Doodlecraft

Scrabble Tile Names Framed Word Art DIY

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

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?

We did 3 sets of family names and were able to work out each family pretty quickly. I don't have any hints on making it easier.

Begin by sketching out on paper the best way to arrange the letters. My cute friend bought a Scrabble game at the thrift store to make a family name piece for a friend.

Then she created one for her family. The leftover pieces came to me...but there were not the letters I needed. Easy fix!

You will need:

Scrabble Tiles
Antique White and Territorial Beige Apple Barrel Paint
Black Apple Barrel Paint
Small Paintbrush
Palette
Frame with Cardboard Backing
Scrapbooking Paper
Hot Glue/Gun

Step 1: Arrange Pieces

Begin by finding all the pieces for the names you'd like to place. Then start playing around with them and seeing how they fit together. Surprisingly, this did not take that long for me to do...so fingers crossed that it's an easy fit for you too!

Cheater Tip

If you are like me, and don't have the letters you need, just turn the tile over and paint your own letters right on the tile. Here's the basic shapes and the number value.

Step 2: Prep Frame

After the tiles are set up and ready to mount to the frame...remove the glass from the frame and place the scrapbook paper into the frame with the cardboard backing.

Step 3: Prep Paper

Use adhesive tape to secure the scrapbook paper to the cardboard. Set up the scrabble arrangement on the top of the paper.

Step 4: Glue Pieces

Line all the pieces on the paper so they fit in the frame correctly. Then pick one up at a time and place a dot of glue on the back of the tile, starting with the top pieces. Then place them on the paper.

Repeat the gluing process until each scrabble letter is securely placed.

Hang up somewhere the kids can see their names! Even though I have teenagers, my kids have loved this!

Like, Pin and Share!

This post published on Doodlecraft first

Mother's Day Heart Pop-Up Card DIY with Cricut Maker

2026-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day Heart Pop-Up Card DIY with Cricut Maker

Hi friends, I'm so excited about this amazing pop-up card DIY. Have a Happy Mother's Day--and celebrate with this cute and simple card DIY.

I designed this heart pop-up Mom card in Cricut Design Space™ so that you can make one for your mom in less than 15 minutes with a Cricut--it's perfection!

Here's the Cricut Design Space Project and the full step-by-step tutorial!

Pop-up cards are so much fun and a handmade card is a great gift.

You expect traditional greeting cards and then there's a surprise inside!

Paper crafts are my favorite and they are so much easier using a Cricut Maker, Cricut Joy, silhouette cameo or other Electronic Cutting Machine.

The card template is designed with Cricut Design Space and the free pop up card pattern is available for personal use.

Supplies Needed for Mother's day Pop-up Card:

affiliate links

Cricut Machine
Cricut Scoring Wheel
Cricut Brand Natalie Malan's Divine Peonies Deluxe Paper
Gray Cardstock
This Cricut Design Space Project
Double sided adhesive

Step 1: Patterned Paper

I love this watercolor flower paper, it's so pretty.

I picked a light gray cardstock to go with it...although any paper can be substituted for it.

Once the svg project is in Cricut Design Space, see which piece of paper the software has you start with first...it's not always the same.

Then mount that paper on the Cricut mat...I typically use the light weight adhesive one with paper.

Step 2: Scoring Wheel

You will use the scoring wheel first...I don't know if this will work with the scoring stylus...if you try it, come back and leave us a comment!

Install the scoring wheel into the holder and place the paper on the mat.

Follow the CDS directions, they vary in order between devices.

The machine starts with scoring and ends with cutting...if you decide to customize your card with text layers, you can add those in and use the Cricut pens to write them in...it's just a blank card svg file.

Step 3: Cutting Blade

Once the scoring is done, insert the fine point blade without kicking the mat out of the machine.

Then press the go button for the Cricut to move right into the cut layers of the fun fold cards.

The Cricut will cut out the lovely card with the center score line and a heart to match.

I used the patterned paper for the front of the card and the gray paper for the inside of the card.

Step 4: Repeat

Then place the plain cardstock on the mat and insert the scoring wheel again.

The Cricut will score the center line and the lines for the heart.

Then install the fine point blade and let the machine cut out the rest of the greeting cards cut lines and simple pop up pieces.

Step 5: Adhesive

Now just a quick assembly process of the card making tutorial.

Use some double sided adhesive to adhere the layers--I wouldn't use craft glue because it can cause the paper to dry unevenly.

The patterned paper peeks through the cut out of the plain paper.

Begin by folding both of the cards in half on the score line.

Then fold the heart back over the card on the score lines...if you have a bone folder that can help give it those crisp sharp fold lines.

Open the card and pop the heart through so it stands out.

Then open the card and place it face down on the table, this is a great help when applying the tape runner.

Next, use the double sided adhesive and add some tape to the back of the card...everywhere except the HEART shape...I may have gone a little adhesive heavy--but it's so much fun!

Fold the watercolor patterned paper card in half.

Then place the taped card inside the watercolor patterned paper card.

Line the fold lines up carefully and press securely.

The reversible watercolor paper is perfect to peek through in the M's and the back of the heart.

It looks fabulous--making your own pop up card is awesome!

This card tutorial can be scaled down or up to make it different sizes.

It's ready for a personal note written inside...or left as a blank pop-up box card statement.

Perfect size, fits in a standard card or A2 envelope.

Make a custom envelope with this tutorial video and post here.

Write a message and fill it with love.

This gorgeous card is definitely made for mom and a happy mother's day, but you could remove the M's on the free svg files layout and used for a happy anniversary or for a handmade birthday greeting card.

The perfect quick card for mother's day--if you have the powerful tools needed!

I love my Cricut Machine and use it all the time!

It's easy to use, totally made for beginners to experts.

Here's 100 things you can make with Cricut!

Check out these Cricut Machine bundles:

Cricut Maker 3 Essentials Material Bundle

Cricut Maker 3 Everything Material Bundle

Cricut Maker 3 Smart Materials and Tool Bundle

Cricut Maker Essentials Material Bundle

Cricut Maker Everything Material Bundle

The first time I made a pop up card I was about 6 or 7.

I was with my mom and she taught me how to fold the paper and draw out the shape and then cut it with scissors.

I loved that heart peeking out of the card when opened.

We made a whole series of little pop-up cards, Easter eggs, a butterfly, flowers, cat, dog, frog, and all sorts of other shapes.

I loved doing fun paper projects with my mom.

My mom would love this card and I make it in her memory...she's been gone now for nearly 3 decades.

Handmade cards are every mom's favorite part of a gift.

They love the thought and the handwritten note, picture or drawing inside.

Make your mom beam with delight this year with this pop-up card.

This Mother's day pop-up card would be the perfect card to go with some flowers or chocolates too--ooh, or chocolate dipped strawberries!

Hope you enjoy my free cricut card designs and make a bunch for all the moms in your life!

Please thank me by leaving a comment, sharing this post or following me here or my social channels!

That's it!

Make the perfect pop-up card for mom this Mother's day with this free template in Cricut Design Space, designed by me!

It's the perfect handmade gift or gift tag for every mom in your life.

Let me know if you make one--if you share it on social media, tag @doodlecraft so I can cheer you on and see my design in the wild!

Like, Pin, Share and Save for Later!

Do you have a Cricut machine yet? They are amazing!

I got my first machine, the Cricut Explore Air 2, nearly 2 years ago.

I love it and so will you.

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

How to Make Giant Coffee Filter Flowers Hand Dyed DIY

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

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!

Easy Coffee Filter Flowers:

Bright colored giant flowers are my favorite!

I am super allergic to real flowers, so I can't have them in my house--seriously, I will come down with flu-like symptoms, it's so awful.

Instead, I make roses and flowers out of paper--this is my latest and most favorite!

Make a giant hand dyed coffee filter flower with just a couple of supplies.

This giant paper flower measures 16 inch square.

Paper roses are perfect for a single statement flower...or make a bunch for a flower wall display, perfect for parties, weddings, giant bouquets or other over-the-top events!

This stunning flower has 115 coffee filters, dyed by hand with bright vivid colors, in fluffy light layers.

Paper flowers would make a great Mother's day gift too.

They use very simple supplies; basket coffee filters, some food colouring and a little drying and dying time.

I learned how to make three-dimensional flowers out of paper back in high school art class. It's a good craft project for older kids.

Let me show you how to make a stunning coffee filter flower.

If you make one, post it and tag me @doodlecraft. I'd love to cheer you on!

Then get creative and make coffee filter butterflies in the colorful flowers.

These watercolor coffee filter flowers have layers of coffee filters and a pop of color!

Supplies Needed for Giant Coffee Filter Flower:

affiliate links

115 Coffee Filters Per Flower
Gel Food Coloring
Water
Stapler Pliers and staples
Plate or a large container
Wax Paper or Plastic Table Cloth

Follow along with these simple steps!

Step 1: Dying the Coffee Filters

Before starting the flowers--do the prep work, set up your work surface.

Place a piece of wax paper or plastic tablecloth over the table.

Begin by pouring about 1/8 cup of water on a shallow plate.

Add a half teaspoon of food coloring in your desired color--begin with a few drops of food coloring.

The more food coloring you use, the more vivid the color will be.

I used Gel Food Coloring and that did not fade as much as water based food coloring or washable markers.

Mix the water and coloring together.

Take a small stack of coffee filters and fold them in quarters and hold on the center of the filters.

Then dip the bottom of the filters into the colored water.

The coffee filters will soak up the food coloring.

Then lay the coffee filters on the wax paper or plastic tablecloth for drying.

Repeat for multiple colors. Let the coffee filters dry completely...about 8 hours or overnight.

Now the coffee filters are ready to form into a stunning rose or other great ideas.

Coffee Filter Flowers with Markers:

You can do this technique, although not quite as vibrant, with markers.

Get a handful of bright markers.

Place a coffee filter on a sheet of wax paper.

Color the coffee filter with colored markers...making scribbles or any design to achieve the desired effect.

Then spritz lightly with a spray bottle and watch the colors spread around like liquid watercolors.

Let them dry.

Step 2: Building the Coffee Filter Flower

Start to build the rose from the center out of the colored coffee filters.

Decide what color scheme you want your final piece to be and think of each section as a single rose petal.

Create the center:

Begin by layering yellows and oranges in a stack of 5 coffee filters then cut them in half.

For the first layer we just need a half circle to create the center of the flower.

Staple the corner and roll the center pile in a cone shape, keeping the edge rolling across the curved part of the coffee filter for make petal shapes.

Then staple the cone right at the very bottom to hold the center together.

You could use hot glue but it would take a bit longer and I wouldn't do it that way with kids.

There may be other ways to make easy coffee filter flowers with floral wire or pipe cleaner or even wooden skewers.

Build the Petals of the Rose:

Now build the petals of the rose by stacking 5 coffee filters and folding them half.

Then place the rose center on the petal (folded coffee filters).

Roll up the flower petals around the base of the flower center and staple together.

Repeat the process with another stack of filters folded in half rather than cut this time.

This second set will overlap slightly around itself after wrapping and stapling.

Small flowers could be made with just a few rows after the first layer and they would fit on a wooden dowel or green fuzzy sticks really nicely.

You could make a full bouquet...or do what I did and make large flowers!

Make Beautiful Flowers Bigger:

Repeat the process for the additional petal layers.

The center will get bigger and bigger, making the petals fit differently.

Just staple them on the sides and then wrap and staple the other side.

Watching the rose bloom is so rewarding!

If you are making a photo backdrop or a bouquet, make roses of all different colors and sizes.

You could also use fewer coffee filters or make a different type of coffee filter flower--get creative!

Layer in new colors of dyed filters to add dimension and variety.

Continue to staple petals around the rose.

I begin with the pinks, reds and oranges and then finished off my rose with teals and greens.

Decide how you want your rose to look and go for it!

You could do the same technique with layers of tissue paper if you need to book low-mess crafts for a classroom activity.

I love the fluffy layers of coffee filters on this rose.

This is my favorite time of the year to make gorgeous coffee filter flowers.

Build up the petals on the previous petals until you are satisfied with the size.

My rose is 16 inches square and about 6 inches tall.

I love it! It used 115 coffee filters.

It would look absolutely stunning in all white...or with gold painted edges!

Here's the backside of the rose, you can see how the petals build up on the previous ones.

The petals make it easy to hang up the rose on a command hook.

I love the watercolor look of the petals.

This size of coffee filter flower would be a little too big for craft sticks and floral tape...but you can scale them down to your desired size and create your own flowers for a bouquet or backdrop.

I absolutely love how this flower turned out!

It's so fun to finish that last step and enjoy the masterpiece.

You can attach a piece of wire to the back for easy hanging as well.

Sadly, I ran out of coffee filters and couldn't make more.

But I love how this turned out!

I'm planning on doing a bunch in white for a classy backdrop too--I need an industrial size package of coffee filters!

Now make a wall full of fluffy, brightly colored coffee filter roses!

That's it!

Hope you like fun flower crafts and enjoyed this giant one using coffee filters.

It's easy and inexpensive to make.

They are perfect for a lush, layered statement piece--home decor or party decorations.

Once you make one, you'll want to make more!

Like, Pin and Share!

Here's some more great paper flowers!

Paper Peonies

Giant Poinsettia!

Giant Roses!

3D Flower/Snowflake Ornaments!

Coffee Filter Flowers

Spring Dahlia!

25+ Mod Podge Crafts (Craft Project Ideas to DIY)

2026-05-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

25+ Mod Podge Crafts (Craft Project Ideas to DIY)

Mod Podge Rocks!

Mod Podge is celebrating its 58th birthday today--May 16th 2025!

Mod Podge is the decoupage medium that is a type of glue applied in thin layers.

Mod Podge comes in various finishes, matte finish and glossy finish being the most common, but there is satin finish, glitter, extreme glitter, dishwasher safe, photo transfer, terra cotta sealer, texture coat, crystal clear and many more!

MOD PODGE CRAFTS:

Mod Podge has become it's own empire with lots of fun products through the years.

Note: It's not modge podge...it is Mod Podge.

PLAID CRAFTS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM:

I'm Natalie, a Plaid Ambassador. I love Plaid and their lines of products. I love Mod Podge and have been using it for decades.

Today I am sharing 25 plus Mod Podge craft ideas, Mod Podge DIYs and Mod Podge inspiration.

I've got my Mod Podge shirt on and switched on the Crazy Craft Lady mode.

Hey, do you like Mod Podge as much as me?

Do you have a Social Media presence (either instagram or tiktok) and post bright photos and engaging video?

Do you want to earn points for free products?

You could join the Plaid Ambassadors team! Click my link to apply.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH MOD PODGE?

So grab a bottle of Mod Podge and a few craft supplies...napkins or tissue paper are perfect for DIY tile coasters.

Wrapping paper, acrylic paint and a piece of furniture is another one of the Mod Podge great ideas.

Tint your Mod Podge with acrylic paint or food coloring for transforming mason jars!

So many fun Mod Podge ideas...what DIY projects have you used Mod Podge on in your crafting journey?

Which of these fun Mod Podge projects is your favorite!? Click the title or the picture to be taken directly to that craft tutorial.

25+ Mod Podge Crafts (Craft Project Ideas to DIY)

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How to Make a Paper Plaque with Mod Podge and Dimensional Magic

This darling paper craft is make with a wood plaque blank from Plaid Online, Mod Podge, scrapbook paper, a darling image from The Greeting Farm and a little Dimensional Magic.

Mixed media is a fun way to express yourself and feelings with paper, text and love.

How to Make Pressed Flower Wood Slice Magnets

Make adorable and whimsical wood slice magnets with a little red, white and blue paint and some pressed flowers...plus Crystal Clear Mod Podge!

How to Make Tinted Glass Mason Jar Vase with Glossy Mod Podge

Transform a mason jar into a tinted jar that will match any occasion!

This fun crafty DIY needs to be done with Glossy Mod Podge, to give it that crystally glossy look.
Mix Mod Podge with food coloring, should be vibrant.

Then swirl it around inside the mason jar and set it on a rack to drip out.

Place the jar face down on parchment and bake in the oven, 250* for 30-45 minutes.

Tie with a ribbon and enjoy, makes a great gift, centerpiece or home decor!

How to Make Pressed Flower Vase Jar DIY with Mod Podge

Learn how to make a pressed flower vase or flower jars for a gorgeous touch of nature on the table, as a centerpiece, or for a unique gift.

Bring the beauty of nature inside with this fun activity of turning ordinary glass vases into floral masterpieces in less than an hour.

How to Use Mod Podge Photo Transfer for a Wood Plaque

Learn how to transfer laser images to wood using Mod Podge Photo Transfer.

This fun medium is perfect for all kinds of rustic home decor and unique gifts.

Begin by painting the medium all over the blank surface.

Print out a laser print, in reverse, since it will be flipped.

Place the image on the wet Mod Podge Photo Transfer, then let it dry under some pressure for 24 hours.

Then wet the top of the paper with a damp rag and roll off the paper remains.

Full blog post details for this technique here.

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.

How to Update an Old Planter with Mod Podge and Dollar Tree

Take a trip to dollar tree, get some fabric strips and matte Mod Podge for this fun planter upcycle.

This planter was stained and needed a glow-up.

Add paint, some Mod Podge and strip of fabric, fill with a plastic pot and all the plants you want.

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 DIY Texture Modeling Paste (Easy Recipe)

Learn how easy and awesome it is to make your own modeling paste!

Homemade texture paste is perfect for mixed media, stencil art and other fun papercrafting.

There's a pretty good chance you have what you need for this diy modeling paste already!

How to Make a Lace Frame Using Mod Podge Texture Coat

Mod Podge Texture Coat is perfect for giving structure to textured things, like lace, burlap, fabric and much more.

Texture Coat dries white and plaster-like.

This fun frame was easy to make using a piece of vintage lace and a Martha Stewart frame surface from Plaid online.

How to Make a Beaded Dragonfly Whisk DIY (Easy Craft)

Learn how to make a beaded dragonfly from a whisk!

This fun upcycled craft is easy for a crafty mind to imagine and give new life to an old item.

This cute dragonfly can be made in about 30 minutes and then decorating and drying time.

How to Make Miniature Books with Mini Book Pages DIY

Learn how to make miniature books with real pages in this simple tutorial.

Just a few supplies are needed to make 1:12 scale dollhouse books; great for a mini book shelf, a book tracker, jewelry and more!

Turn your favorite reads into the cutest tiny mini books, great for the most adorable hand-made gifts!

How to Display Diamond Art Painting (5 DIY Ideas)

Have you done Diamond Art before?

It's basically a "paint by number" canvas that you stick shiny rhinestones to instead of paint...blinging canvas!

Diamond art comes in all kinds of patterns and sizes.

The process of making them is fun and relaxing...but what to do with them when they are finished?

Here's 5 creative ways for a beautiful display of diamond art paintings.

How to Make a Tear-off Notepad with Mod Podge DIY

Make your own tear off notepads to keep lists, memos and to-do's organized using paper and Mod Podge.

I always have several notepads on my desk for checklists and notes. I have the worst memory these days, so notepads are crucial.

Yes, sometimes I use my phone, but I have a very visual memory and can remember things better if I physically write it down.

What about you? Do you use tear-off notepads?

How to Make Stickers with Plaid Apple Barrel Paint

Make the perfect stickers using Plaid Crafts Apple Barrel Paint.

