restocked 3 times during the month, showcasing a total of 89 pieces. The coffee shop takes no commission, so I felt great passing on the savings to my collectors!

I had a huge positive response with invites to showcase at the coffee shop again, and a smoothie bar down the street.

I also had 3 out of my 5 solo painting pieces sell during the July Square Foot Show, which helped me feel much more confident in my art--and selling at a higher price point!

All this to say, after crunching all the numbers, I'm net positive!

I've covered my costs for all my big bottles of Golden paints, a surplus of wood panels (seriously my front closet and every nook is filled with panels), my standing easel, and 3 years of VIP Fresh Paint lessons.

My art is now paying for itself! I'm stoked! Thanks Ali and team!

What Is Paint Week 2026?

Paint Week is a live online painting event hosted by Ali Kay Studio and I'm excited to be an affiliate!

This year's event runs September 28–October 2, 2026, and Ali is promising five days of live painting lessons, encouragement and lots of color. The goal is to finish three complete paintings that you’ll actually be proud to hang up when the week is over.

✅You don't need to be a professional artist.

✅You don't even need painting experience.

Ali's classes are designed for a wide range of experience levels, including complete beginners. The whole idea is to make painting feel approachable instead of intimidating.

And because it happens on an online platform, you can participate from your own home, at your own pace.

Which is especially nice if your ideal art studio is actually your kitchen table, craft room or a tiny corner of an open concept living room!

When Is Paint Week 2026?

Paint Week 2026 is September 28–October 2.

That puts it right in the last week of September, which honestly feels like the perfect time for a creative reset.

Summer is winding down, fall is beginning, and suddenly the calendar starts filling up with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas projects.

Before all that happens, why not take five days for yourself and paint?

The live event runs for five days, and Ali Kay Studio provides access to the lessons so you can follow along even if you can't be sitting at your easel at the exact moment the class happens.

Classes are live streamed at 1PM EST, but can be replayed at your convenience any time until October 5th.

What Will You Learn During Paint Week?

One of the things I love about Ali's teaching style is that she doesn't just tell you where to put paint.

You learn the process behind the painting.

You'll work with color, layering, composition, brushwork and techniques that help you create loose, colorful paintings without getting trapped in the idea that everything needs to be perfect.

Ali is particularly known for bold color and loose brushstrokes, and that's what initially hooked me.

Her approach makes painting feel playful.

You aren't spending six hours trying to make one tiny flower petal absolutely perfect.

You're painting.

You're experimenting.

You're learning.

And you're actually finishing paintings...in a couple hours or less!

You Don't Have to Know How to Draw

This was a HUGE selling point for me.

If the thought of staring at a blank canvas makes you panic, Ali Kay Studio has you covered.

Fresh Paint includes traceable templates with its lessons, so you aren't required to be an amazing drawer before you can become an amazing painter.

The templates give you a starting point.

Then the painting process takes over.

This is especially helpful if you're coming to painting from a crafting background. If you've spent years using Cricut machines, laser cutters, patterns, stencils and templates, you'll probably appreciate having that same kind of structure when you paint.

And then, as your confidence grows, you can start moving away from templates and create your own compositions.

Why I Love Loose Acrylic Painting

Before discovering Ali Kay Studio, I had painted quite a bit over the years.

I took art classes in junior high, high school and college, and I've always enjoyed being creative.

But painting was something I wanted to do more often without necessarily wanting to spend an entire day doing it.

That's where loose acrylic painting really clicked for me.

Acrylic paint dries quickly, which means you can work in layers without waiting forever between steps. Fluid acrylics are particularly fun for this style because they allow you to build color and depth relatively quickly.

It's quick drying paint, but that isn't a bad thing!

It means you can keep moving.

You can paint a layer, let it dry, add another layer and keep building the painting.

I love that I can sometimes start a painting in the afternoon and have a finished piece by dinner.

What Supplies Do You Need?

One of the nice things about Paint Week is that you don't need to turn your house into a fancy fancy room full of art supplies before you begin.

Start with what you have!

Ali Kay Studio recommends Golden Fluid Acrylics for Fresh Paint, and the current Fresh Paint program focuses on nine core colors. The official program also provides supply recommendations and teaches you how to make the most of the colors you already have.

For painting, you'll generally want:

Acrylic paint
Painting surface or canvas
Paint brushes
Palette
Pencil
Gesso
Carbon paper
Traceable template
Easel or another way to prop up your painting
Water for cleaning brushes
Paper towels or rags

I personally love painting on birch wood panels, but canvas boards, canvas or other suitable surfaces can work too.

Don't let the supply list become an excuse not to paint.

Use what you have and upgrade as you discover what you like...even gessoed watercolor paper works great!

Paint Week Is More Than Just Five Painting Classes

One of my favorite things about Ali Kay Studio is that Paint Week can be a doorway into something much bigger.

After my first Paint Week experience, I joined Fresh Paint's VIP membership.

Fresh Paint is an online painting membership program with a huge library of lessons, technical instruction, traceable templates, live teaching and a private community. The current program has more than 200 lessons, with four new lessons added each month, including step-by-step paintings, technical deep dives and critiques.

That means Paint Week doesn't have to be a one-and-done experience.

You can use it to test the waters.

You can paint for five days and decide that you've had enough.

Or you might discover, like I did, that you really, really like this.

What Is Fresh Paint?

Fresh Paint is Ali Kay Studio's ongoing online membership.

The current program includes:

More than 200 painting lessons
New lessons every month
Step-by-step painting instruction
Traceable templates
Weekly live instruction
Q&A opportunities
Monthly critiques
A private Facebook group
Technical lessons
Lessons for developing your own style
Going Solo instruction for painting from your own reference photos

The lessons range from short 30-minute projects to longer paintings that take a couple of hours.

So whether you have 30 minutes or an entire afternoon, there is something you can work on.

What Is Fresh Paint VIP?

Fresh Paint also offers an annual VIP membership.

The VIP level includes the regular Fresh Paint library plus additional seasonal collections, virtual open studio hours and other extras. The current annual program includes three bonus seasonal collections each year—spring, fall and holiday—plus access to past seasonal lessons.

This is the option I chose after my first Paint Week.

And it completely changed how often I painted.

Instead of thinking, “I should paint sometime,” I had a library of lessons waiting for me.

I could log in, pick something that sounded fun and start painting.

Painting in a Real House

One thing I really appreciate about online classes is that you don't need a dedicated art studio.

I don't have a giant professional studio with floor-to-ceiling windows and an enormous open layout.

Sometimes I'm painting at my desk.

Sometimes I'm painting in a room that also has craft supplies everywhere.

Sometimes I have to move things off an open shelf just to make room.

That's real life.

You don't need the perfect creative green room, a giant easel or a Pinterest-worthy art space.

You need a little room to make a mess.

And honestly, that's part of the fun.

You Can Paint Even If You're Busy

This is another reason I like online classes.

Life happens.

Maybe you're working.
Maybe you're taking care of kids.
Maybe you're in high school or college.
Maybe you have a full-time job.
Maybe you're trying to squeeze painting into the ten minutes between dinner and cleaning the kitchen.

The beauty of an online class is that you don't have to drive somewhere, park, set up in a classroom and be finished by a certain time.

You can paint at home.
You can pause the replay.
You can rewind.
You can stop and come back later.

Ali Kay Studio's lessons are built around helping students develop a repeatable painting process rather than simply copying one picture.

What About Digital Tools?

You don't need fancy digital tools to participate in Paint Week.

In fact, one of the best parts of the program is that the painting itself remains very hands-on.

That said, if you're already a digital crafter, there are plenty of ways to use technology alongside your painting practice.

You can use your phone or tablet for reference photos.

You can photograph your finished paintings.

You can organize your artwork digitally.

You can even experiment with composition before putting paint on the canvas.

But the actual magic is still paint, brushes and your hands.

And in a world filled with digital images, AI-generated artwork and polished graphics, there is something really satisfying about looking at a painting and knowing an actual human made it.

Why Paint More?

Last year, I talked about making more time for painting and creativity.

This year, I'm still saying the same thing.

Because apparently one year wasn't enough for me to get my fill of paint!

Painting has become one of those hobbies that I can come back to whenever I need something creative to do.

I don't have to make every painting perfect.
I don't have to sell every painting.
I don't even have to know what I'm going to do with every painting.

Sometimes I just want to paint.

And that's enough.

You Can Paint with Bold Color

If neutral home decor is your thing, Ali's colorful painting style might be a fun change of pace.

Her paintings use bold color, unexpected color combinations and expressive brushwork.

Think colorful flowers, landscapes, food, animals and everyday objects—but interpreted through a loose, painterly style.

You can hang a colorful painting in an open concept home, lean it against an open shelf or give it as a handmade gift.

And because you made it yourself, it has something that store-bought artwork simply can't replicate.

Paint Week Is a Great Creative Reset

The start of a new year gets all the attention when it comes to resolutions.

But I think fall deserves some of that energy too.

The last week of September is a great time to start something new before the holiday madness begins.

You don't have to wait until New Years to decide you're going to learn a new skill.

You can start now.

And five days is a very manageable commitment...and you can invite your friends, little girl or little boy to paint along with you!

You're not promising yourself that you're going to become a professional artist.

You're simply promising yourself that for five days, you're going to paint.

What Happens After Paint Week?

This is where I have to give you my personal warning:

You might get hooked.

That's what happened to me.

I originally joined Paint Week because I wanted to learn the technique.

I thought I would take the classes, learn what I could and then go back to painting on my own.

Instead, I joined Fresh Paint's VIP membership and kept painting.

A LOT.

The more lessons I completed, the more comfortable I became with color, composition and brushwork, there's 100's of painting, technical skill, critiques and guest artist lessons...you will NEVER get through it all!

Eventually, I started creating my own paintings instead of relying entirely on lessons.

That is one of the biggest benefits of learning a process.

Eventually, you start to understand how to use it on your own.

Ready for Paint Week 2026?

If you've been wanting to paint, this is a great opportunity to give it a try.

Paint Week 2026 runs September 28–October 2 through Ali Kay Studio and includes five days of live online painting instruction, encouragement and color. This year's event is designed to help participants complete three paintings during the week.

You don't need years of experience.

You don't need a giant studio.

You don't need to know how to draw.

And you definitely don't need to wait until New Years to start a new creative hobby.

Grab some paint, clear a little space and give yourself permission to make something.

Who knows?

You might finish Paint Week with three paintings on your wall and an entirely new favorite hobby.

That's exactly what happened to me.

Sign Up for Paint Week 2026

Paint Week 2026 is September 28–October 2.

Check out Ali Kay Studio for the latest Paint Week information, registration details and supplies.

And if you fall in love with the process like I did, Fresh Paint is there when you're ready for more lessons, more practice, more community and more painting.

Happy painting, Doodlecrafters! 🎨

How to Make Bead Mosaic Frame DIY with Jewelry Beads

2026-09-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Bead Mosaic Frame DIY with Jewelry Beads

Have you ever looked through a box of old craft supplies and wondered, “What on earth am I going to do with these?” That is exactly what happened to me with a collection of tiny vintage animal beads carved from seashell.

Years ago, my sister donated a big assortment of these little carved beads to me. They were shaped like tiny animals—fish, birds, horses, whales, bats and all sorts of wonderfully quirky creatures. They were originally intended to be used as beads, but some of them had incomplete or unusable holes. They were too cute to throw away, though!

So I started thinking about other ways to use them. Eventually, I realized that these little creatures would make an incredible mosaic...after I made a necklace of course!

Instead of stringing them into a finished piece of jewelry, I turned them into a colorful bead mosaic frame. I covered a plain wooden frame with the tiny animals, filled all the spaces with black grout, and finished the frame with a watercolor wash.

The result is a quirky, colorful piece of art that looks a little like an underwater treasure—and it gave all those orphaned beads a brand-new purpose.

What is a bead mosaic?

A bead mosaic is a creative technique where small beads, charms, cabochons, shells, or other decorative pieces are arranged and adhered to a surface to create a pattern or design. Unlike traditional mosaics that typically use ceramic tile or glass pieces, bead mosaics can incorporate a huge range of supplies.

You can use seed beads, colorful glass beads, buttons, charms, shells, wood pieces, jewelry components, or basically any small decorative objects that can be securely attached to your surface.

I especially love the idea of using mismatched pieces because it creates unique designs without requiring everything to coordinate perfectly.

For my frame, the little animal beads became the stars of the show.

Why make a bead mosaic frame?

This is such a fun project for using up an unusual craft stash. You don't need a specific pattern, and there isn't really a wrong way to arrange the pieces.

It is also surprisingly meditative. Once you start placing the little pieces, you can simply move them around until the composition feels right.

This would be a fun project for creators of all skill levels, from someone experimenting with their first mosaic to an experienced crafter looking for a colorful world of bead mosaics to explore.

And you don't need an expensive bead mosaic kit. A simple wooden frame, adhesive, grout, and an assortment of beads can get you started.

Supplies Needed for Bead Mosaic Frame:

affiliate links

Plain unfinished wooden frame
Vintage seashell animal beads
E6000 adhesive
Premixed black grout
Craft stick
Small sponge
Bowl of water
Wax paper
Heavy books
Disposable gloves
Work surface protection

You could also make this project with other materials. A wide range of supplies can work beautifully for mosaics, including wood products, ceramic pieces, shells, charms, buttons, cabochons, seed beads, and vibrant glass beads.

If you don't have a collection of vintage beads, try searching through old jewelry, broken necklaces, thrift-store craft supplies, or leftover beads from previous projects.

A note about the vintage beads

My beads were donated to me years ago, so I don't know exactly what they were originally made from or how old they are. They appear to be carved seashell or shell-like material, and many have the wonderfully imperfect appearance of vintage craft supplies.

Some had normal holes all the way through them for stringing. Others had holes that stopped partway through the bead or were otherwise unsuitable for threading.

That is what inspired this project.

Instead of considering those beads defective, I considered them mosaic pieces.

That's one of my favorite things about crafting: sometimes the thing that makes a supply unusable for its original function is exactly what makes it perfect for something else.

Safety first

Because this project involves adhesive, possible grout dust and sanding (if you choose those materials), and potentially unidentified vintage materials, use reasonable personal protection and follow the safety instructions for every product you use.

Work in a well-ventilated area when using E6000 or other strong adhesives. Wear gloves and eye protection as appropriate, and use a dust mask when sanding or working with dry materials that could create dust.

Always read the manufacturer's current safety information for your particular adhesive and grout rather than assuming that one product is interchangeable with another.

In other words: use the appropriate personal protection, ventilation, and common sense for the actual products in your craft room.

How to Make a Bead Mosaic Frame

Step 1: Gather your little beads

Start by gathering all of your beads and decorative pieces.

For my frame, I sorted through my collection of tiny carved animals. There were fish, birds, horses, whales, and plenty of other little shapes.

The variety is what makes the finished piece so fun.

You don't need every piece to match. In fact, the mismatched colors, shapes, and sizes are part of the charm.

If you have a tiny bead that doesn't have a usable hole, don't automatically toss it into the scrap bin. A bead with a partial hole can still be perfect for gluing onto a mosaic surface.

Step 2: Choose a wooden frame

I started with a plain wooden frame.

A simple unfinished frame works especially well because you're essentially creating your own decorative surface.

You can use a square frame like mine, a rectangular frame, a thrifted frame, or even an old frame that needs a makeover.

If you're using a thrifted frame, remove the glass and backing and clean the surface before beginning.

Make sure the frame is sturdy and relatively flat. Since we're going to be applying grout later, you want a solid surface that won't flex excessively.

Step 3: Plan the mosaic

Before reaching for the glue, start arranging the beads on the frame...I lined up a few and then just started gluing.

This is the part where you get to play.

I scattered my little animals across the entire frame, turning them in different directions and fitting them together as closely as possible.

Don't worry about making a perfect pattern.

I wanted my frame to feel organic and slightly chaotic, almost like a school of tiny creatures swimming in different directions.

Try turning pieces sideways or upside down. A fish doesn't necessarily have to be swimming in the direction you expect!

A few arrangement tips

Put larger pieces toward the corners or in areas that need visual weight.
Mix light and dark pieces throughout the frame.
Turn similar shapes in different directions.
Fill large empty areas first.
Save your smallest pieces for filling gaps.
Don't worry about perfect symmetry.
Leave enough room between pieces for grout.

This planning stage is probably the most meditative part of the project.

You can rearrange the pieces over and over until the frame starts to feel right.

Step 4: Glue the beads in place

Once you're happy with the arrangement, begin gluing the beads to the wooden frame.

I used E6000 because I wanted a strong adhesive capable of holding all those individual pieces securely.

Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of each bead and press it onto the frame.

You don't need a giant blob of glue. In fact, using too much adhesive can make the next step more difficult because excess glue can interfere with the grout.

Work your way around the frame, attaching each little creature.

This takes some patience because there are a LOT of tiny pieces.

But that's also where the artistic journey really begins.

Step 5: Allow the adhesive to set

Give the adhesive plenty of time to set according to the manufacturer's directions.

You want the beads to be firmly attached before you start applying grout.

This is especially important because the grout will be worked over the entire surface, and you don't want your carefully arranged little animals popping loose.

Step 6: Cover the frame with black grout

Now comes the part that makes this project look like an actual mosaic.

I used premixed black grout.

Scoop some grout onto the frame and use a craft stick to spread it across the entire surface.

Don't panic when everything suddenly looks like a giant black blob!

The grout is supposed to cover the beads.

Work the grout into all of the spaces between the individual pieces.

The goal is to completely fill the gaps around the beads while also covering the surface of the frame.

