Doodlecraft

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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If you love upcycling furniture, you'll love these posts too!

DIY Upcycle Nightstands into Desk with Chalk Paint

Learn how quick and easy it is to upcycle, update or refinish old furniture!

See how amazing this DIY project turned out by transforming nightstands or small dresser drawers into a desk!

With chalk paint and a few supplies, this chic set up can be recreated in less than 4 hours!

DIY Vintage Jewelry Cabinet Armoire Makeover Upcycle!

Transforming something old, dinged up and dated into something fresh and modern is my favorite kind of upcycled makeover. I used rust-oleum spray paints for this redo and it was fast and amazing!

I was on the hunt for the perfect tall standing jewelry box and I hit the jackpot!

How much do you think I paid for this Vintage Standing Jewelry Cabinet?

I'll give you a hint...less than $10--click for the full tutorial.

DIY: Shabby Chic Furniture Cabinet!

I love updating and refinishing furniture!

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.

I knew I could transform it into something lovely!

It just needed some chalk paint and a handmade resin and gold leaf knob.

Colorshot Spray Paint Upcycled Furniture DIY

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

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 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 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 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 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 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!

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CHECK OUT THIS POST ON THE HTVRONT D2 DTF PRINTER:

How to Use HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer (Tutorial & Review)

I've been creating crafts and DIY projects for years, but every once in a while a new machine comes along that feels like a genuine game changer.

That's exactly how I felt when I got my hands on the new HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer and oven kit.

Host a Shirt Bar Party with HTVRONT D2 DTF Transfers!

Looking for a fun party idea that doubles as a creative activity and a take-home favor?

I recently hosted a t-shirt bar party using my new HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer and heat press, and it was a huge hit!

How to Make DTF Shirts (HTVRONT D2 Transfers Guide)

If you've been looking for a reliable DTF printer that can create professional-quality results at home, the HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer and Oven Kit is a total game changer.

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!

How to Make Wood Bead Tiered Wreath DIY (Fall Decor)

This tiered wood bead wreath is the perfect wreath for the front door for Fall, or any time of year.

Make a DIY wood bead wreath for your own home decor or for a great handmade gift!

Just a few supplies needed and this simple wood bead wreath can be put together in less than 30 minutes!

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.

DIY How to Make a Wood Bead Wreath (Half Split Ball)

I love the look of big wood bead wreaths and had to make one for myself!

The beauty of the split balls is the wreath can sit absolutely flat against the wall or front door.

Learn how easy it is to make a gorgeous wood bead wreath with 2 inch split wood balls and then additional ideas of how to decorate it at the end of the post!

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!

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.

How to do Loose Acrylic Painting (Beginner Tutorial)

Loose acrylic painting is fast, quick drying paint in layers, creating depth and contrast in colors.

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.

(More info below)

How to Make Geode Glass Art (Plaid Fragment Effects)

Learn how to make a gorgeous geode glass wall hanging using Plaid's newest product, Fragment Effects.

This stained glass comes crushed and is great for various center stage uses in wall art, canvases, stained glass effects and resin.

Let me teach you all about how to use Plaid Fragment Effects, and walk you through a beautiful geode craft that can be completed by any skill level.

How to Make DIY Textured Art (Create High End Artwork)

Learn how to make DIY Textured art, perfect for high end artwork or brightly colored texture for a fun art piece.

Textured art is trendy and expressive!

It's abstract to impressionistic, so not much fine art skill is required to make large scale wall art.

How to Make Corelle Plate Necklace Jewelry DIY!

Learn how to transform vintage, chipped or cracked plates and dishes into wearable jewelry, necklace pendants and more.

Did you have Corelle Butterfly Gold plates? They launched in 1970 and I think everyone I knew growing up had them. This was our family plate pattern.

Make nostalgic jewelry with old dinner plates using lead-free solder, great for handmade gifts too!

How to Make Mini Charcuterie Dollhouse Dessert Board

Learn how to make the most adorable miniature charcuterie dessert boards. (everyone at the hobby association will love these)

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 Make a Wire Crown (DIY Elven Tiara Tutorial)

Learn how to make a wire wrapped crown or Elven tiara, perfect for dressing up, costumes, cosplay or every day wear.

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.

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

Turn a love letter signature into a heirloom keepsake and a treasure to wear around the neck forever!

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

Think of all the handmade, personalized gifts and handmade jewelry 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 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 and themes. Use custom art or print off some of your favorite things and transform them into pins.

I'll show you how to make them every step of the way, just a few supplies needed!

How to Make Origami Corner Bookmarks (Easy Paper DIY)

Origami paper corner bookmarks are super easy to make and perfect for teaching a large group.

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.

Cherry Decor DIY: How to Make Disco Ball Cherries

Learn how to make the cutest disco ball cherries to brighten up your shelf, desk or table, new crafts are so fun to make!

This cute cherry decor DIY is chic and groovy all in one!

Disco balls and cherries are all the rage, so they are a match made in heaven, let's get started!

How to Make Gel Plate Monoprints (DIY Art Printing)

Learn how to make gel plate monoprints with just a few simple supplies, a few minutes and no skill needed.

Monoprints are single time prints and can be created with just paint or layers of texture and impressions.

These are super fun paper crafts to create and I'll teach you how to get the best results, but you can experiment and make them your own in no time at all.

How to Make Iridescent Window Clings DIY with Cricut

Learn how to make iridescent window clings with Cricut for the perfect rainbow makers on a sunny day.

Make your own DIY window clings with 2 supplies and a Cricut cutting machine.

The perfect home decor for a clean window--let's get started!

Wood Slice Watercolor Lettering Sign

Here's a fun homemade craft that takes 5 minutes to make!

I love quick crafts and this Wood slice watercolor mantra sign is perfect.

First off, pick something you want to write on yours--I suggest between 3 and 7 words!

How to make a wood slice hand lettering mantra sign in just 5 minutes, this would be a fun Summer camp craft and not take long to dry at all.

How to Make Gallery Glass Suncatcher DIY with Stained Glass Pattern Freebies!

Make gorgeous Gallery Glass suncatchers with these free patterns, create a beautiful Butterfly, a fabulous Luna Moth and a busy Bumble Bee!

This craft is made so easy by using Plaid Leading Sheets and Cricut!

I designed these 3 intricate patterns that can be cut easily with Cricut so the hard work of hand leading is done for you.

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!

Martha Stewart Paint: Butterfly Specimen Wall Art DIY

Learn how to make butterfly specimen art using paint and stencils for a beautiful DIY Spring wall display.

Make this gorgeous home decor using the new Martha Stewart line at Plaid Crafts.

Martha Stewart's creamy paints are perfect for blending, adding texture and making a high quality art piece in an afternoon.

This craft could be done in a smaller scale, perfect for individual campers.

How to Make a Fake Frosting Frame with Sprinkles DIY

Learn how to make a cute fake frosting frame with sprinkles!

Faux desserts and fake cakes is such a trendy craft right now, if you haven't tried it, now is the time!

Start with this simple, yet darling frame and then you can move on to a big realistic fake cake.

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.

Craft supplies needed are: Air Dry Clay, Acrylic Paint and some Glitter! (This is a great idea for a week long Summer camp, rather than a single day camp)

How to Make Bible Bookmarks with Qfun Laminator

Learn how to make fun bible verse bookmarks using the Qfun Laminator.

You can make any of your favorite bible verses into a bookmark to keep track of you reading in any book.

Bookmarks are such a fun craft and are easy to make, there are different techniques for this watercolor effect, but water pistols or water balloon games could be involved!

Tropical Tote Bags Summer Camp Craft

Get ready for Summer sunshine with these cute tropical vibe tote bags! Need a quick craft for Summer camp or just a fun activity? Stenciling is the solution! It's easy and great for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

I received a few stencils to sample and I love them. They make this project simple and successful for any skill level.

I love the tropical vibe. I could live at the beach with my feet in the sand. So I picked some stencils with the beachy vibe to them...plus I love peacocks!

How to Make a Dreamcatcher!

Learn how to make a dreamcatcher with this simple tutorial, simple projects don't always mean easy.

The simple projects of dreamcatcher making are best with an older and more focused audience, unless you have lots of adult volunteers to help with the constructing process.

Dreamcatchers are beautiful, whimsical and full of creative possibilities.

Watercolor Galaxy Profile Pocket Notebook DIY

Make the perfect pocket notebook that is customized for the owner with a watercolor galaxy profile.

This slim notebook is great for art on the go.

Fill it with sketching paper, watercolor paper or a mixed media paper for whatever medium you like.

This could be pre-sewn notebooks with a piece of paper as craft kits that they can paint or draw something and attach onto the notebook to use during the week of Summer Camp...or as a fun Day Camp activity.

How to Paint Pour on Rocks!

Painting rocks is so much fun--they are the perfect canvas for all kinds of art.

Paint pouring on rocks is super duper fun--it's easy and requires no artistic skill level or age range--just pick your favorite colors.

Learn how easy it is to paint pour on rocks and do it as a last Summer craft with the kids, with friends for a crafter-noon or as a date night craft.

How to Make Disco Ball Butterfly (Mirror Sticker DIY)

Learn how to make a disco ball butterfly in no time at all, using supplies from Dollar Tree!

Get a galvanized butterfly (or any of the other options) and some sticker backed mirror tiles and make this little disco ball butterfly the perfect addition to your home decor.

It's so easy to disco-ify anything, let's get started, for best results don't store in the direct sun.

Gold Leaf Necklaces with Resin Jewelry Clay

These gorgeous necklaces are made using a resin-based jewelry clay.

Make a stunning necklace using Jewelry Clay with gold and silver leafing.

This 2 part epoxy clay is a little sticky, so better away from little hands, but this easy project is great for girl scouts and teenagers.

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 Pressed Flower Art (DIY Framed Flowers)

Learn how to make pressed flower art in a herbarium frame, or 2 panes of glass that snap together like a locket.

This trendy and classic craft is perfect for a soft Spring piece of art in your home decor or a way to display treasured mementos or as a great gift for a flower lover.

This quick DIY is great for an afternoon craft, girls craft night or for teaching a class on pressed flower art at Summer Camp.

Just go on a scavenger hunt for beautiful flowers in the great outdoors, press them in a fast method and stick them in frames. (better for a week long campout, rather than day camp.)

How to Make Mosaic Picture Frame (Easy DIY Craft)

Learn how to make a glass tile mosaic picture frame!

This fun project is a fun way to upcycle an old wood frame and even broken glass pieces, it could also be adapted to use things found on a nature walk, like smooth rocks, shells and twigs.

Make a mosaic glass frame in an afternoon with this simple tutorial, no skill level required for this fun and creative craft.

How to Make Felt Flowers (3 Easy Ways DIY Tutorials)

Learn how to make beautiful felt flowers three easy ways.

Make your own felt flower bouquet, use them as accent on other decorative art, make a felt flower wreath or even use on wearable art like jackets or hair bows.

These little felt flowers are quick to make and make a big impact--I love an easy craft!

How to Make Tulip Beaded Earrings DIY (Easy Jewelry)

Learn how to make simple tulip beaded earrings.

These darling little dangles are a great earring tutorial for beginners and experts alike.

Just a few supplies needed and you can make beaded flower earrings for all your family and friends, great handmade gifts or perfect for a cash making side hustle.

How to Use the Cricut Hat Press with Infusible Ink

Learn how to use the Cricut Hat Heat Press for making custom hats and headwear.

I got a new hat press to try out and I love it!

I'm showing how easily it works with Cricut Infusible Ink Transfers to make the perfect Anthro-inspired Trucker hat.

How to Host a Tie Dye Shirt Party (Supplies & Ideas)

Tie Dye is the first signs of Summertime and a tie-dye party is the best way to celebrate!

The bright colors and hippy look are perfect for Summer barbecue's, parades, Summer camp and Family reunions.

Learn everything you need to know about tie dying shirts so you are ready to host a fabulous tie dye event!

How to Make a Flower Crown DIY Tutorial (Silk Floral)

Learn how to make a flower crown with faux flowers!

A beautiful flower crown is bright, vibrant and easy to make--perfect for a stunning boho look!

There are so many fun reasons to wear a DIY floral crown!

How to Make Giant Coffee Filter Flowers Hand Dyed DIY

Learn how to make giant coffee filter flowers that are hand dyed, the perfect DIY.

Make these diy coffee filter flowers for party decorations, backdrops, events, a baby shower, weddings, or just home decor!

Coffee filter crafts are an inexpensive craft and perfect for a fun Springtime project!

Reclaimed Wood Lamp with Geometric Himmeli Shade!

Upcycled and reclaimed projects are my favorite! This awesome lamp was made with an old piece of a pallet, a lighting kit and straws.

Yes, this lamp with geometric himmeli shade cost nearly nothing to make and it makes such a statement!

Scrabble Tiles Family Name Framed Word Art DIY

Scrabble! Do you like playing Scrabble? I love this game, it's one of my favorites.

I love spelling and word games. However, no one likes to play them with me--haha.

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

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.

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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CHECK OUT MORE ON THE XTOOL P3 HERE:

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?

That's it!

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How to Paint Cake & Ice Cream Shoes!

2026-08-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Paint Cake & Ice Cream Shoes!

These painted cake and ice cream shoes look good enough to eat!

Make a pair of cake and ice cream kicks to wear in delicious and show-stopping style!

These cool shoes are the perfect upcycled accessory!

Note: These take a while to paint. I let them dry between every single paint stage so I didn't accidently smudge them. It took me about a month to get them finished, but only about an hour of work time.

Turn a pair of comfy wedges into the cutest dessert shoes.

These shoes are the talk of the town, trust me, everyone will notice these fun shoes!

Ice cream cone, melty ice cream, layered cake with sprinkles and a drip--these tasty looking kicks have it all.

Supplies Needed for Cake and Ice Cream Shoes:

Shoes (I love these Sketchers wedges, but not the color...so they were the perfect shoes for me to upcycle!)
Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint (Puffy, Gold, Brown Slick and Variety Pack)
Clay Sprinkles (buy them or make your own)

Step 1: Shoes

Begin by finding the perfect pair of shoes for painting.

You might have some in your closet.

You might find them thrifting for 8 bucks like me.

Get shoes that are comfortable and fit well or you will never wear them.

Then clean them off and use a knife to remove labels, if you prefer.

Step 2: Slick Paint!

Now decide which parts of the shoes you want to paint like cake, like frosting, or like an ice cream cone.

Then use the brown slick dimensional paint and paint it on the sections you want cake.

Repeat the process with the gold dimensional paint for the ice cream cone waffle pattern.

Step 3: Add Frosting!

Pick another puffy paint color and paint it on in a few fun places!

Add some confetti clay sprinkles. They will stay right in place and be permanent when the paint dries.

Step 4: Ice Cream!

Pick a color of puffy paint that you like and paint it on the toe like puffy melted drippy ice cream.

Add Clay Sprinkles.

You can buy them or make your own!

I did both.

I bought clay sprinkles and then made some big Jimmies and Cachous with Fimo Oven Bake Clay.

My kids call these big jimmies, aglets...like the plastic on the ends of shoelaces. LOL!

Simply roll the clay, cut it in short lengths and place on a baking tray.

Repeat until you have a variety of shapes, sizes and colors of fake sprinkles.

Bake them according to the package directions.

Step 5: Sprinkles!

Then add some of the clay sprinkles to the drippy ice cream paint.

Step 6: Cake Wedges!