These cute stickers can be used to decorate water bottles, school supplies or be given as gifts to a teacher or friend.

Makes a great Summertime craft activity too.

Learn how easy it is to make your own stickers using Apple Barrel Paint and Mod Podge!

Glass Gem Marble Magnets with Snowflake Ornament Gift

Glass gem marble magnets are easy to make, super budget friendly and are a fantastic gift.

The galvanized snowflakes are the perfect finishing touch for gifting!

Make an amazing handmade gift in just a few steps, perfect for passing out as neighbor gifts.

This is one of my favorite handmade gifts because it is so useful!

Everyone needs a few really amazing magnets, perfect for little works of art to hang on the refrigerator or organize the office.

DIY Resin Monogram Necklace with Vinyl

Make a darling monogram necklace in just a few minutes. Perfect handmade gift for someone you love. This necklace is easy to make and a great project if you are new to using resin. Jewelry resin is super addicting--you will love it!

If you haven't tried your hand at resin crafting, this is the perfect project to start with. Resin comes in 2 parts, when mixed together creates a chemical reaction to harden it. It hardens to a glass like finish, shiny, smooth and crystal clear.

Resin can yellow over time, so it's best to use on surfaces that are darker in color or at least not white. All resins yellow over time, this is not brand specific. Just a heads up when working with it. It provides a glossy, wonderful finish!

Beach Sand Trinket Dish DIY using Plaid's Mod Podge Ultra

Planning a Spring Break or Summer trip to the beach?

Enjoy the sand and seashells longer with this fun beach sand trinket dish DIY.

I love to collect seashells, rocks and a bit of sand from every beach I go to.

Make this darling sand bowl using Plaid's newest product: Mod Podge Ultra.

DIY: Gold Glitter Resin Brunch Tray

I love serving trays--they are so cute and fun to eat off of.

This hot cocoa brunch tray is perfect for a cozy winter morning.

The gold glitter is sparkly and glistens in the lights of the Christmas tree...but unlike most glittered items, it's finish is as smooth as glass and not a flake of glitter gets anywhere.

That is my kind of glitter!

Napkin Mod Podge Floral Easter Eggs DIY!

These cute floral eggs are the perfect craft for Easter.

They are easy to make and look chic for home decor or an epic egg hunt.

Fill them with goodies, small toys or even love notes and display them in a cute basket.

These darling eggs are the perfect adult version of painting eggs!

Mod Podge Napkin Mug Handmade Gift Idea!

Handmade gifts are my favorite part of the holidays.

I love the thought and care that goes into making gifts...it flips the attitude of "getting gifts" to "giving gifts" and I love it.

Adding your own touch to a gift makes it more meaningful.

The recipient can think of you every time they use the thing you gift them.

But budget is the biggest hindrance to gift gifting. I'm super frugal and love to find gifts that fit the handmade, inexpensive and quick categories!

This cute Mod Podge Napkin Mug fits all three...and it's great for all skill levels, seriously, this is one that kids and grown ups will love.

Gold Glitter Autumn Vase DIY

This gold glittery vase is the perfect Autumn craft.

It is warm and bright and can carry over to Christmas decor too!

I love glitter. This works for any theme, just change out the flowers!

The best part is that these fun supplies are available at Dollar Tree !

I've got one super close to my house and I love it...I shop there all the time.

Let me show you how to decorate for Autumn on the cheap!

This glitter vase is perfection!

Mod Podge Crafts: Wood Stacking Trays from Hobby Lobby!

Learn how easy it is to make super chic stacking wood trays using colorful floral fabric and Mod Podge.

Celebrate Mod Podge Month (and it's 50th anniversary) with a fun home decor project.

Just a few supplies to get started and you'll have new decor by the end of the day!

Mod Melts Mermaid Crown DIY!

Make a fun and colorful crown in no time at all using Plaid Crafts Mod Melts selection of goodies!

It's similar to hot glue and the molds available are perfect with a nautical vibe.

This fun crown is perfect for all kinds of dressing up--let's get started!

Colorful Hand Painted Floral Ceramic Mugs DIY

Jump into the world of super cool hand-painted Folk Art style mugs!

We're talking about turning plain cups into amazing works of art with colorful paints.

It's like magic for your morning coffee or tea...or in my case, hot protein shakes!

Let's learn how to make these awesome mugs that are totally unique and full of style! 🎨✨

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.

How to Make Mod Podge Halloween Apothecary Jars!

Learn how to make Mod Podge Apothecary jars, perfect for Halloween decorations.

Toad tears, snake venom and spider legs!

These are easy to make, can be made with any size and shape of jar or bottle and make the perfect spooky decor.

This is a great way to upcycle old glass jars instead of tossing them.

Glitter Stencil Leather Key Fob!

Learn how to make a stencil leather key fob for keeping track of all those keys.

This fun craft uses Mod Podge and glitter paint for the perfect crafty DIY.

Martha Stewart Paint: Butterfly Specimen Wall Art DIY

2026-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

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.

MARTHA STEWART PAINT AND CRAFTING TOOLS AVAILABLE FROM PLAID

Martha Stewart has a series of paint sets, beautiful wood surfaces and stencil kits.

They just released last week on Plaid online and I'm super excited I was able to get a set so quickly with great delivery time.

Right now at Plaid Online, you can get FREE SHIPPING if you spend over $60! Plaid is the only place to buy these supplies right now!

Use the code: DOODLECRAFT15 for 15% off your order!

CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME PRODUCTS:

SPRING HOME DECOR DIY:

This brightly colored painted sign is perfect for butterfly collectors, without the need of real butterfly specimens, and a great addition to any Spring home decor.

Insect displays make unique gifts and this handmade one is equally great for a gift or just to set on the mantle with a bunting and a greeting word painted in coordinating colors.

Let's get started with this insect specimens artwork.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BUTTERFLY SPECIMEN ART:

affiliate links

Martha Stewart Solar Brights Paint Set
Martha Stewart Flora and Fauna Stencil Kit
Martha Stewart 12x18" Hard Panels 2 pack Wood Surfaces
Hello Wood Surface
Cornstarch
Mod Podge (Matte Finish)
Palette Knife
Mixing Cups
Stirring Sticks
Painters Tape
Baby Wipes, Paper Towel, Napkins (something disposable)

STEP 1: TAPE EDGES

To give the specimen wall art the look of a black frame, tape off all the edges with 1 inch painters tape.

I did think about painting the edges afterwards, but loved seeing the smooth, natural wood peeking through...but paint it at the end, by taping off the inside of the lines, if you like that look.

STEP 2: PAINT

Next, I did a thin layer of paint in the lightest blue in the Solar Brights set, Kiddie Pool.

The paint is creamy and easy to paint, free from chunks and works great.

POUROUS WOOD!

The coverage is actually really great, but the wood surface I am painting on is very real, natural and pourous...so the first coat of paint went on like a wash or a stain, leaving the wood grain showing.

Which I love!

If you aren't a fan of the natural wood showing through the paint, leave the tape on and paint it a second coat after the first dries.

The first coat will act as a sealer and barrier against the wood, so the second coat will give that full coverage look.

Allow the paint to dry a few minutes, but not completely, then peel off the tape.

By peeling the tape off while it's still a little wet, it prevents pulling off the paint in big patches when removing.

See, crisp painted tape lines!

STEP 3: TEXTURE PASTE

I've had the BEST success using stencils with texture paste.

It seems like even with the best adhesive stencils, paint creeps under the edge and makes a bit of a mess.

I have no issues using texture paste, so I highly recommend it!

TEXTURE PASTE RECIPE:

4 Parts Cornstarch
3 Parts Matte Mod Podge
2 Parts Paint

I like matte finish Mod Podge because it doesn't add additional shine to the finish.

Any Mod Podge will work though.

I began by mixing about 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of Mod Podge in one large cup with a palette knife.

It's not an "exact" measurement, so mix it up until it is smooth and creamy like warm honey.

The cornstarch is the wonder material here, it's so smooth and does not give the mixture a grainy feel.

If it feels too thick and difficult to stir, go ahead an add a bit more Mod Podge, but a little goes a long way in the cornstarch.

Now use a palette knife to scoop the texture paste mixture into 10-12 small cups, one for each paint color you are planning on using for the butterfly specimen art.

And now add the Martha Stewart paint into each cup, about a teaspoon or two of the paint, is enough to color the mixture in a bold way.

I just used 10 colors, this seemed like plenty for this project.

There's probably as much paint in these little cups as there is the texture paste mixture.

Again, it's not science, just mix them up until the paint is mixed in the paste and smooth.

I love this set of Martha Stewart paints, they are my favorite colors!

Plus, it's Multi-Surface, which means you can use it on so many different projects, it's the one size fits all paint!

STEP 4: STENCILS

Now get the Flora and Fauna stencil kit out.

The stencils are laser cut and mounted on plastic, with a sticky adhesive backing.

There's a set of 3 butterflies, and you can keep them all together if desired, but I am cutting them apart for this project.

Place a stencil down on the painted wood surface, the adhesive holds it in place but does not damage the painted wood.

Then use a palette knife to add some of the texture paint to the top of the stencil.

Repeat adding paint across the top section of the butterfly stencil.

Then add the next color across the middle of the butterfly stencil...try not to add too much paint, once it's on the stencil it mixes in with the other colors and is therefore, not reusable.

Finally add the third or last color.

Some of the butterflies I did with only 2 colors, some with 3...it's totally up to you.

Pick colors that blend well together, like colors that touch on the color wheel are great options.

Colors that are opposites can turn into more muddy colors, so just use caution.

Now use the side of the palette knife to gently scrape up the excess paint, so the paint is level with the stencil.

Wipe the excess paint on a paper towel or disposable cloth.

Then repeat, lifting up the excess paint.

Then lift up the stencil, wipe it off with a paper towel or baby wipe and wash it off in the sink.

Gently pat dry and the adhesive backing will sticky back up, ready to use again.

If by chance you got any of the texture paint off the edges of the stencil, just clean those up with a baby wipe and move on to the next butterfly specimen stencil.

Repeat adding butterflies, dragonflies and bees to the specimen art.

Mix the colors and have fun blending and stenciling.

Use the stencil and then clean it off immediately, then it's ready to use again and again.

Once you are done with a stencil, replace it on the plastic backing sheet for using another day.

The dragonfly takes up more real estate on the board than the butterflies, so adding a bee in there helps give a little change up in sizes.

Once you are done, set the board aside, laying on a level surface to dry completely.

The texture is smooth and raised off the surface of the board like embossing.

I love how the colors blend together just a little bit where they meet.

It's such a fun way to do specimen artwork--no real insects needed!

No real butterflies were harmed in the making of this new art for my mantle!

I love how the texture, colors and paint looks on this smooth wood surface, it's perfection.

Martha Stewart has made it so easy to be successful with this project because the stencils give a flawless print every time!

A little practice needed, but anyone can get the hang of it really quick.

DIY HELLO SIGN:

Let's finish off this Spring Mantle with a little Hello sign using my 2 favorite Martha Stewart paints in the Solar Brights pack, Party Streamer and Aqua.

Plus the 2 foam pouncers from the stencil kit.

Use a paper plate, piece of wax paper, junk mail, palette or something similar to daub the paint in.

The pouncers make painting this little hello sign take less than a minute with no need for delicate brushwork.

Just dab the foam pouncer across the top of the word until sufficiently pink...or Party Streamer.

Repeat the process, using the second pouncer, with the aqua paint, filling in the bottom half of the word hello.

Then clean out both foam pouncers and let them dry for another day.

The foam pouncer paint application gives a little texture to the finished product, but I think it's perfect paired with the textured specimen wall art.

This little hello gives a big emphasis on a fun, new, Spring home decor mantle, entry table or wall art.

BUTTERFLY COLLECTOR ART:

I love how bright and vibrant this art piece turned out!

It's easy to make your own, and the Martha Stewart line from Plaid does all the guess work for you!

Just get the surface, a paint pack and a stencil set and have a blast!

That's it!

Use the new Martha Stewart line at Plaid Crafts to make this awesome butterfly specimen wall art, perfect for a Spring mantle or home decor.

Adding textured paste to the paint gives the butterflies a dimensional relief that is much more than just a print.

I love how bright and cheerful this butterfly display turned out and totally think you should try this technique during National Craft Month!

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN POSTS TOO!

How to Make DIY Texture Modeling Paste (Easy Recipe)

Learn how easy and awesome it is to make your own modeling paste!

Homemade texture paste is perfect for mixed media, stencil art and other fun papercrafting.

There's a pretty good chance you have what you need for this diy modeling paste already!

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 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 Japanese Paper Dolls with Origami Paper

2026-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make Japanese Paper Dolls with Origami Paper

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.

These are not origami (paper folding with no glue), but use the vibrant shades of origami paper to capture the traditional origami vibe...as a paper doll.

History:

These little paper dolls are so much fun to make and actually part of Japanese tradition.

During the Heian period in Japan, it was a time of peace and that always brings out the Arts.

These little paper dolls became popular along side the Mataro doll, or wooden dolls decorated in silks.

I'm guessing paper was a little easier to come by for people than silk, making these a popular choice.

These are fun to make for special occasions, or as a fun paper craft with a class or older kids, as part of a Historical Arts lesson.

Today I am just making these little Japanese girl dolls, although the book I'm using does have additional following categories of children and men as well...maybe I will do more someday.

For this craft I was able to review the Blick Yasutomo Origami Kit as a Blick Creator.

It has gorgeous patterned, plain and a couple tiny squares of metallic paper I could use for this Japanese Paper Doll craft.

Plus, the bamboo folder and storage pouch are awesome too.

Backstory:

Back in 2001-2009, my husband and I ran a martial arts school.

We taught Tae Kwon Do 6 days a week. We started our business when our oldest child was 3 months old and closed the doors after the economic crisis in 2008, when our youngest child was 3 months old.
It was a fun phase of our lives.

We collected a lot of Asian vibe decor pieces, including a 20 inch gong that still hangs in our home.
One of our students (and friend) brought this book to me. She found it at the thrift store and thought I'd like it--I did!

It's all Japanese, so I guessed on the assembly and made about 25 of these little dolls circa 2006.
We gave them to our students for the holidays or something like that.

Here's one of the originals:

Anyway, I found this book again as I was Spring cleaning and thought it would be fun to make them again. I loved making them. Picking the papers, folding the shapes, so therapeutic and fun--would definitely make again!

Blick sending me the origami paper was the perfect inspiration and motivation!

Let's get started!

Supplies Needed for Japanese Paper Dolls:

Cream, Pink, Ivory or off-White Cardstock
1" hole Punch (or Cricut machine to cut 1 inch circles)
Paper Cutter
Tombow MONO Liquid Glue
Blick Yasutomo Origami Kit
Black Crepe Paper or Rafia Paper Twist
Scissors
Embellishments (optional)

Step 1: Head and Neck

Begin by cutting 1 inch circles out of the plain cardstock, one for each doll you are making.

Cut strips of cardstock about 1/4" wide and one inch long.

Then glue one strip on to each circle, making a head and a neck.

Step 2: Collar

Use some paper and make a collar around the top part of the neck.

The book suggests 2 layers of collars, you can decide...some of mine I did with 2 collars and some just one.

Cut a strip of paper about 1/2" wide and an inch long, then fold it in half the long way.

Place the folded edge up by the head and glue the strip in place with just a little do to of glue on the back of the neck.

Then fold the collar over and overlap them in front, gluing them together with a little tiny dot of glue.

Step 3: Kimono Dress

Now pick 2 pieces of patterned origami paper that you love.

They do not need to match at all--in fact the color and pattern contrast is the key to the finished piece.
Cut them each at 3 inches wide.

Then stack them together so the patterns are both on the outside.

This way when you fold the dress and the inside pattern shows, it will pop.

Fold down 1/4 inch of the papers together at the top.

Then lay flat on the table with the folded part on the surface of the table.

Use a tiny dot of glue to glue the head/neck/collar right in the center of the paper.

Then fold the right top corner of the patterned paper over the top, at a sharp angle, and leaving the layers of the collars visible.

Then fold down the other shoulder, making the shoulders even on both sides.

Fold the same side over all the way to the bottom of the dress.

Then fold the other side over the top.

Line up the base of the dress so there is the effect of little ankles/feet at the base.

Then open up the base flaps of the dress to expose the inside pattern paper.

There is a variety of ways to fold the dress, so experiment with the shape and style you like best.

Step 4: Waist Band

Now fold a waist band with a 2 inch strip of paper.

Fold it in half and then place it on the front of the paper doll and wrap it around the back of the dress with a overlap crisscross.

Leave the tails long in the back and glue them in place.

Step 5: Hair Piece

The hair is made with 3 different pieces of black crepe paper or paper twist.

Paper Twist is a little bit stronger, so if you are using crepe paper like me, just twist gently to avoid tearing.

You will need 3 pieces:

Bangs: 1x2 inch
Back hair pieces or Bun: 2.5x2 inch
Front hair piece or side buns: 4x1 inch

Back hair pieces or Bun: 2.5x2 inch

Begin with the nearly square piece of crepe paper.

Put it around the one inch circle head of the Japanese paper doll then twist it gently at the top of the head.

Remove the hair piece from the doll.

Twist the top of the bun over so it meets up with the dome and tucks into itself and glue it together.

This makes the perfect dome bun for the hair.

Set it aside until the assembly portion at the end.

Front hair piece or side buns: 4x1 inch

Take the thinner strip of crepe paper and twist it about 1 inch from the end on both sides.

Again, twist the other side about 1 inch from the edge.

Twist gently so the crepe paper doesn't just tear.

Now for the hair piece assembly.

Add a little bit of glue to the front of the head piece of the doll.

Place the long strip with the twists on both ends right on top of the head circle, leaving a little peak of the chin showing.

Bangs: 1x2 inch

Then add glue on top of the long hair piece.

Then place the bangs piece over the top of the hair.

Place it about the same length as the previous hair piece or maybe a little titch longer.

Then fold the bangs over the head.

You can shape the crepe paper around the head as closely as you want, creating the curve of the head or just leaving it straight across.

Then use the glue and adhere the bun we created in the first step to the back of the head.

Then wrap the second layer, with the twists on the ends over and glue them to the back of the head too.

Step 6: Embellishments

Then add any little embellishments or flair you can think of.

I loved using a small piece of metallic origami paper to add some shine on these dolls.

A little collar, folded like a fan and put in the hair, or a little touch on the waist band.

Add some twine to the waistbands, jewels across the belt or in the hair...dangles, this is the time to just be creative!

Then make more adorable Japanese paper dolls--it's seriously addicting!

It's so fun to pick different colors and patterns, different styles of hair or embellishments.

If you keep them a little flatter, without gems, it's going to be a little better for a bookmark.

Make different dress shapes, add a cape instead of a tie back, add layers and other details.

Again the book I am referencing showcases men, children and multiple varieties of women.

It's a great starting point to make these little Japanese dolls and then get creative with new arrivals--making little families for wall art, making all your friends in a line up...or sticking in a colorful book.

That's it!

Making a Japanese paper doll is a fun way to use origami paper in a new way!

Use these little dolls as bookmarks, gift tags or just as the perfect paper craft for a Spring day.

If you end up making some, post a picture and tag me @doodlecraft so I can cheer you on!