This creates the dark background that makes all of the little animals stand out.

Step 7: Let the grout sit

Once the entire frame is covered, I waited about 15 minutes.

The exact timing can vary depending on the grout you're using, so follow the directions on your particular product.

You don't want to wait until the grout is completely hardened, because you need to remove the excess from the tops of the beads.

Step 8: Wipe the beads clean

Take a damp sponge and gently wipe across the surface of the frame.

The goal is to remove the grout from the top surfaces of the beads while leaving the grout packed into the spaces between them.

Rinse and wring out your sponge frequently.

Work slowly and carefully around the little animals.

This is the satisfying reveal!

As you wipe away the black grout, all the individual shapes and colors begin appearing again.

The black background also makes the lighter beads really pop.

Step 9: Keep the frame flat while it dries

Here's an important step that I wouldn't skip.

I placed a sheet of wax paper over the frame and then put heavy books on top.

The frame was essentially sandwiched between wax paper and a stack of books.

Why apply pressure during drying?

Because the moisture from the grout can cause a thin wooden frame to warp as it dries.

The weight helps keep everything flat.

I left mine alone for a couple of days so the grout could dry thoroughly.

The drying time will depend on the type of grout, how thickly it was applied, humidity, and other conditions, so follow the directions for your specific product.

Step 10: Remove the books

After a couple of days, carefully remove the books and wax paper.

At this point, you should have a completely grouted bead mosaic frame.

The black grout creates a really dramatic background and makes all of those tiny creatures look almost like little pieces of jewelry embedded into the frame.

Step 11: Final Cleaning

Now that the frame is dry, it's time to use a wet wipe or baby wipe and clean off any remaining grime on the mosaic.

The grout easily cleans off, leaving the beads shiny and bright again.

I didn't need to use anything stronger than a baby wipe to get these shell beads clean and shiny again.

Step 12: Finish the frame

Once everything is completely dry, put the glass and backing back into the frame.

Then add your favorite photo, artwork, print, or even a piece of watercolor paper.

I love how the colorful mosaic frame becomes artwork all by itself.

Tips for Making Your Own Bead Mosaic

Don't have vintage animal beads?

No problem!

Look for other small objects that can be glued to a flat surface.

Try using these objects instead or as well:

Old jewelry pieces
Broken necklaces
Buttons
Shells
Cabochons
Tiny charms
Ceramic pieces
Seed beads
Vibrant glass beads
Wood shapes
Small unfinished wood products
Vintage craft supplies
Jewelry-making leftovers

You can even use a bead mosaic kit as a starting point if you want all the materials selected for you.

Use different sizes

A combination of larger and smaller pieces makes the mosaic much more interesting.

Large pieces become focal points while a tiny bead can be tucked into an otherwise difficult-to-fill space.

Don't obsess over perfection

This is one of those projects where perfection isn't the goal.

The mismatched pieces are what give the finished frame personality.

Let the shapes overlap visually, change direction, and create unexpected little clusters.

Experiment with grout colors

I used black because I wanted maximum contrast.

But white, gray, cream, brown, or colored grout would completely change the finished appearance.

A light grout would give the frame a more beachy, coastal look, while a dark grout makes colorful pieces stand out dramatically.

Try a different base

The same technique could be used on more than just picture frames.

You could make a:

Jewelry box
Mirror frame
Wooden tray
Wall plaque
Plant pot
Small tabletop
Decorative sign
Picture frame
Shadow box
Wall art

The possibilities are pretty much endless.

What I Love About This Craft

The best part of this project is that it started with a problem.

I had a collection of adorable beads that couldn't all perform their original job.

Some were missing usable holes. Some were odd shapes. Some were simply too interesting to throw away.

Instead of asking, “How can I use these as beads?” I asked, “What else could these become?”

That little shift in thinking opened up an entirely different creative possibility.

Now, instead of sitting forgotten in a craft drawer, these tiny animals have become part of a colorful, dimensional work of art.

And honestly, I think they're much happier this way.

There is something really satisfying about turning forgotten supplies into unique designs. Whether you're working with vintage beads, leftover jewelry pieces, seed beads, or a dedicated bead mosaic kit, there's a wonderfully relaxing quality to arranging tiny pieces one at a time.

It's a very hands-on, meditative process—and you end up with something completely one-of-a-kind.

This little frame is now one of my favorite examples of why I never want to clean out my craft stash too aggressively. 😂

You just never know when a box of forgotten beads will turn into your next favorite project.

More Ways to Explore Bead Mosaics

If you're intrigued by this project, consider it your invitation to start exploring the colorful world of bead mosaics.

You don't need expensive starter kits or specialized equipment. Start with whatever you already have on hand and experiment.

That's it!

A collection of mismatched beads can become a beautiful mosaic. A broken necklace can become wall art. A single tiny bead can become the perfect finishing detail.

That's the fun of crafting: supplies don't always have to be used exactly as intended.

Sometimes the best projects happen when you take a completely unexpected artistic journey.

What would you make with a box of vintage beads?

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER MOSAIC CRAFTS TOO!

How to Make Glass Mosaic Art: Easy Ideas for Beginners

Learn how to make glass mosaic art easily at any skill level.

This fun and colorful craft is an easy DIY for beginners--perfect for Spring decor and National Craft Month!

Make brightly colored glass mosaic butterflies in an afternoon!

How to Make Mosaic Picture Frame (Easy DIY Craft)

Learn how to make a glass tile mosaic picture frame!

This cute and easy craft is a fun way to upcycle an old wood frame and even broken glass pieces.

Make a mosaic glass frame in an afternoon with this simple tutorial, no skill level required for this fun and creative craft.

DVD Mosaic Tray

DVD mosaic serving tray with high gloss resin for smooth and glossy finish.

Upcycle those old burnable dvd's or cd's and let the shimmery shiny finish make the perfect mosaic.

Finished off with high gloss resin for the perfect effect!

How to Make Ghost Painting (Easy Thrifted Art Trend)

2026-09-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make a Ghost Painting (Easy Thrifted Art Trend)

Have you seen the latest ghost painting trend taking over social media? This fun DIY project is such a great way to give old paintings a completely new personality for spooky season. The idea is simple: find an old painting, add adorable little ghosts with acrylic paint, and transform it into one-of-a-kind Halloween decor.

The thrifted ghost painting trend has been showing up everywhere lately, from TikTok videos to Instagram and Pinterest. People are finding thrift store paintings and adding cute ghosts, spooky details, and Halloween elements to create something completely new. It is one of those amazing DIY projects that looks complicated and artistic, but the actual process is surprisingly easy.

For my ghost painting, I used a piece of art from my dad passed on to me from my childhood home. I believe my mom painted it during her adolescence...but it wasn't precious, special or even that interesting! Instead of letting this old artwork sit tucked away, I decided to give it new life as part of my Halloween decorations.

I added cute little whimsical ghosts using white acrylic paint, created an antique-looking dark wash with diluted brown paint, and finished the painting with soft gold details. The crowning touch was placing the entire painting inside a vintage gold ornate frame.

The finished piece is the perfect combination of sentimental artwork, spooky season style, and elegant home decor!

What Is the Thrifted Ghost Painting Trend?

The thrifted ghost painting trend is a viral trend that involves taking an old painting or thrifted art piece and adding painted ghosts to the existing scene.

Usually, people start with thrift store paintings featuring landscapes, forests, cottages, lakes, gardens, or other outdoor scenes. The original painting becomes the background for a collection of tiny ghosts.

Some people add a spooky ghost standing near a tree. Others paint an entire group of cute ghosts wandering through a landscape. You can add a black cat, a full moon, bats, pumpkins, or other spooky season details too.

The beauty of this project is that there is no single right way to do it.

A quick Google search will show you dozens of different versions of this latest trend. Some are silly and colorful, while others look dark and mysterious. Some artists paint large ghosts in the foreground, while others add tiny ghosts hidden throughout the entire painting.

That means you can make your ghost art as cute, spooky, simple, or detailed as you want.

Choosing the Right Painting

The first thing you need is an old painting.

You can search your own home for old artwork that you no longer display, or you can go hunting at your local thrift store. A garage sale, estate sale, antique store, or Facebook Marketplace can also be a great place to find an inexpensive painting.

Look for a painting with an interesting scene and plenty of room for your ghosts.

Landscapes are especially fun because you can place ghosts throughout the scene. A dark forest, open field, mountain scene, cottage, or garden can all work beautifully.

Don't worry too much about finding the perfect picture. Part of the fun is working with what you find.

You can also use an old print instead of an original painting. The right painting doesn't need to be expensive or valuable. In fact, an inexpensive painting is perfect for experimenting with this fun DIY project.

If you are worried about painting directly onto a sentimental piece, try making a practice version first. Pick up a cheap thrifted painting and give yourself a little bit of practice before working on something more meaningful.

Supplies Needed for Thrifted Ghost Painting:

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You only need a few basic supplies to make this easy DIY project:

A paper plate works perfectly as a simple artist's palette for mixing your paint colors.

I used acrylic craft paint for this project because it is inexpensive, easy to work with, and dries quickly. You don't need professional artist supplies or expensive paint to create this project.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Ghost Painting

Step 1: Choose Your Thrifted Painting

Start by selecting your thrifted painting or old artwork.

Take a good look at the composition before adding anything. Decide where you want your ghosts to go and how many you want to include.

You don't need to cover the entire painting. In fact, leaving the original artwork visible is what makes this project so charming.

For my painting, I wanted the original scene to remain the star of the piece. The ghosts would become a fun addition rather than covering up all of the original details.

Think about where your ghosts would naturally fit into the landscape.

Could one be standing near a tree?

Could a few be floating across an open field?

Could one tiny ghost be hiding in the background?

This is a great time to plan your design before adding your first touch of paint.

Step 2: Paint the Ghost Shape

The next step is painting the ghosts.

This is the easy way to create them: start with a rounded shape for the head and bring the sides downward to create the body.

The bottom of the ghost can be wavy, scalloped, or slightly pointed. There is no need to make the simple shapes perfectly symmetrical.

In fact, slightly imperfect ghosts are often the cutest.

Use white paint or white acrylic paint to create the basic ghost shape.

You can make each ghost a different size. Larger ghosts can sit in the foreground while smaller ghosts appear farther away.

If the first layer does not provide full coverage, let it dry and add another layer of white paint.

The goal is to make the ghosts stand out against the original background paint while still looking like they belong in the painting.

You can also vary the opacity of the paint. A ghost with a thinner layer of paint can have a soft, wispy effect, while a thicker layer creates a brighter, more solid appearance.

Step 3: Add the Ghost's Outline

Once the white paint has dried, you can add a subtle ghost's outline if you want a little more definition.

I recommend using diluted gray paint or a very small amount of black paint for this step.

You do not need to completely outline every ghost. Instead, add a little shadow along one side or underneath the bottom of the ghost.

A light gray paint shadow can help the ghost shape stand out from the background without making it look too harsh.

Use a small synthetic brush and work slowly.

This may take a bit of practice, but remember that you can always add another touch of paint or paint over a mistake after it dries.

There really is no wrong way to make your ghosts.

Step 4: Paint the Ghost Eyes

Now it is time to give your ghosts some personality.

Use black acrylic paint and a tiny detail brush to create the ghost eyes.

The eyes can be small dots, tiny ovals, or slightly larger shapes for a more dramatic expression.

For cute ghosts, I like keeping the eyes small and simple.

For a more spooky touch, you can make the eyes larger or add tiny open mouths.

The ghosts don't all have to look the same. Give each one its own little personality.

This is one of the best parts of the project!

You can create a whole family of ghosts, with each one having a slightly different expression.

Step 5: Create an Antique Dark Wash

After the ghost art was completely dry, I wanted to give the entire painting a more aged appearance.

I diluted some brown paint with a little water to create a thin dark wash.

The key is to use more water than paint. You want the mixture to be translucent instead of opaque.

Brush the diluted brown paint lightly across portions of the entire painting.

Keep paper towels nearby so you can quickly blot away excess paint.

This creates an antiqued appearance and helps unify the old artwork with the newly painted ghosts.

The dark wash can settle into brushstrokes and textured areas, giving the painting more depth and age.

If you add too much, simply wipe some away with a paper towel while the paint is still wet.

Work slowly and build up the effect.

A little goes a long way.

Step 6: Add Gold Details

Once the brown wash was dry, I diluted some gold paint with water.

I brushed the diluted gold around the edges of the painting and added a little to the ground area of the scene.

This gave the artwork a subtle glow and added extra details without overwhelming the original painting.

The gold paint was not meant to create solid metallic coverage.

Instead, I wanted a soft, aged shimmer.

Diluting the paint helps create that delicate wispy effect.

You can add gold to tree branches, the ground, the sky, or around the edges of the painting.

This is a fun way to experiment with different paint colors and create a little Halloween magic.

The gold also works beautifully with fall colors and gives the painting an elegant finish.

Step 7: Let the Entire Painting Dry

The last step before framing is to let everything dry completely.

Make sure the white acrylic paint, black paint, brown wash, and gold details are completely dry before handling the artwork.

This is also a good time to step back and look at the perfect picture as a whole.

Do you want to add more ghosts?

Does one ghost need more white paint for full coverage?

Would a little gray paint add more depth?

Do you want a tiny black cat somewhere in the scene?

This is your chance to add any extra details.

The beauty of this project is that you can continue building on it until you love the finished result.

Step 8: Add a Vintage Ornate Frame

For me, the frame was the finishing touch that completely elevated this project.

I placed the painting inside a vintage gold ornate frame, and suddenly the whole piece felt like chic indoor Halloween decor.

The ornate frame adds a little drama and makes the ghosts feel like they belong in an old haunted mansion.

You can search a local thrift store, antique shop, garage sale, or Facebook Marketplace for a beautiful frame.

If you already have a frame that you love, this project can be completed with no extra cost.

If you don't, finding the perfect frame can become part of the adventure.

A good quality frame can completely change the appearance of a thrifted art piece.

The contrast between elegant vintage decor and cute little whimsical ghosts is what makes this latest ghost painting trend so much fun.

Tips for Creating Cute Ghosts

You do not need to be an experienced painter to make this simple ghost craft.

The ghosts are made from very simple shapes, which makes this a great project for beginners.

Here are a few tips:

Make some ghosts larger and some smaller to create depth.
Use white acrylic paint with good coverage.
Add a second coat if needed.
Use a small amount of gray paint for shadows.
Keep ghost eyes simple.
Try different ghost shapes.
Don't make every ghost identical.
Allow the original artwork to remain visible.
Add extra details only if they improve the scene.
If you make a mistake, let the paint dry and paint over it using colors that match the original background.

Even an experienced painter makes mistakes sometimes, so don't let the fear of doing something the wrong way stop you from trying.

This project is supposed to be fun!

More Ghost Painting Ideas

Once you make one ghost painting, you may want to make several more.

Try these ideas for your next project:

Paint ghosts under a full moon.
Add a black cat sitting in the grass.
Paint tiny ghosts floating through a forest.
Create ghosts in a vintage ocean painting.
Add a blue hue to the sky for a nighttime effect.
Use old paintings featuring cottages or houses.
Add bats to the sky.
Paint a spooky ghost near a garden gate.
Add fall colors around the edges.
Create a group of cute ghosts in different sizes.
Use your own paintings as a starting point.
Turn a thrifted painting into a collection of Halloween decorations.

The possibilities are endless.

A quick Google search for ghost painting inspiration can help you find even more ideas, but the best projects are the ones where you add your own personality.

Why I Love This Thrifted Art Trend

There are so many reasons I love this project.

It is an easy DIY project that does not require complicated tools or expensive materials.
It gives old paintings and thrifted artwork new life.
It is a great way to create completely unique Halloween decorations.
It can be done with simple craft paint and a few basic supplies.

And, most importantly, every finished painting is different.

Unlike mass-produced decorations, your ghost painting will be completely your own.

You can spend a little extra time adding intricate details, or keep the whole thing simple for a quick afternoon project.

The latest trend may have started on social media, but I think the idea has staying power because it is so easy to personalize.

Some people have even turned these types of projects into a small commission business, painting ghosts onto thrifted art for customers.

There are so many possibilities!

If you enjoy watching video tutorial content, you have probably already seen TikTok videos or Instagram reels showing artists transforming old artwork into spooky Halloween masterpieces. Many creators add a bit of text overlay explaining each step, and some even use a CapCut template to turn the process into a quick before-and-after video.

Whether you share your project on Facebook, Instagram, or keep it as your own handmade decoration, this project is definitely worth trying.

The Finished Ghost Painting

I absolutely love how my finished painting turned out.

What started as a piece of art from my childhood home now has a completely new purpose.

I can still appreciate the original landscape and imagine my mom painting it all those years ago. Instead of covering it up, I added a few cute ghosts and gave it a seasonal makeover.

The antique dark wash softened the colors and made the entire painting feel older and moodier.

The diluted gold paint added just the right amount of shimmer.

And the vintage ornate frame was the perfect finishing touch.

That's it!

It is now one of my favorite pieces of Halloween home decor.

If you have been thinking about trying the thrifted ghost painting trend, this is the perfect time.

Find an old painting, grab some acrylic paint, and give it a spooky new personality.

This fun DIY project is proof that old artwork does not have to stay exactly as it was forever. With a little creativity, a touch of paint, and a few cute ghosts, you can create something completely new.

That is the beauty of this project.

Whether you find an inexpensive painting at a thrift store, discover a hidden treasure at a garage sale, or use a sentimental piece of art from your own home, you can transform it into something special.

Give an old painting new life, add a few ghosts, and create Halloween decor that is spooky, stylish, whimsical, and completely unique.