Paint the wedge part of the shoe like a layered cake.

Chocolate layers and cream in between.

Then add a swirl of cream to the top of the cake, and add sprinkles.

Then add drippy paint to the cake to look like a decadent drip cake!

Finish with the cherries on the top!

Add a drip to the front strap too.

Your shoes will be different than mine, so the sky is the limit!

Make your shoes represent you and your favorite desserts!

That's it!

Hope you enjoyed these upcycled wedges into the perfect cake and ice cream shoes!

I hope it's inspired you to create your own shoes too!

Send me pictures or tag me @doodlecraft if you make some!

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How to Make Paper Flowers (Easy Craft DIY Tutorial)

2026-08-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Paper Flowers (Easy Craft DIY Tutorial)

Looking for an easy way to create stunning party decorations without investing in expensive craft equipment? These oversized paper flowers are surprisingly simple to make using just a few basic supplies, a pair of scissors, and a hot glue gun. No cricut machine or other cutting machine is required!

These large paper flowers are perfect for creating eye-catching paper flower backdrops for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, photo booths, nursery décor, or even permanent wall art. Their soft pastel colors and shimmering gold details create an elegant look that photographs beautifully and instantly transforms any space.

The best part? They're inexpensive to make, completely customizable, and can be reused for countless celebrations.

Why I Love Giant Paper Flowers

I've always loved decorating with flowers, but fresh flowers can become expensive very quickly—especially when decorating an entire backdrop.

These handmade blooms never wilt, don't require water, and can be packed away after the event to use again later. Plus, I can make them in exactly the colors and sizes I want.

Soft blush pinks, lavender, white, mint green, and metallic gold create a dreamy pastel palette that's perfect for spring celebrations, weddings, birthdays, and elegant party décor.

Supplies Needed for Giant Paper Flowers:

affiliate links

Colored cardstock (65–80 lb works beautifully)
Metallic gold cardstock
Light green cardstock
White cardstock
Scissors
Pencil
Hot glue gun
Hot glue sticks
Floral wire
Paper Cutter
Corrugated cardboard
Wire cutters
Ruler
Command Hooks for hanging

These simple materials are inexpensive and easy to find at most craft stores.

Choosing the Right Paper

One of the questions I get asked most often is what kind of paper works best.

For these flowers, I recommend medium-weight cardstock because it holds its shape while still being flexible enough to curl the petals naturally.

There are many paper types you could experiment with, but heavier cardstock creates flowers that hold up well for repeated use.

While tissue paper creates soft pom-pom style flowers and coffee filters make wonderfully delicate blossoms, cardstock is my favorite choice for oversized statement flowers like these.

Step 1: Draw Your Petal Shapes

There's no need for printable templates.

Simply sketch several petal shapes onto cardstock.

I usually create:

Small center petals
Medium petals
Large outer petals

Making each layer slightly larger than the previous one helps the flowers look full and realistic.

Don't worry if every petal isn't identical. Slight variations actually make the flowers look more natural.

Step 2: Cut Out the Petals

Using ordinary scissors, cut out each petal.

One of my favorite things about this project is that you don't need a cricut machine or any other cutting machine.

Everything is hand-cut, making this an approachable project for almost anyone.

Depending on the size of your flowers, you'll likely cut anywhere from 20–40 petals per bloom.

Step 3: Shape the Petals

To give each flower dimension, gently curl the edges of the petals.

You can do this by:

Rolling the edges around a marker
Curling them with your fingers
Slightly bending the base before gluing

These little curves make a huge difference and give the finished flowers a much softer appearance.

Step 4: Make the Gold Flower Centers

The flower centers are one of my favorite details.

Using metallic gold paper:

Cut long strips.
Fold each strip in half lengthwise.
Use scissors to cut narrow fringe along the folded edge, stopping before cutting all the way through.
Roll the strip tightly.
Secure with hot glue.

Once fluffed open, the fringe creates beautiful textured centers that catch the light.

Step 5: Build the Flower

Now comes the fun part.

Begin gluing the smallest petals around the gold center.

Continue adding additional rows while gradually increasing the petal size.

Each layer overlaps the previous one slightly.

Rotate the flower as you work to keep everything balanced.

Eventually you'll have a large, full bloom with incredible dimension.

This process goes surprisingly quickly, and each flower comes together in a relatively short time once you've cut all the petals.

Step 6: Add Leaves and Gold Accents

After finishing the flower itself, cut several leaves from green cardstock.

I also added metallic gold leaves throughout each arrangement for a little sparkle.

Small gold accents tucked between the petals help tie everything together while making the flowers feel extra elegant.

Glue the leaves on the bloom further out from the center so they show from the front.

Step 7: Create a Hanging System

To make decorating simple, I glued floral wire securely onto the back of each cardboard base.

The wire forms a loop that hangs perfectly on an ordinary Command Hook.

No nails.

No wall damage.

Just hang, adjust, and enjoy.

It's an easy system that lets you arrange your own backdrops in countless different layouts.

Step 8: Mount the Flowers

Instead of attaching everything directly to a wall, I mounted each flower onto sturdy cardboard shapes.

The cardboard provides support while remaining lightweight.

Hot glue secures the finished flower to the base.

This also makes storing and transporting the flowers much easier.

Decorating with Giant Paper Flowers

These oversized flowers are incredibly versatile.

They look beautiful as:

Paper flower backdrops
Wedding ceremony décor
Dessert table decorations
Nursery wall art
Photo booth walls
Bridal shower decorations
Baby showers
Birthday party décor
Boutique displays
Craft fair booths
Classroom decorations

Because each flower hangs individually, you can rearrange them for every event.

Pic of me holding them so you can see the scope of scale...not because I'm a great fashion model, lol!

Color Ideas

Although I chose soft pastels, you could easily customize your flowers for any occasion.

Try:

White and ivory for weddings
Bright rainbow colors for birthdays
Red and pink for Valentine's Day
Orange and yellow for summer parties
Burgundy and navy for fall weddings
Emerald and gold for Christmas

The possibilities are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other paper?

Absolutely.

While cardstock is my favorite, you can also experiment with tissue paper, crepe paper, or even coffee filters depending on the style you're after. Different paper types create very different looks, so don't be afraid to experiment.

Do I need a Cricut?

No.

One of the best parts of this tutorial is that everything is cut by hand with ordinary scissors.

No cricut machine.

No electronic cutting machine.

Just simple tools almost everyone already owns.

How long do they take to make?

Once you've made your first flower, the process becomes much faster.

Each bloom can usually be assembled in a fairly short time, especially if you've already cut all of your petals ahead of time.

Are they durable?

Yes!

Mounted on cardboard and stored flat, these flowers can be reused over and over for future parties and events.

Tips for Success

Make more petals than you think you'll need.
Vary your petal shapes for a more natural appearance.
Curl every petal slightly before gluing.
Use high-temperature hot glue for the strongest hold.
Hang the flowers before permanently arranging them.
Mix different flower sizes for a more professional-looking backdrop.

That's it!

These giant paper flowers prove that you don't need expensive tools or specialty equipment to create breathtaking event décor. With a few sheets of cardstock, a pair of scissors, and a hot glue gun, you can make large paper flowers that are elegant, reusable, and completely customizable.

Whether you're decorating for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, or simply creating beautiful wall art for your home, these handmade blooms add a dramatic focal point that guests will remember. Unlike real flowers or fresh flowers, they'll never fade, and you can enjoy them again and again for future celebrations.

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If you enjoy projects like this, you'll find more inspiration throughout the blog. Some posts may include affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase recommended supplies. I also love sharing step-by-step photo guides and occasional video tutorials to help make every craft project approachable and fun.

CHECK OUT THESE PAPER FLOWERS TOO:

Giant Coffee Filter Flower

Learn how to make giant coffee filter flowers that are hand dyed and have layers of flower petals, the perfect DIY.

Make these diy coffee filter flowers for party decorations, wall decor, backdrops, events, a baby shower, weddings, or just home decor!

Coffee filter crafts are an inexpensive craft and perfect for a fun Springtime project!

These large paper flowers use just coffee filters and staples, so they are relatively fast to put together.

Paper Flower Wall Backdrop

A flower photo backdrop wall is the perfect addition to any party, wedding, event or decor.

I love the brightly colored paper flowers on this wall.

The flowers are all different shapes and sizes, with leaves and tassels.

The large flowers have cardboard backing and smaller flowers are hot glued right onto the cardboard to group them in clusters.

The single petals range in size from a quarter of a piece of paper to a full piece of paper--some have more and some have fewer petals.

These are all made of colored paper, regular weight, so they are easy to curl the petals to make the perfect flower shape.

Rolled Paper Flowers with Cricut

Rolled paper flowers are a breeze to make with the Cricut, since there are so many 3D cut files available.

They are easy to assemble, just some rolling and hot glue.

Of all my DIY paper flower tutorials, this one is easy and effortless if you have the Cricut.

xTool P3: 80W CO2 Laser Cutter Engraver Tool Review

2026-07-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

xTool P3: 80W CO2 Laser Cutter Engraver Tool Review

If you’ve been dreaming about taking your laser crafting to the next level, the xTool P3 CO2 Laser is the machine that makes you stop and say, “Okay, this is serious.”

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser is xTool’s flagship CO2 laser system, designed for creators who want professional-grade results without stepping into the intimidating world of traditional industrial laser equipment. It combines industrial performance, smart laser technology, advanced safety features, and an incredibly intuitive workflow into one powerful machine.

xTool P3 with Jeff the cat for scale

Whether you are creating custom products, running a high-volume studio, expanding a small business, or simply wanting the ability to tackle larger projects, the xTool P3 CO2 Laser is a professional-grade evolution from older models and a significant upgrade for serious makers.

This machine is built around the idea of a complete creation system — a one-stop station where designing, preparing, engraving, cutting, and producing finished products all work together seamlessly.

xTool P3 is large and arrives on pallet

Unboxing the xTool P3 CO2 Laser

The first thing you notice when unboxing the xTool P3 CO2 Laser is the size and quality. This is not a lightweight desktop machine that you casually move around your craft room. The P3 is built with industrial power and stability in mind.

The packaging is carefully designed to protect the laser system during shipping, and every component feels thoughtfully engineered. Compared to my first laser machine experience, the P3 feels like the professional evolution of everything xTool has learned from previous generations.

P3 weighs over 200 pounds, so you'll want help setting up!

Inside the packaging, you’ll find:

xTool P3 CO2 Laser machine
accessories and maintenance tools
exhaust components
power cables
material supports
safety accessories
setup documentation
QR code access for guides and resources

We strapped the P3 to a dolly and had 3 adults help lift it.

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser arrives mostly assembled, which makes the tool-free setup process surprisingly simple. Instead of spending hours assembling a complicated machine, the setup focuses on connecting essential parts and preparing the machine for its first project.

This is a huge improvement over the old setup experience many makers are used to.

>>Be sure to also buy the Mobile Work Stand for P3, it's amazing and absolutely worth the marginal cost for this set up.

The Mobile Work Stand is worth its weight in gold.

Setting Up the xTool P3

One of my favorite things about the xTool P3 CO2 Laser is how much thought went into reducing complicated manual steps.

The setup process walks you through:

Unpacking and positioning the machine
Installing required accessories
Connecting ventilation
Connecting the machine to your computer or network
Completing software setup
Calibrating the camera and smart features

Peel off the packaging after the P3 is on the cart and ready to set up.

The seamlessly integrated design means every component works together from the beginning.

For creators upgrading from older models, the difference is immediately noticeable. The xTool P3 CO2 Laser has fewer tedious manual setups, fewer manual height adjustments, and fewer moments where you stop your creative process to troubleshoot.

Understanding the CO2 Laser Power

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser uses a powerful laser system designed for speed, accuracy, and professional output.

The P3 delivers industrial performance while still being approachable for everyday creators. The full industrial CO2 laser capability allows makers to cut and engrave materials that are difficult or impossible for many smaller diode lasers.

This includes:

thick wood
acrylic
leather
glass
coated metals
stainless steel
transparent materials with proper settings

Emergency stop button on side of machine needs to be pulled out before use.

The ability to work with mm basswood, mm acrylic, and many other materials opens up an entirely new world of projects.

Instead of being limited to small decorative pieces, you can create furniture accents, signage, layered artwork, product packaging, business displays, and large-scale projects.

USB plugs in during set up.

A Large Working Area Designed for Bigger Ideas

One of the biggest advantages of upgrading to the xTool P3 CO2 Laser is the large working area.

The standard working area of the xTool P3 gives creators room for larger projects without constantly repositioning materials.

Fill the P3 with antifreeze (quantity based on location) and water.

With the big surface area, that means:

larger signs
oversized wall décor
bigger layered artwork
batch production
commercial product creation

The large working area combined with faster speed makes the P3 ideal for makers who want to move from hobby crafting into small businesses.

Instead of creating one item at a time, the P3 supports efficient batch production.

Insert screwdriver into openings on either side of the machine to unscrew and unlock the slide-out base tray.

The Built-In Cameras and Smart Vision Features

One of the standout upgrades is the advanced vision system.

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser includes:

panoramic camera
close-range detail camera
lidar mapping
lidar autofocus
advanced vision algorithm

Easy clean up with the base tray slide out.

These intelligent features work together to create a much easier design-to-project workflow.

The panoramic camera gives you a full view of your work area, while the close-range detail camera helps with precision placement.

This machine is BIG and the power button is on the backside of the machine, thank goodness for these casters!

The lidar mapping system measures your material and helps the machine understand your workspace. This upgraded high-precision perception system reduces guesswork and makes positioning projects much easier.

For makers who have struggled with lining up designs perfectly, this is a critical feature.

Venting is important. If you don't have windows, be sure to upgrade to the air purifier system

Intelligent Workflow and Smart Features

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser is designed around an intelligent workflow.

Instead of relying on manual intervention for every step, the machine uses smart automation to improve accuracy and productivity.

The mobile work stand is amazing, I would absolutely encourage this purchase!

P3 Features that help simplify the process from idea to finished product:

object thickness detection
lidar autofocus
smart RA compatibility
automatic positioning
camera-assisted previews

Let's make a tissue box while I walk through more of the P3 features.

The seamless preview of your large project before cutting is especially helpful. You can see placement, adjust designs, and feel confident before starting the laser.

That confidence is one of the biggest differences between a basic laser cutter and a professional machine.

Machine is fairly quite and cuts FAST!

Software Experience: Getting Started With xTool Studio

The software experience is where xTool has always focused on making laser crafting approachable.

For the xTool P3 CO2 Laser, you will need to use xTool Studio, not xTool Creative Space.

It's easy to use the software and start cutting right away.

The xTool Studio software guides you through:

importing designs
creating text
adjusting settings
selecting materials
positioning artwork
previewing projects

The large bed holds 18x36 inches for standard projects and has the option of a conveyor for larger projects!

The software works beautifully with the P3’s smart features.

Instead of manually calculating every measurement, the camera and mapping systems help create a smoother workflow.

For beginners, it feels approachable.

For experienced makers, it saves valuable time.

Intricate cuts are fast and efficient.

Built-In Safety Features

Safety is one of the most important parts of any laser system.

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser includes top-tier safety features designed for confident operation.

Safety features include:

active fire suppression system
protective enclosure
intelligent monitoring
safety sensors

The active fire suppression system is a major upgrade. Some users may choose a separate purchase of an optional fire safety system with other machines, but the P3 integrates advanced safety directly into the design.