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Check out these posts too--great for origami paper!

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

2026-04-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

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!

Tulip Tie-Dye Kits:

Tulip tie dye is the best dye! It's one step process makes it so easy to use with the wet technique!

Dyes are permanent and color-fast...so if applied properly, they wont fade in the wash!

Tulip tie dye kit or individual dye bottles are perfect for a family activity or full blown tie dye birthday party.

I have only ever used Tulip One Step Dyes with 100% cotton shirts.

If you use other products, they might not turn out the same.

BRIEF HISTORY OF TIE DYE:

Tie-dye, originating in ancient Asia, gained prominence in India as "Bandhani" around the 6th century. Traversing trade routes, it influenced African and Middle Eastern cultures.

In the 1960s, tie-dye became emblematic of the counterculture, symbolizing freedom and rejecting societal norms--apart from being so much fun.

Popularized by iconic figures like Janis Joplin, it experienced a mainstream revival in the 1980s and a grunge resurgence in the 1990s.

Today, tie-dye seamlessly blends ancient traditions with contemporary fashion, with designers incorporating its vibrant patterns into haute couture, ensuring its enduring presence in the ever-evolving landscape of self-expression and style.

Products received at no cost from Tulip and Gilden for this post!

Huge packs of tie dye and 20 t-shirts!

Supplies Needed for Tie Dye Party:

affiliate link

Tulip One-Step dyes
100% Cotton T-shirts in white, bandannas, socks, etc. (prewash fabric)
Warm water
Cookie Rack
Plastic trash bag
Washable Markers
Zip Ties
Disposable Gloves (some are included in the tie-dye kit but you may need a few pairs of gloves)
Disposable Plastic Table Cover
Reusable Plastic Storage Bin
Paper Towels

Here's my favorite dyes in various party sizes:

(they sell out FAST in the Summer time!)

Would you believe that I have never tie dyed before?

Raise your hand if you have NEVER tie dyed before...it's time to try it!

You'll want to set up the perfect Tie Dye Station to make the party flow smooth.

This was my first go at it...and you know what?

I love it and I am completely obsessed. Just watch out...anything and everything that is white is soon to be tie dyed!

Tie dying is a fun family activity! Great for all ages too.

Some set up in advance, and even the littlest toddler could make their own shirt!

Tie-Dye Station Set Up:

Begin with a disposable plastic tablecloth to cover the table.
Work outside on a nice, hot day.
Set tulip color dyes on the table.
Have a pitcher of hot water and a basin of warm water.
Set the baking cooling rack on the plastic surface cover.

Overview for Tie Dying Shirts:

Begin by dipping the shirt in warm water and ringing it out.

Then fold, twist or gather the shirt together.

Tie it off with elastics or zip ties.

Then add the dye (mixed according to package directions).

My 5 year old son is always super reluctant to do any type of "craft" but even he loved this.

Tie-dye projects are great for older kids or highly supervised children.

He was hesitant to come and make a shirt...but he did a camouflage one and loved it!

It was his idea to make it army colors!

This post has been updated since 2015...this guy is now nearly 16!

I think he did great!

I love how it looks almost camouflage!

We live far away from extended family. This would be the funnest family reunion activity!

So I invited over a bunch of other families--about 25 party guests to come tie dye with us!

It's a great way to have neighbors over.

How to host a Tie Dye Party:

I had enough dye rated for "65 projects".

Because we did large child and large adult shirts it ended up making 40 shirts total.

(hopefully this helps when you are planning ahead for your party!)

5 Tips for Tie Dye Party:

Wrap the table with garbage bags or a plastic table cloth, so the clean up is easy.

Have a basket of pre-washed and wet 100% cotton white t-shirts.

Use baking cookie racks to keep the dye from pooling under the shirts.

Washable markers are great for tracing out shapes or patterns to follow.

Have a large supply of disposable gloves and plastic grocery bags for wrapping later.

Crowd Control. We have a swimming pool...so we only had a couple kids make shirts at a time while other activities were going on.

This crowd control is essential--especially if doing this for summer camps or other private events.

How to Tie Dye a Rainbow Shirt:

Step 1: Draw

Let's start with a rainbow!

Draw a curved line on the shirt with a washable marker in an arch line across the shirt.

Step 2: Gathering

Next, while wearing gloves, gather the shirt along that line so the blue marker line matches up in a straight line.

Step 3: Zip Ties

Then use a zip tie to tie off that blue marker line.

This gathering will make the arch on the shirt, just like the marker line drawn on earlier.

Now, simply add zip ties down the shirt, keeping the gathering the same as the first time to create all the rows of the colorful rainbow.

Until you have enough for the colors you want!

Place the gathered and zip-tied (or elastic) damp fabric shirt on top of your baking rack.

Step 4: Tie Dye

Use the dye according to directions.

The dye is already in the bottle, so no need to measure out the amount of dye.

Just fill the dye colors with hot water from the pitcher up to the marked line on the dye bottle.

Shake the dye into the water for a minute, covering the end of the bottle.

Repeat the dye prep for each of the bottles of dye.

Then gently squeeze the mixed dye colors you want on the shirt.

There will most likely be some bleeding and it will leak through the baking rack onto the cover work surface.

This will prevent muddy mixing of dye colors on the backside of the shirt.

I added 2 shades of blue sky--leaving some white spots as clouds.

Then turn the shirt over on the baking rack and dye the backside of fabric item or shirt with the same colors.

See how excess dye can just pool up on the plastic table instead of turning your shirt into a muddy mess?...yes, do this!

After finishing a shirt, clean off the work area with a paper towel and then set up for the next shirt.

Step 5: Wrap in Plastic

Next, take the shirt and wrap it in plastic.

I used plastic wrap first and then placed it in its own plastic bag.

This keeps the dyes from touching and bleeding together.

You need to make sure the shirt isn't overlapping other colors or they will bleed together still.

I overlapped the blues...no big deal. Then I put it in a grocery bag and set it in the sunshine.

Step 6: Wait 8 Hours

Wrap it carefully and let it sit for 6-8 hours.

We waited overnight.

At this point of the party, everyone took their tie-dye t-shirt bags home and finished them off on their own after waiting the correct amount of time.

If you are at a Summer camp, this works great to do the next day and then everyone can wear their shirts together and have some photo booth fun!

Step 7: Wash

Take it out of the wrapping...and rinse in the sink. I rinsed a few minutes...then remove the zip ties carefully with scissors.

Then continue to rinse in the hottest water until the water runs clear.

This is the BEST part! You finally get to see how your shirt turned out!

(Note: the shirt in the sink is not the rainbow shirt...but you get the idea)

Then throw it in the washing machine and run a large load setting cycle.

Use a small amount of laundry soap and follow the care instructions for the dyed shirt.

It will fade out a little to a lighter shade of color...but as long as you use 100% cotton shirts, you'll end up with this awesome tie-dye t-shirt!

Then toss into the dryer with a dryer sheet (optional) until it is dry fabric.

It's a noticeably weaker color intensity, but still vibrant and intense colors.

That's it!

Tie-dye shirts was a super fun activity for all ages!

This would be great for summer camp shirts...girls camp, family reunions, a baby showers...birthday parties--you name it!

And we used lots of dye!

All in all, we ended up making about 40 shirts--maybe just the equivalent of one extra bottle of extra dye leftover.

Here's how to do some of the other fun tie dye patterns!

Use new colors and make all the tie dye shirts you can dream of!

Heart:

Same technique as the rainbow...fold shirt in half, draw half heart, scrunch the line so it all lines up...zip tie and dye!

Target or bullseye!

Just grab the shirt where you want the center of the target to be.

Then zip tie it and repeat for as many rings as you want!

Rainbow!

(full explanation and pattern technique posted above)

Pie shaped swirl!

Grab the center of the shirt and twist it in a spiral until it's all wound up.

Add a few rubber bands...color each "pie" section a different color.

Multiple Bullseye!

Same as the target or bullseye, but smaller and in different spots on the shirt.

Messy Spiral!

Same start as the pie swirl above...but add some of each color in each section

That's it!

Tie dying shirts is the perfect Summer activity for a big project count.

Invite friends, neighbors and families over...or use this as a Summer camp craft.

Save this post for reference for all things tie-dye fun!

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Check out my other Tie Dye posts!

Patriotic Flag Tie Dye

Captain America Tie Dye Shirt

Tie Dye Party!

Halloween themed Tie Dye!

Galaxy Scarf!

Galaxy Dress!

Bleach Resist Tie Dye Galaxy!

Mermaid Scale Tie Dye Shirt

How to Throw Tie Dyeing Baby Shower (Tie-Dye Onesies)

2026-04-22T06:00:00.190-04:00

How to Throw Tie Dyeing Baby Shower (Tie-Dye Onesies)

If you’re looking for a baby shower idea that’s equal parts meaningful, memorable, and hands-on fun… this is it.
I recently hosted a shower with the theme “Tie Dyeing to Meet You” and it turned out to be one of the most interactive and heartfelt parties I’ve ever put together.
Instead of traditional games, guests created their own custom tie dye onesies for the new baby—and let me tell you, it was a total hit.

Not only did everyone have a blast, but the mom-to-be walked away with a whole collection of one-of-a-kind baby onesies made with love by her friends and family.
I handled the rinsing and finishing afterward, so she received a beautifully curated bundle of wearable memories.
If you want to recreate this experience, I’ve got you covered with a full, step-by-step tutorial—from setup to final wash.

🎨 Tie Dyeing to Meet You: Baby Shower Craft Tutorial

Why Tie Dye Onesies?

Tie dye is the perfect fun activity for a baby shower because:

It’s beginner-friendly
Everyone can participate (no skill level required!)
Each piece turns out unique
It doubles as a meaningful gift
It's something unique and different

Plus, there’s something really special about dressing a baby in clothes that were handmade by people who already love them.

Supplies You’ll Need for Tie Dye Party:

affiliate links

Before your party, gather all your materials and prep your crafting space.

Plain white baby onesies (100% cotton or cellulose fibre works best)
Optional: sibling shirts so older siblings can join in the fun
Tulip One Step Tie dye kit or individual dye bottles
Rubber bands (or zip ties)
Washable markers (like Crayola)
Extra gloves (trust me—you’ll need more than you think)
Plastic tablecloth to protect your workspace
Paper towels for quick cleanup
Large bucket or sink
Lukewarm to cold water
Plastic bag for each dyed item
Laundry detergent

You'll need a stunning hand painted banner for the party guests to enjoy the theme as well!
This banner is easy to make with Plaid Craft Paint and Kraft Paper.

See the full tutorial here!

Step 1: Set Up Your Tie Dye Station

Start by creating a designated dyeing area.
Lay down a plastic tablecloth over your tables to protect surfaces. Tie dye can get messy, so don’t skip this step.

Set out:

Dye bottles
Rubber bands
Gloves
Stacks of baby onesies

Have a roll of paper towels nearby for spills and sticky fingers.
If you’re hosting outdoors—highly recommended—it makes cleanup even easier.

Step 2: Prep the Onesies

For best results, your onesies should be slightly damp before dyeing.

Be sure to pre-wash the baby bodysuits before hand, then have a 5 gallon bucket near the tie dye station filled with luke warm water.

Wet the onesie and ring it out to dampen them right before guests begin tie dying.

These wet onesies absorb dye more evenly and create brighter, more vibrant results.

Make sure guests understand that the fabric should be damp—not dripping.

Step 3: Show Basic Folding Techniques

Before everyone jumps in, give a quick demo of a few simple tie dye styles.

Spiral Design:
Pinch the center of the onesie
Twist into a spiral
Secure with rubber bands (divide into sections)

Scrunch Design:
Scrunch fabric randomly
Secure with multiple rubber bands

Stripe Design:
Fold the onesie accordion-style
Add bands along the length
Encourage creativity—there’s no wrong way to do it!

Step 4: Secure with Rubber Bands

This is where the magic starts.

Once folded, guests should use rubber bands or zip ties to hold their design in place.

The tighter the bands, the more white space you’ll have in the final design.

Adding a second, third and fourth rubber band to the gathered bodysuit will add more places for different colors, use as many as needed!

Step 5: Apply the Dye

Now for the fun part—adding color!
Have guests:

Put on gloves
Choose their dye colors
Apply dye to each section

Tips:

Use a little bit of dye at first—you can always add more
Rotate the onesie to ensure full coverage
Avoid oversaturating (too much dye can lead to muddy colors)

Encourage guests to experiment with color combinations.

If you are tie dying a shape, use a washable marker to draw the basic shape on the shirt as it is folded in half, seen with this half heart below.

Then gather the fabric on the marker line and secure that exact shape with rubber bands or zip ties.
Then add color.

Step 6: Let the Onesies Set

Once dyed, carefully place each onesie into its own plastic bag.

This step is important because:

It keeps the fabric damp
Helps the dye set properly
Prevents colors from bleeding onto other items

Label each bag with the guest’s name if you want to remember who made each piece.

Let the dyed items sit for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Rinse Out the Excess Dye

After the dye has set, it’s time for rinsing.

This is the part I handled after the party so the mom-to-be didn’t have to worry about cleanup.

Steps:

Remove the onesie from the plastic bag
Rinse under cold water
Keep rinsing until the water runs mostly clear

This removes the excess dye and prevents bleeding during washing.

Step 8: Wash and Dry

Once rinsed:

Wash all onesies together in cold water
Use a small amount of detergent
Avoid mixing with other laundry

You may notice a little bit of dye still releasing during the wash—that’s normal.

After washing:
Dry as usual
Press or fold neatly

Whether the baby gender has been revealed or not, tie dyed onesies work for all babies.

They add a little pizzazz to an ordinary white onesie, which is the wardrobe staple of every infant.

Step 9: Present the Finished Gift

This is my favorite part.

Once everything was clean and dry, I bundled the finished tie dye onesies together and gifted them to the mom-to-be.

You can:
Fold or roll them into a basket
Tie with ribbon
Add a tag explaining the theme

It becomes more than just clothing—it’s a collection of love from everyone who attended.

Hosting Tips for Success

Keep It Simple
Not everyone is crafty, so keep instructions easy and approachable.

Have Plenty of Supplies
You’ll go through more rubber bands, gloves, and dye than you expect.

Encourage Creativity
There’s no “perfect” design—every piece will be unique.

Plan for Cleanup
Have trash bags, wipes, and paper towels ready.

Why This Baby Shower Idea Works So Well

This wasn’t just a craft—it was an experience.

Guests:

Laughed, chatted and stepped out of their comfort zone
Got creative
Made something meaningful

The mom-to-be received something far more special than store-bought gifts.
Each onesie tells a story.

Optional Add-Ons

Add matching sibling shirts
Include burp cloths or swaddles
Offer pastel dyes for a softer look
Include Dimensional Fabric Paint or Paint markers for something besides tie dye.

If you’re planning a baby shower and want something interactive, meaningful, and just plain fun, tie dye is such a great option.

These tie dye onesies are:

Practical
Adorable
Completely unique

And the best part? Every time the baby wears one, it’s a reminder of the people who were there to celebrate them before they even arrived.

It’s simple.
It’s colorful.
It’s full of love.

And honestly… it might just be the best baby shower activity ever. 💕

That's it!

And just like that, what started as a simple fun activity turned into a heartfelt collection of tiny, wearable memories. Each of those colorful tie dye onesies carries a story—little moments of laughter, creativity, and love from everyone who gathered to celebrate that sweet new baby.

It’s such a special way to turn a baby shower into something interactive and meaningful, while still keeping things easy and stress-free. Whether you’re rinsing out that last bit of excess dye or folding up the finished pieces for gifting, you’ll see how something so simple can become incredibly sentimental.

So grab those rubber bands, lay out the plastic tablecloth, and don’t forget the extra gloves—you’re about to create something truly unforgettable. 💕

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Check out these other Tie Dye posts for more inspiration:

Patriotic Flag Tie Dye

Captain America Tie Dye Shirt

Tie Dye Party!

Halloween themed Tie Dye!

Galaxy Scarf!

Galaxy Dress!

Bleach Resist Tie Dye Galaxy!

Mermaid Scale Tie Dye Shirt

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!

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok - make craft tutorials daily!

How to Make Chalkboard Wedding Sign!

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

How to Make Chalkboard Wedding Sign!

We are full swing into wedding season, so here's a tutorial for making a chalkboard wedding sign for the big day.

My husband (Mike) and I got married 23 years ago on June 22nd. I got married in the pre-pinterest days, so there was only my imagination for decor.

I made this chalkboard wedding sign for the perfect garden wedding. It would be awesome for a baby or wedding shower, party, celebration or any event!

Let's get started making a wedding sign!

Chalkboard signs are the way to go.

They are easy to write, fix if you mess up and clear off when the event is over. They can be used for every event in your life.

Having a good quality chalkboard is key...only the good quality ones erase well without shadows.

The star of the show is Loddie Doddie Chalk Markers and Chalkboard.

I received these supplies in exchange for this post...but let me tell you, these are the best chalk supplies I've ever used...and I've used a bunch.

The chalk marker colors are bright and vivid. Plus there is a huge range of colors!

The chalkboard is high quality, easy to clean and doesn't leave phantom art behind.

**And Loddie Doddie is giving my readers a 10% off discount when purchased with the code: DOODLECRAFT10

Supplies Needed for Chalkboard Wedding Sign:

Loddie Doddie Chalkboard (I love the Farmhouse 18x22)
Loddie Doddie Chalk Markers (I love the Artists Assortment 24 pack)
Ruler
Regular Chalk (I love this Allary Chalk Cartridge with thin chalk sticks)
Laser Level (super nice, but optional)

Step 1: Chalkboard Layout

I'm going to admit, I don't do a lot of preparation or layout when it comes to lettering projects.
I wing it.

And I wing it well. Enough. Or I make it look intentional.

However, if I was a little more of a perfectionist, there's a few things to do.

1. Use a piece a paper and sketch out the entire design before beginning on the chalkboard.

2. Use light chalk to sketch out the entire design before beginning on the chalkboard.

Okay,

Start with the lines.

Mark the sides of the board 4 inches down from the top of the chalkboard.

Step 2: Laser Level

Then line up the laser level on the 2 dots.

If you aren't using a laser level, use the ruler and connect the dots with a chalk line.

This will wipe off clean after the markers dry.

If you are right handed, put the level on the left side of the board. If you are left handed, place the level on the right side of the board.

Step 3: Write

Prep the chalk marker by pressing the nib on a piece of paper to gently get the paint flowing.

Write out the word in chalk first, if desired, then trace it with the chalk marker.

Connect your letters similar to cursive writing for the big WELCOME.

Let the intro and the outro of the letters reach all the way to the edges of the board.

When using Hand Lettering, it's much more whimsical and true to modern calligraphy to bounce along the line.

Instead of making it line up exactly.

Let some of the letters fall below the line and some above. This is called "bounce lettering" and I have a whole post on it here.

Step 4: More Writing

Mark the board a couple inches under the last marks.

Then line up the laser level the same as before.

Under the welcome you can write in a all capital letter font, "TO THE WEDDING".

Or to the baby shower, party, event, etc.

Then mark another line a couple inches lower and write the bride and grooms names.

Or whatever you've decided to write on the chalkboard...like "take a seat", "turn off your phones" etc.