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN GHOST POSTS TOO!

How to Make Spooky Cheesecloth Ghosts with Stiffy DIY

Learn how to make spooky cheesecloth ghosts using cheesecloth or fine netting and Mod Podge Stiffy.

Mod Podge Stiffy makes fabric and cloth hold its shape, making it the perfect medium for ghostly haunting decor.

This fun Halloween craft just takes a few supplies and less than an hour, plus drying time, to make the perfect ghosts.

I made these ghosts back in 2016 and thought it was time for an updated post--Let's get started!

How to Make Ghostbuster Costumes Made with Cricut DIY!

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Make the perfect Ghostbusters jumpsuit costumes for cosplay, Halloween or for a comic convention!

You could dress up like a Stranger Things crossover--like Dustin, Mike, Will and Luke dressed up as Ghostbuster!

I loved the old school Ghostbuster movies, at least the first film. It's a classic. I'm not crazy about the reboot with the ladies...and I haven't seen the latest.

What do you think about the movies? Which is your favorite?

How to Make Watercolor Bookmarks (Beginners Tutorial)

2026-09-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Watercolor Bookmarks (Beginners Tutorial)

Learn how to paint watercolor bookmarks easily for the the perfect diy bookmark.

These make a great gift in addition to a favorite book!

Let me show you how to create these awesome watercolor effects effortlessly!

I absolutely love how these vivid and bright, beautiful bookmarks turned out!

They take just a little bit of time, some painter's tape, watercolor liquid, not much water and a piece of paper to create your own watercolor bookmark.

This technique can be used for handmade greeting cards, notes, Artist Trading Cards, and other papercrafts.

Are you part of the real book lovers club?

Do you have a stack of books to read on your nightstand?

How do you keep track of your place in a book...are you a monster and dog-ear the pages?

Do you grab whatever is closest...like a receipt or post-it note to use as a bookmark?

Do you have a selection of beautiful bookmarks to hold place for you in all your books?

Supplies Needed for Watercolor Bookmarks:

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Optional:

Step 1: Watercolor Paper

Begin by placing one sheet of watercolor paper on a water resistant work surface.

One sheet of paper is enough paper for a set of 4 bookmarks.

Step 2: Tape Off

Tape the watercolor paper in place by taping across the top of the paper.

Tape across the bottom and then right in the center.

Then tape across the center of each of the halves created by the center piece of tape.

This sections the paper off into 4 pieces for the perfect bookmark size.

Then tape off the edges of the paper.

(If you are doing watercolor resist with a white crayon, now is the time to use it.)

Step 3: Water

The next step is to use a paintbrush and paint just water over the top of the watercolor paper.

A thin layer of paper will help the watercolor ink blend beautifully.

Step 4: Watercolor Painting Sunset

Now open up the Ecoline Liquid Watercolor.

I'm doing 2 bookmarks in a sunset sky pattern and 2 in a galaxy print.

Start with the RED watercolor.

Paint the top of the bookmark with the red paint...just about 1/2 inch to an inch of red across the top.

Then paint orange right under the red, then move to yellow, followed by green watercolor paint.

I love the liquid watercolor--they are super vivid and don't fade out when it dries like most watercolors.

They blend gorgeously!

Then add blue along the base of the bookmark...if you have room remaining you can add violet too.

Step 5: Watercolor Painting Galaxy

For the galaxy background pattern, begin with blue watercolor liquid and spot it on here and there.

Then add purple to the watercolor paper bookmarks here and there around the blue patches.

Now add some green here and there around the purple and blue.

Let it blend and bleed as it does naturally.

Step 6: Blotting

Use a baby wipe or napkin to gently blot the pools of watercolor.

You can leave it there and just let it dry, but blotting it will help it dry faster.

Step 7: Black Night Painting

Finally, open up the black Ecoline Liquid Watercolor for the finishing touch for the galaxy background pattern.

Use the paintbrush and paint black watercolor around the splotches of colors and around the edges.

Leave some of the color showing through, but add a bold amount of black!

Step 8: Drying Watercolor

Set the watercolor bookmarks aside to dry.

If you are in a hurry, use a blow dryer on a low speed to dry the paint a little faster.

I was able to set these aside and work on another project...and then when I was done with that project, these watercolor bookmarks were dry and ready for decoration.

Step 9: Bookmark Decorations

Now it's time to decorate your watercolor book marks!

I used a gold Uni-Ball Signo gel pen and it is divine.

It writes so smoothly and boldly on top of the watercolors.

Write a fun little book related quote on the bookmarks and draw some stars, dots and whatever else your heart desires.

Use a black gel pen or Mono liner for the sunset bookmarks...draw silhouette pine, palm or aspen trees, a mountain scene or lovely flowers, vines and leaves.

Eat Breathe Read

Bookmarks are for Quitters

Books are Magic

One More Chapter

Which of these vibrant, colorful bookmarks is your favorite?

Do you like the sunset, golden hour vibe...or the galactic nighttime vibe?

I absolutely love them both!

The best part is making them, watercolors are addictive, and a wonderful, calming stress relief!

And a little touch of gold is the perfect finishing touch on everything!

Try out these gel pens, you will love them--and will want them added to your art supplies!

That's it!

Make the perfect watercolor bookmarks with liquid watercolors and gel pens.

This watercolor blending technique is perfect for making handmade cards, artist trading cards, gift tags and any other fun paper crafts.

If you are a real book reader, you need a gorgeous bookmark to hold your place in your epic fictional fantasy!

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Here's some other fun Bookmark Crafts!

Japanese Paper Doll Bookmarks

Learn how to make Japanese Paper Dolls with origami paper.

These adorable layered geisha girls are the perfect handmade gift tags, bookmarks or even wall art.

It's not an origami bookmark (paper folding with no glue), but use the vibrant shades and different colors of origami paper to capture the traditional origami vibe...as a paper doll--that makes the perfect bookmark!

Butterfly Bookmark DIY

Learn how to make a folded butterfly, heart or flower bookmarks using a few simple supplies...I used colored pencils but you could use Dual Brush Pens too!

Attention book lovers, make the perfect bookmark for keeping track of your page as well as looking beautiful for Spring!

Make an Engraved Bookmark with xTool!

Learn how easy it is to make an engraved wood bookmark with the xTool M1 laser cutting machine.

This fun engraved bookmark--different projects great for older kids--would make a great handmade gift, decoration piece or used as a gift tag!

The visual appeal of engraved wood has endless possibilities!

This would make a great Father's day gift too--for a man that loves a fabulous reading experience.

Paperclip Bookmarks Made with FastCast Resin

Make a darling bookmark with a paper clip and some regal resin shapes painted with metallic paints.

This is a perfect craft for a book club, quick gift for a family member or just for fun.

Create the perfect paperclip bookmark with FastCast resin, metallic paint and a little twine.

Craft Foam Bookmarks made with Cricut Maker Knife Blade

The Cricut Maker 3 is so versatile and has an array of adaptive tools that make every project a cinch!

I am in love with the Cricut Knife Blade and its many uses.

The knife blade can cut various shapes and materials: leather, basswood, balsa wood, chipboard, matte board, faux leather and craft foam.

This craft foam bookmark is so quick and perfect for a first try at the Cricut Knife Blade.

Bookmarks with Laura Kelly Sprinkle Kindness Stamps!

I love rubber stamping and I love papercrafts. Laura Kelly released these cute stamps with heartfelt messages; perfect for gift tags, handmade cards, bookmarks and more!

The foil paper works with the toner paper using a heat laminator and could not be more fun--but scrapbook paper works too!

This is the perfect way to share a little extra love--the whole bookmark is just beaming!

Just add a hole with a hole punch and some twine for the perfect fringe tassel.

Book Lover Quotes FREE Bookmark Printable

Bookmarks for the Book Worm! These 6 homemade bookmarks are brush lettered book lover quotes.

Anyone with a love of books will appreciate the quotes on these bookmark designs.

This is an easy way to make a beautiful bookmark--just a high quality print on card stock and lamination for a long lasting bookmark.

What's your favorite book--free templates / free printables available on this post.

Ribbon and Button Bookmarks!

This is such a fun and simple craft, elastic bookmarks fit all sizes of books an make really cute bookmarks.

It is an easy project and perfect for youth to learn how to sew on a button--let them pick their color scheme and they'll be a big hit.

I taught a group of 20 tweens how to put these together--excellent for those fine motor skills.

You will need Ribbon, Buttons, hair elastic and needle/thread--and sewing machine.

Vintage Style Gold Tassel Ribbon Bookmark!

No book place holder is quite as fancy as this pretty bookmark with Parisian vibe ribbon.

With a gold tassel and electroplated shimmery beads--it's a crowd pleaser and a great way to make the perfect gift for Mother's day.

Ribbon bookmarks are great for handmade gifts, leaving on a decorative book, using it for actually book place marking or just for fun!

David Tennant Peeking Time Lord Bookmark

If you are a fan of Doctor Who, you'll know that David Tennant is the most iconic and loveable!

This little clip of him peeking over the office cubical in "Partners in Crime" is perfection--he belongs in a good book!

Free printable bookmark templates to make a bunch of your own--they'll definitely leave a lasting impression--great for geeky gifts, library crafts and Fan Con freebies!

(this post is from 2014 and it still gets LOTS of love!)

Washi Tape Bookmarks!

Super short tutorial for making a washi tape bookmark!

This fun post is from 2013, so I was pretty new to blogging and things have changed a lot since then!

Check it out:

Paintchip Bookmarks!

Paint Chips are awesome for bookmarks and just need a little decorating.

This absolutely fun post was done in 2012 when blogging was WAY different...so the pictures are teensy and the text is short.

I used rubber stamps and stamped images on white cardstock and then let my kids color the designs.

We cut the images out and glued them to paint chip cards...and added some twine for a tassel.

Any book lover will love this shirt too!

Just One More Chapter Shirt

Any experienced reader or lover of Harry Potter knows that you need "just one more chapter!"

This cute book lover shirt is easy to make and gets all the introverted book lover attention.

How to Make Wooden Laser Cut Name Puzzles with xTool

2026-08-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Wooden Laser Cut Name Puzzles with xTool

Looking for a fun, personalized project that makes an adorable handmade gift? These custom name puzzles are one of my favorite projects to make with my xTool P3 CO2 Laser cutting machine!

Made from 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood and backed with 1/8-inch basswood, these wooden puzzles are sturdy, colorful, and completely personalized for the recipient.

I love projects that are not only cute but also useful. These puzzles give little ones an opportunity to practice letters, spelling, and name recognition while working on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

And because every puzzle is made specifically for one child, it feels like a thoughtful keepsake rather than just another toy.

These would make a perfect gift for a first birthday, Christmas, birthday party, or other special occasions. They are also a wonderful option for baby showers and can double as adorable nursery decor when they're not being played with.

The best part is that once you have your puzzle design ready, you can make a new personalized puzzle for any name, word or phrase!

xTool P3 Laser Settings:

3/8" Baltic Birch Plywood

Engrave: Power 15%, Speed 400mm/s, Pass 1

Cut: Power 90%, Speed 15mm/x, Pass 1

Supplies Needed for Custom Name Puzzles

affiliate links

xTool P3 CO2 Laser
3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood (puzzle pieces and backing board)
1/8-inch basswood (puzzle border piece)
Name Puzzle design file from Creative Fabrica
xTool Studio software
800-grit sandpaper
Aleene's Heavy Duty Craft Glue
Acrylic craft paint
FolkArt Glitterific Pop Paint
Sponge daubers
Paintbrushes, if desired
Optional acrylic sealer

For this project, I used a puzzle file from Creative Fabrica. The design included the basic puzzle shape, and I selected the individual letters needed to create each child's name.

These custom name puzzles are substantial, a 1/2" thick or the height of 7 U.S. quarters.

Depending on the file you purchase, it may come as SVG files or another compatible vector format. Some digital downloads may also arrive in a ZIP folder, so you may need to unzip the digital file before importing it into your laser software.

Choose Your Name Puzzle Design

One of my favorite things about using a laser cutter is how easy it is to turn a basic design into a completely custom item.

Start with your puzzle design and determine the length of the name you want to create. Short names and longer names may require slightly different sizing or spacing, so check the finished layout before cutting.

Here's the Name Puzzle file at Creative Fabrica

The file I used allowed me to select individual letters. This made it easy to create a different puzzle for every child.

You can make an own name puzzle for a child, create matching puzzles for siblings, or make several custom orders for a baby shower or birthday.

If you're comfortable creating your own designs, you could also make a new design using Adobe Illustrator or another vector-design program. Some laser files may also include shape generators or editable elements that make personalization easier.

When choosing a design, look for letters that are large enough for little hands to comfortably grasp. The pieces should be easy for children to pick up, move, and fit into their matching spaces.

Prepare the Wood

For the main puzzle, I used 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood.

The thicker plywood gives the finished puzzle a substantial, high-quality feel. It also makes the individual puzzle pieces easier for children to grab and manipulate.

For the backing, I used 1/8-inch basswood.

Before cutting, make sure your plywood is flat and positioned securely inside the xTool P3 CO2 Laser.

If you're making several puzzles from one sheet, take a little time to plan your layout so you can get as many projects as possible from your material.

Use the xTool P3 Camera to Plan the Cut

This is one of my favorite features of the xTool P3 CO2 Laser!

Place your sheet of Baltic birch plywood inside the machine and use the camera to capture an image of the material.

The camera image appears in xTool Studio, allowing you to see exactly where your design will land on the actual piece of wood.

I positioned my name puzzle directly on the camera image and carefully checked the placement before starting the machine.

This makes the whole process much easier because you're not guessing where the design will be cut. You can see the actual material and arrange your design exactly where you want it.

If you're working from a full page of designs, you can also arrange multiple puzzles on the same sheet of wood.

Before starting the laser, double-check the edges, letter spacing, and overall placement. Make sure nothing extends outside the available material.

This little bit of planning can save you from wasting an entire piece of plywood!

Cut the Puzzle

Once everything is positioned correctly, it's time to let the xTool P3 CO2 Laser do the work.

The xTool P3 cut these puzzles super fast. Watching the laser move through the plywood and create the individual letters is always one of my favorite parts of making projects like this.

Cut the letters and the outline from 3/8" baltic birch plywood.

Cut the base outline only from 1/8" basswood for the backing.

The laser cuts the outer puzzle shape as well as the individual letter pieces, giving you everything you need for the finished puzzle.

Once the cutting is complete, carefully remove the pieces from the machine.

Inspect each piece before moving on to the next step. Pay particular attention to any sharp points or rough edges created by small details in the design.

Lightly Sand the Edges

Begin by removing the very thin and amazingly satisfying piece of waste from each of the letters...this is a thin outline and the groove for easy puzzle piece placement.

Laser-cut wood can have slightly rough or darkened edges, so I like to give the pieces a quick sanding before assembling the puzzle.

For this project, I used 800-grit sandpaper.

You don't need to aggressively sand the pieces. A light pass around the edges is enough to smooth away little rough spots and make the pieces feel nicer to handle.

I lightly sanded the individual letters as well as the main puzzle shape.

Since these puzzles are intended for children, take your time with this step. Carefully inspect every piece for splinters, rough areas, or sharp points before continuing.

Add the Solid Backing

Now it's time to turn the laser-cut puzzle into a sturdy puzzle board.

I cut a solid piece of 1/8-inch basswood to fit underneath the puzzle, just use Aleene's DIY Craft Heavy Duty adhesive to secure the name plate to the basswood backing piece. Set some books on it while it cures overnight to prevent warping. (pic from my previous unicorn puzzle)

Place the cutout portion of the puzzle on top of the basswood backing and make sure everything lines up correctly.

Once you're happy with the placement, apply a thin layer of wood glue to the back of the puzzle layer.

Carefully position it onto the basswood and press it down.

Be careful not to use too much glue. You want enough to create a strong bond without having a lot of glue squeeze out around the edges.

Allow the glue to dry completely according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Once dry, you'll have a sturdy wooden puzzle board with individual spaces for each letter.

Paint the Puzzle

Now comes the fun part—adding color!

Simple painted puzzles means the recipient can use paint markers to decorate it the way they like it, becoming an even greater treasure.

I used bright acrylic craft paint and sponge daubers to decorate these puzzles.

For the puzzle boards, I chose cheerful colors such as blue, yellow, and green. I applied the paint to the surface of the puzzle while keeping the finish clean and simple.

Then I painted the tops of the individual letter pieces white.

The white letters really pop against the bright puzzle boards and make them easy for children to see.

You can completely customize the color combinations to suit the child or the occasion. Try pastel colors for a baby shower, bright primary colors for a toddler's birthday, or colors that coordinate with a child's nursery.

You could even create seasonal versions for Christmas gifts or other holidays.

Allow all of the paint to dry completely before handling the pieces.

If you'd like to add additional protection, you can finish the painted surfaces with a light coat of acrylic sealer.

Why Name Puzzles Are Great for Kids

These puzzles are more than just cute decorations!

A name puzzle gives children a hands-on way to interact with letters and learn how those letters fit together to spell their name.

Picking up and manipulating each letter helps develop fine motor skills, while figuring out which piece belongs in which space encourages hand-eye coordination and problem-solving.

Playing with a letter puzzle can encourage:

Letter recognition
Name recognition
Early spelling skills
Fine motor skills
Hand-eye coordination
Shape matching
Concentration
Problem-solving
Independent play

Because the puzzle is personalized, children may also feel a special connection to it. Seeing their own name can make learning letters more meaningful and exciting.

It's a fun little head start on early literacy skills without feeling like formal learning.