This gives creators extra confidence when working on longer projects.

Air assist removes and vents all the smoke out of the machine, no smells left in the workshop.

Air Assist and Filtration

Ventilation and air management are critical for CO2 lasers.

The P3 includes improved airflow management with x airflow and h airflow systems designed to maintain cleaner operation.

For creators working indoors, filtration is especially important.

In 8 minutes this entire intricate project was cut out to perfection!

The xTool P3 supports advanced filtration options, including:

x filter capacity improvements
7-layer filter technology
exclusive formaldehyde filter options

This helps manage smoke, odors, and environmental conditions during laser operation.

Proper ventilation and filtration are essential, especially for creators using the machine frequently.

I decided to elevate it a bit with 4 wooden beads.

Built-In Autolift Base and Height Adjustments

The built-in autolift base is another feature that separates the P3 from many other machines.

Instead of relying entirely on manual adjustments, the machine can accommodate different material heights automatically.

Glue the beads on the bottom corners of the box.

For makers working with objects of different sizes, this eliminates tedious manual height adjustments.

The maximum height capability allows you to work on thicker materials and more complex shapes.

There is also a manual riser base option for creators needing additional flexibility.

Let everything dry completely.

Materials and Creative Possibilities

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser expands what is possible in a home studio.

Projects can include:

wood signs
acrylic décor
leather patches
personalized gifts
business signage
custom awards
jewelry components
artwork
product packaging

It turned out beautiful and with minimal charring.

The machine handles both detailed engraving and powerful cutting.

The combination of precision and power means you can create intricate designs while still achieving fast production.

From start to gift in less than 10 minutes!

Comparing the xTool P3 to Older Models

Many creators upgrading from previous machines will immediately notice the difference.

Compared to older models, the P3 offers:

faster speed
higher performance output
improved cameras
smarter automation
larger workspace
better safety systems
upgraded modular accessories

The difference is not just about having a stronger laser.

It is about having a smarter, more efficient creation system.

Rotary Engraving and Specialty Projects

The xTool P3 CO2 Laser works with rotary engraving accessories, including compatibility with systems like the RA2 Pro.

This opens up possibilities for:

tumblers
bottles
glasses
cylindrical products
personalized gifts

Tumbler production is one of the biggest opportunities for creators who want to sell customized products.

The combination of rotary engraving, faster speed, and repeatable settings makes batch production much more realistic.

Conveyor Options for Large-Scale Production

For makers producing larger quantities, optional accessories expand the capabilities even further.

The optional intelligent conveyor feeder allows creators to move into larger-scale production.

Compared to manual loading, a conveyor system improves workflow and productivity.

The P3 automatic conveyor feeder and quick-release automatic conveyor feeder options make repetitive projects much easier.

Creators familiar with the p2 automatic conveyor feeder will appreciate how these newer modular capabilities continue improving the production experience.

The ability to create an efficient batch production workflow is a major advantage for small businesses.

Who Is the xTool P3 For?

The xTool P3 is perfect for:

serious hobbyists
makers growing into businesses
professional artists
small businesses
craft studios
creators producing custom products

If you only occasionally cut small pieces of wood or acrylic, a smaller machine may be enough.

But if you want industrial-grade capabilities, professional results, and the ability to scale your creativity, the P3 is a valuable asset.

That's it!

I'm so excited about having the xTool P3 CO2 Laser as part of my crafting studio--it feels like the next generation of laser crafting.

It takes everything makers love about xTool machines and elevates it with industrial power, intelligent features, automation, and safety.

The combination of a powerful laser system, smart workflow, lidar mapping, advanced cameras, rotary engraving capabilities, and optional production accessories makes this machine incredibly versatile.

For creators who want to move beyond small projects and explore professional-level production, the xTool P3 is an exciting investment.

It is not just a laser cutter.

It is a complete creative workstation built for the future of making.

From the first unboxing to the final results, the xTool P3 delivers the speed, precision, and confidence needed to bring bigger ideas to life.

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LEARN ALL ABOUT THE XTOOL P3 MOBILE WORK STAND HERE:

Must Have: xTool P3 CO2 Laser Mobile Work Stand Cart

2026-07-31T05:30:00.000-04:00

xTool P3 Mobile Work Stand Review:

Why This Mobile Work Stand Is an Absolute Must-Have

When you invest in a premium laser machine like the xTool P3, it's easy to focus on the machine itself. But after receiving both the P3 and its matching cart, Mobile Work Stand for P3, I can honestly say that the cart deserves its own spotlight.

At first, I thought of it as simply a stand for my laser cutter. Once I assembled it and placed the machine on top, I quickly realized it's much more than that. The xTool Mobile Work Stand for P3 completely transforms the way you use the machine. It provides the perfect working height, incredible storage, easy mobility, and rock-solid support for a machine weighing well over 200 pounds.

If you're considering purchasing the P3, I would strongly recommend adding the cart at the same time. After using it, I honestly consider it part of the complete creation system rather than an optional accessory.

Why the xTool P3 Cart Is Worth Every Penny

The P3 is xTool's flagship co₂ laser machine, built for serious makers, production shops, professional creators, and growing small businesses.

Because the machine is so substantial, it deserves an equally impressive foundation.

The Mobile Work Stand for P3 cart isn't just furniture.

It's a purpose-built mobile work stand designed specifically for the P3's footprint, weight (over 200 pounds!), ventilation needs, and workflow.

Once everything is assembled, the two pieces almost feel like one seamlessly integrated design.

First Impressions

The Mobile Work Stand for P3 arrived well packaged, and every component was protected nicely during shipping.

Amazing. Everything was cared for and carefully delivered right to our driveway on a pallet loader.

The boxing was perfection, everything had its place and was secure.

The cart itself is amazing, strong metal build, very impressive.

The finish feels durable and professional, with thick steel construction throughout.

Nothing about this cart feels lightweight or flimsy.

Easy Tool-Free Setup

One thing that immediately impressed me was how straightforward the assembly process was.

The instructions were easy to follow, and everything fit together exactly as expected.

Unlike many workshop cabinets that require modifications or frustrating alignment, this cart uses a mostly tool-free setup that comes together surprisingly quickly.

Even if you're accustomed to manual setup furniture projects, you'll probably find this one much easier than expected.

This cart build even passed the "husband check"! He was thrilled with how easily it came together and how absolutely STRONG it is.

Every hole lined up correctly, and the hardware was clearly labeled.

Before long, I had a sturdy cabinet ready to support one of the heaviest laser machines I've ever owned.

Built Like a Tank

The very first thing you'll notice after assembly is the robust design.

This isn't an ordinary rolling cabinet.

Every panel feels substantial.

The frame is rigid.

There is virtually no flex anywhere.

Considering the maximum weight this stand is expected to support, that's exactly what you'd hope for.

Once the P3 was sitting on top, the cart never felt unstable.

There was no wobbling, twisting, or shifting.

Instead, the machine feels completely planted.

That unmatched stability inspires confidence every time I open the lid or load materials.

Holding Over 200 Pounds with Confidence

The xTool P3 is not a small desktop engraver.

It's a serious industrial-style laser engraver designed for larger production capacity and demanding projects.

Supporting a machine this heavy requires thoughtful engineering.

The Mobile Work Stand for P3 accomplishes that beautifully.

Even with all of that weight concentrated on top, it rolls smoothly and feels exceptionally secure.

I never worried about tipping, sagging, or unwanted movement.

Smooth Rolling Caster Wheels

One of my favorite features is the heavy-duty caster wheels.

They roll effortlessly across my workshop (house) floor, making it simple to reposition the entire machine whenever needed.

That mobility becomes especially helpful when:

Cleaning behind the machine
Connecting ventilation
Rearranging the workshop
Accessing the rear panels
Working around larger projects

The wheels lock securely once positioned, preventing any unwanted movement during laser cutting or engraving.

Even if your workshop has slightly uneven surfaces, the Mobile Work Stand for P3 still feels remarkably stable.

Perfect Working Height

The cart raises the machine to an extremely comfortable operating height.

Instead of bending over every time I load material, everything is right where I want it.

That may not seem important initially, but after several hours of engraving and laser cutting, you'll absolutely appreciate the improved ergonomics.

Comfort matters.

Especially during long production days.

Storage Where You Need It

Beyond supporting the machine, the cabinet provides the option of valuable storage underneath.

It's the perfect place to organize:

Cleaning supplies
Lens wipes
Material samples
Extra honeycomb panels
Air assist accessories
Spare parts
Protective equipment
Measuring tools

Having everything directly below the laser creates a much more intelligent workflow.

Instead of walking across the room looking for supplies, everything stays within reach.

These brackets are made for holding a panel, I'll get one eventually!

Designed Specifically for the P3

Unlike generic rolling tool cabinets, this cart was engineered specifically around the core xTool P3.

Everything feels intentional.

The dimensions match perfectly.

The weight distribution feels balanced.

Ventilation remains unobstructed.

Nothing feels like an afterthought.

That's one of the biggest advantages of buying the matching Mobile Work Stand for P3 instead of trying to adapt another cabinet.

Why Mobility Matters

The ability to move a 200+ pound machine sounds simple until you actually need to do it.

Whether you're:

Rearranging your workshop
Adding an inline fan
Connecting a revolutionary ACS filtration system
Installing ducting
Cleaning dust
Servicing components
Improving heat dissipation

...being able to simply unlock the caster wheels and roll the machine makes every task dramatically easier.

The Perfect Companion for the xTool P3

The Mobile Work Stand for P3 complements nearly every feature that makes the P3 such an impressive machine.

While this review focuses on the cart itself, it's impossible not to appreciate how well it supports features like:

Panoramic camera
Close-range detail camera
Side cameras
Smart camera positioning
Dual-camera system
Preview accuracy
Lidar mapping
Lidar autofocus
Advanced automation
Intelligent features
Smart detection
Built-in autolift base

Because the cart keeps everything stable, those intelligent systems can perform at their best.

Built for Production

If you're running batch production or operating one of today's growing production shops, every part of your workspace matters.

The Mobile Work Stand for P3 makes loading materials, organizing supplies, and moving around the workshop dramatically easier.

Whether you're engraving personalized gifts or producing larger signs, organization directly impacts productivity.

The added storage also helps support faster workflow speeds because your most-used supplies remain close at hand.

Perfect for Growing Businesses

Many hobbyists begin with a single laser.

Eventually, that hobby grows.

Orders increase.

Production expands.

Before long, you're managing inventory, organizing materials, and creating dedicated workstations.

That's where the xTool Mobile Work Stand for P3 really shines.

It feels built for small businesses and professional creators who need reliable equipment every single day.

Excellent Build Quality

The powder-coated finish looks fantastic.

The cabinet doors align nicely.

The shelves feel solid.

The hardware feels premium.

Nothing rattles.

Nothing feels loose.

After assembly, it honestly feels like something you'd expect to find in an industrial workshop.

Pairs Perfectly with Future Accessories

One advantage of starting with the official cart is knowing it'll continue working as your shop grows.

Whether you're adding:

Intelligent conveyor feeder
P2 Automatic Conveyor Feeder
Optional conveyor expansion
Smart RA rotary system
Optional RA rotary accessories
W IR module
W CO₂ accessories

…the cart already feels ready for future upgrades--and the boss of the house agrees!

Safety First

A stable workstation isn't just convenient—it's safer.

Whenever operating laser machines, it's important to follow all recommended safety precautions.

Always wear appropriate protective equipment when necessary, ensure adequate ventilation, and consider the use of a fume extractor or an appropriate inline fan depending on your workspace and environmental conditions.

A sturdy stand helps reduce unnecessary movement while operating the machine and contributes to a safer overall setup.

Is the Cart Necessary?

Technically…No. But also, YES!

You could place the P3 on another heavy-duty workbench.

But after using this Mobile Work Stand for P3, I honestly wouldn't want to.

It feels like part of the machine.

The height is perfect.

The storage is useful.

The mobility is invaluable.

Most importantly, the stability inspires complete confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is assembly difficult?

Not at all.

The instructions are clear, and the tool-free setup makes the process much simpler than many workshop cabinets.

Is it sturdy enough?

Absolutely.

Supporting a 200+ pound laser without noticeable flex is impressive.

Once assembled, it feels incredibly solid.

Does it roll easily?

Yes.

The caster wheels glide smoothly and lock securely once positioned.

Is it worth buying with the P3?

In my opinion, yes.

If you're already investing in a premium laser engraver, the cart completes the experience and creates a far more comfortable, organized workspace.

>>Mobile Work Stand for P3<<

That's it!

The xTool P3 Mobile Work Stand exceeded my expectations in every way. I expected a simple rolling cabinet, but what I received was a thoughtfully engineered mobile work stand that feels like an essential part of the entire laser setup. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward, the construction is incredibly solid, and it supports the weight of the P3 with complete confidence.

From the locking caster wheels and generous storage to the comfortable working height and unmatched stability, every detail seems designed with real makers in mind. Whether you're a hobbyist taking on larger projects or a growing business looking to streamline production, this cart helps create a cleaner, more organized, and more efficient workspace.

If you're planning to purchase the xTool P3, I wouldn't consider the Mobile Work Stand an optional accessory. I'd consider it part of the complete system. It enhances the overall experience, protects your investment, and makes using the machine more enjoyable every single day.

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LEARN ALL ABOUT THE XTOOL P3 CO2 LASER CUTTING MACHINE HERE:

How to Make Marbled Polymer Clay Earrings!

2026-07-29T02:00:00.000-04:00

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.

These gorgeous earrings are made from polymer clay...and let's just say, it's impossible to make just one!

Even a small batch of clay will yield a few pairs of earrings, so maybe you'll want to make some to sell, gift or hoard all of them! Easily worth $12 a pair!

It's kind of a big investment to start making these marbled polymer clay earrings, so jump in and make a bunch to sell--that will help cover your costs.

Supplies Needed for Marbled Polymer Clay Earrings:

Translucent Sculpey Clay
Aqua Acrylic Craft Paint (or color of your choice)
Gold Leaf Sheets
Liquid Sculpey (mine is gold, but clear works too)
Clay Cutters (this kit comes with earring hardware too)
Jewelry Resin
Hypoallergenic Earring Hardware
Large Jumprings
Jewelry Pliers
Clay Tools (rolling pin and slicer)
Pasta Maker or Clay Roller (optional but super nice)
Disposable Gloves
Non Stick Work Mat
Drill and Small Drill Bit (here's a simple one that should work)

Step 1: Soften and Cut Translucent Clay

The translucent polymer clay is the key component to making these marbled clay earrings.
It gives the earrings the quartz crystal effect.

Begin by cutting a piece of the translucent polymer clay.

Split the translucent clay into 2 pieces and roll 1 piece until smooth.

Then roll it with the rolling pin until 1/4 inch thick.

After rolling the translucent polymer clay 1/4" thick, cut it into 1/4" strips the long way.

Then cut the clay strips the other direction, creating lots of little cube pieces.

Step 2: Acrylic Craft Paint

Now split the polymer clay pieces into 2 piles.

Squeeze a little of the teal/turquoise/aqua acrylic paint on one pile of clay pieces.

Then wearing disposable gloves, lift and roll the pieces around in the paint to mix the paint onto the clay pieces.

Step 3: Gold Leaf

After mixing the paint on the surface of the clay pieces, place a single gold leaf sheet on the painted clay pieces.