Step 5: Faux Calligraphy

After writing the information on the chalkboard, let it dry completely to prevent your hand from dragging through wet paint.

Then go back over the WELCOME part of the sign and add the thicker downstrokes to each letter.

This technique for lettering on a chalkboard is called "faux calligraphy", and I have a whole post for it here.

Honestly, it's this technique that takes the word from looking pretty amature to looking really professional!

See how much better that looks, even with that slightly wonky "e" at the end?

I write calligraphy a lot and I am really good at it.

I did this sign in a very beginner style and way so that it would not intimidate anyone wanting to recreate this beautiful wedding sign.

Anyone can get these results.

Alright, once the hand lettering is done and dry--you can add decorations, if desired.

I right-aligned the 2 text lines, so that I could put some flowers on the corner.

If you want to add Watercolor Chalk elements to your sign, check out this post.

All about How to Watercolor with Chalk Markers!

Step 6: Painting Flowers with Chalk

If you are going to paint with chalk, you'll want a palette or paper plate and a round paint brush.

Press the tip of the chalk marker on the palette gently to release some of the chalk paint.

Then use the round paintbrush (mine's a #10) to paint beautiful flowers in the corners.

Start with the petals to the flowers, then add centers and leaves.

The chalk paint dries like watercolors, thicker or darker in some areas than others.

It looks really cool!

Step 7: Dry Completely

Now let the chalkboard dry completely before lifting it up, in case the paint is thick enough to run down the board.

I let mine dry on my flat desk overnight.

Then it is ready to display at the entrance of the wedding. Perfect for a garden event!

There is so much beauty in a hand written sign.

Anyone can get a print or a font to look perfect...but there is so much character, personality and personalization in a hand written sign.

It's really so charming and welcoming.

That's it!

Did I give you the confidence to make your own chalkboard wedding sign!?

I can't wait to see the signs you create--share them and tag me @doodlecraft so I can cheer you on!

Happy weddings, events, celebrations, parties and much more!

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How to Create Analog Bag (Creative Screen Detox Bags)

2026-04-17T06:00:00.145-04:00

How to Create Analog Bag (Creative Screen Detox Bags)

There’s something quietly satisfying about packing up a carry tote bag or open-top tote with simple, creative essentials and calling it your perfect tote for the day.

What started as a popular screen-free idea has quickly turned into a popular activity—and for good reason. More people are leaning into hands-on hobbies that don’t require special skills or a bunch of special purchases, and the result has been an instant hit across all kinds of creative spaces.

With beginner-friendly kits and easy-to-find beginner kits helping people get started, this larger trend has really picked up a lot of steam.

It feels like the start of a new cycle—one where trying new things offline is just as exciting as anything happening on a screen.

This trend is everywhere right now—and honestly, it makes sense.

With rising average screen time and more people craving a break from social media, the idea of building your own analog bag has become a bit of an internet trend (especially if you’ve been on TikTok lately).

It’s a great way to step into screen-free activities without needing a ton of money, specialized skills, or long time commitments.

Think of things you can do using no electricity, that you could enjoy while you travel or sit on a beach.

Inspired by conversations popping up across platforms like Marie Claire and even insights from Michaels’ first-ever trend report, this kind of kit is all about a variety of non-digital activities you can grab anytime—whether you’re in a waiting room, winding down for a great night’s sleep, or just trying to spend less time glued to digital content.

Think of it as a low-pressure way to spark creative fire in short sessions, with that real-world, tactile experience of writing and making that so many everyday people are rediscovering.

🎒 50 Things to Keep in Your Analog Bag (and Why They Matter)

✍️ Writing & Creative Writing Tools

Journal of your choice – that daily entry feel + the appeal of a fresh notebook is a real pull
Pocket notebook – perfect for quick thoughts in the bus lane or on the go
Graph paper pad – structured layouts for creative projects
Index cards – flexible, likely disposable pieces for ideas or prompts
Fresh pens – makes writing feel like a special purchase, not a chore
Ballpoint pen – one of the obvious go-tos, always reliable
Gel pens – smooth writing, fun for junk journaling
Mechanical pencil – precise and reusable
Wooden pencil – simple, timeless, no fuss
Colored pencils – beginner-friendly art supplies
Highlighter – organize thoughts or mark inspiration
Eraser – keeps that empty page from feeling intimidating

✂️ Analog Crafts & DIY Tools

Small scissors – essential starting materials
Craft knife (covered) – for more intricate styles
Glue stick – quick and super-easy use
Tape runner – clean, no-mess sticking
Washi tape – decorative and versatile
Mini stapler – great for zines or back pieces
Paper clips – keep things sorted
Binder clips – hold thicker stacks
Rubber bands – simple bundling
Needle + thread – small repairs or stitching
Embroidery floss – opens the door to punch needling or stitching

🎨 Art Supplies & Creative Extras

Mini watercolor painting set – a gateway craft with endless possibilities
Water brush pen – no setup needed, perfect for short sessions
Brush markers – bold, expressive work
Charcoal or graphite stick – adds texture and depth
Stamp set + ink pad – repeat patterns easily
Stickers – quick wins for decoration
Scrap paper / ephemera – ideal for junk journaling
Magazine clippings – inspiration from the real world
Post-it notes – flexible brainstorming

📏 Practical Tools for Structure

Small ruler – precision without bulk
Folding ruler – compact measuring
Compass – geometric designs
Protractor – useful for layouts
Clipboard – stable surface anywhere
Zipper pouches – organize your variety of non-digital activities
Accordion folder – sort projects for later time

🧠 Offline Activities & Entertainment

Puzzle books – crossword puzzles or brain teasers for downtime
Small book – reading without digital content
Deck of cards – easy entertainment at family events
Journal prompts list – keeps ideas flowing
Printed maps – one of the most natural alternatives to GPS
Pocket planner – track life without apps

🔧 Utility + Less-Expected Items

Mini multitool – fixes on the fly
Duct tape (wrapped flat) – surprisingly useful
Safety pins – quick wardrobe saves
Twine or cord – crafting or utility
Concert ticket stubs or keepsakes – adds that personal, experience feel

🌿 Building Your Own Analog Bag

The beauty here is flexibility. Your bag can include:

Instant cameras or something like a Camp Snap CS-8 video camera for that vintage filters vibe

A beautifully embroidered sketchbook if you want something more elevated

Or just the obvious go-tos and a few less-expected items.

Whether you’re into digital scrapbooking alternatives, analog crafts, or just want a pre-bedtime ritual that doesn’t involve scrolling, this is a great way to reconnect with creativity.

No pressure, no rules—just happy crafting.

Here's what's in my analog bag:

affiliate links

High Quality Coloring Book
Besties Crochet Kit (perfect for start to finish)
Silly Scents colored pencils
Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Sketchbook/Paper
Gelli Arts Gel Plate
Brayer
Arteza Primary Color Paint
Print Making Paper
Watercolors
Watercolor Mini Paper Notebook

At its core, putting together an analog bag is about rediscovering the hobby’s innate relaxing qualities and embracing the benefits of making something with your own hands.

There’s a real sense of calm that comes from slowing down, focusing, and letting creativity unfold without pressure and without electricity.

Whether you’re flipping open your tote for a few quiet minutes or diving into a longer session, it’s a low-barrier, deeply satisfying way to explore new things.

And honestly, that’s the thrilling prospect—having everything you need within reach to create, unwind, and reconnect with the simple joy of making.

CHECK OUT THESE FUN ANALOG CRAFTS TOO!

25 Analog Crafts (Craft Activities to try in 2026)

If you’ve been feeling the pull to unplug and make something with your hands, you’re definitely not alone. Analog crafts are having a major resurgence—and honestly, it makes perfect sense in today’s always-on, hyper-digital world.

There’s something grounding about stepping away from screens, spending a little less time scrolling, and diving into real-life creative outlets. Whether it’s the texture of paper, the rhythm of stitching, or the messiness of paint, analog hobbies bring back that feeling of making—something a digital world just can’t replicate.

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 Make a Faux Snake Plant (Fake Plants DIY)

Learn how to make a fabulous fake snake plant using crepe paper!

Faux house plants are the perfect solution to a home office, dining room or living room that just don't get enough sunlight for live plants.

These faux sansevieria plants are a popular choice for interior design home decor because of their beautiful leaves with a unique design.

Let's get crafting this faux snake plant!

How to do Squeegee Art Cat Portraits!

Learn how to do simple squeegee art cat portraits! Squeegee art is a fun craft for all ages, and easy to do regardless of art skill level.

Make a cool pop-art vibe art piece of your favorite little felines using just a few supplies, including Plaid acrylic craft paint in a variety of colors.

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.

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

This fun and trendy craft is easy to make in great time, an hour or so, and let dry overnight...perfect for that cottage core vibe.

How to Make Japanese Paper Dolls with Origami Paper

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.

These are not origami (paper folding with no glue), but use the vibrant shades of origami paper to capture the traditional origami vibe...as a paper doll.

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.

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 Easy Paper Airplane (6 Fold Plane Steps)

Learn how to make an easy paper airplane with these 6 simple folds.

Paper airplanes are perfect for a quick build and lots of air time--and this is the best paper airplane to start with!

If you don't know how to fold a paper airplane, this is the perfect plane for beginners and hands of all skill levels...then you can learn more creative ways.

How to Make DIY Texture Modeling Paste (Easy Recipe)

Learn how easy and awesome it is to make modeling paste with your own hands!

Homemade texture paste is perfect for mixed media, stencil art and other fun papercrafting.

There's a pretty good chance you have what you need for this DIY modeling paste already!

That's it!

Perfect for relaxing or when there's a scheduled power outage, analog bags are great to keep at the ready.

Filled with all kinds of calming and "low pressure" crafting and art, it's a welcome haven when the day was chaotic.

What's in your analog bag?

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Follow me on Instagram and TikTok - make craft tutorials daily!

25 Analog Crafts (Craft Activities to try in 2026)

2026-04-15T06:00:00.187-04:00

25 Analog Crafts (Craft Activities to try in 2026)

Why Analog Crafts Are So Popular Right Now

Across Google Trends, social media platforms, and even discussions in the world of communities like forums and the Reddit app, one common theme keeps popping up: people want more screen-free activities.

Power outages? Our neighborhood has been experiencing multiple scheduled power outages as they repair old lines and poles. Having analog crafts "at-the-ready" has been a life saver.

Here are some of the big reasons why analog hobbies are gaining so much traction:

People are actively trying to reduce screen time and spend less time in the digital world
A growing interest in traditional crafts like cross stitch, needlework craft, and fiber arts
A surge in new hobbies tied to New Year’s resolutions and lifestyle resets
A younger demo—including Gen Z—discovering “grandma hobbies” and loving them
Trend experts (including Etsy trend expert insights) noting a ton of new eyes on handmade goods
Creative professionals like graphic designers and writers seeking offline creative outlets

The best part? These crafts aren’t just trendy—they’re meaningful. They bring back feelings of warmth, encourage community support, and reconnect us to the real world in a way that feels intentional.

Plus, check out this post on creating an analog bag too!

How to Create Analog Bag (Creative Screen Detox Bags)

There’s something quietly satisfying about packing up a carry tote bag or open-top tote with simple, creative essentials and calling it your perfect tote for the day.

25 Analog Crafts to Try

Boondoggle Lanyard Keychains

A total throwback. Plastic lace is woven into colorful designs—relaxing, repetitive, and perfect for all ages.

How to Make Boondoggle Lanyard Keychains DIY Tutorial!

Boondoggle lanyards are synonymous with Summer!

The plastic cord, the bright colors, the possibilities for bracelets boondoggle keychains.

Learn how to make your own boondoggle keychains using plastic lacing cord for the perfect Summer craft!

Tie Dye Shirts

A forever favorite. Folding, binding, and dyeing fabric creates bold, one-of-a-kind patterns.

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!

Painted Rocks

Simple and meditative—great for beginners and a perfect way to ease into analog activities.

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.

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.

Rolled Paper Frame

Create texture and dimension using rolled strips of recycled paper.

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!

Handmade Bookmarks

Perfect for watercolor projects, doodling, or collage.

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.

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! These fun bookmarks are inexpensive and easy to make...let your creative side shine!

Let me show you how to create these awesome watercolor effects effortlessly!

Honeycomb Paper Ornaments

Folded and glued paper creates stunning 3D decor.

How to Make Honeycomb Paper Ornaments DIY Tutorial

If you love lightweight paper crafts and dimensional décor, these paper honeycomb ornaments are a magical project to try this season.

I’ll walk you through both of the methods I used this year: one with Kraft paper, printer paper, construction paper, tissue paper, or even book pages, and another made from simple coffee filters.

Paper Basket from a Single Sheet

Fold and weave paper into functional storage.

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!

Cereal Box Refillable Journals

Turn cardboard into durable, reusable notebooks—great for daily use.

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.

Pressed Flower Art (Herbarium Frames)

Capture nature in glass for timeless botanical decor.

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.)

Gel Plate Printing

Create colorful designs and textures with paint on a gel plate

How to Make Gelli Art Gel Plate Prints with Plaid!

Gelli Arts (the original gel plate) and Plaid Crafts have collaborated on this awesome post and I'm stoked to be part of it!

Let me teach you all about Gel Plate monoprints and my favorite techniques using a jelly plate and multi-surface paint.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

Dive into this major ASMR craft and you will love the satisfaction you get each time you pull a monoprint reveal, so satisfying!

Miniatures

Build whimsical structures using creative elements, paint and kits

Vintage Miniature Display Village (Mini 3D Stores)

There are some things we inherit that aren’t jewelry or furniture or recipes. They’re smaller than that. Quieter. They sit in the palm of your hand and somehow hold an entire world.

My mom built worlds.

Back in the 1970s and 80s—long before miniature collections were trending on social media—she was carefully crafting 1:12 scale shops and scenes that lived on our mantle like a tiny, handmade Christmas village. After she passed when I was sixteen, those little worlds felt even more precious. They weren’t just miniature collectibles. They were time capsules.

Today, as miniatures come roaring back into the crafting spotlight, I want to share hers.

Mini Canvas Easel Paintings

Low-pressure, high-creativity mini art pieces.

How to Make Mini Canvas Easel Art (Miniature Artwork)

Tiny art lovers, this one’s for you!

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

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

Painted Cartoon Shoes

Turn footwear into wearable art with bold outlines.

How to Paint Cartoon Shoes (Custom Painted Shoe DIY)

Learn how to paint Cartoon style shoes with Plaid KICKS Paint.

This custom painted shoe tutorial is easy to do and a great way to upcycle and give new life to old shoes.

Just a few supplies needed to make these fun stylized shoes that look like you stepped out of a comic book!

Pressed Flower Vase

Add delicate flowers to class using Crystal Clear Mod Podge.

How to Make Pressed Flower Vase Jar DIY with Mod Podge

Learn how to make a pressed flower vase or flower jars for a gorgeous touch of nature on the table, as a centerpiece, or for a unique gift.

Bring the beauty of nature inside with this fun activity of turning ordinary glass vases into floral masterpieces in less than an hour.

Spray Painted Frames with Gold Leaf

Add a touch of the rainbow to your home decor with spray paint and gold.

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.

DIY Spinner Prize Wheel

Part craft, part engineering—fun and interactive.

How to Make a DIY Spinner Prize Wheel!

This simple DIY craft making a Spinner Prize Wheel will make you a Rockstar!

Don't you just love spinning a prize wheel and hoping you land on the jackpot prize at the fair or other event?

A spinning wheel is so much fun and this DIY pattern is easy for anyone to make with little investment.

I thought they would be fun for backyard parties, trunk-or-treats, events and even chores--so I invented this DIY version that you can make for all your events!

String Art Designs

A classic combination of wood, nails, and thread.

Easy String Art Tutorial Heart Diamond Templates!

String art is so much fun and an easy craft that is successful for most age groups 8 and up.

They can be very simple or extremely complex. These are the simpler variety and free templates!

Use simple templates or be creative and make your own design...like this pizza!

Geometric Himmeli Lamp

Modern, sculptural decor made from simple materials.

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!

Embroidered Denim

Add personality to jackets or jeans with hand stitching.

How to Embroider Denim Jacket DIY with Easy Floral

Learn how to easily embroider a denim jacket with cute floral designs.

This quick upcycle project is a great way to add interest to any denim fabric or sturdy fabric, no embroidery hoop needed.

Add a little hand embroidery to the front pocket of a jacket or the back pocket of a pair of jeans.

Patchwork Jean Jacket

No-sew or stitched—completely customizable.

Upcycled Jean Jacket with Patches: Earth Day Craft!

I love upcycled crafts. They are my favorite medium for sure.

I love taking an old garment and giving them new life.

Make a fabulous statement piece by upcycling an old jean jacket with patches.

This NO-SEW jean jacket upcycle is a perfect craft for all ages and genders!

Upcycle a backpack, jeans, tote, pillowcase or anything else too.

DIY Watercolor Paint

Make your own paints from scratch—fascinating and rewarding.

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.

Painted Faux Feathers

Craft delicate decor pieces using tape and paint.

How to Make Faux Painted Feathers DIY (Decor Ideas)

If you love feather crafts but don’t want to use real feathers, this colorful, budget-friendly tutorial is for you!

These DIY painted feathers are made entirely from blue painter’s tape and paper twisted wire, and they look amazing as party decor, garlands, gift toppers, added to a dream catcher or boho wall art.

Wax Seal Crafts

Use melted wax and stamps to embellish stationery, journals, and gifts—this one really captures that analog aesthetic.

50+ Creative Ways to Use Wax Seals With DIY Crafts

Wax seals are having a serious moment, and honestly, we are here for it.

From elegant envelopes to playful decor, wax sealing is a great way to add an extra level of class and a unique look to almost any project.

Whether you’re using traditional wax sticks and wax beads with a tea light candle and melting spoon, or reaching for a glue gun, sealing wax gun, or even glue sticks for a crafty tool technique, there are so many different techniques to explore.

Faux Stained Glass Art

From beginner-friendly paint techniques to traditional glasswork.

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.

Crochet Flowers

Learn how to crochet beautiful rosettes while traveling on the bus, sitting at the park, etc.

How to Crochet a Flower Rosette Wreath!

Learn how to crochet rosette flowers out of brightly colored yarn and turn them into a wreath covered in chain stitches.

Get your favorite yarn and maybe a buddy and let's get started!

Why These Crafts Matter

In a world where everything is optimized, automated, and constantly connected, analog crafting offers something different:

A break from constant notifications and open navigation go digital overload
A return to real-life creativity and tactile experiences
A chance to explore future crafts rooted in tradition
A meaningful way to engage with community support and handmade culture

Even across platforms—from top posts and answers sections to discussions shaped by platform rules and privacy choices—people are actively searching for ways to disconnect and reconnect with something tangible.

Analog crafts aren’t just a passing trend—they’re a response to the pace of modern life. Whether you’re picking up a new hobby, revisiting childhood favorites, or exploring fiber arts like cross stitch, these projects offer a perfect way to slow down and create something meaningful.

So clear a little space, step away from the screen, and start making.
No machines. No pressure. Just you and your creativity.

Bonus Tip
Many of these crafts use recycled or thrifted materials, making them budget-friendly and sustainable. It’s a win for your wallet—and the planet.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, Doodlecraft is packed with hands-on ideas that celebrate the beauty of analog hobbies and the joy of making in the real world.