Ideas for Custom Name Puzzles

Once you have your design and laser settings figured out, you can make these puzzles for all kinds of occasions.

Try making them for:

First birthdays
Baby showers
Baptism gifts
Christmas gifts
Birthday gifts
Grandchildren
Sibling gifts
Nursery decor
Preschool classrooms
Daycare classrooms
Personalized gifts
Special occasions

You could also add a personalized message to the back of the puzzle.

A birth date, short saying, or message from the gift giver would turn the puzzle into a keepsake that can be saved long after the child has outgrown it.

Making Custom Puzzles to Sell (can remove this whole section as needed)

If you're thinking about turning these into custom items to sell, personalized wooden puzzles can be a great addition to a handmade product line.

Before listing them for sale, make sure the digital file you're using allows commercial production of physical items. Licensing terms vary between designers and marketplaces, so always read the seller's terms before selling products made from their files.

When creating your listing, include full details about the available sizes, materials, colors, personalization options, and production process.

You'll also want to consider delivery times when setting your listing's processing time.

Shipping estimates can depend on things such as the purchase date, seller's handling time, shipping service, business days, origin zip code, and destination zip code. Some marketplaces may display delivery dates - opens, notes - delivery, or selection results to customers based on their location.

If you're accepting custom orders during the holiday season, remember that peak periods can make shipping times less predictable. Give yourself enough production time before the package even reaches the carrier.

If customers are shopping from a mobile device, some marketplace features may appear differently than they do on a desktop computer or in a new window.

You may also see payment information relating to terms- for PayPal Credit, a PayPal Credit account, Synchrony Bank, credit approval, or minimum monthly payments. These payment terms are handled by the payment provider and are separate from your production and shipping schedule.

It's always better to give realistic delivery estimates rather than promising a specific arrival date that depends on a carrier.

Make a Personalized Gift

I love how these custom name puzzles combine personalization, creativity, and learning into one simple project.

The xTool P3 makes it possible to create precisely cut wooden puzzles quickly, while a little acrylic paint turns each one into a bright and colorful handmade keepsake.

Whether you're making a personalized name puzzle for your own child, creating a great gift for a friend's new baby, or filling custom orders for birthdays and baby showers, these puzzles are practical, educational, and adorable.

They're also a wonderful way to introduce children to letters while they naturally develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and name recognition through play.

That's it!

Honestly, there's something pretty special about seeing a little one proudly put together a puzzle with their very own name.

Once your basic design is ready, simply change the letters and colors to create an endless variety of custom puzzles. Make one for every birthday, baby shower, Christmas morning, or other special occasion.

A personalized wooden puzzle is a unique gift that's fun to make, fun to give, and even more fun for little hands to play with!

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CHECK OUT OTHER FUN XTOOL P3 PROJECTS HERE:

How to Make Acrylic Name Keychains DIY with xTool P3

There’s something extra special about having your name on something—especially when it’s colorful, handmade, and just plain cute!

These pastel acrylic name keychains are a fun project to make with the xTool P3 CO2 Laser, and they come together with just a few pieces of acrylic and some colorful hardware.

How to Laser Cut a Felt Banner with the xTool P3 Machine

CHECK OUT MORE ON THE XTOOL P3 HERE:

How to Make a Laser Cut Wooden Unicorn Puzzle DIY with xTool P3

How to Make a Laser Cut Wooden Unicorn Puzzle DIY

2026-08-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make a Laser Cut Wooden Unicorn Puzzle DIY with xTool P3

The finished puzzle has a sweet unicorn design with a colorful rainbow mane, bright pink accents, and a simple white face. The pieces are large, easy to see, and fun for little hands to put together.

I started with a puzzle file from Creative Fabrica and then sizing the puzzle elements I wanted for my design. Then I used the camera in xTool Studio to position everything perfectly on my wood before cutting.

xTool P3 Laser Settings:

3/8" Baltic Birch Plywood

Engrave: Power 15%, Speed 400mm/s, Pass 1

Cut: Power 90%, Speed 15mm/x, Pass 1

One of the things I love about laser cutting is how quickly a project like this can go from a digital design to a finished wooden puzzle. The xTool P3 CO2 Laser handled all of the cutting super fast, leaving me with precisely cut puzzle pieces ready for sanding, assembly, and painting.

This would make a wonderful birthday gift, Christmas present, baby shower gift, or colorful nursery decoration. And once you have your basic design figured out, you can make all kinds of custom wood laser cut puzzles!

Supplies for Wooden Unicorn Puzzle

affiliate links

xTool P3 CO2 Laser
3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood (puzzle pieces and backing board)
1/8-inch basswood (puzzle border piece)
Unicorn Puzzle design file from Creative Fabrica
xTool Studio software
800-grit sandpaper
Aleene's Heavy Duty Craft Glue
Acrylic craft paint
FolkArt Glitterific Pop Paint
Sponge daubers
Paintbrushes, if desired
Optional acrylic sealer

For my unicorn puzzle, I used bright shades of pink, purple, white, blue, yellow, and green to create the colorful mane and unicorn details.

Choose Your Puzzle Design

I started with a puzzle file from Creative Fabrica.

There are so many different puzzle templates available online, from traditional jigsaw puzzles to animals, names, shapes, and other kid-friendly designs.

Search Wooden Puzzle and you'll get so many options. Here's the ones I recommend:

For this project, I chose a unicorn design that had large, simple pieces. I wanted the finished puzzle to be colorful and easy for children to recognize and assemble.

If you're searching for designs, you may also come across terms such as wooden puzzle, jigsaw puzzles, animal puzzle, blank pieces, or even par puzzles. The important thing is to choose a design that is appropriate for the age of the child who will be using it.

Some files are specifically designed for laser cutting and may include separate cut lines for the outside shape and individual pieces.

Other files may need a little cleanup before they're ready to send to your laser.

Customize the Digital Design

Once I had the puzzle file open, I selected the pieces I wanted to use for my project.

This is where having an editable puzzle design is really helpful. Instead of being stuck with exactly what came in the original file, you can modify the design to fit your project.

If you're working with SVG artwork, check that your shapes are properly formed before sending them to the laser. Sometimes overlapping shapes need to be combined into a compound path so the software understands exactly which areas should be cut.

You also want to make sure your cut lines are assigned to the correct operation in xTool Studio.

Depending on the file, you may have separate layers for engraving, scoring, and cutting. I wasn't using laser engraving for this project because I wanted the painted wood and layered pieces to create the design.

If your file contains a hinge pattern or other decorative element that you don't need, you can remove those pieces before creating your final layout.

The goal is to create a clean design with clearly defined puzzle pieces and a separate backing and border.

Set Up the Wood in the xTool P3

For the main puzzle pieces, I used 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood and for the backing board of the puzzle.

I also used 1/8-inch basswood as the outline border that surrounds the puzzle.

Place the wood inside the xTool P3 CO2 Laser and use the built-in camera to take a picture of the material.

The camera image is then displayed in xTool Studio.

This is one of my favorite features because I can see exactly where my design is going to cut.

Instead of guessing where the wood is positioned, I can move the design around on the camera image and make sure everything fits before starting the machine.

I carefully positioned the unicorn puzzle on the wood and checked the placement.

I also arranged the backing board and border pieces on the thinner basswood.

This is especially helpful when you're trying to maximize your material. You can move the designs close together and use areas of the wood that might otherwise become scrap.

Once everything looked right, I double-checked the cut operation before starting the laser.

Cut the Puzzle Pieces

Now it's time for the fun part!

Send the design to the xTool P3 and let the laser cutter do the work...make sure to select the nostril and the eyelashes for engraving first!

The xTool P3 cut this project super fast. The machine moved through the plywood and created the individual unicorn pieces with clean, precise cuts.

I cut the unicorn head pieces from 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood, which cuts smoothly in a single pass!

Then I cut the backing board and the outline border from 1/8-inch basswood.

The border is an important part of this design because it gives all of the puzzle pieces a defined area to sit inside. Instead of having loose pieces that can slide around on a table, the finished puzzle has a framed, finished appearance.

The cutting process may take slightly different amounts of time depending on the size of your puzzle, the number of pieces, your material, and your selected laser settings.

I don't worry too much about trying to hit some exact par time for every project. I choose settings that are appropriate for the material and let the machine complete the cut operation safely and correctly.

And compared with traditional woodworking methods, it's pretty amazing how quickly a digital design can become a finished puzzle!

Cut the Backing and Border

After cutting the unicorn pieces, I used the same 3/8-inch baltic birch plywood to create the solid backing board.

The backing board gives the puzzle a sturdy foundation and helps keep the pieces together.

I then cut an outline border from the 1/8-inch basswood to fit over the backer board and hold the pieces in place.

The border follows the shape of the unicorn and creates a raised edge around the puzzle.

Before gluing anything together, I placed the pieces inside the border to make sure everything lined up correctly.

This is an important step because it's much easier to fix a layout before the glue is involved!

If you are creating your own puzzle templates, I recommend designing the backing and border at the same time as the main puzzle so everything is sized correctly.

Lightly Sand the Wood

Laser-cut wood can have slightly rough edges, so I gave all of the pieces a quick sanding.

For this project, I used 800-grit sandpaper.

I didn't want to change the shape of the pieces or round over the edges. I simply wanted to smooth them out and remove any little rough spots.

Lightly sand around the edges of each puzzle piece and inspect them carefully.

Since this is a children's puzzle, pay particular attention to splinters or sharp edges.

You can also gently sand the top surface if you want a smoother finish before painting.

Once everything is sanded, wipe away the dust before moving on to assembly.

Glue the Puzzle Board Together

Now it's time to assemble the puzzle board.

I started by gluing the solid basswood backing board to the outline border piece.

Apply a thin, even layer of wood glue to the back of the border.

Carefully position the border on the backing board and press it into place.

Make sure the pieces are aligned before the glue begins to set.

I recommend letting the glue dry completely before painting. This gives you a nice, solid foundation and prevents the pieces from shifting while you're working.

Once the glue has dried, place the unicorn puzzle pieces inside the border again to make sure everything still fits properly.

Paint the Unicorn

This is where this project really comes to life! No shame in leaving the puzzle natural though, I love the look of natural wood.

I used acrylic craft paint and sponge daubers to add bright colors to the puzzle.

For the unicorn's face and body, I used white paint.

Then I added bright pink, purple, blue, yellow, and green to the mane and horn details.

I love using sponge daubers for this type of project because they allow me to apply paint in thin, controlled layers without putting too much paint around the edges...like a stain almost.

I painted only the surface of the puzzle pieces, leaving the laser-cut edges natural.

This gives the finished puzzle a layered wooden appearance and lets the beautiful Baltic birch edges remain visible.

You can customize the color palette however you'd like. A pastel unicorn would be adorable for a nursery, while bright rainbow colors would be perfect for a birthday gift.

You could even make a different color combination for every child.

Allow the paint to dry completely before putting the puzzle together.

If desired, you can finish the painted surface with a kid-appropriate acrylic sealer once the paint has completely cured.

Put the Unicorn Puzzle Together

Once everything is dry, place the individual unicorn pieces into the outline.

The finished design creates a colorful unicorn image with clearly defined pieces.

The bright colors make it easy for children to see the different sections of the puzzle, while the recognizable unicorn shape gives them a visual clue as they work.

I especially like puzzles with larger pieces for younger children because they are easier to grasp and manipulate.

The child can experiment with rotating each piece, finding the correct location, and fitting it into place.

That's a lot of learning disguised as play!

Why Wooden Puzzles Are Great for Kids

A puzzle might seem like a simple toy, but there is a lot going on when a child sits down to put one together.

Picking up and moving puzzle pieces helps develop fine motor control. Turning a piece to find the correct orientation encourages hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

Puzzles can also help children practice:

Problem-solving
Concentration
Shape recognition
Color recognition
Hand-eye coordination
Fine motor skills
Spatial awareness
Patience
Independent play

And because this is an animal puzzle featuring a unicorn, you can also use it as an opportunity to talk about colors, shapes, animals, and storytelling.

Ask your child what colors they see. Have them name the different parts of the unicorn. Encourage them to describe where each piece belongs.

It turns a simple wooden toy into a fun learning activity.

Make Custom Wood Laser Cut Puzzles

Once you've made one puzzle, it's easy to imagine all of the possibilities that the xTool P3 CO2 Laser can make!

You could create custom wood laser cut puzzles featuring different animals, names, shapes, or characters.

Use your favorite puzzle templates as a starting point and experiment with different materials, sizes, colors, and layouts.

You can even create a whole collection of puzzles for a playroom or preschool classroom.

If you're making puzzles to sell, personalized designs can also make wonderful custom orders. Consider offering different animals, names, color combinations, or sizes.

You could make an animal puzzle for a birthday, a personalized puzzle for a baby shower, or a themed puzzle for Christmas.

Selling Handmade Wooden Puzzles

If you decide to sell your finished puzzles, remember to check the commercial licensing terms for any digital design you purchase.

Not every digital file allows you to sell physical products made from the design.

When listing custom wood laser cut puzzles, include the finished dimensions, materials, number of pieces, recommended age range, and available personalization options.

It's also a good idea to clearly explain your production and delivery time.

If you're making a custom order, remember that the delivery time includes more than the time your laser is running. You need to account for preparing the design, cutting, sanding, gluing, painting, packaging, and shipping.

During busy seasons, especially Christmas, your processing schedule can take longer. A listing that says "next day" shipping or processing can create very different expectations from a listing that explains a few business days of production time.

Be realistic about the time needed to create each puzzle and communicate that clearly to customers.

Some marketplaces will display estimated shipping information in a new window or show delivery estimates based on the customer's location and shipping method. Those estimates are not always within your control once the package leaves your hands.

A Colorful Handmade Gift

I absolutely love how this unicorn puzzle turned out!

The combination of natural wood, bright acrylic paint, and layered puzzle pieces makes it feel like a handmade keepsake while still being a fun toy for kids.

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser made the laser cutting portion of the project incredibly quick and precise. Once the design was prepared, I could position everything using the camera in xTool Studio, start the machine, and have beautifully cut pieces ready for sanding and assembly in no time.

This colorful wooden puzzle would make a great birthday gift, Christmas present, baby shower gift, or handmade addition to a child's nursery.

And you don't have to stop with unicorns!

Try making a dinosaur, elephant, rainbow, puppy, cat, or another favorite animal puzzle. With a good set of puzzle templates and a little creativity, you can create an entire collection of personalized wooden puzzles.

There's just something extra special about giving a child a puzzle that was made by hand specifically for them—and this colorful unicorn is definitely one I wouldn't mind finding under the Christmas tree!

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CHECK OUT OTHER FUN XTOOL P3 PROJECTS HERE:

How to Make Acrylic Name Keychains DIY with xTool P3

There’s something extra special about having your name on something—especially when it’s colorful, handmade, and just plain cute!

These pastel acrylic name keychains are a fun project to make with the xTool P3 CO2 Laser, and they come together with just a few pieces of acrylic and some colorful hardware.

How to Laser Cut a Felt Banner with the xTool P3 Machine

CHECK OUT MORE ON THE XTOOL P3 HERE:

How to Paint Wood Chairs DIY (No Sanding Needed)

2026-08-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Paint Wood Chairs DIY (No Sanding Needed)

I love refinishing furniture--especially furniture I found on the street, destined for the trash.

These lovely wooden chairs were spotted on my morning workout, and my friend and I carried them back to my house for updating.

Learn how easy it is to paint wood chairs with no sanding or intense preparation needed.

These fabulous spindle chair set was a great find on the side of the road, ready for a willing thrifter to pick them up.

Old chairs or a small piece of furniture is the perfect project for a first time DIY'er.

The best part is making them yours with the best paint, a recovered chair seat and a tiny bit of imagination!

Here's the wooden chair pair in all their original glory.

These were obviously painted black and already reupholstered in black with plastic.

I love working with wood furniture thought because the strength and structure is there.

BUY FABRIC FIRST

First thing, I decided to make the painted chair pair match, but not be exactly the same.

Next step, I shopped for the duckcloth canvas new fabric first and picked out a pattern I like.

Then I bought the paint I needed in blue and red to match the flowers in the fabric print.

Supplies Needed for Painting Wooden Chairs:

affiliate links:

Plaid Chalk Paint
Furniture in need of new life
Chalk Paint Brush
Clear Wax
Light Grit Sandpaper (optional)
Canvas/Duckcloth (if reupholstering)
Staple Gun (if reupholstering)

No coats of primer, palm sander, sanding dust or spray shelter needed.

Check out the video tutorial too!

Step 1: Clean Chairs

First step is to give the chairs or furniture a good cleaning. These chairs were in good condition and I didn't need to fix any of the hardware or wood components. That makes painting chairs a breeze.

I noticed some chipped black paint on the top of the chair above the chair spindles and decided to just gently buff them smoother with sand paper.

This step is totally optional and did not need to happen to still make a great set of dining chairs.

**YOU CAN SKIP THIS STEP:

I just gently sanded the top of the chair to smooth out big chips in the finish.

This was not necessary, because of the beauty of chalk paint, but I thought it would help it have a smooth finish across the top...you can see the white paint exposed beneath the black paint.

So, skip this step if not needed or a concern.

Then use a damp cloth (I just used a baby wipe) and clean of the dust and debris from the dining chairs.

Because this is already a painted chair, it cleans off really easily and does not take a long time at all--seriously, prep was about 5 minutes total for both chairs!

Step 2: Remove Seat

Turn over the chair and see how the seat is secured to the frame of the chair.

The best way to remove the seat is with a long screwdriver.