Repeat the process wearing gloves and rolling the clay pieces to get them covered with bits of gold leafing.

Step 4: More Clay Pieces

Now take the second pile of translucent clay pieces and squeeze a little bit of the liquid polymer clay on them.

Mix them around in the same way wearing gloves until the pieces are all coated in the liquid polymer clay.

Not much is needed.

Then add some gold leaf to the translucent pieces in the same way as the aqua ones.

Step 5: Mixing Together

Now gather the pieces together, mixing them around to disperse the colors fairly evenly.

But, randomness is our friend here.

Then squish all the pieces together and roll them tightly into a cane, or a rectangle about an inch by 2 inches.

Step 6: Cutting the Polymer Clay Cane

Now get the piece of translucent polymer clay that was set aside right at the beginning and soften it up.

Then use the pasta maker/clay roller to flatten out the translucent clay into a 1/8" thick sheet.

Then use the knife blade and carefully cut a 1/8 to 1/4 inch piece off the cane.

Then roll the little piece through the clay roller to make it even flatter.

Then place the pieces on the translucent clay sheet.

Then run the clay sheet through the clay roller one last time.

Step 7: Cutters

Now the clay is ready to be cut with the clay cutters and baked in the oven.

Pick the cutter you like and cut 2 of each design.

Place the clay cut outs on a baking sheet.

As I ran out of clay, I used the scraps and remixed them with a bit more translucent clay, repeating the process until I ran out of clay.

Use the smallest little circle punch included in the cutters to punch a small hole near the top of the clay shape for the earring hardware to hang.

Then bake in the oven at 275*F for 15 minutes (but check your packaging to be sure)

Step 8: Resin

To give these earrings a completely professional finish, they need glossy resin.

Mix up some jewelry resin or a high gloss resin (as opposed to a deep pour resin) and coat the polymer clay pieces in a thin, glossy layer of resin.

Set pieces on non stick surface (I'm using wax paper).

Use an old paintbrush or craft stick to spread the resin on the clay pieces. They don't need much resin, and just on the top surface.

Then let them cure for 24 hours.

After curing, some of my pieces needed their holes drilled out with a tiny drill bit.

Step 9: Earring Hardware

Now use the jewelry pliers to attach a jump ring and earring hook to each marbled polymer clay shape.

I originally intended on doing multiple layers of polymer clay pieces, but they were too heavy, so I just attached one shape.

I love how gorgeous they turned out!

So much natural variety, they look like cuttings of real stones!

I don't normally wear earrings.
I got my ears pierced when I was 6 years old, on a whim with my mom and aunt, at the mall.
I saw some earrings that caught my eye and then I decided I wanted them pierced.
I wore earrings regularly until I got married.
On my wedding day, I wore tiny pearl earrings.
My husband told me he didn't like earrings and that was that--I took them out and never wore earrings again...
Except for a rare occasion here or there, I'll slip on a pair of earrings.
Now my ears react badly to earrings and feel infected after just wearing them for a few minutes.
So, I don't wear earrings.
But I made a whole bunch of them...and gave them all away!
Seriously, I love the making process...much more than I love the keeping projects.

Hopefully this guides you through the simplest way to make these gorgeous crystal quartz-like earrings.

I love the look of them and will probably use the technique to make other fun things in the near future!

Again, these earrings are awesome for business too.

Once you buy the supplies, the clay is pretty inexpensive, so they don't cost much to make.

Do you sell your crafts?

Start an Etsy shop and list some of them!

That's it!

I hope you are inspired to make a bunch of different colored marbled polymer clay earrings!

Turn them into pendants, rings or bracelets too!

So many beautiful options.

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How to Make Dorodango (Japanese Shiny Mud Ball Art)

2026-07-27T02:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Dorodango (Japanese Shiny Mud Ball Art)

Learn the art of Dorodango, Japanese shiny mud balls.

This amazing polishing technique can turn a ball of dirt into a ornament worthy of the mantle, handmade gifts and a gorgeous conversation starter.

Let me show you how to take mud from your own backyard and transform it into a beautiful shiny orb, worthy of adoration.

Let's get started!

WHAT IS DORODANGO?

Dorodango is a Japanese art and meditative hobby of hand-molding and polishing soil to create a smooth, shiny mud ball.

It involves layering fine dirt and water, then gradually shaping and buffing the mud ball until it achieves a lustrous, marble-like finish.

This is the process that the Mythbusters used years ago to prove that you can, in fact, polish a turd.

I heard of dorodango years ago and had never tried it for myself.

I though it would be difficult, need the perfect balance of sand and clay, and be expensive...buying powdered clay or fine sand.

Turns out, this craft is amazingly cheap as dirt, and was surprisingly easy to make.

Polishing my dirt ball took about 30 minutes.

BEFORE AND AFTER:

I almost don't believe it myself!

This regular dirt ball easily becomes super shiny and lustrous--with a nearly mirrored surface!

Make it extra fun by adding a little glitter or mica powder for a fun finishing touch.

My husband, our oldest son and myself sat at the kitchen table for a couple hours polishing up all these dorodango.

It was fun and we stopped at varying levels of shine, adding glitter or mica to some of the balls and leaving others a little bit rough.

Here's the first one I made.

It's about the size of a tennis ball and weighs 1 pound.

It has these really cool cracks in the shiny dirt finish that I just love, these almost look like planets.

You can make these as smooth and perfect as you desire, me, I like them to look a little dirty.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR DORODANGO:

affiliate links

4 Cups of Clay (we just dug this up in our yard, nothing special)
2 Cups of Sand (nothing special)
Something to break up the pieces with (hammer or a rock)
Sieve of some kind (we thrifted ours)
Bowl to hold it in
Water
Mason Jar, egg cup or jigger
Mica Powder
Glitter

Look around your house and see if you have what you need to get started, there's really not a lot of special equipment needed!

If you do not have clay in your yard check out this option on amazon.

Orb Display Stand

STEP 1: BREAK UP CLAY

Our clay was dry and hard, thanks to Utah's dessert climate.

We could have soaked it in water, but opted to just break it up with a hammer.

Then sieve out the clay pieces, so just the finest pieces are in the mix.

STEP 2: CLAY AND SAND MIXTURE

The next step is to make the clay mixture, place 4 cups of sieved clay in a bowl and add 2 cups of sand.

We had some extra sand from a project we were working on, so we used that.

Mix up the sand and the clay together, the dry earth fine particles are easy to mix up.

Then add one cup of water and mix it in with your hands.

You may need more water, but begin with just enough to get it all moistened because too much water causes other issues.

STEP 3: PACK A BALL

Squeeze and compress the clay in your hands to make a ball as tightly as you can.

This absolutely brings back memories of mud pancakes in the backyard as a kid.

If the ball is too dry, it will crumble and fall apart, so add a little more water than what I did, so it's more like potters clay or a cookie dough consistency.

These are a little too dry...not quite enough water for a dorodango ball.

So we quickly dipped them in some water and rolled it around in our hands, giving it an even consistency.

STEP 4: DRY OVERNIGHT

Now set the dirt balls on something soft, like a soft cloth, a towel or a bed of sand, so the orbs stay round.

Let them dry for about a day or overnight...some people put them in a plastic bag, we just left them in our grow box.

STEP 5: DORODANGO POLISHING

Now it's time to begin the rough polishing.

Set up with a towel and a bowl of wet clay, some people use clay powder, but we found a slip of our backyard sieved clay worked great.

Have a bowl of water too.

You will also need a pint size mason jar or a similar glass jar.

Begin by quickly dipping the ball of mud right into the water bowl and pull it out, surprisingly this only adds surface moisture and keeps the center strong.

In your dominate hand, hold a mason jar with the opening against the ball, the jar should be about the diameter of the surface of the ball.

Roll the jar around the mud ball in a circular motion.

This motion alone will shape the ball into stunning orb shape by removing excess dirt and creating the perfect sphere.

As the dirt ball begins to dry, dip the mason jar in a little water and then continue the circular motion with the smooth surface of the jar moving the finer dirt and finer particles around the surface of the sphere.

If you notice a big hole or crack in the wet dirt ball, use the clay slip to fill it in.

If you add the natural clay to the ball, depending on how much you add, you may need to set it on a soft surface for a few minutes to let it solidify.

In the meantime, you can begin rough polishing a second dorodango...you can't just make one!

STEP 6: FINE POLISHING

As the ordinary mud begins to form a smooth surface, you will "feel" the surface of the dorodango change, and begin to shine.

Here is where I switched down to a smaller too for more detailed polishing.

I am using a ceramic egg cup we found thrifting.

At this point you can still add water, but you will not need to add any more water for long.

STEP 7: MICA POWDER OR GLITTER (OPTIONAL)

Once your ball is smooth and round, and doesn't need more water, this is the time to add glitter or mica powder to it.

Mica powder is easy to just lightly dust on with your finger on a few places on the orb.

Glitter will flake off as you polish, but a few pieces will embed in the mud, so add some here and there.

The mica powder is super fine and leaves a subtle color shifting value.

Continue with the smaller glass, polishing the shiny dorodango until it has an even higher shine.

It's amazing to watch the transformation of ordinary mud into a gorgeous work of art, it looks like cut and polished gemstones!

The final step is to simply decide when to stop polishing your own dorodango.

I like the slight roughness to my dorodango, but maybe it's my patience level...and I'm good with "good enough"!

My son polished his dorodango for quite a bit longer and it is decidedly shinier than mine.

So polish it as long as you like, until you are pleased with the shine.

Isn't this Japanese art form just amazing!?

I love that all these shiny orbs were made from the dry earth in our yard!

These are practically FREE to make, and I love crafts that come in under budget and super impressive!

These look like polished rocks!

Okay, but what happens if they get wet?

Likely, they will melt back into a pile of dirt.

Okay, but what if I drop it on the ground?

It will break and turn into a pile of dirt.

CAN YOU FIRE YOUR DORODANGO IN A KILN OR FIRE PIT?

YES!

My husband took about 4 of these and let them dry for a few days, then fired them in our 55 gallon fire pit, stacked on a couple bricks.

We expected them to break in half or crack or blow up...but none of them did.

He didn't temperature check the fire, but it was a decent wood fire.

They turned out amazing, slightly change of color and much lighter.

Just like fired pottery.

They are shiny still and can withstand water.

So what do you think about making hikaru dorodango?

Is this something you would try using the dry earth in your yard?

I love them.

I think they would make a great gift, because they have such an amazing story!

That's it!

Making Dorodango, Japanese shiny mud ball art form, with the dirt in your own backyard is amazingly satisfying.

It's easy to do, we had no fails with our attempt and couldn't get enough of these shiny ornaments.

What do you think about taking natural clay and making it super shiny?

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CHECK OUT THESE FUN CRAFTS TOO!

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 Mosaic Picture Frame (Easy DIY Craft)

Learn how to make a glass tile mosaic picture frame!

This fun project is a fun way to upcycle an old wood frame and even broken glass pieces, it could also be adapted to use things found on a nature walk, like smooth rocks, shells and twigs.

Make a mosaic glass frame in an afternoon with this simple tutorial, no skill level required for this fun and creative craft.

Mermaid Fish Scales Papercraft Wall Art DIY

2026-07-24T02:00:00.000-04:00

Mermaid Fish Scales Papercraft Wall Art DIY

Mermaid scales are iridescent, shimmery and beautiful! Mermaids, fish and nautical themes are perfect for home decor or parties. You can make your own gorgeous piece of art easily.

Great for a piece to hang on the wall, perfect for a backdrop for a birthday party or fun scaled down for a card!

Papercrafts are my favorite because they are so inexpensive. I love making things with paper that look expensive and chic.

This amazing mermaid scale wall canvas is easy to make, takes just a few supplies and looks fantastic.

The different shades of blues, the glitter paper and the iridescent shimmer make this mermaid scale wall art the perfect home decor or party decoration.

Supplies for Mermaid Wall Art:

(affiliate links)

16 by 20 stretched canvas
7 shades of blue paper (2 of each color)
1 sheet of glitter paper
Iridescent cellophane
2 inch paper punch
Hot glue/gun

Step 1: Punch!

Punch circles out of your papers. With one 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper, I cut 20 circles. Punch the circles upside down. This makes it easy to line up where the punch will go and maximize the use of your paper.

The variety of colors is beautiful. I scattered them evenly throughout the canvas but an ombre style would look amazing as well.

Cut circles of iridescent cellophane with scissors to overlay on a few of the scales.

Step 2: Glue!

The simplest way to secure the circles to the canvas is just a dot of hot glue on each.

Place the circles along the edge of the canvas leaving half of them off the edge, creating a scallop border. 8 two-inch circles fit across the canvas perfectly.

As long as you have an even number of inches on your canvas size, it will fit perfectly.

On the second row, cut a circle in half.

Glue a half piece on the edge and continue the row across, overlapping the next row half way over the first row.

Repeat for all the rows. Scatter the glitter paper and the iridescent papers throughout the canvas evenly. I taped the iridescent pieces right on top of a blue circle.

I made sure not to let any like colors touch.

Step 3: Finish Edge!

Once you get all the way to the top edge, just cut the remaining row of circles in half to finish off the edge.

I left the sides of my canvas white. If you are going to paint, do it first...then glue on the scales.

I love the layers, texture, shimmer, shine, and shades of this piece! It looks just like my daughter's fish, Sapphire! Perfect for a fish, mermaid or under-the-sea lover!

Great backdrop or table centerpiece for a birthday party. I love how this beautiful canvas turned out.

That's it!

I hope you enjoyed this simple mermaid fish scale canvas craft! The glitter and iridescent paper just make it sparkle and pop!

I love how it turned out--can't wait to see yours!

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Check out this Resin Art Canvas too!

If you like this, you will love this project:

King of Christmas Royal Fir Holiday Collection Review

2026-07-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

King of Christmas Royal Fir Holiday Collection Review

I know...it's the middle of summer. But if you've ever fallen in love with a gorgeous Christmas collection only to discover it's sold out by November, you know exactly why I'm already thinking about the holiday season--and King of Christmas!

This year I was gifted the Royal Fir Collection 4-Piece Set from King of Christmas, and after setting everything up, I completely understand why it's become such a customer favorite.

The collection has that timeless look that never goes out of style, and one feature in particular completely won me over—the battery-operated lighting system with built-in timers.

No extension cords stretched across the room. No rearranging furniture to reach an outlet. Just beautiful holiday decorating exactly where I want it.

A Collection That Looks Like It Was Designed Together

One of my favorite things about this set is how coordinated everything feels. Instead of purchasing greenery one piece at a time and hoping it all matches, every piece complements the others perfectly.

Whether decorating an entryway, fireplace mantel, staircase, dining room, or front porch, the collection instantly creates an enchanting holiday scene. It feels polished without trying too hard, and that's exactly the kind of decorating I love.

It's the sort of collection that becomes the centerpiece of your home throughout the entire holiday season.

Beautiful, Realistic Greenery

The first thing I noticed after opening the boxes was how realistic the greenery looks.

The branches feature rich dark green foliage with layered dark green tips that give every piece wonderful depth and texture. From across the room, they have the appearance of fresh evergreen cuttings instead of plastic branches.

The inspiration reminds me of the forests throughout the Pacific Northwest, where towering fir native evergreens create spectacular winter scenery. While nothing replaces a freshly cut tree, this collection captures so much of that natural beauty without dropping a single needle.