How to Create Analog Bag (Creative Screen Detox Bags)

There’s something quietly satisfying about packing up a carry tote bag or open-top tote with simple, creative essentials and calling it your perfect tote for the day.

That's it!

These 25 analog crafts are sure to get you started, but of course my website is filled with 3500+ tutorials, a huge majority of which, do not involve any electricity.

Get creating with less screens, make something tactile, enjoy a little grounded crafting outdoors.

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Follow me on Instagram and TikTok - make craft tutorials daily!

How to Make a Magnetic Fishing Set in Altoids Tin!

2026-04-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Make a Magnetic Fishing Set!

Learn how easy it is to make a cute little pocket size magnetic fishing set to keep small ones entertained. This little magnetic fishing set is easy to carry in a purse, bag or backpack for instant entertainment on the go.

Make darling felt fish with magnetic washers inside to easily catch with a magnet fishing pole in 30 minutes.

**UPDATE from 2013: Pocket Sized Magnetic Fishing Set in Altoids tin!**

This adorable magnetic fishing set was a post I did in 2013--ten years ago!

These landed a top 20 spot in the CRAFTS/DIY Category on Pinterest in 2013 too! Check out my pinterest board!

Back in those days I had little kids. My oldest was only 10, my daughter 8 and my baby was 4. These little fishing kits were a hit with them. They are great for fine motor skills for young children and great for older kids too. It's a fun way to work on hand-eye coordination.

The best part? I still have this Altoids tin fishing set and I still use it regularly. I bring it to church to entertain other kids, use it in tangible teaching lessons and actually use it myself for relaxation and nostalgia.

I made each of my children their own set of magnetic fish and one for myself. They are easy and fast to make--so make a bunch of them to keep, sell and gift!

These darling fish deserved a post refresh so a new set of young mothers, kids, and new grandmas can see them and make them for their loved ones, teaching aids and busy bags.

A magnetic fishing set makes a great handmade gift too! (make them for birthdays all year long...or save this post for the holiday season!)

Ask kids to fish for their favorite color.

Ask child a question and then have them fish before they tell you their answer.

There are so many applications for using these little fish.

Okay, let's get started making this magnetic fish game!

Supplies needed for Magnetic Fishing Set:

Wooden Rod Dowel
Magnet with a hole in the center...or 2 magnets the same size
Colorful felt
Washers or magnetic metal discs
Hot glue/gun
Twine or string or fishing line or piece of yarn
Scissors
Tin for Storage

Step 1: Washers

Start by making sure your metal washers are magnetic! Use a strong magnet to test the washers.

I had a big bag of washers that weren't...so check first.

I also had these little metal discs, they are the perfect size for "goldfish cracker" sized felt fish.

Anything flat and magnetic will work...but not too heavy.

Step 2: Felt Fish

Begin by cutting 2 fish shapes out of felt. These fish are about an inch long, or close to the size of a goldfish cracker.

You can draw out a fish template on a piece of paper with a fish shape or two and use it to cut out lots of fish outlines from favorite fabrics.

Felt or fleece work best because they don't fray.

Cut out 2 identical pieces of each color of felt and make a number of fish, so the altoid tin is full of much fun.

Reuse the fish pattern or make a bunch of different small animals.

Next, hot glue a washer or metal disc or 2 onto one of the felt fishes.

You can use tacky glue or a hot glue gun, just add a dab of glue and press the washer on to the glue.

This will help contain any small parts to keep them safe for kids and motor skill development.

Then add hot glue to the top of the washers, around the edge of the felt.

Then sandwich the washers with the second felt fish and press down firmly.

Be cautious as some of the hot glue may squish out the back side.

This ensures that the metal discs are sealed inside the felt fish.

Let the hot glue cool completely, trim off any excess hot glue, as desired.

Then test out the fish with the magnet and make sure it sticks!

No need to sew it with a sewing machine or hand stitch the edges...this makes them easy to replace as they wear out.

If you are making larger fish, add several metal pieces for an easy catch...or just add one for the perfect "one that got away fish tale" fish.

There's not really a "perfect size" of fish pattern, so decide how big you want the fish.

After the fish are made, you can decorate them with puffy paint, googly eyes or permanent marker!

Step 3: Fishing Rod

Next step, now it's time to make the magnetic fishing pole.

Cut a wooden dowel (or a stick from the yard) to the size of your storage tin. Altoids tins are small, so the dowel is very small too. Larger storage can mean a bigger fishing pole.

Tie and hot glue twine onto the end of the dowel rod. Hot gluing it firmly in place is ideal for small children. (you could use an unsharpened pencil for the magnetic fishing rod too)

Then tie the donut magnet on the end of the string. The twine (or piece of string) can be as long as you want, anywhere from 6-12 inches for a small Altoids tin.

**NOTE: I keep the string short so that kids stay focused on fishing and not swinging the rod around.

Disc magnets with a center hole are awesome, but in a pinch, you can use 2 magnets and glue them together with the string between them.

Don't drill a small hole in a magnet with a power drill, it will make the magnet lose it's magnetic ability.

We made 12 fish for each set...each different colors...great for teaching colors to small children.

You could get fancy and embroider the fish...add patterns, names and more. You could enhance them with some iron-on vinyl too!

The felt is a good thing that works great because it is tightly woven so it doesn't stretch when kids pull the fish away from the magnet.

Then put them in a bag, pouch, box or tin. I love how this little mint container holds the most fish fantasy game! It's great to throw in a purse or church bag with those small coins.

The tin is fun, because the magnet will stick right inside too! These fishing kits are great ideas for baby shower gifts or birthday party presents.

Perfect for busy little hands to play with! Great for a sensory bin or putting in a kiddie pool for some fun outdoor fishing.

These fish have saved us in waiting rooms, meetings, quiet places, church and many other places.

That's it!

Make a magnetic fishing set for a handmade gift, activity for children, or a great way to practice real fishing.

Let me know if you've given this easy diy magnetic fishing game a try since I posted it 10 years ago!

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Check out these posts too!

Sea Creature Fishing Set!

Get fancy using felt and puffy dimensional paint--make all the sea creatures you can think of!

Shark Attack Fishing Set!

Perfect for shark week, make a bunch of sharks to catch and learn about!

Cereal Box Refillable Journals Upcycled Craft DIY!

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

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 box into a refillable notebook for sketching, drawing and note taking.

Do you like sugar cereal? What's your favorite? My favorite is Cinnamon Toast Crunch!

Add the kind of paper that you like inside the notebook. Fold copy paper in half and slip it in the notebook.

This would be a fun home craft for the older kids too!

Check out this post on Leather Refillable Journals and this video shows how to make it. The technique is the same for these cereal box journals.

Supplies Needed for Cereal Box Journals:

Cereal Boxes (Cut to 9x13" and 3x1.5")
Eyelets
Crop-a-Dile
Ruler
Pencil
Rotary Cutter
Eastic Cord (1/8") cut to 26" and 7" pieces
Paper Cutter
Paper
Scissors
Hobby Knife
Lighter

Step 1: Cut the Cereal Box

Cut the cereal box to 9 x 13 inches. Save a small piece of cereal box for the elastic wrap, about 3 x 1.5")

Score a line down the center at the 6.5 inch line.

Measure 1/2 inch on each side from the center fold line.

Step 2: Set the Eyelets

Use the Crop-a-Dile to punch holes on the 1/2" lines.

Then set the eyelets in the holes punched.

The Crop-a-Dile makes it so easy to set the eyelets.

Now the notebook is ready to thread the elastic through the eyelets.

Step 2: Threading the Elastic

Watch the video above for the visual process.

Now use the 26 inch piece of elastic and tie a knot on the end of it. Thread it from the inside through the top right eyelet.

Then thread the elastic through the top left eyelet.

Thread the elastic through the lower left eyelet.

Then bring the elastic up through the bottom right eyelet.

Then thread the elastic through the top right hole and back through the top left hole.

Then tie the elastic to the knotted elastic end in a surgeons knot...or a square knot with one extra loop pass through it.

Then pull the elastic down the center to the right hole and thread it through and back up through the left bottom eyelet.

Repeat the process by tying off the center elastic to the remaining tail end of the elastic in the same surgeons knot as previously.

Next cut an X in the center of the fold line and thread the 7 inch elastic through. Then thread it through the other piece of cereal box and back through the center. Then tie it off in a knot.

Step 3: Fill with Paper

Next, fold some copy paper in half and thread it through the elastic to the fold line. This cereal box notebook holds three bundles of paper.

Then close it up and secure it with the elastic wrap.

Super cute right!? This is ready to use for sketching, note taking or doodles. It's a great way to upcycle your favorite cereal boxes into the perfect refillable journals!

Which one of these cereal box refillable journal is your favorite?

I love this Reese's Puffs notebook! The bright colors are perfection!

Then when the paper is used up, it's easy to just fold a pile of paper and slip it back inside. You could use kraft paper, colored paper, graph paper or even colored paper.

That's it!

I love crafts that use packaging or products that are on their way to the recycling bin, but get repurposed instead!

Turn your favorite cereal, snack or cardboard box into a refillable notebook today!

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Check out these posts too:

Leather Wrapped Journal: Journal of Impossible Things

Gratitude Journals

Marbled Notebook DIY

Mini Leather Journals made with Cricut

How to Cover a Text Book

Harry Potter Book of Monsters Book Cover

Harry Potter Tom Riddle's Diary

Black Leather Book Cover DIY

Make your own Smashbook Journal

How to Make a Mini Leather Book

Upcycled Books into Notebooks DIY

Beskar Notebooks

Character Notebooks

Watercolor Galaxy Profile Notebook

How to Make a Notepad with Mod Podge

Refillable Leather Journals

Upcycled Rolled Paper Frame DIY Craft!

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

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!

Be warned and proceed with caution!

It all started like this. I had been planning this craft for a while, and my husband was out of town, so it seemed like a good time to catch up on projects. My nearly 12 year old son said "hey mom, can I play Diablo?"and I said "Yes, but help me with this project first".

Famous last words.

I similarly convinced my 10 year old daughter to play along as well...so we had the whole crafty family working together. Minus the 5 year old who was in and out and playing his heart out. (lucky devil) We begun this escapade at 4:02 pm...and finished with the last shutter click at 8:49 pm. Completely SKIPPING dinner! No worries, we had Marshmallow Mateys at 9:00 pm. (Note: I would not do this again)

But we made it through all of:

Barbie the Island Princess, Brave, Frozen and part way into Wreck it Ralph. for this:

It's a great way to recycle old magazines, paper the kids brought home from school...or junk mail! We also added some Astrobrights Paper in there for some bright pops of color.

You will need: (affiliate links)

Paper (lightweight)

Wooden frame

(upcycle one you have on hand, or get one to refinish at the craft store..my advice: think small!)

Paper cutter

(you could use scissors...but that would make this project suck even more)

Tape roller

(you could use glue...but that would make this project suck even more)

Either a quilling tool or a toothpick

(just something to roll the paper around)

Hot glue/gun

Paint/spray paint for the frame

Time....lots of it. and movies to play in the background...or an audio book!

Step 1: Cut Paper!

Let's begin...right...like I've totally convinced you to make your own!!! Hahaha. Begin by cutting the paper into half inch strips with the paper cutter.

Cut magazines and Astrobrights paper!

Step 2: Fold Paper!

Now, fold all those strips in half. Fun, right?

Step 3: Roll Paper!

We used quilling tools to get the rolling started and then mostly switched to just finger rolling.

Alternating magazine strips and paper strips. Using the tape gun to tape on additional strips...and finally taping the strip to itself once we were satisfied with the size.

Repeat rolling the folded magazine papers and Astrobright colored paper over and over again.

At this point...the point of no return...maybe an hour into the process...we thought we were rocking it! They looked great and we were cranking them out!

We made 8 and they look fabulous! Go ahead and make them different sizes.

Step 4: Hot Glue Rolls!

And then I put them on the spray painted frame...ouch. This was going to take forever to fill that sucka up!

Don't give up! Maybe this would be fun for a family reunion! Everyone could sit around and roll and chat...many hands make light work!

Hailee got tired of rolling, so she switched to just folding the strips...that made it easy for me to roll and use the already folded strips...you just have to make the most efficient system.

Half way! Onto another movie!

I decided to hot glue them in place as we worked...no chance that the tape on those things would give up and unroll!

Plus it gave us measurable progress! Maybe let out a scream at this point!

We spent the last bit of time making tiny little rolls to fit in the gaps. But we wanted some of the teal paint peeking through and were just plain sick of it anyway!

Amazing right?!!! Totally worth the time...right?!!

I really do love the frame! Haven't thought of what to put in it yet...what could possibly merit all that time?

Maybe a wedding picture?

Maybe a diamond!

It does look super cool. And the kids were proud of their accomplishment! It was like the marathon of crafting!

We probably should have just painted it and decorated it like my daughter did with this frame for me for Mother's day!

After all night, it's finished!

So what do YOU think????? Was it worth it!???? Would you ever try this????

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Refillable Leather Journal DIY

2026-04-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Refillable Leather Journal DIY

Make a chic refillable leather journal out of Cricut Leather and a few other supplies.

This shimmery metallic leather journal has paper folded in half inside, held tightly by elastic, making it refillable as needed.

You can also fill your journal with any type of paper!

I love notebooks so much--you can never have too many!

This is my newest and most favorite book, because it uses regular paper and is refillable.

Fill your leather journal with sketch paper, watercolor paper, kraft paper or just cheap copy paper.

The secret here is the elastic, it's perfect for holding the paper in place and keeping the book together.

I made a journal in rose gold, gold and copper.

Which one is your favorite? I love the copper with the red elastic!

These stunning journals would make a great handmade gift too.

Perfect for Father's day, Mother's day or any day of the week!

Supplies Needed for Refillable Leather Journal:

Cricut Metallic Leather (9x12" and 3x1.5")
Eyelets
Crop-a-Dile
Ruler
Pencil
Rotary Cutter
Eastic Cord (1/8") cut to 26" and 7" pieces
Paper Cutter
Scissors
Hobby Knife
Lighter

Here's the full video tutorial with pictures to follow:

Step 1:

Begin by cutting the leather to 9X12" with the ruler and rotary cutter. Then turn it to the rough side and mark the center line on both of the long sides. Mark 1/2" on either side of the center line.

Step 2:

Use the Crop-a-Dile to cut holes on the lines drawn 1/2" from the center. Punch 4 holes and set them with eyelets using the Crop-a-Dile.

Step 3:

Now use the 26 inch piece of elastic and tie a knot on the end of it. Thread it from the inside through the top right eyelet.

Then thread the elastic through the top left eyelet.

Thread the elastic through the lower left eyelet.

Then bring the elastic up through the bottom right eyelet.

Then thread the elastic through the top right hole and back through the top left hole.

Then tie the elastic to the knotted elastic end in a surgeons knot...or a square knot with one extra loop pass through it.

Then pull the elastic down the center to the right hole and thread it through and back up through the left bottom eyelet.

Repeat the process by tying off the center elastic to the remaining tail end of the elastic in the same surgeons knot as previously.

Then straighten up the elastic so it looks nice on the binding edge.

And straighten out the 3 strands of elastic running down the center.

Step 4:

Now make the refillable paper packets by folding 6-10 sheets of paper in half and then cut the edge of them at the 5 inch mark.

I am using laser printer paper at a weight of 28 lb...but you can fill it with watercolor paper, kraft paper, black paper or colored papers!

Then slip the elastic around the paper packets and run the elastic right down the fold of the papers.

Step 5:

Now measure the center of the spine and use the hobby knife to cut a little X in the leather.

The X needs to fit 2 pieces of elastic tightly, so don't cut the x too big. Start small and make it bigger if needed.

Push the 7 inch piece of elastic through the hole and through the eyelets on the small piece of leather.

Pull both elastic ends through the center and tie them off in a overhand knot.

Now that elastic will wrap around the book and keep the pages in order and the book closed.

That's it!

Isn't it beautiful!?

I love the shimmer of the metallic leather.

I love that it's refillable for years of use.

I love the size, perfect for tossing in a bag for sketching, writing, drawing and note-taking on the go.

This super chic journal/notebook is perfect for traveling and great for handmade gifts.

Add personalization with iron-on vinyl if you want.

I love that this notebook is refillable. Just add or take out papers as needed.

The book is firm enough for writing on while on the go and great to have some paper on hand!

Isn't this just fabulous!?

I've done over 2500 posts on my blog. I do crafts and DIY's every day...but this project is my favorite right now.

I love them! I want to make one for every human I know!

Fill with musings, poetry, artwork and more!

Which metallic shade do you like best?

When I get a new notebook, journal, sketchbook or even notepad...I have a really hard time using it.

I feel like I have to wait to have something really amazing, important or high quality to put into my new book.

I love the freedom this refillable journal gives me because it's fancy and new, but the paper is refillable, so there's no need to stress about making something "good" enough.

Easy to save off valuable papers later and fill with more pages as needed.

They look great in a basket on the coffee table too!

Gorgeous leather bound journals.

These can also be made with faux leather and other thick flexible materials.

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Use the leftover leather to make mini refillable notebooks!

Check out this post!

Check out these fun DIY Journals too!

How to Make Junk Journal (Step-by-Step Creative DIY)

2026-04-03T06:00:00.343-04:00

How to Make Junk Journal (Step-by-Step Creative DIY)

There’s something quietly magical about a junk journal—the way it grows, shifts, and becomes a living snapshot of your thoughts, moods, and little everyday treasures.

If you’ve been craving a more relaxed, no-rules approach to memory keeping, this tutorial will walk you through exactly how to create a junk journal like mine…plus plenty of creative ways to make it your own.

What Is a Junk Journal?

A junk journal is exactly what it sounds like—in the best way.

It’s a handmade journal filled with a mix of papers, scraps, and found materials.

Think envelopes, book pages, packaging, receipts, movie tickets, ephemera and anything else that would normally get tossed.

But instead of being “junk,” these bits and pieces turn into something deeply personal.

There’s no pressure, no structure, and absolutely no wrong way to do it.

Why Is Junk Journaling So Popular Right Now?

Junk journaling has been gaining a lot of steam lately, and it’s easy to see why.

As more people lean into screen-free hobbies and tactile creativity, this style of journaling fits right into that larger trend.

It’s low-pressure, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require special skills or expensive supplies. You can start with things you already have at home, which makes it accessible and sustainable.

Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a space where you can track feelings, colors, memories, and random bits of life—all in one place.

Start small, just with a piece of cardboard, cereal box or chipboard...some papers and a cover...again could be a piece of cardboard.

If you have gel plate prints, this is a great addition to junk journals--more about this at the end of the post.

Let's get started!

Supplies Needed to Make a Junk Journal:

affiliate links

One of the best first things to understand about junk journaling is that your supply list can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, take inspiration from this blog post and then make it your own!

Look around your house, and definitely check in the recycle bin...chances are you already have most of what you need!