It can be a good idea to make a video of this process so it's easy to put back together at the end.

Now these 2 chairs are ready for the paint.

I've refinished furniture a bunch of times and have use a paint sprayer, spray primer, spray painting with a drop cloth and a different type of paint.

I have to say, that my favorite way to refinish is chalk paint.

It dries with a smooth surface, not a really chalky finish paint, like the ones with added plaster.

Chalk paint brushes on but doesn't leave brush strokes behind.

Best results are always with a second coat of paint.

Step 3: Chalk Paint

For the red chair I am using FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint in Imperial, ultra matte acrylic paint.

And a chalk paint brush...the right brush can make a difference and chalk paint brushes give professional results.

For the blue chair I am using Waverly Inspiration Chalk acrylic paint in Ocean.

Paint colors are my favorite and I wanted to bring out 2 different colors in the fabric I picked.

It's amazing how different the fabric looks on each chair because of the color it's highlighting.

Step 4: Paint Wood Chairs

Begin with the work area before the first coat of paint...I put the chair on a piece of paper drop cloth right on top of my desk.

Then I don't have to lean over while painting and it's off the floor--and less likely to get touched while drying.

I pour some on a paper plate to use as a palette, since shoving the paint brush in the bottle would damage the bristles.

This is not like spray paint, which needs lots of light coats of paint...the chalk paint is a thick paint and does not take much paint for full coverage.

I love chalk paint--look at how easily one coat of paint covers up the black paint that was already there.

**Remember no coat of primer needed!

It does not take much time to get one coat of paint all over the chair.

I place the chair on my table on a paper drop cloth and paint the legs, seat and then chair spindles last.

Then let the first coat of paint dry completely for 4 hours.

Then paint the second coat of paint.

I always always always recommend a second coat of paint for everything...there's always little places that were missed in the first coat and it makes the paint a little bolder in color because of the coverage.

Let the red chair dry and get started on the blue chair.

The blue paint was a little thicker but easy to paint.

As the paint dries, the brush stroke lines just vanish, leaving a smooth and durable finish.

Again, let the first coat of chalk paint dry for 4 hours and then paint a second coat of paint over the furniture.

The paint job is just about finished--if you have clear wax, do a quick coat with a microfiber cloth after the paint dries.

This is an easy way to finish it off without using a top coat of something caustic.

The wax is easy to clean and protects the chair. If you don't finish it off with wax, that's fine too--I didn't use a finish wax on my chairs.

Oh look, I have some little helpers!

These little ladies love craft time.

They hop up on my desk every day around noon (they know when it's craft time) and wait for me to do a project with them.

They were really interested in the new furniture, thankfully it was already dry, when they hopped up to help with the painting process!

Lila is my little black familiar (4 months) and Linda (5 months) is the Siamese snowshoe.

Step 5: Upholstery

If your chair has padded upholstered seats, now is the perfect time to reupholster them.

Simply cut off the fabric that was there before, don't worry about pulling out all the staples.

Then cut your new fabric to the size of the seat, with a 4 inch overhang on each side.

Place the fabric with the bright color side down on the table, then place the padded part of the seat on the fabric, lining up the pattern if necessary.

Then pull the fabric up over the back of the seat (which is the underside of the seat) and hold it tight.

Start on the corners of the seat, pull up the fabric and staple in place.

Repeat the process on each corner, then move the the centers of each side, pulling firmly and evenly on each side.

Then staple all the fabric down.

I'm using 1/4" staples, they hold the fabric and don't pierce through the seat.

The last step for the chairs is to screw the seats back onto the wood chair frame.

If you recorded a video taking it apart, now is the time to watch it so it goes back together seamlessly.

The finished painted chair is lovely!

Chalk paint gives such good results...it's so fast, this makes an upcycle project so easy, fun and doable!

There are so many options for painted kitchen chairs.

These are the perfect pair of tea table chairs for the breakfast nook or dining table.

I love the fabric I found, but you can pick your own style and look with some simple fabric!

No need for lots of paints, or paint overspray...chalk paint goes on thick, smooth and durable.

If you have never refinished furniture before, this is the best way to start.

Also, chalk paint works great on laminate furniture too--so that fake stuff can still look great without a lot of prep work.

Now the question is, which chair will I sit in?

I love them both...and even though blue is my favorite color--I'm leaning toward the red one!

That's it!

I hope this post helps you feel confident to repaint those chairs you found, have or thrift!

There's so many fun furniture pieces to give new life to!

I love having slightly mis-matched chairs that still match--they are the perfect pair!

Best part, finding them on the side of the road for free!

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This cabinet was given to me by my brother and sister in law.

I think it was left in their home when they bought it and had no need for it.

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Do you have some old furniture that needs to be spruced up?

I had an old end table that I was just about to get rid of, right before I discovered COLORSHOT Spray Paint!

Great way to spruce up and recycle whatever old furniture you have laying around.

Perfect for picture frames, knick knacks, holiday decor, and much much more!

Woven Leather Bench with Hairpin Legs!

Make a super chic bench for the entry way, front porch, or mud room by weaving strips of leather on a wood base with hairpin legs.

With the supplies gathered, this project can be completed in a couple hours or less.

This stylish bench will become the hallmark of the home, get all the praise and attention and start many conversations.

Blue Ombre Spool Patio Table Upcycle!

This old drum spool table has a fun nautical vibe and it's perfect for sitting on the patio for lunch!

This blue finish is not quite ombre, but has variegated blue tones for the perfect Summer-ocean inspired furniture upcycle.

I love a great roadside rescue project!

How to Make Hairpin Leg Wedding Cake Table from Reclaimed Wood!

Make a stunning table using reclaimed wood and DIY Hairpin Legs! This versatile table can be used for anything and everything. Is there a wedding in your future? This is the perfect wedding cake table.

Perfect on the patio for cocktails or in the living room holding a big plant. What will your table be used for?

Hairpin legs are the perfect hardware pieces to make this table a quick and easy DIY project!

How to Throw Dinosaur Birthday Party (Easy DIY Ideas)

2026-08-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

I received the HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer in exchange for this review as well as some upcoming posts, I absolutely love the machine, affiliate links included and...

Save $1,000 on the HTVRONT D2 with code Natalie10

How to Throw Dinosaur Birthday Party (Easy DIY Ideas)

If you have a little dinosaur fan in your life, a dinosaur-themed party is one of the most fun birthday parties you can put together! Dinosaurs make the perfect theme because you can go as simple or as elaborate as you want. Add a few toy dinosaurs, some green leaves, balloons, and a little creativity, and suddenly your party space feels like a prehistoric jungle.

This dinosaur-themed birthday party was a perfect example of how you can create an adorable celebration with DIY decorations, reusable designs, and things you may already have around the house.

Supplies Needed for Dinosaur Themed Party:

affiliate links

Here's what I used, get creative with what you have!

HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer
Balloons
Paper Banner
Gold Tablecloth
Gold Tassel Garland
Dinosaur Toys
Marquee Light Box
Brown Lunch Bags
Canon Pixma Printer
Monstera Leaves
Greenery Garland
Party Hats

I used my HTVRONT DTF Printer to make several matching dinosaur images, my xTool P3 to cut an acrylic cake topper blank, and plenty of inexpensive party supplies to pull everything together right in the living room.

The result was a dino-mite party that was colorful, playful, and completely DIY'd!

Make a Dinosaur Design You Can Use Everywhere

One of my favorite dinosaur birthday party ideas was creating a small collection of dinosaur graphics that could be used over and over again.

Instead of buying separate decorations for every part of the party, I used my HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer to print several of the same dinosaur images.

This is such an easy way to make a whole party look coordinated without spending a fortune.

I could use the dinosaurs on party decorations, favors, hats, and even the birthday cake topper.

This is also a great way to get more use out of your HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer. Once you have your dinosaur artwork ready to go, you can print multiple copies at once and use them throughout the party.

For this party, I printed colorful dinosaur images that matched the green, blue, and gold color scheme. I also printed a dinosaur scene to use for one of the party favors.

If you're planning your own dinosaur birthday party, choose a few graphics that coordinate well rather than trying to find a different image for every decoration.

Once the dinosaurs were printed, adhesive melted and ready to use, it is just a matter of putting them all all the party decorations, making it one cohesive party set up!

DIY Dinosaur Cake Topper

This may have been my favorite part of the whole party!

I wanted a custom dinosaur cake topper, so I used my xTool P3 to cut an acrylic cake topper blank.

Then I used my HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer to print some of my dinosaur images.

Instead of applying the DTF transfer to fabric, I experimented with heat pressing the dinosaur images onto paper.

I was then able to cut out the little dinosaurs and attach them to the acrylic topper.

The result was the cutest little dinosaur cake topper!

This is a perfect way to customize a plain acrylic cake topper blank without having to buy a specialty topper for every birthday theme.

You could make the topper match virtually any birthday theme by changing the artwork.

And because you can make multiple dinosaur images with your printer, you can use the extras for other decorations.

Dinosaur Party Hats

Of course, every little paleontologist needs a party hat!

I used the same dinosaur images to decorate party hats so everything matched. You could use purchased hats or make your own with cardstock.

If you are making your own party hats, this is also where things like dinosaur footprints, dinosaur bones, leaves, and little dinosaur silhouettes would be adorable.

The matching images made the party hat feel like part of the overall dinosaur birthday party theme instead of just another random party supply.

And let's be honest—there is something pretty adorable about a bunch of little kids running around in dinosaur party hats.

The metallic finish on the party hat didn't hold up too well under the heat, but no one at the party noticed, lol.

DIY Dinosaur Party Favor Bags

I also used my HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer to decorate simple brown lunch bags for a take home goodie bag.

Brown kraft paper is perfect for a dinosaur theme because it already has that earthy, adventurous look.

Add a colorful dinosaur and suddenly a basic lunch bag becomes a custom dinosaur party favor bag.

These became the goodie bags for guests to take home.

This is an easy way to make inexpensive supplies look custom-made.

You don't need specialty dinosaur party favors or expensive printed bags when you can decorate simple supplies yourself.

You could fill the bags with small plastic dinosaurs, stickers, candy, dinosaur bones, themed food, or other little surprises.

DIY Dinosaur "Chip Bag" Favor

For another fun idea, I made a dinosaur-themed treat bag using a large dinosaur scene that I printed with my regular large printer.

I folded the printed image around a small bag of beef jerky, then taped and stapled it at the top and bottom.

Finally, I used pinking shears to trim the top and bottom edges.

That little detail made it look like a homemade chip bag!

This is the perfect party theme for any age or gender, we celebrated Evelyn's 24th birthday with this fun dinosaur themed set up!

You could wrap individual snacks, popcorn, chips, crackers, or candy in custom dinosaur artwork.

It's a great way to turn ordinary snacks into themed party favors without paying the extra cost for specialty packaging.

Honestly, this got the MOST attention at the party, it just looked so good--lots of "Wow, where did you get these" kind of comments! DIY for the win!

Make a Dinosaur Bunting Banner

For the main party backdrop, I made a bunting banner with the birthday girl's name.

The bright blue letters really popped against the greenery and gold decorations. A personalized banner is one of those dinosaur party decorations that makes the whole party area feel special.

You could spell out the birthday child's name, "Happy Birthday," "Dino-Mite," or even "ROAR!"

If you're looking for free dinosaur party ideas, a homemade bunting banner is a perfect place to start. You can create the letters from cardstock and cut them with a cutting machine or by hand.

The personalized name banner also makes a great keepsake or photo backdrop.

Gold "Dirt" Tablecloth

Here's one of my favorite decorating tricks: don't worry about making your tablecloth perfectly smooth!

I used a gold foil tablecloth and scrunched it all up across the table so it looked like the ground.

The crinkly texture gave the dessert table a fun, rocky, almost prehistoric look. It also added tons of sparkle without requiring any complicated DIY.

You could use brown kraft paper for an earthy dinosaur dig, green tablecloths for a jungle look, or even layer brown and green paper for a prehistoric jungle effect.

Sometimes the easiest way to decorate is simply to embrace the wrinkles!

Add Lots of Greenery

I wanted the party space to feel like a prehistoric jungle, so I added plenty of faux greenery.

Monstera leaves were perfect because they have such a tropical, oversized look. I also used greenery around the table and behind the cake.

For the balloons, I taped monstera leaves directly onto some of the balloons. It was such a simple little detail, but it made the balloon display feel much more themed.

You don't necessarily need an elaborate balloon garland. A bunch of balloons in coordinating colors can make a huge impact.

I used blue, green, and white balloons, and a balloon pump makes blowing up a bunch of balloons much easier!

If you're planning dinosaur birthday parties on a budget, balloons are one of the best ways to fill a large party space without spending a fortune.

Bring Out the Dinosaur Decorations

I added toy dinosaurs throughout the party tables and dessert table.

Small plastic dinosaurs are inexpensive and incredibly versatile. You can scatter them around the cake, use them as table decorations, place them near the favors, or create a little dinosaur dig.

You could even make a dinosaur nest using shredded paper and plastic eggs.

Dino eggs are another fun addition. Plastic eggs left over from Easter eggs can easily be turned into dinosaur eggs with a little bit of acrylic paint.

Place the dinosaur eggs around toy dinosaurs for a simple dinosaur nest centerpiece.

For another party activity, hide plastic dinosaurs around the yard or party room and let the little paleontologists go on a dino dig.

Don't Forget the Balloons!

The balloon display really helped fill the wall and make the party area feel like the ultimate dinosaur birthday party.

I used blue, green, and white balloons and added monstera leaves to some of them. I also had a mylar palm tree balloon tucked away from a luau party from years ago.

I pulled it back out for this party!

I love reusing party supplies whenever possible. That palm tree balloon was already in my stash, and it fit perfectly with the prehistoric jungle vibe.

You don't have to buy everything new for every birthday party. Look around your storage bins first—you might be surprised by how many things can be reused for a different dinosaur theme.

Add a Light-Up Birthday Sign

I also brought out my light-up marquee sign for another little Happy Birthday message.

A marquee sign is a perfect way to add some extra sparkle to a dessert table or party area. It doesn't have to specifically match the dinosaur theme because the rest of the decorations will tie everything together.

It's also something you can reuse for birthday parties year after year.

The Birthday Cake

And then there was the birthday cake!

The cake was made with layers of angel food cake and strawberry filling, covered in delicious buttercream frosting. A sweet friend made it for me, and it was absolutely perfect.

I added my DIY dinosaur cake topper to the top, which pulled the entire dessert table together.

You could absolutely make a dinosaur cake yourself, decorate a store-bought white cake, or use dinosaur cookie cutters to create little dinosaur-shaped cookies to serve alongside the cake.

White cake plates also helped keep the dessert table looking clean and bright while letting the colorful dinosaur decorations stand out.

Easy Dinosaur Party Food

You don't need a complicated menu for a dinosaur-themed birthday party.

Keep the food simple and give it fun dinosaur names, it makes it a lot of fun. Regular snacks can become themed food with a little creativity.

Think:

"Dinosaur Bones" for breadsticks or pretzels
"Dino Eggs" for decorated treats or cookies
"Prehistoric Jungle" fruit trays
Dinosaur cookies
Dinosaur-shaped sandwiches
"Dino Dig" snack mixes
White chocolate dinosaur treats

Themed food is one of those little details that makes the party feel extra special without requiring a huge amount of work.

I just filled brown bags with lots of treats as take home favors and didn't focus on the themed food for this party.

More Dinosaur Party Ideas

If you want to take the dinosaur party themes even further, there are so many possibilities!

Set up a dinosaur dig using sand and small plastic dinosaurs. Have kids search for hidden dinosaur eggs or bones. Add a dinosaur piñata for a fun party activity.

You could also make dinosaur footprints from cardstock or construction paper and tape them to the floor leading into the party room.

For invitations, create adorable dinosaur invitations using the same artwork from your decorations. Then carry those same dinosaurs throughout the party so the entire event has a cohesive look.

You could even create free printable templates for dinosaur labels, food signs, favor tags, and games.

A Few Budget-Friendly Tips

The dollar tree can be an excellent place to find supplies for a dinosaur-themed birthday party. Look for balloons, plastic eggs, tablecloths, paper plates, party hats, bags, greenery, and craft supplies.

Reuse what you already have whenever possible.

That palm tree balloon from last year? Use it!

Extra Easter eggs? Turn them into dino eggs!

Plain brown lunch bags? Decorate them!

Basic party hats? Add your dinosaur artwork!

Acrylic cake topper blank? Turn it into a custom dinosaur cake topper!

This is the perfect way to create an ultimate dinosaur party without buying a completely new collection of decorations for just one big day.

The Ultimate DIY Dinosaur Birthday Party

The best thing about this party was that nearly all the diy dinosaur decorations could be made, reused, or repurposed.

The HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer made it easy to create matching dinosaur images for multiple projects. The xTool P3 helped me make the acrylic cake topper blank.

Simple balloons became jungle decorations with a few taped-on monstera leaves. A gold foil tablecloth became prehistoric ground. Old party supplies got a second life.

And that's what makes DIY birthday parties so much fun.

You don't have to spend a fortune to create a memorable celebration. A little creativity can turn inexpensive supplies into personalized dinosaur party decorations, dinosaur party favors, and decorations that feel completely custom.

Whether you're planning a little boy's birthday, a big boy's dinosaur celebration, or a dinosaur-themed birthday party for your little dinosaur fan, this dinosaur party theme is a great way to create a fun and memorable celebration.

It was colorful, playful, and full of things dinosaurs—exactly what you want for a dino-mite party!

If you're shopping for supplies through affiliate links on this site, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and supplies that I genuinely enjoy using.