The foliage is full and lush, creating a remarkably full silhouette that looks beautiful even before adding ribbons or ornaments.

My Favorite Feature: Battery-Powered Lights

This is the feature that completely sold me.

Every piece includes its own battery-operated lighting system with an automatic timer.

I didn't realize how much I disliked decorating around electrical outlets until I didn't have to anymore.

The pieces look gorgeous, even without the lights on...but the lights are so convenient!

Now I can place pieces exactly where they look best instead of wherever a plug happens to be nearby. I've already imagined using them on an entry table, kitchen island, buffet cabinet, and even in a window where running cords would have been nearly impossible.

The built-in timer is another feature I absolutely love. Once it's set, everything turns on automatically each evening and shuts off later, making decorating practically effortless.

Sometimes it's the little conveniences that end up making the biggest difference.

Decorating That Feels Timeless

Every year there seems to be another decorating trend.

One season everyone wants flocked trees.

The next it's colorful vintage ornaments.

Then metallic collections become popular, including everything from a champagne gold tinsel tree to designs featuring champagne Christmas tree features gold tips.

While those trends can be fun, I always come back to classic evergreen decorating.

The Royal Fir Collection has that traditional elegance that works with almost any decorating style. Whether your home is rustic, farmhouse, vintage, colorful, or classic, these pieces blend beautifully instead of competing with your existing décor.

Easy Setup Means More Time Enjoying Christmas

No one wants to spend hours assembling Christmas decorations.

Thankfully, everything comes together with easy assembly, and the convenient quick set design means you'll spend far more time decorating than figuring out instructions.

That's especially important during the busy holiday season when there never seems to be enough hours in the day.

Perfect With Any Artificial Tree

The collection pairs beautifully with nearly any artificial Christmas tree, especially a royal fir Christmas tree if you're looking for a perfectly coordinated look.

Whether your perfect Christmas tree is slim, full, pre-lit, or unlit, these matching greenery pieces help carry your decorating theme throughout the rest of your home.

If you've been shopping for artificial trees, you've probably also looked at Home Decorators Collection Christmas trees or other premium brands. No matter which tree you already own, this collection blends beautifully thanks to its classic styling.

I especially like that the greenery isn't overly trendy. It feels like something I'll still love decorating with ten years from now.

Built to Last

Christmas decorations are one of those purchases where quality really matters.

Instead of replacing inexpensive décor every few years, I'd much rather invest in pieces that become part of our family traditions.

The sturdy construction, realistic foliage, secure light strings, and availability of replacement parts all help make this collection feel like something that will be unpacked year after year.

That's exactly what I want from holiday décor.

Planning Ahead Pays Off

If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that waiting until late November to buy Christmas decorations usually means fewer choices.

Popular collections often sell quickly, and shipping schedules naturally become busier as the holidays get closer. During much of the year, King of Christmas advertises an estimated delivery of 2–3 business days, although delivery times can vary during peak shopping periods. It's also worth reviewing any additional fees that may apply to non-contiguous US orders before checking out.

Buying early means you can decorate when you're ready instead of hoping your favorite pieces are still available.

Why I Love This Collection

There are plenty of beautiful Christmas decorations available today, but what makes this collection special is how practical it is.

The cordless lighting, realistic greenery, classic styling, and thoughtful design all come together to create something that feels both elegant and incredibly easy to use.

It has the warmth of beloved Christmas trees without any of the maintenance. It captures the look of a grand fir, valley fir tree, or even Abies grandis while offering all the convenience of modern holiday decorating.

I can already picture it welcoming family and friends for Christmas dinners, cozy movie nights, cookie baking, and every little tradition in between.

That's exactly the kind of décor I love investing in.

Final Thoughts

As every Christmas business begins unveiling its new Christmas category collections each year, it's easy to get distracted by the newest decorating trend. But for me, the best purchases are the ones I'll still be excited to unpack many years from now.

The Royal Fir Collection offers gorgeous Christmas tree features in a coordinated set that feels elegant without being flashy. Its narrow profile makes each piece easy to place throughout the home, while the realistic greenery creates shining splendor in every room.

Whether you're shopping for your first artificial Christmas tree, adding coordinating greenery to an existing display, or simply planning ahead for the holiday season, I genuinely think this collection is worth considering.

Beautiful holiday décor doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes the perfect tree isn't just the one standing in your living room—it's the collection that brings warmth, natural beauty, and holiday spirit to every corner of your home.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AMAZING TREES FROM KING OF CHRISTMAS:

King of Christmas Artificial Tree Review: Alpine Fir

It's Christmas in July and time to start thinking about the perfect artificial Christmas tree!

King of Christmas has amazing, high quality natural Christmas trees to enjoy for years to come.

In this King of Christmas tree review, I am going to review the Alpine Fir 7.5 foot tree.

King of Christmas (Flocked Artificial Trees Review)

King of Christmas sent me an amazing flocked pencil tree to review!

Pencil trees are my most favorite, especially since I have a small living room space and a large tree can feel a little too cluttery.

This flocked pencil tree is the most beautiful and nicest tree I've ever owned and perfect for small spaces! (I love pencil and slim trees)

Let me show you all the awesome elements of the best artificial Christmas trees and you'll want one of your own!

How to DIY Cardinal Themed Christmas Tree Decorations

Learn how easy it is to decorate a gorgeous Christmas tree with a cardinal theme.

I'm sharing a bunch of DIY ornament tutorials to make the most memorable Christmas tree decorations.

Handmade holiday decorations are the best, they can be given as gifts and are treasures year after year.

King of Christmas Rushmore Fir Artificial Tree Review

The King of Christmas Rushmore Fir Artificial Tree is designed to bring the timeless elegance of nature’s most beautiful trees right into your home—without the hassle of shedding needles or constant upkeep.

With its lush, realistic branches, this stunning tree is available in various heights to perfectly suit any space, from cozy living rooms to grand entryways.

How to Make Ceramic Palettes for Watercolor Paint

2026-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Ceramic Palettes for Watercolor Paint!

These handmade ceramic watercolor palettes are exactly that—a collection of functional art pieces that make every painting session feel a little more creative.

Each palette was handcrafted from earthenware clay using slab-building techniques before being professionally fired at my local recreation center.

After the first firing, I returned to glaze each piece with bright tropical colors and glossy finishes before they received their final kiln firing. To finish them off, I added a thin adhesive cork backing to protect tables and work surfaces from scratches.

The result is a collection of whimsical palettes that are practical enough for everyday painting while also serving as decorative objects when they're sitting on a shelf between artistic adventures.

Why I Made Ceramic Watercolor Palettes

As a watercolor artist, I spend a lot of time mixing colors. Traditional plastic palettes certainly work, but I wanted something with a little more charm and personality.

Instead of plain rectangles, I designed playful designs inspired by tropical flowers, lily pads, leafy botanicals, and even the classic artist palette shape. Each one has its own personality, making it feel less like a disposable art supply and more like a tiny work of art.

They have an organic look that simply can't be duplicated by mass-produced palettes, and every slight variation reminds me that they were made by hand.

Supplies Needed for Ceramic Watercolor Palette DIY:

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Earthenware clay
Rolling pin or wooden dowel
Slab guides (yard sticks or similar)
Clay knife
Pottery tools
Sponge
Water
Glazes
Kiln firing access (check local Make or Rec centers or schools)
Adhesive cork sheets
Scissors

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

I started by rolling slabs of earthenware clay to an even thickness. While many artists enjoy working with stoneware clay for creating a porcelain palette, the recreation center offered earthenware clay, which worked perfectly for this project.

Using slab construction made it easy to cut custom shapes while keeping each palette relatively flat for painting.

Once the slabs were rolled, I sketched and cut several different botanical-inspired designs.

Step 2: Shape the Palettes

Each palette was carefully refined before drying.

The collection includes:

A tropical hibiscus flower
A simple flower silhouette
A classic artist palette
A ginkgo leaf
A monstera-inspired leaf
A lily pad
A round palette featuring three primary color wells

Rather than aiming for perfect symmetry, I embraced the handmade process, giving every palette an organic look and slightly unique outline.

Step 3: Create Color Wells

Most watercolor artists appreciate having dedicated spaces for primary colors while still leaving plenty of room for mixing.

Two of my palettes feature a simple three-hole cavity design for red, yellow, and blue.

These little wells make it easy to start every painting while the larger open areas leave room for blending much paint into countless custom colors.

The remaining palettes offer large uninterrupted mixing areas with a wonderfully smooth surface.

Step 4: Allow the Clay to Dry

The clay was allowed to dry slowly before its first firing, on a piece of cardboard wrapped in a plastic bag.

Taking time during this stage helps minimize cracking and warping while keeping each palette nice and flat.

Step 5: Bisque Firing

After drying, I took all of the palettes to my local recreation center.

The ceramics department completed the first kiln firing, turning the fragile clay into a much stronger friendly ceramic material that was ready for glazing.

Having access to a community ceramics studio makes projects like this much more approachable without needing your own kiln.

Step 6: Glaze the Palettes

After the bisque firing, I returned to glaze every palette by hand.

I chose tropical-inspired colors that felt bright, cheerful, and relaxing.

Soft teal greens, fresh leafy colors, creamy whites, and a vibrant coral flower came together beautifully.

The white palettes almost feel like cheerful white-glazed companions sitting next to the colorful botanical pieces.

The white palettes are nice when mixing colors and seeing what you are working with...the colorful palettes are whimsical and fun to look at, albeit a little trickier to use when painting.

Step 7: Final Firing

Once glazed, the palettes went back into the kiln for their final firing.

The glossy finish creates an incredibly smooth surface that allows watercolor paints to mix beautifully.

Unlike rough surfaces that grab pigment, glazed ceramic lets paint glide effortlessly while maintaining true color.

Step 8: Add Cork to the Bottom

After bringing the finished palettes home, I applied thin adhesive cork piece to the bottom of each one.

This simple addition helps:

Protect tables
Prevent scratches
Keep the palettes from sliding during use
Give each piece a finished appearance

It only takes a few minutes but makes a big difference.

Painting with Ceramic Palettes

Using ceramic instead of plastic has quickly become one of my favorite studio upgrades.

The glazed surface allows watercolor paints to move naturally, making blending colors much easier.

Because the palettes are non-porous, cleanup is wonderfully simple. A quick rinse with clean water or a baby wipe removes nearly all of the leftover pigment.

Even after multiple painting sessions, they continue looking fresh with very little staining...some of the palettes developed some hairline fractures in the glaze, but honestly, it looks cooler.

The large open spaces also make it easy to mix much paint without running out of room.

Filling the Tiny Watercolor Wells

Once your ceramic palette is completely dry and ready to use, it’s time to add the watercolor paint!
I chose a bright primary color palette with magenta, blue, and yellow watercolor paints because these three colors can be mixed together to create endless shades and beautiful custom blends.
Squeeze a small amount watercolor paint into each tiny well, filling them right to the top of the small divot.
No worries if you overfill the wells, as watercolor tends to shrink as it dries.
Once all the wells are filled, let the paint dry completely in a dust-free area., lol, who am I kidding here, there are NO dust free areas.
When you’re ready to paint, simply add a little water with your brush, swirl the bristles into the dried watercolor, and watch your handmade ceramic palette come to life!

More Than Just an Art Supply

These palettes spend just as much time sitting on display as they do holding paint.

Their botanical shapes and glossy finishes make them beautiful decorative objects for an art studio, craft room, or creative workspace.

They almost become tiny treasures that remind me to slow down and enjoy the creative process.

Why Ceramic Makes Such a Great Palette

There are several reasons ceramic palettes have remained popular among artists for generations.

Smooth mixing surface
Easy cleanup
Doesn't stain as easily as plastic palettes
Comfortable weight while painting
Long-lasting durability
Beautiful enough to display
Plenty of room for color mixing

A well ceramic palette often becomes a favorite studio companion because it feels substantial and enjoyable to use every day.

Other Ways to Use These Palettes

Although they were designed for watercolor paints, these palettes are surprisingly versatile and can be used as trinket dishes or coasters.

They also work well with:

Gouache
Acrylic inks
Alcohol ink
Metallic watercolors
Ink washes
Fine art pigments

The glossy ceramic surface allows all of these materials to mix beautifully while cleaning up easily afterward.

Handmade with Heart

One of my favorite parts of this project was being able to create everything by hand while also taking advantage of our wonderful local recreation center.

I built every piece from clay slabs at home, then brought them in for firing. After the bisque firing, I returned to glaze each palette before they completed the final kiln firing.

That combination of personal craftsmanship and community resources made this project especially rewarding.

Whether these palettes are used every day in the studio or simply admired on a shelf, I hope they inspire countless artistic adventures.

I love having local access to pottery wheels, kilns, recycled clay, glazes and instructors with years of experience.

Check into your community and see what resources you already have access to!

I love the variety of fun sizes, the tiny specs of color in the glazes, and overall--the durable watercolor palette tray options! Ceramic paint palettes are the perfect clay project to begin with!

That's it!

These handmade ceramic watercolor palettes have quickly become some of my favorite painting tools!

They offer generous space for mixing colors, feel wonderful to use, and bring a little extra happiness to every creative session. Each one is slightly different, embracing the beauty of handmade craftsmanship rather than factory perfection.

From the tropical flower palette to the botanical leaf designs and classic artist palette, every piece has its own personality and reflects the joy of creating something entirely by hand.

Whether you're an experienced watercolor artist or just beginning your painting journey, a handmade ceramic palette transforms an everyday painting session into something a little more special—and that's exactly why making them was so much fun.

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN WATERCOLOR POSTS:

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.

20 Christmas in July Crafts! (Easy to Make DIYS)

2026-07-17T02:00:00.000-04:00

20 Christmas in July Crafts!

Christmas in July is a thing!

Do you celebrate Christmas in July?

Christmas below the equator is during the Summer months, so Christmas in July was born to give the southern hemisphere a "Winter" Christmas.

Some people go all out and give gifts and decorate. It's perfect for early Christmas crafting, holiday spirit and making the perfect gift ahead of time.

In the northern hemisphere, we typically don't celebrate it or we use it as a way to get ahead of the busy schedule of the Winter holiday.

Some people get upset because retail stores get their Christmas stuff out mid June so that it's ready for Christmas in July. Like they are just trying to make money...and while that's still probably true, I love being able to buy holiday and seasonal items this time of year so I can work smarter and ahead of the upcoming holiday season rush.

Seriously, July is an awesome time to knock out a few holiday crafts so you can just sit back and watch Hallmark Holiday movies and cuddle up during December.

Get those Christmas cards made and your newsletter written up...leaving a little space to fill in later.
Get some new ornaments made, try a new recipe, do some holiday crafts, give the kids a fun activity to do during Summer break to help you get ready and jump start on the Christmas season.

Trust me, your future self will thank you for getting some great ideas and fun crafts made ahead of time. Make some fun ornaments, Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts, and other holiday craft projects.

Here's a list of 20 awesome crafts to make in the warm summer heat so you are ready for the holiday rush--in a very "unrushed" relaxed way. Hopefully these get your creative juices going!

Which Christmas in July craft project will you be making as a Christmas diy this week? Click the pictures for the full tutorial.

Here's 20 Christmas in July Crafts!

Layered Snow Globe made with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine

Learn how to make a layered diy snow globes scene using a laser cutting machine and wood sheets.

I am having so much fun using my new xTool laser cutter. It's easy to set up and can cut all sorts of materials.