Here’s what I used to create my journal:

5x7 chipboard (for structure)
Scrap leather (for the cover)
Assorted paper (printer paper, book pages, hymnal pages, envelopes)
Hole punch
Two 3-inch binder rings (can start smaller and grow as needed)
Glue stick
Brush calligraphy pen
Stickers and ephemera
Guillotine Paper Cutter

Optional additions:

Bubble mailers (great for texture and padding)
Fabric scraps
Washi tape
Ribbon or lace
Old greeting cards
Magazine cutouts (letters or pictures for collage)
Check the recycle bin!
Ripped edges are awesome, check out this video for making a deckled edge ruler

Step 1: Create the Base Structure

Start by cutting your chipboard to a 5x7 size. This is what I consider the perfect size for a junk journal—small enough to feel approachable, but large enough to hold meaningful content.

Use the chipboard as your template for everything else. This keeps your journal cohesive even though the materials are mixed.

Punch two holes along one edge of the chipboard.

2 inches down from the top and 2 inches up from the bottom, 1/2 inch from the edge.

These will be used for your binding rings.

Step 2: Cut and Prep Your Pages

Next, gather your papers—this is where the fun begins.

Cut everything to match your chipboard template:

Plain paper
Envelopes
Hymnal pages
Book pages
Scrap paper

*NOTE: Remember about 640,000 TONS (1,280,000,000 pounds) of books are sent to landfills every year (in just the U.S.), so using book pages is a great way to upcycle and reduce waste.

Using the chipboard as a guide ensures consistency, but don’t stress about perfection. Slight variations actually add charm.

Punch matching holes in all your pages so they align with the chipboard.

Step 3: Assemble with Ring Binding

Thread everything together using two 3-inch binder rings.

This is honestly one of the best parts of this method.

Ring binding is perfect for junk journals because it allows the book to expand naturally. As you add bulk—stickers, glued items, layered papers—the rings accommodate that growth.

If you were using a bound notebook or sketchbook, it wouldn’t expand the same way, and your pages could warp or become difficult to use.

With rings, your journal evolves with you.

Step 4: Add Your Cover

For the cover, I used a scrap piece of leather that happened to be just the right size.

You can punch holes in the leather just like the chipboard and add it to the front.

When thinking about junk journal covers, don’t overcomplicate it. Some great options include:

Fabric scraps
Cardboard packaging
Old book covers
Denim or canvas
Layered collage pieces
Favorite Cereal or snack box

For back covers, you can repeat the same material or use something sturdier for support.

A good rule of thumb is to choose something slightly thicker than your inner pages to help protect everything inside.

Step 5: Start Filling Your Journal

Now comes the most personal—and most freeing—part.

There’s no structure you need to follow. You don’t have to go in order. You don’t even need to write every day.

Here’s how I use mine:

Journaling about a specific day or feeling
Writing quotes with a brush calligraphy pen
Adding stickers (sometimes entire pages of them!)
Gluing in mementos like receipts or notes
Playing with color combinations

Some pages are full. Some are sparse. Some are just a single sticker.

That’s the beauty of it.

Creative Ways to Use Your Junk Journal

If you’re wondering what else you can do with your journal, here are some creative ways to expand your practice:

Mood + Color Tracking
Dedicate pages to color palettes that reflect your emotions. Use markers, paint, or paper scraps.

Memory Keeping
Glue in small items from your day—tickets, tags, packaging, or notes.

Quote Collection
Use your calligraphy pen to write quotes that resonate with you.

Sticker Therapy
Fill pages freely with stickers—no design rules required. Seriously, let the page feel like an unsupervised 7 year old was handed a sticker sheet and fill that paper!

Gratitude Lists
Write quick lists of things you appreciated that day, simply jotting 3 things down that you are grateful for is very healing.

Mini Collages
Layer paper, textures, magazine pages--letters and pictures, and images for visual storytelling.

Adding Interactive Elements

One of the most fun parts of junk journaling is creating interactive pages.

Here are a few ideas:

Tuck Spots

Tuck spots are small pockets made from paper or envelopes where you can slide in notes, tags, or photos.

You can glue down three sides of a paper scrap to create a pocket, or repurpose envelopes.

Flip-Out Pages
Attach a page with washi tape so it flips open.

Fold-Out Sections
Use larger paper folded down to your journal size for hidden space.

Hidden Notes
Tuck journaling behind glued elements for a layered effect.

Using Everyday Materials

Don’t underestimate the power of everyday items.

Bubble mailers, for example, can be cut down and used as textured pages or pockets.

Packaging materials, tags, and even paper bags can add interest and variety.

This is where junk journaling really shines—it transforms the ordinary into something meaningful.

There’s No “Right” Way (And Definitely No Wrong Way)

It’s worth repeating: there is no wrong way to junk journal.

If your pages feel messy, that’s okay.
If they feel too simple, that’s okay too.
If you skip pages, jump around, or change styles completely—that’s part of the process.

A junk journal is meant to reflect you, not a set of rules.

Tips for Getting Started

If you’re feeling unsure, here are a few gentle tips:

Start small—just one page is enough
Keep your supplies within reach
Don’t wait for “perfect” materials
Let go of perfection
Follow your mood instead of a plan
Growing Your Journal Over Time

One of the most satisfying things about using ring binding is watching your journal grow.

You'll be able to enjoy:

Add more pages anytime
Rearrange sections
Remove pages if needed
Expand with larger rings later

It becomes a living, evolving project.

Exploring Other Popular Journal Styles

If you love junk journaling, you might also enjoy exploring other trending journal forms:

Art Journals

Focused on painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Bullet Journals
Structured layouts for planning and tracking.

Smash Books
Similar to junk journals but often more scrapbook-style.

Travel Journals
Document trips with maps, tickets, and notes.

Gratitude Journals
Simple daily reflections on positive moments.

Each style offers something different, but they all share that same core idea—capturing life in a tangible way.

That's it!

Creating a junk journal is less about crafting something perfect and more about giving yourself a space to exist creatively without pressure.

From the simple act of cutting your pages to the spontaneous decision to fill a spread with stickers, every part of the process invites you to slow down and enjoy making.

Whether you’re tracking feelings, collecting memories, or just playing with paper and color, your journal becomes a reflection of your life in its most authentic form.

So gather your scraps, grab those binder rings, and start building something that’s entirely your own.

Because in the world of junk journaling, the imperfect, layered, slightly chaotic pages? Those are the ones that end up meaning the most.

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CHECK OUT THESE FUN PAPER CRAFT TUTORIALS TOO--THEY'LL BLEND PERFECTLY WITH YOUR JUNK JOURNAL:

How to Use We R Makers Typecast Mint Typewriter Craft

Falling in Love with the Old-Fashioned Way: My We R Makers Typecast Decorative Retro Typewriter Review.

There’s something magical about doing things the old-fashioned way...and it's ready to use straight out of the box.

How to make a Gel Plate Monoprint with a Feather

Learn how to make monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and a feather or two.

Gel plate printing is a fun craft--it's fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals, calligraphy background and as fun modern art.

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Found Objects Printing:

How to do Monoprinting Art with Found Object DIY

Get busy making monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and random found objects.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level (try it with kids for a fun craft day) and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

________________________________________________

Printing with Flowers:

How to Make Botanical Monoprint with Silk Flowers

Learn how to do monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and flowers.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

________________________________________________

Jellie Printing with Bubble Wrap:

How to Make Bubble Wrap Monoprint with Gel Plate

Learn how to do monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and bubble wrap.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

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Mono Prints with Layers:

How to Make Monoprint Gel Plate Print with Layers

Make gorgeous monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, Plaid Crafts acrylic paint and multiple layers, using masking images.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

________________________________________________

Gelli Arts Prints with Magazine Pages:

How to Make Gel Plate Monoprints with Magazine Image

Make beautiful Gelli Arts monoprints using the a gel plate, Plaid Multi-Surface acrylic paint and glossy magazine or book pages.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

________________________________________________

Monoprinting with Leaves:

How to Make Monoprinting Art with Leaves (Leaf Print)

Learn how to do monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and leaves or other natural materials.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

________________________________________________

Gel Plate Printing with Lace:

How to Monoprint with Gelli Arts Gel Plate Using Lace

Learn how to do monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and a piece of lace.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate monotype printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

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Stenciled Monoprints on Gel Plate:

How to Make Gel Plate Monoprint with Stencils DIY

Learn how to do monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and stencils.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

________________________________________________

Monoprints and Mixed Media:

How to Make Mixed Media Art Monoprint with Gel Plate

Making beautiful monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paints and mixed media elements is a fascinating art form and lots of fun.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level (great for young artists) and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok - make craft tutorials daily!

Make Backwoodsman Magazine Issues (Fallout Crafts)

2026-04-01T06:00:00.195-04:00

Make Backwoodsman Magazine Issues (Fallout Crafts)

There’s something wildly satisfying about recreating fictional props in real life—especially when they look this authentic.

These notebooks mimic the look of the latest issue of a rugged outdoors publication, complete with that slightly tongue-in-cheek survival vibe...you can make notebooks just like this with any theme!

IF YOU LOVE FALLOUT CRAFTS, FOLLOW ME @FALLOUTCRAFTS ON INSTAGRAM!

Think: practical advice, bold vintage-style graphics, and that iconic “survive at all costs” aesthetic.

Whether you’re making one or a whole stack of back issues, this tutorial will walk you through everything step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s why this craft is a must-try:

It’s beginner-friendly (no fancy tools required)
Perfect for Fallout fans or cosplay props
Great for Fallout themed party favors
Makes amazing gifts or journal notebooks
Totally customizable (you can create your own current issue designs!)
Great for using up paper scraps

Also… let’s be honest. There’s just something hilarious about flipping through your own handmade survival magazine and imagining what kind of chaotic advice Charlie Jr. would be giving in the wasteland.

Let's get started!

Supplies You’ll Need for Magazine Notebook DIY:

affiliate links

Here’s everything I used to make my notebooks:

Printed Backwoodsman magazine cover (on glossy or brochure paper)
Standard printer paper (for inside pages)
Score board (for crisp folds)
Guillotine Paper Cutter (or Stack Cutter)
Stapler (I used the We R Makers stapler)
Ruler
Pencil
Bone folder (optional but helpful)

⬇️⬇️FREE Backwoodsmans Magazine Printout available at the end of this post!⬇️⬇️

Step 1: Print Your Magazine Cover

Start by printing your Backwoodsman magazine cover.

For the best results:

Use glossy or semi-gloss paper for that authentic magazine look
Set your printer to high-quality print settings
Make sure the image is sized correctly (around half-fold booklet size)

If you want to go the extra mile, you can:

Slightly desaturate colors for a vintage feel
Add faux wear marks or distressing
Create multiple designs to mimic different back issues

This is where your creativity can really shine—especially if you want to design your own latest issue headlines with ridiculous survival tips.

Note: This magazine is sized to fit on a standard sheet of paper, but there is some trimming that needs to happen.

Just cut the filler paper the size of the magazine page and you can trim the edges after it's all stapled together.

Step 2: Score the Cover

This step makes a HUGE difference.

Place your printed cover, printed side UP, onto your score board and line it up at the center. Use the scoring tool to create a clean crease right down the middle.

Why score instead of just folding?

Because glossy paper tends to crack or wrinkle when folded without scoring. This step gives you that crisp, professional magazine fold.

Once scored, gently fold along the crease and press it flat.

Glossy paper looks amazing, but it has one major weakness.

It cracks when you fold it.

That is where the scoreboard becomes your best friend.

Scoring creates a compressed line in the paper that lets it fold cleanly without breaking the surface.

Step 3: Prepare the Interior Pages

Take your standard printer paper and:

Stack several sheets together (5–10 sheets depending on how thick you want your notebook)
Fold them in half
Press the fold firmly using your fingers or a bone folder

Next, trim the edges if needed so they fit neatly inside your cover.

Pro tip: Make the inner pages just slightly smaller than the cover so everything lines up cleanly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Notebook

Now for the fun part—putting it all together.

Place your folded paper stack inside the folded cover
Align all edges carefully
Tap the stack on a flat surface to even everything out

At this point, it should already look like a mini magazine. And honestly, it’s kind of magical seeing it come together.

Step 5: Mark Your Staple Placement

To get those perfectly placed staples along the spine, use your ruler to measure and mark where the staples should go.

Typically:
One staple near the top
One staple near the bottom

Keep them evenly spaced for that authentic magazine look.

This is where the We R Makers stapler really shines—it’s designed for precise placement, which makes a big difference.

Step 6: Staple Your Notebook Using the We R Makers Stapler

This is where the magic happens. The We R Makers Evolution Advanced stapler is designed specifically for binding projects like this, and once you figure out how it works, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

Take the base piece of the We R Makers stapler and slide it underneath your closed notebook, positioning it directly under your first pencil mark. The base has a channel that supports the paper while the staple punches through.

Place the stapler head on top of your notebook, directly over the first pencil mark and aligned with the base below.

Press down gently first to make sure the stapler is positioned correctly and the paper is not shifting. You should feel the stapler teeth start to grip the paper.

Once you are confident everything is lined up, press down firmly and smoothly. The stapler will punch the staple through all the layers, and the base below will clinch it closed.

Reposition the base under your second pencil mark.
Place the stapler head on top of the second mark.
Press down firmly and smoothly to set the second staple.

You have just bound a notebook with perfectly placed staples that look like they were done by a professional bindery. If this is your first time using this stapler, practice on a scrap notebook first. The technique is simple, but it takes one or two tries to get a feel for how much pressure you need and how to position everything.

Using the We R Makers stapler, repeat for the second staple:

Line up the base under your marked spot
Position the stapler on top
Press gently first to make sure everything is aligned
Then press firmly to insert the staple through the entire stack

And just like that… you’ve got a perfectly bound notebook!

This stapler makes those center fold...or any location staples possible!

Step 7: Final Touches

Once stapled, flip through your notebook and check:

Are all pages aligned?
Is the fold crisp?
Do the staples sit flat?

If needed, press the spine again to sharpen the fold.
Optional extras:

Lightly distress the edges with sandpaper
Ink the edges for a vintage effect
Add handwritten notes inside for that “found journal” vibe
Creative Variations

Once you’ve made one, it’s hard to stop. Here are some fun ways to take this project further:

Create a Full Series of Back Issues

Design multiple covers with different themes:

Survival tips
Hunting guides
Wild food foraging
Ridiculous wasteland advice

Stack them together and suddenly you’ve got a whole collection of back issues that look straight out of the Fallout universe.

Make theme specific magazines for party favors or non-treat gifts!

Make a “Current Issue” With Your Own Spin

Design your own current issue with funny headlines like:

“How to Cook Radroach Without Regret”
“Top 10 Places to Avoid Mutants”
“Why Duct Tape Fixes Everything”

Lean into humor—it’s part of the charm.

Add Real Content Inside

Instead of blank pages, try:

Printing journal prompts
Adding sketches or diagrams
Writing your own “practical advice” articles

Imagine flipping through and seeing notes from Charlie Jr. about surviving the wilderness… it just makes the whole thing feel alive.

Use as a Gift or Prop

These notebooks are PERFECT for:

Fallout-themed gifts
Cosplay accessories
Party favors
Journaling

They look especially cool stacked together or tossed into a themed display.

Tips for the Best Results

A few things I learned while making mine:

Glossy paper = more realistic magazine feel
Scoring is non-negotiable for clean folds
Don’t overstuff the notebook—too many pages make stapling harder
Measure twice before stapling (crooked staples are heartbreak)
Keep everything aligned before pressing down

Why This Project Works So Well

There’s a reason this craft is so satisfying.

It hits that perfect combination of:

Easy + impressive

Functional + decorative

Nostalgic + creative

Plus, it taps into that love of storytelling. You’re not just making a notebook—you’re creating a little piece of a world.

For outdoor enthusiasts (real or fictional), a rugged, advice-filled magazine just feels right. Even if the advice is slightly… questionable.

That's it!

This DIY Backwoodsman magazine notebook project is one of those crafts that checks all the boxes: simple, fun, customizable, and incredibly cool when finished.

Whether you’re making a single notebook or building out an entire stack of back issues, you’ll end up with something that feels straight out of the wasteland.

And honestly? There’s something pretty great about jotting down your grocery list or daily thoughts inside something that looks like it might also contain tips on surviving a nuclear apocalypse.

If you make one (or ten!), I’d love to hear what kind of latest issue headlines you come up with!

Happy crafting!

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⬇️⬇️FREE Backwoodsmans Magazine Printables, plus a treasure trove of other Fallout freebies!⬇️⬇️

CHECK OUT THESE FUN FALLOUT CRAFTS TOO!

Fallout Crafts: How to Make Cram Caps Stash DIY

A creative wasteland-inspired craft for fans, parties, and props

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably gone down the rabbit hole of fallout crafts lately—and honestly, I’m not even mad about it.

There’s just something wildly fun about turning everyday objects into post-apocalyptic treasures.

This project started while on a trip to Michaels with a friend, I spotted the Big Mouth Inc SPAM stash and knew I had to DIY it into a CRAM stash!

How to Make Fallout Stimpak Prop DIY Wasteland Craft

(Fallout 76 Inspired DIY Weathered Prop Tutorial)

If you snagged the Dave’s Hot Chicken Fallout Meal toy and thought, “This is cute… but it needs more wasteland grime,” you’re in the right place.

How to Press Fallout DTF Transfer on Drawstring Bag

Make the perfect Fallout inspired Bottle and Cappy Drawstring Bag with a DTF transfer and a heat press!

If you’re a craft lover, small business owner, or simply someone who enjoys fun DIY projects, customizing tote bags and drawstring bags with DTF prints is a good idea for adding a personalized touch to ordinary bags.

How to Make Fallout Wasteland Warrior Scrap Frame DIY

Craft your own post-apocalyptic frame wall art using plaster, Mod Podge, and Fallout flair!

Create your very own piece of post-apocalyptic wasteland art!

Learn how to easily make a Fallout-themed frame using a base of wet plaster and filling it with found junk item finds like bottle caps, bobby pins, chains, bullet casings, ultracite and more.

Acmer Ascarva CNC Router Machine Review for Crafts

2026-03-30T06:00:00.201-04:00

Acmer Ascarva CNC Router Machine Review for Crafts

When I first heard I’d be reviewing the new Acmer Ascarva 4S CNC Routing Machine, I was genuinely excited to dive into something a little different and expand my creative toolkit. (affiliate links)

There’s something so satisfying about testing out new equipment—especially a cnc machine that opens the door to precision carving, custom designs, and experimenting with a whole new set of materials.

I couldn’t wait to get it unboxed, set up, and see what kind of projects I could bring to life with it.

Learn all about the Acmer Ascarva 4S CNC Routing Machine from unboxing, setup and getting started!

Acmer Ascarva CNC Router Machine

I was asked by Acmer to review one of their new tools, I asked for the Laser Cutter...what arrived was the Acmer Ascarva 4S CNC Routing Machine.

Getting the wrong tool in the mail is… not exactly the dream start to a review.

But sometimes those curveballs end up being surprisingly useful—and that’s honestly where I landed with the Acmer Ascarva CNC router.

I originally expected a laser machine, something right in my crafting comfort zone.

Instead, I opened a surprisingly big box and found myself staring at a full CNC machine.

Not exactly what I had planned to add to my workspace—but as a reviewer (and curious maker), I decided to lean in and give it a fair shot.

First Impressions & Unboxing

Right out of the gate, the packaging was solid.

The Acmer Ascarva 4S CNC Routing Machine arrived in good condition, neatly organized, and well-protected.