Now go round up your toy dinosaurs, inflate a bunch of balloons, grab those craft supplies, and get ready to throw your own dinosaur birthday party!

HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer --Use code Natalie10 for $1000 off!

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50+ Craft Ideas for Girls Night (Easy DIY Crafts)

2026-08-21T02:00:00.000-04:00

50+ Craft Ideas for Girls Night (Easy DIY Crafts)

Need some craft ideas for hosting girls night, a Pinterest party or a fun night from the comfort of your own home?

I'm sharing 50+ great craft ideas for best friends to make together during a fun night and maybe a glass of wine.

The great thing about a craft party is getting your amateur artist friends over for creating, laughing and lots of pictures.

Add a personal touch to items bought at the local craft store or make items from scratch!

Which one of these crafts would you want to make at your next girl's craft night!?

50+ Fun Craft Ideas for Girl's Night!

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This tiered wood bead wreath is the perfect wreath for the front door for Fall, or any time of year.

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How to Paint a Globe (DIY Galaxy Star Map Tutorial)

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Back during the last week of September 2024, I picked up a new favorite hobby of loose acrylic painting!

I'm going to walk you through the basic steps of loose acrylic painting as a reference or guide, but as always, if you are excited about loose acrylic painting, sign up for a class or a course.

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These gorgeous wire crowns are my favorite accessory and I ended up making nearly 20 of them!

Let me walk you through one crown style and then you can get creative and make all the crowns your heart desires.

FYI: I am not a model, just an enthusiastic crafter that no longer has kids to force to model.

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Learn how to engrave stainless steel pendants with the xTool S1 2W infrared laser.

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These are gorgeously engraved permanent marks and will not wipe off...turn your handwriting into a treasure.

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Make a collection of full color pin badges in various shapes and themes. Use custom art or print off some of your favorite things and transform them into pins.

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Just a few easy steps and folding to make a little DIY origami corner bookmark to keep track of reading all during the school year.

These easy corner bookmarks are a perfect gift, easy crafts for a school class or youth group (great for fine motor skills), and all you need are some squares of paper.

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This cute cherry decor DIY is chic and groovy all in one!

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How to Make Gel Plate Monoprints (DIY Art Printing)

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Wood Slice Watercolor Lettering Sign

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This is the solution!

Make a custom piece to hang in your home or give as a gift.

Make one for grandma and grandpa with all the grandkid names.

Do your family names fit in a scrabble layout?

How to Make Natural Crystal Point Necklaces!

These natural crystal necklaces are beautiful and healing.

This is a great jewelry making craft for beginners too.

Learn how to make a natural crystal shard necklace for a handmade gift, awesome accessory or as a girls craft night!

How to Make a Wire Wrapped Bird Nest Necklace!

Learn how simple it is to make a wire wrapped bird nest necklace.

This is the perfect handmade Mother's Day gift, one little bead "egg" for each of her children.

Make this bird nest necklace in less than 30 minutes.

Vintage Frame Ring Holders!

Turn an old frame into a stunning ring display holder!

Upcycled crafts are my favorite. I love taking something old and making it something new.

Make ring display holders for gifts, displays for boutique sales, or just to display your favorite rings on your nightstand.

Cereal Box Refillable Journals Upcycled Craft DIY!

Make a cereal box refillable journal for the perfect Earth Day crafting!

These cute notebooks are perfect and can be refilled with any kind of paper you like.

Turn a cereal cardboard box into a refillable notebook for sketching, drawing and note taking.

Upcycled Rolled Paper Frame!

This frame is visually stunning with lots of texture and pops of color!

However...it's menace runs deeper.

This was the most tedious and time consuming project I've ever wrangled my kids into doing.

It turned out stunning, with vivid colors and looks amazing...but it was the most tedious project I've ever tackled!

Damask Polymer Clay Pendants made with Sculpey!

Learn how to make these stunning damask polymer clay pendants!

These pendants are beautiful but are much easier to make than they look.

This fun craft I did back in 2014 and I thought it was time for a much needed refresh!

How to Make a Paper Basket!

A paper basket is adorable and so easy to make!

Make this cute paper basket with just one square piece of paper...or double them up for a color block look!

This was posted back in 2017 and I just knew it needed a refresh!

How to Make a Front Porch Sign with Cricut!

Make a tall, skinny front porch sign with a board, paint, vinyl and Cricut.

This cute sign can be customized and fit beautifully on nearly every front porch, right next to the door.

Make a interchangeable decoration to add more fun, like the "O" in this Welcome sign!

How to Make Rhinestone Hair Clips!

I love sparkly things! These rhinestone hair clips are easy to make and make a super chic statement.

Make the perfect accessory with a few rhinestones, some adhesive and just a little bit of time.

If you've wanted to try adding rhinestones to things--but don't want to be overwhelmed, this is the perfect place to start!

How to Make Butterfly Popup Cards!

Make the cutest cards for quick gifts, thank you notes or just because cards! These butterfly pop-up cards are easy to make and take less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

Let's make 4 butterfly pop-up cards with just 4 supplies and 5 spare minutes!

How to Make a Vintage Button Heart Frame!

Learn how to make a vintage button heart in an ornate frame.

Pull out those old vintage buttons in the cookie tin and turn them into a beautiful piece of decor for the home.

Gather a few supplies from around the house or take a trip to the dollar store to get the necessary items for this craft.

It's a great handmade gift, perfect decor for Valentines day or year round, and can be done as a kids craft project too!

That's it!

Enjoy a crafternoon or a girls crafting at the end of the night as a great way to connect, create and make friendship bracelets, I mean, deeper friendships.

Pick a project, buy the supplies and have everyone chip in, and create something extra fun that will have everyone excited to not wait a long time for the next one.

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How to Make Metal Tin Watercolor Ceramic Palette DIY

2026-08-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Metal Tin Watercolor Ceramic Palette DIY

There is something magical about creating a handmade tool that is not only useful but beautiful enough to be considered a little work of art. These tiny DIY ceramic palettes started as a simple ball of clay and transformed into the perfect portable watercolor companion.

I love making functional art — pieces that can be used every day while still feeling special. These handmade ceramic palettes are the perfect example. They are small enough to tuck into a bag, sturdy enough for travel, and just the right size for painting on the go.

Plus, because they are handmade, every palette has its own personality. No two will ever be exactly alike!

Handmade Ceramic Palettes From Clay

This project started with a simple idea: create a tiny ceramic paint palette that would fit perfectly inside a small metal tin.

Those little hinged tins are the perfect size for travel art supplies. They are lightweight, protective, and easy to carry. Instead of buying a manufactured palette, I wanted to create something completely custom.

Using earthenware clay, I shaped each palette by hand and created three small paint wells. These pockets would hold individual watercolor colors while leaving enough open space for mixing.

The process is a little bit of science mixed with creativity because clay changes dramatically throughout the process.

When you create something from clay, it starts out larger than the finished piece. As it dries and goes through firing, the clay shrinks. This is something every ceramic artist has to plan for.

Since I wanted my ceramic palettes to fit snugly inside the metal tins, I intentionally made them about 10% larger than the final size I needed.

That shrinkage allowance ended up being really important!

Supplies Needed for Travel Watercolor Palettes

affiliate links

earthenware clay
small metal hinged tins (Altoid-style tins)
clay tools
smooth surface for working
kiln access for firing
ceramic glaze
Dremel tool (optional)
sidewalk or concrete surface for smoothing edges
Tube watercolor paints
paintbrush

Creating the Clay Palette Shape

Start with a small amount of clay and condition it until it is soft and workable.

Roll the clay into a ball of clay, then flatten it into a small slab. You want a thickness that feels sturdy but still lightweight enough for a travel palette.

To start, I created three small recessed sections for watercolor pans. These little wells hold individual colors while leaving the center and edges available for mixing.

After creating the 3 wells, now it's time to cut the shape of the palette to fit inside the tin...but a little bit bigger to account for clay shrinkage.

Using your fingers or clay tools, shape the edges and create the overall footprint of the palette.

The goal is to make a piece that will eventually nest inside your metal tin.

Once the shape was complete, I placed the clay on a smooth surface and refined the edges.

A smooth surface helps prevent unwanted texture and gives the finished ceramic piece a cleaner appearance.

Remember to Plan for Clay Shrinkage

This is the most important part of making handmade ceramic pieces that need to fit another object.

Clay shrinks during:

Drying
Bisque firing
Final glaze firing

Because of this, measuring the wet clay piece to match the final size will usually leave you with something too small.

For this project, I oversized the palettes by about 10%. After both firings, they were very close to the perfect size for the tins.

After glazing them white and the final firing, they fit almost perfectly — but there was one little problem.

The edges were slightly rough, and they needed a little finishing touch after glazing.

Glazing the Ceramic Palettes

After the first firing, it was time to add color...in this case, white.

I glazed the palettes and sent them back through the kiln for their final firing.

The glaze transforms the raw clay into a finished ceramic piece that is durable, washable, and ready for everyday use.

While many ceramic pieces are created purely as decorative objects, I love when handmade pottery has a purpose.

A handmade ceramic paint palette is both functional and artistic — something you can use while painting and also appreciate as a tiny piece of handmade pottery.

The Sidewalk Ceramic Finishing Trick

My original plan was to use a Dremel tool to carefully smooth down the edges.

That would have worked, but after looking at each palette and realizing how many areas needed smoothing, I knew it would take forever.

Then I had a much simpler idea.

I grabbed the ceramic pieces, went outside, sat right on the sidewalk, and gently rubbed the edges against the concrete.

And honestly?

It worked beautifully.

The sidewalk acted almost like a giant piece of sandpaper. By moving the ceramic palette back and forth over the rough surface, the uneven edges smoothed down quickly and evenly.

Within minutes, the palettes had clean edges and fit perfectly inside the tins.

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones!

This technique would work well for small ceramic projects whenever you need to gently adjust a fired piece. Just remember to wear appropriate safety protection and avoid creating or breathing in ceramic dust.

Filling the Mini Travel Watercolor Palette

Once the ceramic palettes were complete and fitted inside the tins, I added watercolor.

I chose Mameriblu watercolor in three vibrant colors:

blue
yellow
magenta

These three colors create the perfect little travel setup because they can be mixed together to create so many different shades.

Incidentally, I got these 3 Star Wars themed tins at the Dollar Tree decades ago and have just been saving them for the perfect project!

The three pockets hold enough paint for a portable painting session, while the open ceramic surface gives plenty of room for blending and mixing.

It is amazing how much creativity can fit inside such a tiny container!

Why Make a Handmade Ceramic Paint Palette?

There are plenty of inexpensive plastic watercolor palettes available, but there is something special about painting with tools you created yourself.

A handmade palette:

feels personal
becomes part of your creative process
makes a thoughtful handmade gift
is reusable and durable
looks beautiful sitting in your art supplies

Unlike an old palette that has been replaced and forgotten, a handmade ceramic palette becomes a keepsake.

Every paint mark and color stain becomes part of its story.

Perfect for Travel Painting

These mini watercolor tins are exactly what I wanted — compact, functional, and beautiful.

They are small enough to carry in a purse, backpack, or art bag, making them perfect for:

vacation painting
nature journaling
urban sketching
plein air painting
creative retreats

The ceramic surface feels wonderful for mixing colors, and the tin protects the palette when it is closed.

It is a tiny creative companion that encourages you to stop and paint whenever inspiration strikes.

That's it!

This project started with a simple idea and a little bit of clay, but the result is something I will use for years.

Creating ceramic palettes is such a satisfying project because it combines pottery, painting, and creativity all in one.

From shaping a ball of clay, to smoothing the edges on the sidewalk, to filling the finished palette with bright watercolor, every step adds personality.

Sometimes the best handmade projects are not the biggest or most complicated ones.

Sometimes they are the tiny creations that fit perfectly in your hand and inspire you to make something beautiful wherever you go.

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN WATERCOLOR POSTS:

How to Make Ceramic Palettes for Watercolor Paint!

There’s something special about creating artwork with tools that are just as beautiful as the paintings themselves. While I have plenty of plastic palettes tucked away in my studio, I wanted something that felt more inspiring to reach for each time I sat down to paint.

How to Fill Watercolor Palette Pans with Tube Paint

Learn how easy it is to fill a watercolor palette with paint from a tube, the huge quality upgrade from those chalky or faint watercolor sets.

I'll show you how to pick vibrant colors that are ready to paint anytime and any place!

How to Make Color Shift Watercolors DIY Tutorial!

Learn how to make your own homemade color shift watercolors. Color shifting watercolors are amazing! They can be pricey and hard to acquire...I know, I've tried!

I decided the best way to get what I wanted was to make it myself. It's hard to find a great tutorial on homemade watercolors, so this tutorial is my gift to you!

This tutorial is all the tips and tricks, supplies and process needed for making your own handmade watercolor paint.

How to Make Easy DIY Watercolor Floral Bookmarks

Looking for a quick watercolor project that's beautiful, useful, and giftable?

These handmade watercolor bookmarks are one of my favorite ways to turn a small piece of watercolor paper into something special.

With just a few supplies and a simple floral design, you can create lovely floral bookmarks perfect for tucking into your favorite novel or gifting to a book-loving friend.

How to Paint Watercolor Flower Cards (Easy Beginners)

Looking for a handmade card idea that's beautiful, thoughtful, and surprisingly easy to create?

These watercolor flower cards are one of my favorite projects because each card becomes a tiny original painting that can be shared with someone special.

How to Make Shrinky Dink Plastic Charms or Earrings

2026-08-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Shrinky Dink Plastic Charms or Earrings!

There is something so fun about turning a simple drawing into a tiny wearable piece of art! These adorable goldfish in a bag earrings started with a hand-drawn design, a sheet of shrink plastic, and a little bit of creativity.

Shrink plastic (also known as shrinky dinks) is one of those nostalgic craft supplies that never gets old. Watching a flat piece of plastic transform into a tiny, sturdy charm feels like magic every single time.

For this project, I turned my friend’s cute goldfish drawing into the sweetest little pair of dangling earrings. The best part? Because shrink plastic changes as it heats, every piece becomes completely unique.

These little fish charms have the look of a tiny water-filled bag, complete with fun crinkles and texture from the shrinking process. They are the perfect handmade accessory for anyone who loves whimsical jewelry!

(Print off the image above drawn by my friend Angie (no AI here), scaled to fit the print space and use it as a pattern for your own earrings!)

What Is Shrink Plastic?

Shrink plastic is a special type of shrink film that becomes smaller and thicker when heated. You can draw, color, or print designs onto it, cut them out, and then use heat to transform them into durable little charms.

Many people remember shrink plastic from childhood crafts, but today it has become a favorite material for jewelry makers and artists creating detailed homemade charms.

The finished pieces are lightweight, colorful, and surprisingly strong.

Shrinky Dink charms you can create:

earrings
keychains
zipper pulls
pins
ornaments
magnets
charms for bracelets

For this project, the shrink charms became the cutest pair of goldfish earrings!

Supplies Needed for Shrink Plastic Earrings:

affiliate links:

shrink plastic or shrink film
shrinky dinks sheets
permanent marker
colored pencils
scissors
1/4" hole punch
baking sheet
parchment paper
heat gun or oven
jump ring
earring hooks
clear sealant (optional)

You can also use inkjet shrinky-dink sheets if you prefer printing your designs instead of drawing them by hand.

Create Your Goldfish Design

The first step was creating the artwork.

I asked my friend to draw the cutest little goldfish swimming inside a baggy. The hand-drawn style is what makes these earrings so charming.

Once the drawing was complete, I placed the shrink plastic over the design and traced it using a permanent marker.

Permanent marker works beautifully on shrink plastic because it creates crisp outlines that stay bold after shrinking.

After tracing the fish, I colored the design using yellow and orange colored pencils.

The colors become much more intense after shrinking, so keep that in mind when coloring your design. A shade that looks soft before shrinking may become much brighter afterward.

Remember: Your Design Will Shrink!

One of the most important things to remember when working with shrink plastic is that your finished piece will become much smaller.

Depending on the brand of shrink plastic, your design may shrink significantly. A large drawing turns into a tiny charm, which is exactly what makes it perfect for jewelry.

When planning your design, think about the final size you want.

For earrings, a larger original drawing usually creates the perfect smaller charm after heating.

Cut Out the Shrink Plastic Shapes

Once the fish were colored, I carefully cut around each design.

Before shrinking, make sure to punch a hole where you want your jewelry hardware attached.

This step is very important!

Once the plastic shrinks, you will not be able to add a hole afterward. I punched a small hole near the top of each fish so I could attach the earrings later.

Shrinking the Plastic

There are a couple different ways to shrink plastic.

The most common method is baking it in the oven, but I decided to try using a heat gun.

I placed the pieces on parchment paper on a baking sheet to protect the surface and started applying heat.

The heat gun worked, but it did not shrink the plastic as evenly as the oven method. Some areas curled and shrank faster than others.

But honestly?

The uneven shrinking ended up being my favorite part!

The little wrinkles and crinkles made the plastic look even more like a real bag of water. Instead of looking like a mistake, the texture added personality and made the goldfish earrings even more adorable.

Sometimes the unexpected results become the best part of handmade crafts.

Oven Method for Shrink Plastic

If you want a more uniform shrink, the oven method usually works best.

Place your shrink plastic pieces on parchment paper on a baking sheet and follow the instructions for your specific shrink plastic brand.

Most pieces take around 3-5 minutes to shrink.

Watch carefully because the plastic will curl, twist, and then flatten back out as it finishes shrinking.

If your pieces curl and do not flatten completely, you can gently press them flat with heavy books once they come out of the oven.