Today I'm sharing these cute little layered snowglobe scenes and how simple they are to create--this is a free file too!

Colorful Christmas Tree Display

It's Christmas in July!

This wooden Christmas tree display is painted in bright, non-traditional Christmas colors, it really just screams Christmas in July! Handmade decorations are the best!

Learn how easy it is to make a Wooden Christmas Tree Display in just a few minutes with some scrap wood from the pile.

Miniature Cabin in Woods Cloche

This tiny little miniature cabin in the woods is the perfect craft for a July afternoon...plus it's so cute!

Make the tiniest and most adorable Winter scene captured in a bottle.

I love working on Christmas projects in July because it's warm outside, I feel like being busy...and I'm not swamped with holiday have-to's, events and busyness.

Rhinestone Encrusted Star Ornament

Turn a metal star from the dollar store into a gorgeous rhinestone encrusted ornament!

This sparkly ornament encrusted with bling is the perfect addition to the tree, an ornament on the table or a opulent handmade gift for a friend!

Let me show you how easy and fun it is to make this rhinestone encrusted star ornament!

You could make this with just the outline, using cookie cutters!

Sublimation Ceramic Ornaments

Learn how to make custom sublimation ceramic ornaments for the perfect Christmas tree addition, handmade gift or heirloom keepsake.

I love ornaments. There can never be too many! I love turning art, treasures and childhood trinkets into ornaments. Today I am showing how to turn custom art into high quality ceramic ornaments, easily!

These can be used for decorating the tree, of course, but also work great for gift toppers, drink charms, teacher or neighbor gifts, custom merchandise or heirlooms for grandparents, parents and children.

Marbled Wood Slice Ornaments with Plaid Crafts

Marbling is the most amazing craft and it's easy! These show-stopping wood slice cute ornaments take just 15-20 minutes, minus the drying time. Plaid makes it easy with their awesome line of Marbling Paints and pour paints.

Plaid Marbling Paints are mixed and ready to pour. They don't blend together, so all the individual colors stay bright and vivid.

Josephine Knot Macrame Ornaments

Learn how to tie a Josephine knot!

Macrame is all the rage and a fun project for the holidays. This is the perfect macrame craft for beginners--that totally shouts "not made by a beginner!" You will love this--once confident with this knot, you can go big!

This cute knot makes the perfect little handmade ornament. Great to give as a handmade gift, use as a gift tag or just decorate your Christmas tree with the finished products.

Just a couple supplies and a few minutes to make each one. Great for a tween/teenager craft too! Fill the Christmas tree with these gorgeous ornaments for a natural look!

O What Fun Vinyl Pillow

O what fun! This layered iron-on pillow is perfect for the Christmas holiday, but basically any time of year because of the non-traditional colors.

I love using my Cricut Maker Machine to whip up projects in minutes. It's a great way to make handmade gifts, decor or other fun things for the holidays...and it literally only takes minutes!

I love the lyrics to jingle bells and the fun it inspires when we sing it at the top of our lungs in the car, A Christmas Story, style. It's one of my favorite songs and a fun way to celebrate any time of the year.

Merry Little Christmas Sign

Merry Little Christmas Felt Holly Berry Wood Sign: Christmas in July!

Hope you've been following the Christmas in July projects this week. It's winter in the southern hemisphere, so Yuletide or Yulefest is celebrated in many places...and I love to spend some time in July crafting for Christmas.

I get swamped in December and never get to all the projects I'd like to...so I'm encouraging you to get a head start too! This time with some home decor that can decorate the home early in December or given as a gift right at the start of the season.

Make a Merry Christmas sign for holiday decorations or as a great gift!

JOY Porch Sign

Have JOY this holiday season and make this fun rustic front porch sign.

It doesn't take long to get this sign out on the porch, but it will need to dry overnight...it's the perfect time to make it early and enjoy it all Winter long. Plus, turn it over and put a different set of 3 letters on the other side...check out the post to see more!

I love having a welcoming sign on the front porch--and I've done it a few different ways! Affiliate links included in post.

Matchbox Advent Calendar

Matchbox Diorama Advent Calendar!

When I was growing up my mom had a darling advent calendar for us to
open once each day before Christmas. My mom was crafty and creative and always made the holidays cheery for us...she was also big into miniatures!

Each little matchbox was a little diorama scene to see each day as the excitement filled us.
I decided I must make one for myself and my children...look at those miniature candy canes!

Nativity Wall Art Sign

Oh Holy Night Christmas Nativity Sign!

Vinyl Nativity wall hanging--this is a big piece of plywood!

Making holiday decor just puts me in the Christmas spirit!

Toilet Paper Roll Advent Calendar Punch Box

Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar!

The perfect Christmas countdown!

Or countdown for any other occasion!

Tied with a ribbon and bow for a little gift!

This would be fun to make and give to friends too--help the excitement last all month!

Wood Nativity Set

Perfect Nativity Set for Children!

I love nativity sets for Christmastime and I love the ones that children and younger kids can handle.

They are so curious and want to act out the story several times a day. I think it's important to have a set that is hands on.

My friend brought her wood nativity set to church for singing time with the children. I loved it and asked if I could trace the shapes.

I fell in love with the palm tree, but made mine have a large base so it would be taller than the people. I also added a cow. I drew them out onto 3/4" pine boards and took them to my dad's house.

My daughter and I took turns using the band saw to cut them out. It was pretty tedious, but worth it.

Marbled Resin Ornaments

It's Christmas in July! Typically this is celebrated because of the southern hemisphere celebrating during their Winter season. I love Christmas in July, because it gives me a chance to get started on things for the holidays that I'd skip because I'm too busy!

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!

Christmas Tree Button Frame

Jeweled Vintage Buttons Christmas Tree Decor!

Make a stunning addition to your Christmas holiday decor with this vintage button tree. Just an old frame, burlap, hot glue, some colored paper and buttons is all it takes!

I love buttons. When I was little, one of my favorite things was going through my mom's button jar. Buttons are so cool! I found little jeweled ones, big and small, I wanted them all.

Since then, I've collected my own jar of buttons...I buy them at yard sales and get tons of vintage buttons just like my moms. I decided to make it a piece of Christmas inspired seasonal art!

I made this originally in North Carolina and it's one of my favorite easy Christmas crafts!

JOYful Anthropologie Inspired Pillow

This pom-pom pillow brings me so much joy! I just love the creative ideas and non-traditional holiday colors. I love the textures and the layers. The sparkles too!

Make a joyful pom-pom pillow inspired by Anthropologie in this fun and simple tutorial. Using brightly colored iron-on vinyl and colorful trims and pom-poms to make the Joy pop!

Grinch Face Ornament

Make a darling Grinch inspired ornament, filled with green candy for the perfect finishing touch! This is great for neighbor or friend gifts, a loving teacher--maybe filled with some cash, or family members. This cute craft takes less than 30 minutes, get supplies from dollar tree, and you've got the perfect last minute gift.

Are you ready for the onslaught of Christmas crafts? If you are going to get any crafting done for the holidays, it's best to start now before the hustle and bustle of the season is in full swing.

Acrylic Ornaments 3 Ways

Hey friends, I've just discovered acrylic blanks and I love them. Let me show you three ways to create an acrylic ornament. Works for great Christmas gift tags! Which ornament is your favorite?

Decorate your Christmas tree, make gifts for the neighbors or make a few to sell for the holidays! These ornaments are minimalistic and classy. Let's get started!

Sticker Nativity Set (I have some available in my Etsy Shop)

Make a darling Christmas Nativity set with wood blocks in this creative craft kit. These cute little Christmas nativity stickers have been a hit on my website since 2012.

These cute stickers are not my art, but I love using them as the perfect Nativity sets for children. Tell the sweet story of Christmas easily with these hands-on blocks.

That's it!

Which one of these Christmas in July easy crafts did you like best!?

I love the ones that require my wood shop. I never want to go out in the cold, snow of Winter to the garage to cut things out of wood. July craft ideas are my favorite...I can work with fake snow but I am not cold and it's way easy to craft.

Mix up some Christmas cookies and make Christmas ornaments and watch a Christmas movie, just have a July Party!

I love the reminder of Christmas in July, because I can get things cut out in a cool/air conditioned environment--and I can remember the birth of Jesus Christ every day.

Plus, future me is so happy about it too!

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How to Make Spray Paint Rainbow Frames with Gold Leaf

2026-07-15T02:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Spray Paint Rainbow Frames with Gold Leaf!

Colors are the smiles of nature!

Upcycle some old frames with lots of pops of color and sparkle of gold leaf and glitter for a gorgeous wall art idea.

This gorgeous, colorful project can be done outside on a beautiful day and only take an hour or two, depending on drying time.

I've had these old frames that needed an update for a long time, you can use a mirror frame too!

I decided this was the week (thanks to the lovely weather) to finish them up with bright and bold colors.

I found I could say things with color...that I couldn't say any other way. --Georgia O Keeffe

This project uses spray paint as well as acrylic paint, giving it lots of fun layers of color.

If you have a mirrored frame, use some painter's tape (available even at the grocery store) and tape off the front of mirror...or just scrape it off with a razor after painting.

I am using various brands of spray paint and did use colorshot premium spray paint for a few of the colors.

Supplies Needed for Spray Paint Rainbow Frames:

affiliate links

Frames (the more ornate the better)
Spray Paint (in various vibrant colors)
Acrylic Craft Paint (in various vibrant colors)
Gold Leaf and Adhesive
Mod Podge Iridescent Spray
Paint Brushes
Cardboard (or protective surface cover)
Sunny Day (not too hot or humid)

If you order from PLAID ONLINE, use the code: DOODLECRAFT15 for 15% off.

Step 1: Rainbow Frames Set up

Begin by laying cardboard or a drop cloth out in your yard, either on the grass or cement.

Then set the picture frames on top of the cardboard, with the glass and backing removed.

Step 2: Spray Paint the Frames

Pick a color of spray paint, shake it up and spray a section or two of the frame.

Then select a different color and spray paint a portion or two of the frame, just in a fun rainbow spray pattern.

Repeat the spray painting portion process as you cycle through all the colors of spray paint you have.

Do not worry if the spray paint spurts or sputters out color splatters, leaving a small blob or two, that's actually awesome, and adds to the texture of the frame.

Continue spraying the frames, with light strokes of color...you don't want too many layers on the frames.

The combination of layers of paint does cause some cracking, which is also a nice effect too.

After I did a fair amount of colors, I felt like I lost the brighter of the colors, so I went back over them with some more pops of color.

Then let them dry in the sunlight for about an hour, spray paint in thin layers is pretty quick drying.

Step 3: Mod Podge Iridescent Spray

Now for funsies, I used this Mod Podge Iridescent glitter spray and did a light pass over each of the colorful frames.

I love the subtle glitter shine it gives them.

Okay, now let the frames dry completely.

Step 4: Acrylic Paint

Now it's time to add pops of more color with acrylic paint.

Get out a variety of colors, similar to the spray paint colors...or something different entirely!

Now use a paintbrush and the acrylic paint to add little lines and pops of color to the frames.

Adding the additional colors really makes these frames stand out!

Don't fill in all the details, just give them a light touch here and there to make small details stand out.

I love how vibrant this yellow paint looks, it totally takes these frames up a notch!

I'm surprised looking at them now that I didn't use any green paint.

I totally could have.

Don't limit yourself with the colors you choose!

Alright, that's all the painting I did.

Let the acrylic craft paint dry completely...like 30 minutes or so.

Step 5: Gold Leafing on Frames

Now get out the gold leaf adhesive, mine is Martha Stewart brand from a long time ago when this was part of their Plaid line up.

This stuff lasts a long time.

Paint the adhesive in thin coats on the frames, in various sporadic places, just like the acrylic paint...then let the adhesive dry completely, it will turn clear.

Now place sheets of gold leaf on the adhesive all around the frame.

Use a paintbrush to dust off the gold leaf that doesn't stick to the adhesive.

The paintbrush also kind of burnishes the gold leaf and makes it extra shiny.

Then, life hack, use a small hand vacuum to vacuum up the excess gold leaf.

(Or you can scrape it into a small container to use as flakes for a project later.)

Now these beautiful rainbow gold leaf frames are finished!

They are ready to be filled with fun photographs and memories, hung on the wall as chic decor, added a hand lettered quote to, or just loved and admired.

I love the swirls and layers of color.

I love the hypnotic rainbow vibe...the gold leaf sparkles and the iridescent glow!

Such a simple upcycle project to add life to a plain but ornate frame...and if it brings you joy then it's absolutely worth it!

That's it!

Upcycle a frame into a glorious brightly colored rainbow with gold leaf!

This fun project is easy to do on a Spring afternoon, and it's basically fool proof, pick colors and layer them up.

Perfect for home decor, parties and events, updating existing frames and more!

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Check out these other fun frame projects:

How to Make a Laser Cut Ornate Frame!

I just want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares!

Learn how easy it is to make a beautiful ornate frame with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine.

I have been loving my xTool M1 laser cutting machine that was gifted to me. It's opened up a whole new world of crafting to me. I love it!

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 Use Mod Podge Crackle Finish!

Learn how to easily add weather and crackling to wood paint with Mod Podge Crackle finish.

It's easy to use and gives a unique finish to a painted project.

See how it adds texture and depth to this wood picture frame in one easy process, this crackle effect works on anything you paint, knick-knacks, candlesticks, decor, signs and more!

How to Make Vintage Frame Ring Holders! (Easy DIY)

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.

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!

How to Make Origami Corner Bookmarks (Easy Paper DIY)

2026-07-13T02:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Origami Corner Bookmarks (Easy Paper DIY)

Origami paper corner bookmarks are super easy to make and perfect for teaching a large group.

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, and all you need are some squares of paper.

What is a Corner Bookmark?

Easy origami corner bookmarks fit on the right corner of a good book.

The folded edge of the triangle slides over the corner of your page keeping track of your place in the book.

Origami is an easy, glue/adhesive free way of making a corner bookmark, but they could also be decorated to make little monster corner bookmarks or other fun corner bookmark ideas.

Supplies Needed for Origami Corner Bookmark:

affiliate links

Origami Paper (6x6" paper squares)
Bamboo Scoring Tool (optional)

Let's talk about the kind of paper for DIY bookmarks. Origami paper is the best thing because of the thinner paper.

Construction paper, coloring pages and scrapbook paper can make cute corner bookmarks, but are much bulkier in the book.

Whatever you decide, you'll need one square sheet of paper for each of the cute bookmarks.

Step 1: Fold Origami Paper

Pick out a piece of origami paper, essentially any square piece of paper will work.

Origami paper is the best paper to use because it is a little thinner than copy paper...you can try other weights of paper, just cut into small squares, six inches.

Begin by folding the origami paper in half from corner to corner with the colorful side of the paper facing out.

Then use the bamboo scoring tool to crease the fold firmly from the top point to the bottom point, creating a triangle shape.

Step 2: Repeat

Then open up the origami paper and fold in half the opposite way from corner to corner and crease it firmly.

Step 3: Fold Top Down

Now fold the top of the triangle down, just the top layer of paper, to meet the bottom crease line, creating a smaller, white triangle on top.

It looks like the Tri-Force from Legend of Zelda with 4 little triangles!

Step 4: Side Folds

Now fold the edge of the triangle up to meet the center points of the triangle, lining up with the folded line from the beginning fold.

Then repeat on the other side of the triangle, folding the side point up to meet the center points, creating a square shape.