The components felt thoughtfully packed, and nothing appeared damaged or loose during shipping—which is always a good sign when dealing with precision tools.

The Acmer Ascarva has a modular design, which is great in theory and in practice—but it does mean assembly is required.

And by “assembly,” I mean quite a bit of it.

Acmer CNC Assembly Experience

It took my husband and me about an hour to fully assemble the machine. There are a lot of screws. Like… a lot. It’s not overly complicated, but it is time-consuming, especially if you’re new to building machines like this.

The included tools technically get the job done, but they’re not the highest quality. We quickly switched to our own tools, which made the process smoother and faster.

That said, the instructions were clear enough, and we didn’t run into any major roadblocks—just the occasional minor issue like aligning parts or tightening everything evenly.

➡️Once assembled, the build quality really stood out. The frame feels sturdy, and the overall construction gives you confidence that it can handle consistent use. It’s not flimsy or toy-like—it feels like a great machine meant for real projects.

The “Now What?” Moment

Here’s where things got a little… interesting.

After assembly, the CNC machine sat on our table for about a month. Why? Because it doesn’t come with its own dedicated software. That was honestly one of the biggest hurdles in the overall user experience.

If you’re brand new to CNC routing, this could feel overwhelming. There’s a bit of a learning curve just figuring out what software to use and how to get started.

I ended up watching a tutorial from The Laser Channel, which helped point me in the right direction.

Walking viewers through the software, Easel and configuring it with the Acmer machine.

From there, I started up Easel, which offers a 14 day free trial without requiring a credit card—super helpful when you’re just testing the waters.

Getting It Up and Running

Once I finally dove in, things started to click.

Connecting the machine and getting the spindle going wasn’t too difficult once I had the right setup, and after a bit of trial and error, I was able to run my first test.

That moment—when the bit starts spinning and the machine actually begins carving—is incredibly satisfying.

Working Area & Capabilities

The AAcmer Ascarva 4S CNC Routing Machine offers a decent working area for hobbyists and beginners.

It’s not massive, but it’s large enough for small to medium projects like signs, decorative panels, and craft pieces.

For someone just getting into CNC routing, the work area feels like a sweet spot—not too overwhelming, but still capable of handling larger projects when needed.

Materials & Testing

I tested a few different materials to see how the machine handled them.

First up were the sample materials included with the CNC machine. These appeared to be some sort of resin composite. While they cut fine, the dust had a strong smell—which immediately made me think, “Yeah… I probably shouldn’t be breathing this.”

That’s not necessarily a fault of the machine, but it does highlight the importance of proper ventilation and safety precautions when working with various materials.

Next, I moved on to birch plywood. This gave me much better results. The cuts were cleaner, and the overall finish looked more polished.

If I were to continue using this CNC machine regularly, I’d likely stick with MDF or mm base wood for consistency. MDF, in particular, seems like it would be ideal for achieving smoother results and better fine details.

Project Results

I completed three routed projects during my testing phase. None of them turned out absolutely perfect—but they were good enough to show the machine’s potential.

With more time to get everything dialed in—like feed rates, depth settings, and material selection—I’m confident the results would improve significantly.

That’s an important thing to understand about CNC machines: there’s a learning curve. You don’t just hit “go” and get flawless results immediately. It takes a bit of practice and experimentation.

Software Experience (Easel)

Easel ended up being a great starting point.

One of my favorite features is that it estimates how long a project will take before you begin.

That’s such a nice feature, especially when you’re planning your time or deciding whether to start a project late in the day.

The interface is beginner-friendly, and it made the transition into CNC routing much less intimidating.

Safety & Practical Considerations

CNC machines create dust—sometimes a lot of it. And depending on the material, that dust can be unpleasant or even unsafe to inhale.

The dust was super well managed. The spindle bit is really fine and it only routes a small amount at a time, so the dust does not kick up or even leave the platform, so it's easy to clean up.

I definitely recommend using a dust collection system or at least working in a well-ventilated area. A smoke air purifier or shop vacuum setup would go a long way here.

The machine itself includes basic safety features, and while it doesn’t have a full enclosure, you can absolutely build or buy one if needed.

Who This Machine Is For

This is where my perspective really shifted.

At first, I wasn’t excited about receiving a CNC machine. It wasn’t what I wanted, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone.

But after spending time with the Acmer Ascarva 4S CNC Routing Machine, I can honestly say it’s a great product for the right person.

If you’re a beginner looking to get into CNC routing, this is a solid entry point. It’s approachable, reasonably easy to assemble, and capable of producing quality results with a bit of practice.

It’s especially well-suited for:

Hobbyists
DIY enthusiasts
Small business owners making custom signs or decor
Anyone curious about CNC without wanting to invest in a high-end machine right away

Customer Support & Brand Impression

While I didn’t have to rely heavily on support, it’s worth mentioning that Acmer’s team has a presence online and appears to be actively engaged with their community.

Having access to a support team and resources—like tutorials and forums—makes a big difference when you’re learning a new tool.

A Quick Note on Acmer Laser Machines

Even though I ended up with the CNC machine instead of a laser machine, I was originally excited to explore Acmer’s laser lineup—and honestly, it’s easy to see why they’ve become so popular with makers.

Acmer offers a wide range of options, from the acmer p series like the Acmer P 3 48W to the acmer s models and the s pro line, all designed to give users flexibility depending on their needs and budget.

Many of these machines feature a powerful laser module with different watt laser configurations, including a 48 w laser and other w module options, making them capable of both laser cutting and detailed engraving. What really stands out are the thoughtful key features, like a built-in camera for precision placement, air assist for cleaner cuts, and compatibility with LightBurn software—something every laser enthusiast appreciates.

Their systems are designed to handle various materials, from mm pine and mm base wood to cast 3 mm acrylic and even stainless steel with the right setup. The corexy structure helps improve speed and accuracy, putting them in the running for the best budget laser engraver category.

Acmer also leans into a modular design, offering upgrades like a 2-in-1 laser head, blue diode laser, laser lens enhancements, and accessories like an air pipe or smoke air purifier for a better workspace.

Newer models like the acmer ap expand the work area and offer options like a full enclosure, making them great for batch work, intricate designs, and even large wooden signs. Backed by acmer’s customer service team, a month exchange warranty, and ongoing updates through social media, exclusive content, early sale access, and new arrivals, Acmer is clearly focused on building a connected ecosystem.

From a new startup to experienced creators, their lineup delivers a good experience with clever design, reliable components like the main board, power supply, and power cable, and the flexibility to grow—whether you're using a 10 w diode head, experimenting with an IR laser, or exploring hybrid setups alongside something like the Ascarva S CNC router machine.

That's it--let's sum up!

So… did I end up loving the fact that I received a CNC machine instead of a laser? Not exactly.

But did I gain a new appreciation for what CNC routing can do? Absolutely.

The Acmer Ascarva 4S CNC Routing Machine is a great machine for beginners and anyone curious about expanding their creative toolkit. It’s not perfect—there’s a learning curve, and the lack of included software can slow you down at first—but once you get past those hurdles, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting, learning new skills, and creating custom pieces, this machine could be a fantastic addition to your workspace.

For me, it might not become my go-to tool—but I’m genuinely glad I gave it a chance.

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Fallout Crafts: How to Make Cram Caps Stash DIY

2026-03-27T06:00:00.207-04:00

Fallout Crafts: How to Make Cram Caps Stash DIY

A creative wasteland-inspired craft for fans, parties, and props

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably gone down the rabbit hole of fallout crafts lately—and honestly, I’m not even mad about it.

There’s just something wildly fun about turning everyday objects into post-apocalyptic treasures.

This project started while on a trip to Michaels with a friend, I spotted the Big Mouth Inc SPAM stash and knew I had to DIY it into a CRAM stash!

Cue instant inspiration

Using a decoy can safe by Big Mouth Inc (mine was the classic spam version), I transformed it into a Fallout-inspired CRAM can—perfect for hiding bottle caps, small valuables, or just displaying as part of your themed decor. It’s functional, it’s nostalgic, and it looks like it came straight from the wasteland.

Let’s dive into this super fun project. I’ll walk you through every step of making your own CRAM stash can, plus share ideas for customizing it for available use, using it for party props, and making it your own.

Why This Craft Is So Perfect

Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why this project is such a win:

It’s beginner-friendly (no fancy tools required)
It uses easy-to-find supplies
It doubles as both decor and a secret safe
It’s perfect for any Fallout fan
It’s great for themed parties or cosplay props
It feels like something you’d actually find in the game

Also… there’s something incredibly satisfying about hiding a stash of caps inside a food can. It just feels right.

Grab your crafting buddy--in my case, Jeff, and let's get started!

Supplies You’ll Need for CRAM STASH DIY:

affiliate links

SPAM Decoy can safe
Printer (I used my Canon Pixma)
Printable CRAM label/image (free file at the end of this post, down arrows ⬇️⬇️⬇️)
Double-sided adhesive tape runner
Scissors, hobby knife or paper cutter
Optional: clear tape or sealant for durability

That’s it! Seriously—this is one of those low-effort, high-reward crafts.

Step 1: Find or Design Your CRAM Label

FREE LABEL and other FALLOUT FILES at the end of this post!

The first step in making your CRAM can is getting the label just right. You can either:

Design your own custom label
Download one from fan communities (check r/fo4 for inspiration and suggestions)
Or scan and edit an existing image

When I was trying to find the perfect look, I searched through autocomplete results and browsed tons of fan-made fallout props. There are so many creative options out there!

Tips for your label:

Aim for a slightly worn, vintage look
Add subtle discoloration for that “atomic age” feel
Make sure the sizing fits your can exactly
Use high-resolution images for best print quality

Step 2: Print Your Label

Once your design is ready, print it out on your home printer.

There are 2 CRAM files, one is worn and one is pristine, decide which look you are going for.

I used my Canon Pixma, and it handled the colors beautifully. If you want that authentic “prewar food” vibe, consider:

Using glossy paper for that spam shine
Slightly lowering saturation

This step really sets the tone for the entire craft.

Here's the underside of the SPAM stash, it opens a small door that you can fill the inside with all kinds of bullion, caps and wanted posters.

Step 3: Remove the Original Label

Now grab your decoy can safe and carefully remove the original spam label.

Most of these peel off pretty easily, but if yours is stubborn:

Use a little heat (like a hair dryer)
Or gently scrape with a craft knife

You want a clean surface so your new label adheres smoothly, it's just taped on one edge, so it's relatively easy to remove and replace.

Step 4: Trim and Fit Your CRAM Wrap

Cut out your printed CRAM label and test-fit it around the can.

This is where the magic starts happening—it suddenly goes from “regular object” to “fallout prop.”

Make sure:

The edges line up neatly
The height matches the can
The seam is positioned where it’ll be least noticeable

Step 5: Apply Adhesive and Attach

Flip your label over and apply double-sided adhesive using your tape runner.

Then carefully wrap it around the can, smoothing as you go to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.

Take your time here—this step makes all the difference in how professional your final craft looks.

Step 6: Seal (Optional but Recommended)

If you want your CRAM can to last through conventions, parties, or lots of handling, add a protective layer.

Options include:

Clear packing tape over the label
Matte spray sealant
Laminating before applying

This is especially helpful if you’re planning to use it as part of a party setup or interactive props display.

Step 7: Fill Your Secret Stash

Here’s the fun part.

Open the hidden compartment at the base of your safe and fill it with:

Bottle caps (obviously!)
Small valuables
Cash
Tiny notes or trinkets
Bullion
Wanted Posters
Stamps
Scrip
Treasury Notes

Now you’ve got a fully functional stash hidden in plain sight.

Creative Ideas for Using Your CRAM Can

This project isn’t just a one-and-done craft—it opens the door to tons of creative possibilities.

Fallout Party Decor

Throw a themed party and scatter these cans around as decor. You could even:

Hide clues inside for a scavenger hunt
Use them as table centerpieces
Create a full “wasteland food” display

Pair with items like nuka cola bottles, fake campfire setups, and other fallout props for a cohesive look.

Cosplay Accessories

This is the perfect addition to any Fallout cosplay.

Clip it onto a bag, carry it as a prop, or use it as part of your character’s backstory stash.

Gift Ideas for Fans

Know a Fallout fan? This is such a thoughtful, custom gift.

You could:

Fill it with themed stickers
Add mini collectibles
Include inside jokes from the game

It’s creative, personal, and way more fun than anything store-bought.

____________________________________

Everyday Secret Safe

Let’s be real—this is also just a great hiding spot.

It blends in with regular food items, making it a clever safe for:

Emergency cash
Small valuables
Personal items

No one’s going to suspect the cram can.

Customization Ideas

Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to make more (I definitely did).

Here are some fun variations:

Weathered, rusted versions using paint
Bright, clean “prewar” versions
Custom labels with your own text
Non-geometric distressed wraps for a more realistic look

You could even create a whole set of fallout food cans—imagine a shelf full of them. So good.

_____________________________________

Tips for the Best Results

A few things I learned along the way:

Measure twice before printing--glossy paper is thicker than regular printer paper and doesn't quite wrap around the same
Use strong adhesive for durability
Smooth slowly to avoid wrinkles
Don’t stress about perfection—imperfections add character

This isn’t supposed to look factory-made. It’s supposed to look like it survived the apocalypse.

That's it!

I absolutely love how this project turned out. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic, functional, and creative—and it’s just plain fun to make.

There’s something about taking a simple object and transforming it into a piece of a fictional world that feels incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making this for a party, for decor, or just because you’re a die-hard fallout fan, it’s one of those crafts that delivers way more joy than the effort it takes.

And honestly? I’ll probably make a whole collection.

Because once you start turning everyday items into wasteland treasures…it’s hard to stop.

Like, Pin and Save!

⬇️⬇️⬇️download the files here⬇️⬇️⬇️

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN WASTELAND FALLOUT CRAFTS:

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Create your very own piece of post-apocalyptic wasteland art!

Learn how to easily make a Fallout-themed frame using a base of wet plaster and filling it with found junk item finds like bottle caps, bobby pins, chains, bullet casings, ultracite and more.

How to Make Slate Coasters with Laser Engraving xTool

Laser engraving slate is one of the most satisfying projects you can make with the xTool S1.

Slate engraves cleanly, contrasts beautifully, and makes even simple designs look high-end.

Whether you’re creating fandom-inspired pieces (like my Fallout-themed Vault-Tec and Nuka-Cola coasters), personalized home décor, or easy gifts for friends and family, slate coasters are quick, customizable, and consistently impressive.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok - make craft tutorials daily!

How to Use We R Makers Typecast Mint Typewriter Craft

2026-03-25T06:00:00.038-04:00

How to Use We R Makers Typecast Mint Typewriter Craft

Falling in Love with the Old-Fashioned Way: My We R Makers Typecast Decorative Retro Typewriter Review.

There’s something magical about doing things the old-fashioned way...and it's ready to use straight out of the box.

The Beauty of Imperfection

In a world where everything is fast, digital, and autocorrected within an inch of its life, slowing down to press each key—feeling the resistance, hearing the click-clack—just hits differently. It’s not just writing… it’s an experience.

One of my favorite things about using a vintage typewriter style tool like this is that it’s not perfect.

Sometimes the letters aren’t perfectly aligned.
Sometimes the spacing is a little quirky.
Sometimes you make a typo and just… roll with it.

Those little imperfections are what make your projects feel human. Real. Handmade in the truest sense of the word.

In a world of perfectly filtered everything, that kind of authenticity stands out.

And you know what? That’s where the magic is.

Typecast Retro Typewriter

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That’s exactly how I felt the moment I sat down with my We R Memory Keepers Typecast Decorative Retro Typewriter in that dreamy aqua color.

It instantly took me back to being a kid, sitting at my grandma Nelda’s house, completely fascinated by her vintage typewriter.

And let me tell you… not much has changed. I’m still just as obsessed.

A Little Nostalgia Goes a Long Way

Growing up, my grandma Nelda had a typewriter that felt like pure magic.

It wasn’t sleek or quiet. It didn’t glow or buzz or connect to Wi-Fi. It was sturdy, a little heavy, and made the most satisfying sound every time a key hit the paper. I remember sitting there for hours, carefully pressing each letter, watching my words appear like something official… something important.

And yes… I absolutely typed “ransom notes” for fun. 😂

There was just something about that process—the intention behind every word—that made it feel more real than anything I could scribble with a pen.

So when I got my hands on the typecast collection, it wasn’t just about trying a new crafting tool. It was like reopening a little door to childhood.

First Impressions of the Typecast Collection

The first thing that caught my eye? The color. (although it's also available in BLACK, PINK, WHITE and MINT)

That soft mint is everything. It feels fresh, playful, and just vintage enough to give you those retro vibes without looking outdated. It fits perfectly in a craft room, especially if you love a mix of modern and nostalgic style.

But once I started using the We R Makers Typecast Decorative Retro Typewriter, I realized it’s not just cute—it’s incredibly functional.

The We R Makers Typecase Typewriter is more than a writing tool...you'll get:

That satisfying tactile typing experience
A sturdy, well-built machine
Clean, crisp albeit wonky lettering
And the ability to use it across so many different crafting projects
Ready to use straight out of the box
Ribbon threaded and can shift from black to red text with the click of a button
The classic bell chime when you get to the end of the row on this mint typewriter is my favorite!

It’s basically the perfect blend of old-school charm and creative versatility.

The Feel of a Vintage Typewriter (Without the Hassle)

If you’ve ever used a vintage typewriter, you know it’s not always… easy.

They can be finicky, heavy, and sometimes require a little “convincing” to cooperate. But this one? It gives you that same nostalgic feel without the frustration.

You still have to press the keys firmly—which I actually love. It makes you slow down and think about what you’re writing. Each word feels intentional.

And the sound? That soft, rhythmic clicking is honestly half the joy.

It’s not just about the end result—it’s about the process. And that’s something we don’t get enough of anymore.

Typing on Gel Plate Printed Paper (Game Changer)

Okay, this might be my favorite part.

I LOVE that I can roll gel plate printed paper right into the typewriter and type directly on top of those painted, textured backgrounds.

If you’ve ever worked with gel prints, you know how unique and one-of-a-kind they are. Every single piece has its own personality. Being able to layer typed words over that? It takes things to a whole new level.

The typecast is perfect for:

Art journaling
Junk journals
Handmade cards
Scrapbooking layouts
Mixed media projects

There’s something so satisfying about combining messy, creative paint layers with clean, structured type. That contrast is just chef’s kiss.

Why This Typewriter Belongs in Every Craft Room

If you love paper crafting even a little bit, the typecast collection is one of those tools you didn’t know you needed… until you have it.

Here’s why I keep reaching for my We R Makers Typecast Decorative Retro Typewriter:

✨ It Makes Your Projects Feel More Personal

Handwritten notes are lovely, but typed messages have a totally different vibe. They feel timeless—like something you’d tuck into a keepsake box and rediscover years later.

✨ It Adds Instant Vintage Charm

Want your project to look like it came straight out of an old journal or antique shop? A few typed lines will do it instantly.

✨ It Slows You Down (In the Best Way)

There’s no rushing with a typewriter. No deleting. No backspacing your way out of a typo spiral. You commit to the words—and that’s kind of beautiful.

✨ It’s Just Plain Fun

Let’s be real… sometimes crafting tools don’t need to be practical. They just need to make you smile. And this one absolutely does.