Always allow them to cool completely before handling.

Turning Shrink Charms Into Earrings

Once the goldfish pieces cooled, they were ready to become jewelry!

I added a jump ring through the hole at the top of each charm and attached an earring hook.

That tiny bit of hardware instantly transformed the shrink plastic pieces into finished earrings.

The dangling fish move beautifully when worn, and the clear plastic gives them the feeling of little floating aquarium bags.

They are playful, lightweight, and completely one-of-a-kind.

Adding a Protective Finish

Depending on the type of shrink plastic and coloring method you use, you may want to add a clear sealant.

A light coat of clear sealant can help protect the artwork and give your charms extra durability.

Make sure your pieces are completely cooled and dry before sealing.

Tips for Your First Time Using Shrink Plastic

If this is your first time working with shrink plastic, here are a few helpful tips:

Test a Small Piece First

Different brands of shrink plastic can shrink differently. Make a tiny test charm before starting a larger project.

Remember Your Hole Size

Holes shrink too! Use a hole punch that creates a slightly larger opening than you think you need.

Use Light Colors Before Shrinking

Colors become more saturated after heating, so lighter coloring often creates beautiful results.

Don’t Panic When It Curls

The curling stage can look alarming, but it is completely normal. Keep heating and allow the piece to finish shrinking.

Embrace Imperfections

The handmade quality is what makes shrink plastic projects special. Every charm has its own personality.

More Shrink Plastic Project Ideas

Once you start making shrink charms, you will want to create all kinds of designs!

Try making:

floral earrings
personalized name charms
tiny animals
holiday ornaments
miniature food charms
illustrated keychains
custom gifts

Shrink plastic is such a fun way to transform drawings and artwork into wearable creations.

That's it!

These goldfish in a bag earrings might be one of my favorite handmade jewelry projects because they combine creativity, nostalgia, and a little bit of happy accident.

Starting with a simple drawing, I was able to create tiny wearable works of art using shrink plastic, colored pencils, and a little heat.

The crinkled texture from using the heat gun actually made them even better, giving them the perfect “fish in a bag” look.

Whether you call them shrinky dinks, shrink charms, or homemade charms, this craft is a reminder that the best projects do not always need to be perfect.

Sometimes the quirks are what make them magical.

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Check out these fun lapel pins too!

How to Make Custom Shrink Plastic Enamel Lapel Pins

Learn how to make your own enamel pins with this fun faux shrink plastic enamel pin technique!

Make a collection of full color pin badges in various shapes.

I'll show you how to make them every step of the way!

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok - make craft tutorials daily!

How to Laser Cut Felt Banner with xTool P3 Machine

2026-08-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Laser Cut a Felt Banner with the xTool P3 Machine

Did you know your laser cutting machine can cut felt!? Mind Blown!

I love these adhesives from Aleene's sent to me to try out--check them out here!

For this project, I made a colorful Hogwarts-inspired crest banner using my xTool P3 laser cutter. I used a vibrant blue-ish teal felt for the background, gold-yellow felt for the detailed crest, and orange felt for the larger banner shape.

A wooden dowel, beads, gold twine, and a little Aleene's glue turned the laser-cut felt pieces into a finished wall hanging.

The xTool P3 made this project especially fun because the built-in camera makes positioning the felt incredibly easy. Being able to see exactly where your material is sitting on the laser bed makes a huge difference when you're working with smaller pieces or trying to conserve material.

Supplies Needed for Felt Banner Bunting:

affiliate links

xTool P3 laser cutter
Felt in Orange, Blue and Yellow (or whatever colors your heart loves)
Cardboard
Computer with xTool Studio software
Design file (FREEBIE AT THE END OF POST)
Aleene's Felt & Foam Tacky Glue
Aleene's DIY Craft Heavy Duty Adhesive
Wooden dowel
Wooden beads
Gold twine
Scissors
Heavy books
Ruler or measuring tool

>>FREE HOGWARTS CREST FILE AT THE END OF POST!

A note about felt

Felt comes in a multitude of colors and several different material types, so it is worth paying attention to what you're purchasing before putting it on a laser cutter. Wool felt, natural wool, wool blends, synthetic felt, and other synthetic fibers can behave very differently under a laser beam--I am using polyester felt and it works beautifully!

Natural wool and some wool blends can be an extremely versatile material for craft projects. Wool felt has a great feel and is popular for everything from doll making to intricate garments and even specialized applications such as wearable medical devices. There are also types of high-grade wool felt that are manufactured for industrial applications.

Synthetic material can contain additives that aren't appropriate for laser cutting, so always check the manufacturer's specifications before cutting anything in your machine. You want to avoid materials that can produce harmful substances or a release of toxins when exposed to heat.

Some felt is manufactured from recycled fibers, while other varieties are made from new wool. There are even environmental considerations surrounding the mottled recycling of old wool and how different fibers are processed. If you're unsure about a particular material, check its composition and the manufacturer's recommendations rather than assuming that all felt is safe to laser cut.

And, as always, proper ventilation is important when laser cutting any material. If you notice an unusual burnt smell, smoke, or other unexpected reaction, stop the machine and investigate the material before continuing.

Step 1: Place the Felt on Cardboard

I started by placing a piece of cardboard on the slats inside my xTool P3, but a honeycomb bed would be better. Then I placed my yellow felt directly on top of the cardboard.

The cardboard serves as a handy backing material for this project and also gives the felt a stable surface while cutting. Felt is soft and flexible, so having it supported helps prevent movement and uneven edges.

Once everything was positioned, I used the xTool P3's camera to take a snapshot of the laser bed.

This is one of my favorite features of the machine. Rather than guessing where my material is located, I could see the actual felt in xTool Studio and position my design directly over it.

Step 2: Import and Position the Design

Next, I imported the design I wanted to cut into xTool Studio.

For this project, I used a simplified Hogwarts crest logo that I found on Pinterest and cleaned up a bit in Photoshop. If you're making something for sale, keep in mind that finding an image online doesn't automatically mean you have permission to reproduce it commercially.

For a project like this, use your own artwork, properly licensed artwork, or designs you have permission to reproduce.

Once the design was imported into xTool Studio, I lined it up directly on top of the camera snapshot of my felt.

The camera view makes this process incredibly simple. I could see exactly where the yellow felt was sitting and move the design around until I was happy with the placement.

This is particularly helpful when working with small quantities of expensive material. Instead of wasting felt because my design was slightly off-center, I could position everything precisely before starting the cut.

Step 3: Create the Offset Background

I wanted the finished crest to have a colorful background, so I used the offset tool in xTool Studio to create a second shape behind the detailed crest.

The offset follows the same general shape and proportions as the original design, creating a slightly larger silhouette.

This is a great technique for layered felt projects. The detailed top layer can be cut from one color while the larger offset shape underneath provides contrast and makes all those little details stand out.

For my banner, I cut the intricate crest design from a gold-yellow felt and the offset background from a vibrant blue-ish teal felt.

The combination of colors makes the detailed design pop, but you could easily customize this project using practically any color combination.

Step 4: Laser Cut the Felt

Now for the fun part: laser cutting!

I sent the design to the xTool P3 and started the cutting process. And let me tell you—the precision is astounding.

For my 1mm yellow felt, my machine was set to 80% power and a speed of 90 mm/s.

Those were the standard settings I was using for this particular material, and the machine cut flawlessly through both the felt and the cardboard underneath.

That said, after seeing how thoroughly it cut, I suspect this particular felt may not need quite that much power. The correct power settings will depend on your machine, the material quality, the material thickness, and even the specific brand of felt you're using.

Always test a small section first.

You don't necessarily want maximum power when you're trying to achieve clean cuts. In some cases, low power combined with the correct speed can produce a much nicer result, particularly with thinner materials.

Thicker felts may require completely different software settings. If you're working with thick felt, thicker felts, or a wool blend, don't assume the settings from one material will work perfectly for another.

The goal is precise cutting without excessive scorching or unnecessary heat.

Step 5: Glue the Felt Layers Together

Once the pieces were cut, I carefully removed them from the cardboard.

The intricate gold-yellow crest came out beautifully, including all those tiny details that would have been incredibly tedious to cut by hand.

I used Aleene's Felt & Foam Tacky Glue to attach the detailed gold-yellow layer to the larger teal offset background.

A little patience is helpful here. With intricate patterns, you don't want to flood the entire piece with glue. Apply enough adhesive to hold the layers together while keeping it away from the edges as much as possible.

Line up the pieces carefully, press them together, and allow the adhesive to grab.

This is one of those projects where the precision of laser cutting really shines.

The clean edges of the two layers fit together so nicely that the finished piece looks much more complicated than it actually was.

Step 6: Attach the Crest to the Orange Felt

Next, I cut a large piece of orange felt into a chevron shape using scissors.

The orange felt became the main banner behind the layered crest.

Fold the felt in half and cut angle to make the chevron bunting shape with a point in the center.

I used more Aleene's Felt & Foam Tacky Glue to adhere the completed crest to the center of the orange felt.

Press the layers firmly together and make sure the crest is positioned where you want it before the glue sets.

At this point, it already started looking like a real little schoolhouse-style banner!

Step 7: Create the Dowel Sleeve

Now it was time to turn the flat piece of felt into an actual hanging banner.

From the back of the orange felt, I folded the top edge over itself to create a sleeve large enough for my wooden dowel.

I glued the folded section in place using the felt adhesive, making sure there was enough room for the dowel to slide through once everything was dry.

Then I placed several heavy books over the folded area to keep it firmly pressed down.

Aleene's directions recommend allowing the glue to dry for about one hour, so I left the books in place for an hour and let the adhesive do its thing.

This is a simple step, but it makes a huge difference. The books provide even pressure across the sleeve and help prevent the felt from lifting while the glue dries.

Step 8: Add the Wooden Dowel and Beads

After the sleeve was completely dry, I slipped my wooden dowel through the opening.

To finish the ends, I used Aleene's DIY Craft Heavy Duty Adhesive to attach wooden beads to both ends of the dowel.

The beads serve a decorative purpose, but they also provide a practical little stopper so the dowel stays inside the felt sleeve.

I let the adhesive dry completely before moving on to the final step.

Step 9: Add the Gold Twine

Finally, I tied gold twine onto each end of the dowel.

The wooden beads keep the twine from sliding off the ends, creating a simple way to hang the banner on the wall.

And that's it!

My laser-cut felt crest banner was finished!

Why I Love Laser Cutting Felt

This project really demonstrates why felt can be such a fun material to experiment with on a laser cutter.

You can create intricate patterns, layered designs, lettering, ornaments, appliques, banners, patches, and all kinds of decorative pieces without needing a means of an industrial die cutter.

A laser cutter gives you the ability to make custom designs in small quantities, which is especially useful for handmade projects. You can change a name, resize a design, swap colors, or create an entirely new pattern without needing to order a custom die.

The only downside is that not every type of felt is automatically suitable for laser cutting. Material quality matters, and synthetic fibers can behave very differently from natural wool. Some materials can produce chemical irritants or other unwanted byproducts when heated, so always verify that your specific material is appropriate for your laser cutter.

If you find a felt that cuts beautifully, though, you've got an ideal material for all kinds of creative projects.

Tips for Better Laser-Cut Felt

If you're ready to try laser-cut felt yourself, here are a few things I've learned from this project:

Test first. Even if a material says it is 1mm thick, different brands and compositions can cut differently.

Pay attention to the material. Wool felt, wool blends, and synthetic felt aren't interchangeable. Check the manufacturer's information before cutting.

Start with a test cut. You may discover that your machine needs less power than the standard setting.

Keep the felt flat. Soft material can shift or curl, so a stable surface is helpful.

Use the camera snapshot. The xTool P3 camera makes positioning designs over your material incredibly easy.

Don't rush the glue. Let each layer dry properly before moving on to the next step.

Experiment with colors. Felt comes in an amazing range of colors, so you can make this project match a room, a party, a school, a team, or a favorite fandom.

A Fun Project with Endless Possibilities

I absolutely love how this banner turned out. What started as a simple piece of felt became a dimensional wall hanging with crisp, professional-looking details.

The xTool P3 made the detailed cutting part incredibly easy, and the ability to see my material through the camera in xTool Studio took much of the guesswork out of positioning.

You could use this same basic technique to create personalized name banners, nursery decor, holiday decorations, sports banners, classroom signs, party decorations, family crests, or just about any layered felt artwork you can imagine.

And because you're designing and cutting the pieces yourself, you aren't limited to whatever shapes happen to be available at the craft store.

From natural wool to appropriate synthetic materials, felt can be a wonderfully versatile material for laser projects. Just remember that material type, material quality, thickness, and power settings all matter. When you find the right combination, the result can be absolutely beautiful.

For me, the best part was watching those tiny details emerge from the laser cutter with such clean edges and precise cutting. It's one more reminder of why I love having a laser cutter in my craft room—there are just so many materials and possibilities to explore!

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CHECK OUT OTHER FUN XTOOL P3 PROJECTS HERE:

How to Make Acrylic Name Keychains DIY with xTool P3

There’s something extra special about having your name on something—especially when it’s colorful, handmade, and just plain cute!

These pastel acrylic name keychains are a fun project to make with the xTool P3 CO2 Laser, and they come together with just a few pieces of acrylic and some colorful hardware.

CHECK OUT MORE ON THE XTOOL P3 HERE:

How to Paint a Globe (DIY Galaxy Star Map Tutorial)

2026-08-12T02:00:00.000-04:00

How to Paint a Globe (DIY Galaxy Star Map Tutorial)

Transform an old globe into a galaxy star map perfect for Halloween or just every day home decor.

Find a vintage globe at thrift stores, yard sales or out of the dusty attic and make it a statement piece for the coffee table.

With a few simple steps and a coat of paint, you'll have an awesome DIY globe just in time for spooky season.

Create a visually stunning star map on a globe with different colors of paint and a little bit of sparkly glow in the dark paint.

The perfect way to decorate the home in a cosmic way.

I'm just showing how to do a cool galaxy paint vibe with some major constellations, but you can expand and add all the zodiac sign constellations, symbols and whatever else you like!

Painting a Globe!

There are some out there that would cringe to see a perfectly good globe painted.

This globe had its own issues and was donated to a thrift store.

I bought it with the sole purpose of upcycling it and I love how it turned out.

The blue paint swirled with pinks and greens...and all that black paint.

It really is a cool home decor piece and again, perfect for a mystical Halloween or spooky decor.

Supplies Needed for Upcycled Globe Painting:

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Thrifted Old Globe (or you can buy one new)
Acrylic Paint in a variety of colors
White Paint
Black Paint
Plaid Glow in the Dark Glitter Paint
Plaid Dragonfly Glaze Paint
Plaid Paint Pouncers
Paint Brushes (a smaller and a larger brush)

Optional:

Paint Pens or Paint Marker

Thrifted Globe Before:

Here's my globe, fresh from the thrift store.

It's likable. I like the gold paint, the gold hardware.

But when it comes down to it, the hardware is great and the globe is a cardboard sphere.

I knew it needed a fabulous update!

Step 1: Black Paint Base

Begin by using a wide flat paint brush to paint the full globe black.

If your globe as removable hardware, remove the globe from hardware to be sure to paint the poles completely black.

If you want to be super creative, you can even use black chalkboard paint for a DIY chalkboard globe.

Just a thin layer of black paint is all the globe needs at this point, since it will be painted all over a few more times.

I love Plaid Multi-Surface paint, it's great for so many surfaces, and coats this cardboard sphere super easily and dries very quickly.

Step 2: Reassemble Globe

If you removed hardware, after the globe is dry, it's time to reassemble the globe on the stand.

If your stand isn't gold, you could spray paint it gold while it is disassembled to make it a little more fancy, vintage or gothic looking.

Step 3: Acrylic Craft Paint

Squeeze out a variety of colored paints, I'm using a ceramic palette (aka a thrifted escargot plate).

These are the colors that will pop through the black paint of the galaxy.

Use the sponge pouncer and tap it in the paint, blot it a bit on the color palettes and the sponge it on the globe in random swaths and swirls.

Repeat with all the different colors, sponge painting it all over the place, careful not to blend the colors too much or you can create muddy colors.

Add lots of color to the globe, we'll tone it down in the next step.

Then let the colorful splotches on the globe dry completely.

Step 4: Black Paint

Now squeeze out some black paint and use a sponge to finish off the galaxy look of the globe.

Dip the sponge in paint and blot it off gently.

Then sponge paint on the globe, around the color, softening the edges of color...just letting the colors peek through the black paint.

Step 5: Invisible Glow Stardust

Get the Invisible Glow Stardust craft paint and sponge it all over the entire globe.

The full globe won't glow...just where the little glitter specks end up.

Be generous and sponge the glitter paint all over the globe, it will dry clear.

Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Star Map Painting

The next step is to recreate the stars on the globe.

I painted on the big dipper and little dipper (just portions of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor).

I painted Cassiopeia, Orion's belt and a few others.

Use the paint brush to paint stars and the back end of the paint brush to add white dots to the globe.

Again, this can be as detailed as you want.

Add all 12 of the zodiac constellations or just the ones that are meaningful to you.

The globe was big enough for quite a few star clusters.

Step 7: Dragonfly Glaze

After the white paint dries, use the sparkly Dragonfly Glaze and paint over a few of the special stars, constellations and even paint some swirls on the globe.

Add a little flair to the nebula star dust clusters with the sparkly Dragonfly Glaze.

This isn't glow in the dark, but it reacts beautifully to light, making it just as fabulous in the daylight as in the dusk.

Look at how amazing this globe looks in the dark!