Step 5: Tuck and Fold

Now take those freshly folded points and fold them down inside the pouch of the triangle.

This can be a little bit tricky, depending on the age group, but the point of the flap goes from the top of the square shape to the exact opposite side, the bottom corner point.

Repeat with the other point, tucking and folding it inside the little pocket we created in our own bookmark.

That's all it takes to make the basic origami bookmark!

The easy DIY corner bookmarks are done--ready for all book lovers to mark their place in their favorite book.

The right side of the origami paper shows on both sides of the page, while the wrong sides of the paper fits snuggly against the book page.

Doing a basic corner bookmark is a great way to teach kids paper folding skills--no glue stick needed!

How to Sew a Fabric Corner Bookmark!

If you love making handmade bookmark, try a fabric corner for your next bookmark!

Consider doing an easy sewing project of a quick fabric corner bookmark with a simple design.

You'll need a sewing machine, 3 six inch fabric squares (great way to use those fabric scraps), and an optional turning tool.

If you are familiar with sewing, you'll put one fabric square right side up on the table. Then fold the second fabric square into a triangle, with the right sides out, and place it on the top corner of the fabric stack. Finally, place the last piece of fabric on top, with the right side facing down on the stack.

Pin it all together, leaving a one inch section that you will not sew, so you can turn it out.

Then top stitch all around the stack of squares, leaving the one inch opening.

Then turn it all right side out, iron it flat--especially in the corners of the bookmark, and then stitch up the one inch opening.

Then you have fabric bookmarks that are a great gift idea, perfect first sewing class, or a fun way to use up fabric scraps.

I'll have to do a video tutorial and post on fabric bookmark corners soon!

Once you figure out the origami folding and make a few lovely bookmarks, you can think of other creative ideas, new designs and make all kinds of bookmark corners.

Use a glue stick and add some paper triangles sticking out of the triangle pocket for teeth, one or three little paper eyes glued on the top of your triangle for the cutest monster bookmarks.

Lots of fun ways to create the perfect corner bookmarks.

That's it!

Learn how easy it is to fold an origami corner bookmark, perfect for an avid reader to keep track of their place in their latest read.

Just a single piece of paper and six folds of the paper is all it takes to create the perfect handmade bookmarks.

Great for handmade gifts, school or youth group craft time or just to keep the current book marked.

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Here's some other easy Bookmarks to Make today!

Which of these bookmarks is your favorite?

How to Make Pressed Flower Laminated Bookmarks DIY

Preserve gorgeous pressed flowers in lamination for the perfect and easy bookmark!

These flowers and four leaf clovers were found in my yard and perfect for an epic book place holder.

Just a few supplies needed to make all the flower art bookmarks!

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!

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.

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.

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.

How to Make Layered Butterfly DIY with Cricut Venture

2026-07-10T02:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Layered Butterfly DIY with Cricut Venture

Learn how to cut out a big, beautiful layered butterfly using the Cricut Venture for this fun backdrop craft.

In just a few hours, you can make giant (nearly 2 foot wide) 5 layer butterflies and some other sizes for variety.

This wall backdrop is perfect for a birthday party background, photo op, nursery or bedroom decor and more!

Let's get started!

CRICUT VENTURE:

I've had a Cricut Venture now for about one year.

I haven't posted on my blog about it much...if at all, but I love it!

I really do like it for big projects and when I saw the butterfly designs in Cricut Design Space, I knew I had to go big on this one.

The Cricut Venture makes precise cuts, intricate cuts and cuts fast!

CHECK OUT THE CRICUT VENTURE HERE

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE FILE:

This Cricut butterfly svg has 5 layers, best cut out of medium cardstock or heavier.

I found this in the new designs section for the week last week and just had to give it a try.

I knew just one butterfly would be gorgeous, but that a whole wall full would be the best.

Here's the project link at Cricut Design Space

If you decide to only make one butterfly, it will still look amazing on the wall.

This butterfly measures 23" across and looks great as an accent in my home.

For the beautiful paper butterflies, you will want 5 pieces of paper in different colors.

The bottom layer is white, and the top layer is black. (this one below is similar in coloring to the original design file type.)

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR LAYERED BUTTERFLY DIY:

affiliate links

Cricut Venture (Cricut Maker or other Cricut Machine would work for 11" butterflies)
Fine-Point Blade
Butterfly Cut Files
Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
Cardstock in Bright Colors (Sized for Venture)
Cardstock in Neutrals (Sized for Venture)
Tombow Xtreme Putty (perfect for temporary hanging without wall damage)

STEP 1: CUT CARDSTOCK

The first step is to get the paper on the light grip mat and insert it into the Cricut Venture.

It's super easy to use, and Cricut Design Space has prompts on the screen to follow and troubleshoot if things don't work quite right.

It's pretty easy to get the paper in and get the first cut going.

Follow the instructions on the order of colors to place on the mat, some devices bring them up in different orders than a desktop computer.

Cut out each of the five layers.

If you are going to do more than one butterfly for your backdrop wall, you can either rotate through the layers, or cut out all of the same layer at a time.

I found that cutting out all the white base layers first was easy, then I moved on to the next color.

STEP 2: GLUING LAYERS

Now stack all the layers together in the proper order and see how beautiful the butterfly is going to be.

Use the precise tip on your glue and run a bead of glue all over the backside of the second layer.

Then place the second layer on the bottom layer evenly and press firmly.

Repeat the gluing, placing and pressing process for all the layers of the butterfly.

You'll notice I wasn't overly concerned with lining up the layers perfectly, I kind of like the blur of colors peeking out here and there.

You can take all the time you want getting those layers lined up...but before the glue dries.

If you were going to put these on a wall, like a nursery, and wanted them a little more permanent, you could use adhesive vinyl and apply it right to the wall in layers.

I've found the best things to adhere almost anything to anything is this Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue, I've used it on wood, acrylic and paper.

It dries clear and doesn't warp the project, totally worth the price!

If you are cutting out these digital files to make a shadow box, you could adhere them with foam adhesive to give it some depth and make the layers pop.

I used 3 shades of blue for this butterfly, it was cut on the Venture, but out of just a 12x12 piece of paper, making it just about 11 inches across.

That's the basic 2 steps of this project, just cut and glue.

I set them under a big board and pressed them flat as they dried.

HANG UP BUTTERFLIES ON WALL:

The next thing to do is hang them up, decorate a car, add them to a photo backdrop or use them as the perfect party decor!

I like to hang things temporarily on my walls using Tombow Xtreme Putty, it's strong and doesn't damage walls or paint.

Which of these colorful butterflies is your favorite?

I love the blues for sure.

I love the big ones too!

I cut out 3 butterflies that were 23" wide.

I cut out 2 butterflies that were 14" wide.

I cut out 4 butterflies that were 11" wide.

These 9 butterflies cover a large amount of my wall!

I had to put a bench and a lantern in the picture so you could get a glimpse of the scale of these big paper butterflies.

I love the layers and variety of sizes to make a really gorgeous statement wall!

I just love how these butterflies turned out!

The Cricut Venture is perfect for cutting out free files, svg files for personal use, and there are even some commercial use designs for small business owners to make and sell!

I took so many pictures of these colorful and cheerful butterflies!

They were easy to make in an afternoon and look amazing and larger-than-life on the wall!

That's it!

Make layered butterfly DIY wall art using Cricut Venture for big, beautiful butterflies!

The Cricut makes delicate cuts a breeze and takes all the time and guess work out of gorgeous projects.

Now I need to host a Fairy Garden party and use these to their fullest!

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER BUTTERFLY PROJECT CRAFTS:

How to Make Disco Ball Butterfly (Mirror Sticker DIY)

Learn how to make a disco ball butterfly in no time at all, using supplies from Dollar Tree!

Get a galvanized butterfly (or any of the other options) and some sticker backed mirror tiles and make this little disco ball butterfly the perfect addition to your home decor.

It's so easy to disco-ify anything, let's get started!

How to Make Gallery Glass Suncatcher DIY with Stained Glass Pattern Freebies!

Make gorgeous Gallery Glass suncatchers with these free patterns, create a beautiful Butterfly, a fabulous Luna Moth and a busy Bumble Bee!

This craft is made so easy by using Plaid Leading Sheets and Cricut!

I designed these 3 intricate patterns that can be cut easily with Cricut so the hard work of hand leading is done for you.

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!

Martha Stewart Paint: Butterfly Specimen Wall Art DIY

Learn how to make butterfly specimen art using paint and stencils for a beautiful DIY Spring wall display.

Make this gorgeous home decor using the new Martha Stewart line at Plaid Crafts.

Martha Stewart's creamy paints are perfect for blending, adding texture and making a high quality art piece in an afternoon.

Here's some more helpful Cricut posts:

What can you make with the Cricut Machine?

Which Cricut Machine Should I Buy?

Best Blanks in Bulk for Cricut Crafts

10 Cricut Money Making Ideas for the Holidays

Cricut Craft Projects for Homemade Gifts

Check out this link for tons more things you can make with your Cricut!

100 things to make with the Cricut to sell!

How to start a Business with your Cricut!

Check out this post on 5 ways to make money with the Cricut Explore Air 2, which has key tips that can be applied to any of the Cricut electronic cutting machines.

What to know Before Buying a Cricut Machine

100 Cricut Projects to Sell to Make Money from Home--with the Cricut Maker!

Let's talk about making money from home--I'm going to share everything I know in this blog post about working from home selling handmade goods!

Everyone could use a little extra income--right? I love that I have found ways to earn income from the comfort of raising my children and wearing pajamas. It's turned into a profitable business and I have the best time creating!

I usually like to have a few avenues of income coming in...and this is one of my (and my craft room)'s favorites.

Do you have a Cricut Machine yet?

Check out my social media channels too!

How to Etch Glass: Personalized Pyrex Baking Dishes

2026-07-08T02:00:00.000-04:00

How to Etch Glass: Personalized Pyrex Baking Dishes DIY

Learn how to etch glass to make personalized Pyrex dishes--DIY etched casserole dishes are easy to make and versatile.

Etching newer Pyrex or equivalent glass baking dishes is a fun craft that adds a personalized custom finish.

This craft is really quick too--make a custom glass dish in less than 30 minutes!

This fun etching craft makes the perfect Christmas, holiday, birthday, wedding or housewarming gifts!

We've moved around a lot in the last 19 years and that means getting rid of things repeatedly.

I nearly got rid of everything in my kitchen once, but guess what? The Pyrex dish with my name on it, stayed...through all the moves. They are definitely mine because they have my name on them--I couldn't possibly donate them, right!?

It's so nice for potlucks or taking a meal to a neighbor or friend, because your name is permanently on the dish--so it will get returned!

Again, it's a cherished keepsake and great gift idea!

Supplies Needed for Custom Pyrex Glass Etching:

affiliate links

Pyrex (or other glass) Dish (Pyrex made after 1998 works best)
Vinyl--could use Contact Paper too (to fit inside the dish or on the bottom of the dish)
Transfer tape (optional)
Cricut Machine (Could use hobby knife and alphabet stencils)
Glass Etching Cream (I'm using this from Plaid's Main Webstore)
Dish Soap and Paper Towel

I love the Pyrex with lids--so nice to have around!

Step 1: Text

Begin by cutting the desired names out of the vinyl.

I used my Cricut Maker, but again, this could be done with a hobby knife and stencils on cheap contact paper.

If you have a glass dish with a smooth bottom side, you can reverse your text and etch the underside of the dish.

I decided to just etch inside the dish and it works great.

Pick your own text for dish, it doesn't have to be a name...I've done funny dishes too--see them here.

You could do beautiful designs on the bottom of the dish too.

**NOTE: If you don't have a Cricut, it's worth looking into...but you can do this project with a hobby knife and a cutting mat. Either free hand the design or use some stencils.

Step 2: Reverse Weeding

Then pull the inside (or positive space) of each letter out, so the vinyl (or negative space) can be used as a stencil.

If you have another project you are working on with the same name, you can use the positive space for that project--or make a gift tag for it.

Step 3: Etching Cream

Then remove the vinyl backing and stick the vinyl inside the dish.

I used transfer tape for an easy transition, but sticking them down like stickers works too, just don't forget the inside pieces.

I opted for the inside of the dish because there was embossed logos on the underside that would interfere with the vinyl adhesion.

So for best results, place it right inside the glass baking dish.

Then use a scraper or big paint brush and goop a lot of etching cream all over the top of the letters.

I've done etching in the past with very little cream and it leaves a cloudy look instead of crisp etching.

So be generous!

Let the etching cream sit on the glass for 15 minutes--there is no reason to wait longer than 15 minutes, it will not etch deeper or better than 15 minutes of etching time.

Step 4: Remove Etching Cream

After 15 minutes, use a scraper to remove the etching cream.

Awesomely, this etching cream can be scraped back into the bottle and used again and again!

This makes it way economical!

Scrape it as clean as possible without pushing cream under the vinyl.

Etching cream will etch anything with a glossy surface, so you don't want this in your sink.

Of course, working time is 15 minutes for this, so it's probably not going to do too much...but it's better to not have stuff like this going down the sink anyway.

Carefully peel off the vinyl sticker stencil and throw it directly into the garbage.

Then use a damp paper towel to remove the rest of the etching cream residue.

Step 6: Wash the Dishes

Then, go ahead and scrub up the dish in the sink with soap and warm water.

Dry it off and admire the fabulous etching!

I love it! It's so nice to have things labeled...plus it's just so fun.

Then quickly look around the house for anything and everything that is glass and think about all the possibilities of things you could etch!

Haha. Repeat the process for all the glass dishes within a 5 mile radius.

I did my next door neighbors dish after she brought us some Peach Cobbler. ;) Win-win!

Seriously, I have the best neighbors!

This is the perfect handmade touch to a holiday, wedding or housewarming gift!

Add the newlyweds last name to their serving dishes...or just mark your own dishes to keep them coming back to you every time you take them somewhere!

Easy to care for too, just dish wash as normal, run through the dishwasher or handwash with dish soap--it all works!

That's it!

Hope you like this personalized glass dish tutorial.

It's such an easy technique and takes less than 30 minutes to make something wonderfully customized.

I've done these or lots of friends...it's a popular gift that gets used regularly.

Glass etching is a ton of fun--what else will you etch!?

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What is Pyrex?

Pyrex is a brand of heat-resistant glassware that has become synonymous with durability and reliability in kitchenware. Developed by Corning Glass Works in the early 20th century, Pyrex was initially created for use in laboratory glassware due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and resist thermal shock.

Pyrex kitchenware, including baking dishes, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and storage containers, quickly gained popularity for their versatility and durability in home kitchens. The glass material is resistant to thermal expansion, meaning it can safely go from freezer to oven without shattering.

One of the key features of Pyrex is its transparency, allowing users to monitor the cooking or baking process without removing the dish from the oven. Additionally, Pyrex is non-reactive, meaning it won't absorb flavors or odors from food, making it ideal for cooking and storing a wide range of dishes.

Over the years, Pyrex has evolved to include various shapes, sizes, and colors to suit different cooking and baking needs. While the original Pyrex was made of borosilicate glass, newer versions may use tempered soda-lime glass, which offers similar heat-resistant properties.

Today, Pyrex remains a trusted brand for home cooks and professional chefs alike, valued for its durability, versatility, and timeless design. It continues to be a staple in kitchens around the world, cherished for its ability to withstand the rigors of everyday cooking and baking.

Check out these fun Glass Etching posts too:

Funny Glass Etched Dishes

You've just been poisoned and Eat up are the perfect funny phrases to etch inside dishes for wedding gifts...especially if they keep their own last names.

Animal Etched Mugs from Ikea

This is a great way to tell who's mug is who's!

Etching Casserole Dishes

The first etched glass dishes I made...and still have!

Scatter Sunshine Quote on Frame

Turn a glass panel on a picture frame into a work of art!

Shark Etched Goblet

Nothing as fun as seeing a shark in your drink!

Etched Cake Stand

Add an image or animal to a cloche or dome with etching cream too!

HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press 3-in-1 Tool Review

2026-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press 3-in-1 Tool Review

There's something incredibly satisfying about creating an entire coordinated gift set—and even better when you only need one machine to make every project.

The HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press! USE CODE A100US for $120 off!

The HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press is a new arrival and true 3-in-1 system that combines an auto heat press, an auto hat heat press, and an auto tumbler heat press into one compact workstation.

What is the HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Tool?

Instead of filling your craft room with separate machines, everything stores together while giving you the flexibility to personalize just about anything.

Gift Giving Made Easy...in Minutes!

For today's tropical-inspired gift basket, I'm making:

Bright hibiscus card wallet
Matching cotton tote bag
Full-wrap ceramic mug
Denim baseball cap

I'm using the HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press, sent to me by HTVRONT, all opinions are my own.

Each project coordinates with the others using the same colorful hibiscus artwork, making this an amazing handmade gift for birthdays, vacations, bridal showers, Mother's Day, teachers, or anyone who loves bright tropical style.

Let's get started!

Supplies for Gift Basket (Tote, Mug, Wallet and Hat)

For all four projects you'll need:

HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press
HTVRONT D2 DTF printer
DTF transfers (if you don't have your own printer)
Sublimation Print (for the mug)
Cotton tote bag
PU leather card wallet
Two-tone sublimation mug
Denim baseball cap
Heat-resistant tape
Lint roller
Butcher paper
Heat resistant gloves (included with A100)
Protective pressing mat

Why I Love the HTVRONT A100

Craft rooms fill up fast! (Lol, or the entire house!)

One corner has a large auto heat press, another has a tumbler press, then a hat press...before long your workbench disappears.

The HTVRONT A 100 solves that problem beautifully.

Instead of buying three separate machines, everything shares one intelligent heating system.

Features I love about HTVRONT A100 include:

Automatic pressure
Even heating
Fast warm-up
Quick attachment changes
Compact footprint
Beginner-friendly controls
Professional-quality results

The detachable press head is especially clever because larger projects become much easier to press without wrestling bulky fabric underneath a fixed machine.

If you're searching for the best heat press machine for a small craft room, this system deserves a serious look!

Getting Started with the HTVRONT A100 Multi Heat Press

One of my favorite things about the HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press is how quickly it transforms from one machine into another. Whether you're pressing apparel, hats, mugs, or larger projects, changing between attachments is fast and intuitive, so you can spend more time creating and less time setting up.

Setting Up the Main Auto Heat Press

Start by placing the A100 on a sturdy, heat-resistant work surface with plenty of room around the machine. Plug the power cord into a standard outlet and press the power button to turn it on.

The bright touchscreen display makes it easy to adjust both the temperature and pressing time. Use the plus and minus buttons to select the settings recommended for your transfer material, then allow the machine to preheat. The display shows the current temperature, so you can easily see when it's ready to use.

Once preheated, the machine is ready to press. Simply position your project on the lower platen, cover it with protective paper if needed, and slide it into the machine. Press the start button and the A100 automatically lowers, applies consistent pressure, counts down the remaining time, and lifts when the press cycle is complete. There's no guessing how much pressure to apply or struggling with heavy manual handles.

Removing the Heat Press from the Base

One of the most unique features of the A100 is that the heating unit can be detached from the base for larger or awkward-shaped projects.

To remove it, press the release mechanism that secures the heating unit to the base, then carefully lift the heat press down and away from the platform. The heating unit is designed to lock securely into place, so it releases easily without requiring excessive force.

Once detached, you can place the heated press directly over larger items that don't fit well inside a traditional press, such as oversized tote bags, pillow covers, banners, table runners, or layered fabric projects. This gives you much more flexibility than trying to maneuver bulky materials under a stationary press.

When you're finished, simply align the heating unit with the base and lower it back into position until it clicks securely into place. Always check that it's fully seated before using it again as the standard auto heat press.

Switching to the Tumbler Press

The tumbler attachment is perfect for creating custom mugs, tumblers, water bottles, and other cylindrical drinkware.

Begin by allowing the machine to cool if you've just finished another project. Release the standard flat heating attachment according to the machine's instructions, then position the tumbler press attachment onto the base. It slides into place and locks securely with the built-in connectors, ensuring proper alignment every time.

After attaching the tumbler press, power the machine back on if necessary and set the recommended temperature and pressing time for your sublimation blank. Allow the attachment to fully preheat before inserting your wrapped mug or tumbler.

Carefully place the drinkware into the press and begin the heating cycle. Once finished, use heat-resistant gloves to remove the hot mug or tumbler and place it on a heat-safe surface to cool before removing the transfer paper.

Switching to the Hat Press

Creating custom hats is just as simple. After allowing the machine to cool, remove the current attachment and install the hat press module by aligning the connectors and locking it into position.

The curved pressing form is designed specifically to match the contour of hats and caps, helping the transfer make even contact across the front panel. Once the attachment is installed, set your desired temperature and time using the touchscreen controls and allow the press to fully heat.

Place the hat securely over the pressing form, smoothing out any wrinkles or seams that could interfere with the transfer. Position your design, secure it with heat-resistant tape if needed, and start the automatic press cycle.

When the timer finishes, carefully remove the hat and allow it to cool before peeling the transfer or sublimation paper according to the material's instructions.

Helpful Tips for Switching Attachments

Always allow the machine to cool before changing attachments to prevent accidental burns.
Make sure each attachment clicks firmly into place before heating the machine.
Double-check your temperature and timer settings whenever switching to a different project type.
Keep heat-resistant gloves nearby when working with mugs or recently heated attachments.
Store unused attachments in a clean, dry location to keep the heating surfaces protected and ready for your next project.

One of the biggest advantages of the HTVRONT A100 is how seamlessly it adapts to different types of projects. In just a few minutes, you can go from pressing apparel to decorating drinkware or personalizing hats—all while using the same compact machine. It's a smart solution for crafters who want professional results without dedicating space to several separate heat presses.

Project 1: Tropical Hibiscus Card Wallet

The first gift is a colorful card wallet decorated with a bright stylized watercolor hibiscus.

These little wallets make wonderful gifts because everyone can use one.

Step 1

Create or download your artwork.

I printed my hibiscus design as a DTF transfer using my HTVRONT D 2 printer.

Step 2

Remove dust from the wallet and position the transfer.

Place protective paper above and below the wallet.

Step 3

Insert the wallet into the Auto Heat Press.

One of my favorite features is simply pressing the button and letting the machine automatically clamp, press, and release.

No guessing pressure.

No wrestling with a manual handle.

Step 4

Allow the transfer to cool before peeling.

The bright tropical colors look incredible on the leather surface.

Project 2: Matching Hibiscus Tote Bag

This is where the detachable press really shines.

Large projects can be awkward inside traditional clamshell presses because the fabric bunches underneath.

The A100's removable press completely solves that problem.

Change the machine mode to custom, so you can use it detached from the machine.

Step 1

Detach the heating unit from the base, by pressing in the orange button while holding on the heat press handles.

Now the press becomes portable, and can be used for projects larger than 10x12".

Step 2

Lint roll the fabric first, then lay your tote bag perfectly flat, press first if desired.

Step 3

Position the large hibiscus DTF transfer.

Cover with butcher paper.

Step 4

Press detached heat press onto the design.

The even heating produces excellent adhesion across large artwork.

Step 5

Remove the transfer after the recommended peel time.

The finished tote is perfect for:

Farmers markets
Library books
Beach days
Pool supplies
Summer festivals
Grocery shopping

I especially love that the removable press gives me far more flexibility than a traditional stationary press.

Project 3: Tropical Mug Wrap

The matching mug ties the entire gift basket together.

For this project I switched over to the Auto Tumbler Heat Press attachment.

Changing attachments only takes a few moments.

I'm using sublimation paper for this mug and simply cut it to fit around the circumference of the mug.

Step 1

Wrap your sublimation print tightly around the mug.

Secure it with heat-resistant tape.

Step 2

Install the tumbler attachment.

Step 3

Insert the mug into the press.

The automatic pressure keeps everything snug for consistent transfers.

Step 4

When complete, carefully remove the mug using heat-resistant gloves.

Step 5

Allow it to cool completely before removing the paper.

The bright tropical flowers wrap beautifully around the entire mug for a vibrant, professional finish.

Project 4: Matching Denim Hat

The final project finishes the entire coordinated gift basket.

The matching denim cap features a small hibiscus emblem centered on the front.

Step 1

Install the Auto Hat Heat Press attachment.

Step 2

Place the hat securely over the pressing form.

Smooth away wrinkles.

Step 3

Position the small DTF transfer.

Secure with heat-resistant tape if needed.

Step 4

Begin the pressing cycle.

Because the hat attachment evenly distributes heat across the curved surface, it produces excellent adhesion with very little effort.

Step 5

Remove the transfer and admire the finished hat.

Now every item in the gift basket coordinates perfectly.

Why a Multi Heat Press Makes Sense

I genuinely appreciate machines that simplify my workspace.

Instead of purchasing:

a dedicated hat press
a separate tumbler machine
a large auto heat press

…the HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press combines all three into one system.

That saves:

storage space
money
setup time
workbench space

It also makes switching between different applications incredibly easy.

Whether you're pressing heat transfer vinyl, DTF transfers, sublimation projects, or custom gifts, the A100 adapts quickly.

I've found myself reaching for it far more often simply because everything is already in one place.

That's it!

After making this entire tropical gift basket, I'm even more impressed with how versatile the HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press really is.

From small accessories to oversized fabric projects, mugs, and hats, every project came out crisp, vibrant, and professional-looking.

The detachable press is probably my favorite feature because it makes pressing larger items like tote bags so much easier, while the tumbler and hat attachments eliminate the need for multiple dedicated machines taking up precious craft room space.

If you enjoy making personalized gifts, running a small handmade business, or simply want one machine that can tackle almost every heat pressing project, the HTVRONT A100 Auto Multi Heat Press is an excellent all-in-one solution.

Pair it with the HTVRONT D2 for custom DTF transfers, and you'll have everything you need to create coordinated gifts, seasonal décor, festival inspiration, and custom apparel with confidence.

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Check out this post on the HTVRONT D2 DTF printer if you are interested in amazing printing for shirts, totes and textiles!

How to Use HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer (Tutorial & Review)

I've been creating crafts and DIY projects for years, but every once in a while a new machine comes along that feels like a genuine game changer.

That's exactly how I felt when I got my hands on the new HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer and oven kit.

Saves space and money instead of buying all these individual machines:

HTVRONT H10 Heat Press Review (New 12x10in Manual)

I recently had the chance to try out the HTVRONT H10 Heat Press, a lightweight 12×10 inch heat press machine designed for shirts, totes, and all kinds of heat transfers.

How to Use HTVRONT Auto Hat Heat Press Honest Review

I had the chance to try out the brand-new HTVRONT Auto Hat Heat Press, and I am genuinely impressed with how effortless and compact it is.

As someone who fills every nook of the craft room with random DIY supplies inside drawers and bins, space-saving tools are a total win.

How to use the HTVRont Auto Tumbler Heat Press!

Making sublimation tumblers is so much fun especially with a heat press tumbler specific tool!

There really is something so amazing about designing something or printing something off and then having it sublimated like magic onto a surface blank.

I love making sublimation things for custom gifts; perfect for teachers, birthday's, holiday gifts and more!

Learn how easy it is to use the HTVRont Auto Tumbler Heat Press to make custom tumblers and mugs for every occasion!

How to Make Alcohol Ink Rainbow Resin Coasters DIY!

2026-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Alcohol Ink Rainbow Resin Coasters DIY!

The combination of resin and alcohol ink is a match made in heaven!

Learn how to make Alcohol Ink Rainbow Resin Coasters with just a few supplies and less than an hour.

Resin crafting is so much fun, if you haven't tried it yet--start with this project and blow everyone's mind!

Posted first on Resin Crafts Blog

The inks dance and sink in the resin making the most interesting patterns. They are different every time, even if you drop the alcohol ink in them identically. It's like a Petri dish!

Alcohol inks are the newest and greatest art medium.

These coasters are petrified rainbows, frozen in place as a glorious work of art.

They are addictive to make, look great on a table and will protect the table from condensing drinks.

They are magical and turn out as a surprise each time!

See the tiny details of the alcohol inks suspended in the resin. It's almost like looking at images magnified in a microscope.

These are perfect for coasters or just art! The clear resin is the perfect canvas for the dancing of the alcohol inks.

Supplies Needed:

Alcohol Inks
Silicone Mold
EasyCast Clear Casting Resin
Resin mixing supplies (2 measured cups, stirring sticks, and gloves)
Cardboard box that fits the molds.

Step 1: Small Layer of Resin

Begin by mixing the resin in the 2 phase process as instructed in the included instructions. Mix 6 ounces of resin, so 3 ounces each of the resin and hardener. If the resin is not mixed properly it may not set right, so take the time to make sure it's mixed correctly.

Pour one ounce of resin into each coaster opening on the mold. Use a heat gun or mini torch to pop any bubbles formed after 20 minutes...or gently blow through a straw near the bubbles. Then let the resin sit overnight to cure completely.

Step 2: Fill Coasters with Resin

Next day--or after about 4 hours, mix up more resin in the same process as before, but mixing up 12 ounces this time. Then pour 2 ounces the resin in each coaster opening. Pop the bubbles after 10 minutes, then start dropping alcohol inks right into the resin.

Step 3: Drop Alcohol Inks

White and gold inks are the heaviest so they will sink to the bottom (becoming the top) easily. This will make the colors move. Add a drop of a color first, then one drop of white or gold on top of each color drop.

Experiment and play with the inks...dropping them in and alternating colors and topping them with white. Add gold in between the colors.

The inks swirl and dance. It's fun to watch!

The inks settle and move differently in each mold, so they all turn out differently.

I tend to add about 30-50 drops of ink in each mold. Then cover the molds with the lid of the box to prevent debris landing in the resin.
Let them sit overnight.
No need to worry about bubbles forming...I've never had an issue...and they would add to the overall effect.

Step 4: The Big Reveal

Next day, the reveal is the greatest moment! Pull them out of the silicone molds. You'll see a clear edge that is the first phase of the resin...and adds a nice touch. You can just fill with resin and then drop inks, but I like to see the drops settle under the surface of the top layer of resin.

Look at the amazing intricacies of the alcohol inks. It's amazing and super rewarding!

I wouldn't know how to duplicate any of the patterns I like...they just turn out random and beautiful.

You can use whichever ink colors you like...making them specific for a theme or event.

Each of these rainbow coasters were dropped in the same way--and look how different they turned out! The petrified rainbows are stunning!

Alcohol inks and resin make the greatest combination!

That's it!

Hope this gives you the inspiration and courage to give alcohol ink rainbow resin coasters a try!