I love the nebula burst, the swirls of glowing stars, the glow in the dark effects and the fun little nods to my favorite constellations.

This is a perfect way to have a statement globe in your home even if you are a flat earther, right!?

What do you think!?

Do you like the before version of the globe or do you like the upcycled version?

The before is very standard, and I hardly keep anything in in my home that isn't unique and eclectic.

So hand painting the whole cosmos on the globe is the solution for my perfect globe!

I love that it is black but has beautiful pops of colors and vibrancy!

I planned on painting the globe all black and then painting big colorful flowers all over it but my husband suggested a galaxy instead and I went with it.

That's it!

Learn how to paint a globe in a gorgeous galaxy pattern!

Transform an old globe into a galactic star map for the perfect home decor or Halloween decoration for a spooky entry table.

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Here's some other Galaxy Crafts you will love!

How to Make Watercolor Bookmarks (Beginners Tutorial)

Learn how to paint watercolor bookmarks easily for the the perfect diy bookmark.

These make a great gift in addition to a favorite book!

Let me show you how to create these awesome watercolor effects effortlessly!

How to Tie Dye Tote Bags (DIY Tie-Dye Canvas Bag)

Learn how to tie dye high-quality colorful canvas tote bag.

It is super fun and easy it is to tie dye tote bags!

All you need is 100% cotton tote bags and Tulip Tie Dye Party Kit and you are ready to go!

How to Make a Tie Dye Galaxy Dress!

This tie dye galaxy dress is the BEST dress in all of time and space!

This cute dress was on its way out to recycling because of a bleach spot. By upcycling this dress with bleach, tie dye and paint, it turned into a work of art!

Refashion a black dress, shirt, skirt, pants, or any fabric by adding a tie dye galaxy to it!

Galaxy Paint Poured Resin Coasters DIY

Make stunning galaxy coasters with high gloss resin and vivid colors.

These amazing coasters are addicting to make with this fun resin pour technique.

Coasters are a great place to start when working with resin...and then progress to much larger scale pieces of art.

How to Make Acrylic Name Keychains DIY with xTool P3

2026-08-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Acrylic Name Keychains DIY with xTool P3

There’s something extra special about having your name on something—especially when it’s colorful, handmade, and just plain cute!

These pastel acrylic name keychains are a fun project to make with the xTool P3 CO2 Laser, and they come together with just a few pieces of acrylic and some colorful hardware.

I love the layered look of these keychains because the soft pastel background makes the off white name really pop.

You can customize them with any name, nickname, word, or even a short phrase, making them perfect for gift tags, back-to-school baskets, party favors, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, or just a fun handmade gift for friends.

The xTool P 3 makes cutting the pieces incredibly satisfying because you can watch the laser beam work its way around every curve and letter.

And once the cutting is finished, the assembly is as simple as gluing the two acrylic layers together and adding a pastel keychain clip.

This is also a great project for experimenting with different types of acrylics and color combinations. I used beautiful pastel cast acrylic for the background and nearly white acrylic for the names, but there are so many possibilities!

Supplies Needed for Acrylic Name Keychains:

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xTool P3 laser cutter
xTool Studio software
Pastel cast acrylic sheets
Creamy white opaque acrylic
Acrylic-safe adhesive
Pastel-colored keychain hardware
Key rings
Acrylic cleaning cloth or soft cloth (optional)

You can use an acrylic sheet specifically designed for laser cutting. Cast acrylic is a great option for projects like this because it cuts beautifully and is available in a huge variety of colors.

A Quick Note About Acrylic

There are lots of types of acrylics available for crafting. Transparent acrylics, clear acrylic, frosted acrylic, mirrored acrylic, glitter acrylic, and opaque acrylics can all create very different finished looks.

For these keychains, I wanted a soft, colorful, solid background, so pastel opaque acrylics were perfect.

It is important to choose acrylic that is appropriate for your particular laser machine and follow the manufacturer's recommended settings. The xTool P3 CO2 Laser is a CO2 laser machine, which is different from a diode laser system. Different laser systems, laser modules, and materials have different capabilities, so always use the appropriate material settings for your equipment.

And remember: never leave a laser cutter unattended while it is operating.

How to Make Pastel Acrylic Name Keychains

Step 1: Peel the Protective Film from the Acrylic

Start by removing the protective film from the acrylic sheet.

Depending on the material, you may have protective film on one or both sides. Carefully peel it away so you have a clean surface ready to place on the laser bed.

I know this part seems ridiculously simple, but there is something deeply satisfying about peeling that protective film away from a brand-new sheet of acrylic!

Set the acrylic directly onto the P3 laser bed according to your machine's normal setup instructions.

If your acrylic is particularly glossy, keep fingerprints and dust off the surface as much as possible. A clean surface makes it easier to see your design and gives you a nice finished piece.

Step 2: Design the Names in xTool Studio

Now for the fun part—creating the personalized design!

Open xTool Studio and create your name design. Choose a font with a nice, substantial shape that will work well when cut from acrylic.

For this project, I used a script-style name because I love the way the flowing letters look against the scalloped pastel background.

Type the name and size it to your desired finished dimensions.

The design consists of two layers:

The pastel offset background
The ivory/white name

The background is slightly larger than the name, creating that cute dimensional border around the letters.

Create the Offset Background

With your name selected, create an offset around the lettering.

The offset essentially creates a larger shape surrounding the name. This will become the colorful pastel layer underneath the white name.

Adjust the offset amount until you have a border that looks proportional to the size of the name. You don't want it so narrow that the background disappears, but you also don't want an enormous border.

For these keychains, I love a soft, rounded offset because it gives the finished piece that almost sticker-like appearance.

Add the Keychain Hole

Next, add a small hole near one end of the offset shape for the keychain hardware.

The hole needs to be part of the background piece rather than the name itself.

Position it where you want your keychain hardware to attach, making sure there is plenty of acrylic surrounding the hole so it won't be too close to the edge.

Then weld the hole and the offset name shape together so they become one cuttable background piece.

This is one of those little details that makes the project so much easier later. Instead of trying to drill or modify the acrylic after cutting, the attachment hole is created right in the design.

And just like that, your personalized acrylic keychain is ready to cut!

Step 3: Cut the Pastel Acrylic Background

Choose your favorite pastel cast acrylic color for the background.

I love colors like mint, blush pink, lavender, peach, coral, and baby blue for this project. You could even make an entire rainbow collection!

Set your material in xTool Studio and use the appropriate cutting settings for the specific acrylic you are using.

The pastel background is the larger bottom layer, complete with the hole for the keychain hardware.

Once everything is positioned correctly, start the cutting process.

And then comes one of my favorite parts of working with a laser machine: watching it cut!

The P3 moves around the design, following the curves of the offset shape and creating that smooth, rounded silhouette.

The laser beam follows the programmed path, cutting through the acrylic precisely where the design tells it to.

There's something oddly mesmerizing about watching a laser cutter work. You can start with a flat acrylic sheet and a digital design and, a few minutes later, have an actual physical piece sitting on the laser bed.

Step 4: Cut the White Name

Next, switch to the off-white acrylic.

This will become the top layer of the keychain.

The white acrylic creates a beautiful contrast against the pastel background. It also gives the finished piece a little bit of dimension because the name sits on top of the larger colored shape.

Again, place the acrylic according to the recommended P3 setup and select the appropriate material settings.

Send the name design to the laser cutter and let the P3 do its thing.

Watch as each letter is carefully cut from the acrylic.

Script fonts can be especially fun to watch because the laser module traces all those swooping curves and connecting letters.

Once the cut is complete, carefully remove the name from the sheet.

At this point, you should have two pieces:

A larger pastel acrylic background with a keychain hole
A white acrylic name

If you're making several names at once, this is also a great way to create a whole collection of personalized acrylic keychains in coordinating colors.

Step 5: Glue the Acrylic Layers Together

Now it's time to turn the two laser-cut pieces into one finished keychain!

Before gluing, make sure both acrylic surfaces are clean and free from dust or debris.

Apply a small amount of acrylic cement adhesive to the back of the white acrylic name...this adhesive is water-thin...and a little tricky to work with.

You don't need a huge amount of adhesive. A little goes a long way, and you don't want excess glue squeezing out around the edges.

Carefully position the white name onto the pastel background.

Take your time lining up the edges so you have an even border of pastel acrylic showing around the entire name.

Press the pieces together gently and allow the adhesive to cure according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.

Once the glue has set, you have that adorable layered acrylic look!

The white name almost looks like it's floating above the pastel background.

Step 6: Add Pastel Keychain Hardware

Now for the finishing touch!

Choose a pastel-colored keychain clasp and coordinating key ring.

I love matching the hardware to the acrylic color, but contrasting colors can be just as cute.

A mint keychain with pink hardware, lavender with aqua, or peach with baby blue would all be adorable.

Attach the keychain hardware through the hole you created in the offset background.

That's it!

Your personalized acrylic name keychain is finished.

Customize Your Acrylic Keychains

One of the best things about this project is how easy it is to customize.

You can change the font, size, colors, and even the shape of the offset background.

Make a tiny name keychain for a backpack or purse, or create a larger version to use as a luggage tag.

You could also experiment with different acrylic finishes. Clear acrylic could create a completely different aesthetic, while transparent acrylics would let you see through the background. Glitter acrylic would be adorable for party favors, and mirrored acrylic could give the names a more glamorous look.

You could even combine several different colors for a layered effect.

If you're familiar with other design programs such as Silhouette Studio, you'll recognize the concept of creating an offset shape, but everything for this project can be designed directly in xTool Studio.

And while a laser engraver can also be used for many personalized projects, this particular project is about cutting the acrylic shapes rather than creating an engraved design.

If you have access to a UV printer, that's another option for adding detailed artwork, patterns, or colorful graphics to acrylic blanks, but you don't need one for this project. The beauty here is the simplicity of the layered acrylic.

Ways to Use Personalized Acrylic Name Keychains

These aren't just cute little accessories—they make fantastic handmade gifts!

Gift Tags

Instead of using a disposable paper gift tag, attach the personalized acrylic keychain to a wrapped present. The recipient gets a second gift they can use afterward.

Back-to-School Baskets

These would be adorable tucked into a back-to-school basket with school supplies, snacks, notebooks, and other goodies.

Make one for each child with their name in their favorite colors.

Backpack Accessories

Attach them directly to backpacks, lunch bags, sports bags, or pencil cases.

Party Favors

Personalized keychains would make fantastic birthday party favors. Match the acrylic colors to the party theme and make one for every guest.

Handmade Gifts for Friends

Make a set of names in different pastel colors for your friends. They're inexpensive to make once you have the design figured out, and personalized gifts always feel a little more special.

Teacher Gifts

Add a teacher's name, classroom name, or even a word like "Teach" or "Create" for a fun end-of-year or back-to-school gift.

Tips for Making Laser-Cut Acrylic Keychains

Choose a sturdy font. Very thin lettering can be more difficult to cut and handle. Bold script fonts or chunky lettering work especially well.

Give yourself enough border. Make sure the offset is large enough to create a substantial background around the name.

Don't put the hole too close to the edge. Leave enough acrylic around it for strength.

Test your acrylic settings. Acrylic can vary by manufacturer, color, thickness, and composition, so use the recommended settings for your particular material rather than assuming every acrylic sheet will cut identically.

Keep your materials clean. Dust and fingerprints are much easier to remove before assembly than afterward.

Don't rush the glue. Allow the adhesive to fully cure before attaching the hardware or putting the keychain into use.

Make one for everyone on your list!

Once you make one of these, it's hard not to start thinking of all the names you could make.

I love the combination of pastel cast acrylic and white because it has such a cheerful, almost candy-colored look. And because the design is so simple, it's easy to make these for lots of different occasions.

You could create personalized acrylic keychains for an entire classroom, make coordinating ones for siblings, add them to handmade gift baskets, or keep a few generic keychains on hand for last-minute gifts.

The xTool P3 makes the cutting portion of this project incredibly fun because you get to see the digital design become a finished physical object right before your eyes. From a simple acrylic sheet to a personalized, layered name accessory, the whole process is quick, creative, and completely customizable.

And let's be honest—there's just something extra fun about seeing your own name cut perfectly from acrylic!

So grab some pretty pastel colors, fire up your xTool P3, and start making a whole collection of these sweet personalized keychains. They're useful, giftable, and a great way to put those colorful scraps of acrylic to personal use.

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xTool P3 with Jeff the cat for scale

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Cinch Notebooks Made with Cereal Boxes!

2026-08-07T02:00:00.000-04:00

Cinch Notebooks Made with Cereal Boxes!

I love crafts that use things that are on their way out to the recycling bin or trash...and I can upcycle them for a fun craft. Take some old cereal boxes and make the perfect notebooks using the Cinch binding tool.

These cute notebooks could be made with any cardboard box on their way to the recycling.

Supplies Needed for Cereal Box Notebooks:

Cinch Binding Tool (I scored on mine and found it at the thrift store for $15)

Cereal Box (cut to 5X7)

Paper (cut to 5X7)

Cinch Binding Comb

Here's a video using the Cinch machine and upcycled books:

Using the Cinch is a breeze.
Begin by hooking the comb on the side of the Cinch.

Punch holes on the side of the paper. Use the chart guide on the Cinch to tell you which knobs to pull to punch the paper correctly.

Then punch the additional holes after pulling the peg.

Then hook the paper on the wire comb on the side.

At the end, punch the holes in the cereal box covers. Line them up as you want them to be on the notebook, then punch the correct side. Place them on top of the papers on the wire.

Remove the wire comb, papers and all, and place them under the press on the back of the Cinch. Then press down firmly to clamp the wires down tightly.

Remove the notebook from the clamp and it's done!

Repeat for as many books as you like! I love using my Cinch Binding tool.

Plus, I love notebooks. I want to say, "you can never have too many notebooks, right!?"...but I'm seriously watching Hoarders while I'm typing this...so I'm thinking you could actually have too many. But make a few to gift to friends.

I had a couple scrap wires from cutting them down for the other 2 notebooks, so I punched the next notebook to fit the 2 scrap pieces. I think it turned out so cute! It works just as well without having the center part punched.

What cereal boxes do you have laying around that you could turn into a notebook?

Doodlecraft

50+ Easy DIY Halloween Costumes! (Last-Minute Ideas)

50 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes! Last Minute Ideas too!

That's it!

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27 Doodled Christmas Nativity Scene Images with Ideas

27 Doodled Christmas Nativity Scene Images with Ideas

Introducing the Doodlecraft Nativity Collection!

DIGITAL PRODUCTS:

PHYSICAL PRODUCTS:

A Nativity With a Little More Life

Here's the Nativity Scene Image links:

DIGITAL PRODUCTS:

PHYSICAL PRODUCTS:

Physical Nativity Coloring Book (44 pages to color and enjoy the Bible story) ordered through Amazon! Receive a physical coloring book with biblical text to enjoy year after year...or buy one for all the kids and grandkids.

Turn the Nativity Into a Laser-Cut Wood Set

Printable Nativity Sticker Sheets

A Nativity Coloring Book

Make Adorable Nativity Wood Slice Ornaments

Printable Nativity Set

One Nativity Bundle, So Many Creative Possibilities

Quick Check: Which Nativity Files Do You Need?

Want to Make a Wooden Nativity?

Want Printable Nativity Stickers?

Want to Use Cricut Design Space?

Want a Nativity Coloring Book?

Designed to Be Used Again and Again

A Nativity That Feels Like Me

How to Make Air Dry Clay Trinket Dish (DIY Ring Bowl)

How to Make Air Dry Clay Trinket Dish (DIY Ring Bowl)

Supplies Needed for Air Dry Clay Dishes:

Step 1: Air Dry Clay Prep

Step 2: Shaping Template Technique

Making a Hibiscus Flower and Monstera Leaf Ring Bowl

Step 3: Rubber Stamping Technique

Step 4: Dry and Demold

Step 5: Painting Time

Step 6: Gold Leaf Details

Step 7: Iridescent Sealer Spray

That's it!

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Here's some more CLAY Crafts you are sure to love!

100 DIY Resin Crafts Projects Ideas (Beginner and up)

100 DIY Resin Crafts Projects Ideas! (Beginner and up)

Story time:

What is the BEST Resin to use?

Other Supplies to Use with Resin:

What Can I Make with Resin?

What Resin Crafts SELL the Best?

Here's my Top 10 Resin Crafts to Sell:

100+ Resin Craft Ideas for Any Skill Level!

104 How to Make a Resin Geode Mirror (Easy DIY Tutorial)

101 How to Make Custom Shrink Plastic Enamel Lapel Pins

100 Glitter Resin Tumblers

99 Miniature Guitar Studio

98 Marbled Polymer Clay Earrings

97 Letterboard Letters

96 Unicorn Painted Rock with Resin Horn

95 Colored Pencil Vase

94 Vintage Lucite Resin Grapes

93 Crystal Orb Staff

92 Iridescent Tumbler

91 Resin Cake Topper

90 Coconut Shell Necklace

89 Glitter Keychains

88 Felix Felicis Liquid Luck Pendant

87 I Spy Game Trinket Tray

86 Layered Resin Painting

85 Galaxy Coasters

84 Acrylic Paint Poured Pendant

83 Geode Resin Pour

82 Resin Faux Quartz Crystals

81 No Tumbler Polished Rocks

80 Hairpin Leg Table

79 Lucky Keychain

78 Succulent Vase Magnet

77 Conversation Heart Necklaces

76 Resin Fish Bowl

75 Colorshift Popsocket

74 Faux Greenstone Oblique Calligraphy Holders

99 Miniature Guita r Studio