Let’s Talk About That “Ransom Note” Energy 😄

I can’t be the only one who did this as a kid…

There is something hilariously fun about typing random notes on a typewriter. Maybe it’s the dramatic spacing, or the slightly imperfect alignment, or just the fact that it looks so official.

Even now, I find myself typing little notes just because I can.

Shopping lists. Random thoughts. Quotes I love. Silly messages to tuck into my kids’ things.

It brings back that same playful creativity I had as a kid sitting at my grandma’s table—and honestly, I think we all need a little more of that.

Creative Ways to Use Your We R Memory Keepers Typecast Typewriter

If you’re wondering how to actually use this in your projects, here are some of my favorite ideas:

Journaling with Texture

Type directly onto patterned or painted paper to create layered journal pages that feel rich and dimensional.

Handmade Cards

Add a typed sentiment to a card front or inside message. It instantly elevates even the simplest design.

Scrapbooking Titles & Captions

Skip the stickers and type your titles or journaling blocks instead. It gives your layouts a cohesive, polished look.

Junk Journal Inserts

Create little typed notes, quotes, or lists to tuck into pockets and envelopes.

Gift Tags & Notes

Type out names or messages for a charming, vintage-inspired finishing touch.

A Connection Across Generations

Using this typewriter feels like more than just crafting.

It feels like a connection—to my childhood, to my grandma Nelda, and to a slower, simpler way of doing things.

I can almost picture her sitting there, typing letters, making lists, or just enjoying the quiet rhythm of the keys.

And now here I am, years later, doing the same thing—but adding my own creative twist with gel prints, journals, and colorful papers.

It’s funny how something as simple as a typewriter can carry so much meaning.

Is the We R Memory Keepers Typecast Typewriter Worth It?

Short answer? Yes. Absolutely. Also, if you need convincing, it's on sale.

We R Makers Typecast Decorative Retro Typewriter

If you love:

Nostalgic crafting tools
Unique ways to add text to your projects
Hands-on, tactile creative experiences
Mixing vintage style with modern creativity

…then this is 100% worth adding to your craft room.

The we r memory keepers typecast typewriter isn’t just a tool—it’s an experience. One that makes you slow down, get creative, and maybe even feel like a kid again.

That's it!

There’s something really special about stepping away from screens and creating the old-fashioned way.

No undo button.
No distractions.
Just you, your thoughts, and the satisfying rhythm of the keys.

Whether you’re typing journal entries, layering text over gel prints, or just making silly little notes for fun, this typewriter brings a kind of joy that’s hard to explain—but easy to feel.

And for me? It’s not just about crafting.
It’s about memories.
It’s about creativity.
And it’s about keeping a little piece of that vintage magic alive.

If you end up trying one, I’d love to hear what you make with it—especially if it involves a few “ransom notes.” 😉

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How to Make Gelli Art Gel Plate Prints with Plaid!

Gelli Arts (the original gel plate) and Plaid Crafts have collaborated on this awesome post and I'm stoked to be part of it!

Let me teach you all about Gel Plate monoprints and my favorite techniques using a jelly plate and multi-surface paint.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

Dive into this major ASMR craft and you will love the satisfaction you get each time you pull a monoprint reveal, so satisfying!

How to Use We R Makers Universal Cinch Machine DIY

If you love making your own planners, journals, and happy little handmade notebooks, you’re going to want to hear about this tool.

We R Makers Universal Cinch Binding Tool

Gratitude Journals: We R Memory Keepers Cinch Binding Tool

Learn how to make these paper pieced gratitude journals using the We R Memory Keepers Cinch Binding tool.

Keeping track of special moments, things that worked out and little tender mercies is such a good way to focus on the positive parts of life rather than the dreary.

Upcycled Book Notebooks made with the Cinch DIY

I love notebooks, do you? I have a bazillion notebooks. Some I write in...some I doodle in...and some just sit there, too nice to mark up. But I love notebooks all the same.

The next best things to notebooks, is making more notebooks! This tutorial is all about taking old books and upcycling them into wire bound notebooks.

Watercolor Floral Notebooks with The Cinch!

I love making notebooks, journals, diaries, or sketchbooks and The Cinch Binding Tool is the perfect way!

I'll show you how to make your own notebooks for a great handmade gift, keeping track of wonderful doodles, journaling or just because! Make a wire bound notebook in just a few minutes.

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.

How to Make I-Cord Flowers (Knitted Wire Flower DIY)

2026-03-23T06:00:00.301-04:00

How to Make I-Cord Flowers (Knitted Wire Flower DIY)

DIY Yarn-Wrapped Wire Roses with I-Cord 🌹

A Beautiful Beginner-Friendly Tutorial combining the Caydo Electric Knitting Machine + Big Happy Jig from We R Makers.

LONG LASTING FLOWERS:

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a flower that never fades, this project is going to be your new favorite.

These beautiful flowers combine the structure of wire art with the softness of knitted i-cord, resulting in a stunning handmade diy creation that looks intricate—but is actually very approachable for a beginner.

FULL TUTORIAL GUIDES FOR EACH OF THE TOOLS USED HERE:

Let's get started!

WIRE ROSES WRAPPED IN YARN FOR BEGINNERS:

This is one of those rare projects where everything just clicks.

The machine does the repetitive work, the jig keeps your shapes consistent, and you get to focus on the fun part—bringing your i-cord flower to life.

Whether you're creating a bouquet, decorating your home, or sharing your latest diycrafts creation on Instagram, these roses are guaranteed to stand out.

Let’s dive into this full, detailed tutorial so you can learn exactly how to create your own ⬇️

Supplies Needed for I-Cord Wire Roses:

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We R Makers Big Happy Jig tool (on sale now!)
Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine
3mm Aluminum wire
3mm Rubber End Caps (any color, mine are clear)
Yarn (#2, #3, or #4 weights only)
Yarn Needle

Before you start, gather everything in one place so your process feels smooth and enjoyable.

Note: Thank you to whoever's grandma passed away and donated all her wool yarn to the thrift store...I love it!

You’ll want your Big Happy Jig for shaping the wire, and your Caydo knitting machine for creating the i-cord. The included needle from the Caydo kit will be important later when you join the cords together.

For materials, you’ll need 3mm wire to form the structure of your flower, along with yarn in two colors—green for the stem and red (or any color you love) for the bloom. Thrifted wool yarn works beautifully here because it has a bit of grip and softness.

Don’t forget clear plastic end caps—these might seem like a small detail, but they make a huge difference when threading your cord onto the wire.

STEP 1: Shape the Wire Flower

Using the Big Happy Jig, place the pegs into the board in your desired flower shape.

This is where the jig really shines—it takes the guesswork out of shaping and allows you to create identical flowers every time.

Use the picture above and place your pegs in the same spot to make the same beautiful rose.

Here's the text for it:

Small peg:

L1, G2, O3, M5, L7, O8, E8, M10, F10, C14, R18, J21, J27, J41

Medium disc:

Starting slit wheel: H8, K3, D5, P5

Large disc:

D16, G20, M23, Q20

Begin by laying your wire in the slit wheel at H8, wrap the wire up and between 2 small pegs, around the medium size wheel and up and around the top.

Loop around the small pegs and bring it around the medium wheel, curving it all the way to the right side of the flower, creating one more loop before plunging into the stem.

Now you can decide if you want 2 leaves on your stem or just one.
Wrap the wire up and around the leaves.

Wrap your 3mm wire around the pegs, following the shape of the bloom and forming a long stem. As you work, keep your wire snug against the pegs so the lines stay clean and smooth.

Once your shape is complete, gently lift the wire off the jig. You’ll have a formed flower with a stem and a bloom made up of loops for a full rose shape.

Take a moment to adjust the wire if needed. Small tweaks can help refine the shape and make your flower look more natural.

Now, because the pattern is on your Big Happy Jig board, you can make as many of the same flower shape as you want!

This is a great way to manufacture a bunch of Spring flowers easily.

Lift the flower off the board and you'll notice the wire isn't totally perfect...and that's OK! --the icord will cover it up and make it shine beautifully.

STEP 2: Make Your I-Cord

This is where your project really begins, and honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying parts.

Using your Caydo machine, you’ll create long strands of knitted i-cord in both green and red. If you’ve never used an i-cord maker before, it might feel a little new at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

Again, full tutorial here!

Start by carefully threading your yarn through the machine, making sure it’s seated properly in the guides. Once the yarn is in place, turn the machine on and gently guide the yarn as it feeds through. You’ll see the cord forming almost instantly.

What’s great about using a machine instead of knitting by hand is the consistency. Every stitch is even, and the cord has a smooth, tubular shape that slides nicely over wire.

Take your time here and make more cord than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have extra than to run out halfway through a flower. Plus, once you see how quickly it works, you might find yourself making extra cords just for future ideas.

A helpful tip when working with i-cord is to keep your yarn tension steady. If the yarn pulls too tightly or too loosely, your cord can become uneven. A gentle, consistent feed will give you the best results.

STEP 3: Prepare the Wire Ends

Before adding your cord, you’ll want to protect both your materials and your hands.

Slide clear plastic end caps onto the ends of the wire. This step is easy to overlook, but it makes a huge difference. Without the caps, the sharp wire ends can catch on your yarn and cause fraying or tearing as you thread the cord.

The caps create a smooth surface, allowing the i-cord to glide over the wire more easily. This will save you time and frustration later on.

STEP 4: Cover Wire with I-Cord

Thread the Red I-Cord onto the Flower Bloom

Once the stem is covered, switch to your red i-cord for the bloom.

Begin threading the cord onto the loops of the flower, working your way from the outer edges toward the center and then down toward the stem. This part is where your flower really comes to life visually.

As you cover each loop, take care to keep the cord smooth and evenly distributed. You don’t want bunching or gaps—just a clean, continuous covering that enhances the shape of the wire underneath.

When you reach the point where the red and green cords meet, you’ll notice a slight separation. That’s completely normal—and the next step will bring everything together seamlessly.

Thread the Green I-Cord onto the Stem

Now comes the part where your flower starts to transform.

Take your green i-cord and begin threading it onto the wire from the base of the stem. Gently feed the wire through the center of the cord, working your way upward toward the bloom.

This step requires a bit of patience. Move slowly and carefully to avoid stretching the cord or snagging the yarn. If you feel resistance, try slightly twisting the cord as you push it along the wire—this can help it slide more smoothly.

As the cord moves up the stem, you’ll see the wire disappear inside it, leaving behind a soft, yarn-covered structure that already looks more finished and organic.

Join the Two I-CORD Colors Together

This is one of the most satisfying parts of the entire process, and it’s what gives your flower that polished, professional look.

Using the needle from your Caydo kit, thread one of your yarn ends and begin stitching around the circumference of the flower where the red and green cords meet.

Instead of simply tying the cords together, you’ll alternate your stitching between loops—passing through a green loop, then a red loop, and continuing this pattern all the way around the flower.

This technique blends the two sections together, creating a smooth transition between stem and bloom. It almost looks like the cords were made as one continuous piece.

Take your time with this step. Keeping your stitches even and consistent will make a big difference in the final appearance.

Secure with a French Knot

Once all the loops are connected, it’s time to secure your work.

Tie a small French knot to hold everything in place. This knot should be tight enough to stay secure, but not so tight that it distorts the shape of the cord.

After tying the knot, gently guide the yarn tail back into the i-cord, hiding it inside the tube. This creates a clean, finished look with no visible ends.

Repeat this process with both colors if needed, ensuring that all joins are secure and tidy.

STEP 5: Finish and Refine Your Flower

At this point, your flower is nearly complete.

Tie off any remaining yarn at the ends of the wire, near the caps, and trim any excess. If needed, tuck the ends into the cord for a cleaner finish.

Take a moment to gently adjust the shape of your flower. You can bend the wire slightly to open up the bloom or curve the stem for a more natural look.

This final shaping step is where your handmade art really shines—each flower can have its own subtle personality.

🌹 Why You’ll Love This Project

There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining techniques from different crafts. This project blends knitting, a little bit of crochet-style stitching, and sculptural wire work into one cohesive process.

The Big Happy Jig makes shaping your wire flowers effortless and consistent, which is especially helpful when making multiple pieces. Instead of guessing or reshaping each bloom, you’ll get the same clean, polished look every time.

Meanwhile, the Caydo i-cord knitting machine takes what would normally be a slow process and turns it into something fast and efficient. You can produce yards of smooth, even cord in just minutes, making it perfect for batch making.

The result? Soft, textured, beautiful flowers that feel high-end and artistic—but are totally doable, even if you’re just getting into yarn crafts.

🌼 Creative Ideas for Your Flowers

Now that you know how to make these beautiful i-cord flowers, the possibilities are endless.

Create a full bouquet for a lasting gift, or display a few stems in a vase for simple, cozy home decor. These also make wonderful embellishments for wrapped gifts or additions to mixed media art pieces.

If you love sharing your projects, these flowers are perfect for styling and posting on Instagram—they have that soft texture and color contrast that really pops in photos.

Helpful Tips When Making I-Cord Flowers

When working on this project, a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Choose yarn that isn’t too bulky so it slides easily over the wire. If your cord feels tight, slow down and gently twist it as you thread. When shaping your wire, keep your lines smooth and avoid sharp bends that might be harder to cover.

Most importantly, don’t rush the joining step. Taking your time there will give your cord flower a seamless, high-quality finish.

That's it!

There’s something truly special about combining knitting, wire, and diy creativity into one project. These i-cord flowers are soft, sculptural, and full of personality—perfect for gifts, decor, or simply enjoying the process of making.

Once you’ve made your first flower, you’ll start imagining all the variations you can create—different colors, different shapes, even experimenting with other types of yarn.

So whether you’re crafting on a quiet afternoon or building up inventory for your next creative idea, this project is a beautiful way to explore new techniques and create something lasting.

Happy crafting, friend 💕

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER ICORD CRAFT IDEAS TOO!

How to Use Caydo I-Cord Maker Knitting Machine Review

Learn how to use the Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine for beautiful, consistent and even i-cord!

How to Use We R Makers Big Happy Jig Wire Board DIY

I found the perfect tool for bending and shaping metal that makes it simple, doable and fun!

The Big Happy Jig tool from We R Makers takes all the guesswork out of shaping wire.

With just a few pegs and a sturdy base, you can wrap wire into beautiful shapes for jewelry, cards, wall art, and even larger home decor projects.

How to Make Wire Word Art (Knit Wrapped Words DIY)

Make a wire word art wreath with the I-cord Knitter for the perfect home decor.

The I-Cord Knitter transforms a piece of yarn into a knit tube, the perfect casing for wire words to give it a unique and cozy touch.

Make a nursery sign with wire names, a favorite motto, longer words, a wreath or home decor for the perfect handmade decoration or homemade gift.

How to Use the I-Cord Knitter (Knitting Cord Tool)

Learn how to use the I-Cord Knitter machine for making knitted cords for all kinds of projects.

The I-Cord Knitter transforms one string of yarn into a weaved tube, also known as French Knitter, or spool knitting.

Make the knit tube as long as desired for whatever project you are making it for...check out my project here: How to Make Wire Word Art (Knit Wrapped Words DIY)

These yarn woven tubes can be used for all kinds of fiber art; wire word art, macrame, knitting projects or crochet projects and more.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok - make craft tutorials daily!

How to Use Caydo I-Cord Maker Knitting Machine Review

2026-03-20T06:00:00.182-04:00

How to Use Caydo I-Cord Maker Knitting Machine Review

Learn how to use the Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine for beautiful, consistent and even i-cord!

If you’ve ever loved the look of i-cord but not the process of making it by hand… this is going to feel like a total game-changer. (affiliate links)

I recently got the Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine, and honestly? It’s one of those tools that makes you wonder why you didn’t upgrade sooner. Whether you’re into cord making, crochet, or creative home decor, this little machine turns a slow, repetitive task into something fast, smooth, and actually fun.

Let’s dive into a full cord knitting machines review, plus a simple “start knitting” tutorial so you can get your first cord going right away.

Let's get started!

First Impressions & Review

The Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine is compact, lightweight, and surprisingly sturdy thanks to its durable ABS construction.

It feels like a better tool right out of the box—especially compared to traditional spool knitting or French knitting tools.

✨What to do with I-cord?

Use your cords for:

Crocheting chunky designs
Wrapping wire for sculptural art
Making home decor accents
Creating trims, ties, and embellishments

Yarn Compatibility & Best Results

For the best results, stick with:

Light worsted yarn
Standard craft yarn
Similar medium-weight yarn weights

These produce the most stable i-cords with a cleaner finish.

⚠️ Tip: Avoid jumbo yarn—it’s usually too thick for smooth operation and can disrupt the machine’s rhythm.

Getting Started: How to Use the Caydo I-Cord Machine

Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine

Ready to make your first cord? Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Set Up the Machine

Place your machine on a flat surface.

If this is the first time using it, check the manual to make sure you are setting it up correctly.

You'll need to attach the long arm to the front of the machine.

Step 2: Thread Your Yarn

Use standard craft yarn or light worsted yarn.

Carefully guide the yarn through the threading path as shown in the instructions.

The yarn slips under the extended arm knob, there's a little groove for it to sit in without coming off during production.

Then thread the yarn from the outside of the clear needle cover hole to the inside.

👉 Take your time here—proper threading is key to consistent tension and uniform cords.

Step 3: Secure the Yarn Tail

Now thread the yarn onto the crochet hook/needle that is included in this kit.

Push the thread/needle eye through the center of the machine until it comes out the back.

Pull the thread out of the needle and remove the crochet hook/needle out the way you pushed it in.

Then lift up the gear lever and place the yarn between the gears, holding it tightly in place.

This is the system that will create the perfect amount of tension for a tight i-cord.

Not yet, but once we get the machine going, you'll hold onto this thread and pull with even tension until the i-cord has been created and reaches past the gears.

Step 4: Loop the Yarn on Hooks

Now grab that crochet hook and begin by opening up all the hooks (4).

Then thread the yarn under the loops of the first and third hook, skipping the other 2.

It doesn't not matter which hooks you start with, just start with one, skip the next, then hook onto the the next one...leave the last.

Hooked onto the first loop, skip the next one.

Then loop the yarn on the third hook, then it is ready to begin.

Step 5: Power On & Start Knitting

Now hold onto the yarn coming out of the back of the machine.

Set the dial to 1, then turn on the machine and let the powerful motor do the work.

You’ll see your first cord begin forming almost immediately, keep holding onto the yarn until the i-cord comes out the back and is between those gears from earlier.

Then you can let go and let the machine do all the heavy lifting.

What I Love Most about the Caydo I-Cord Electric Knitting Machine:

✨ Ease of Use

This is huge. Setup is simple, and the machine is intuitive enough for DIY lovers of all ages. It’s truly a simple upgrade from manual cord makers.

✨ Consistent Results

The machine produces uniform cords with consistent tension, which means you get smoother stitches and a much more professional look. No more uneven loops or hand strain ruining your flow.

✨ No Hand Fatigue

If you’ve ever made i-cord manually, you know the struggle. This eliminates hand fatigue completely—one of the best alternative solutions for repetitive crafting.

✨ Powerful Motor + Continuous Output

The powerful motor allows for continuous output, so you can create longer cords for bigger projects without stopping every few minutes.

Step 6: Let It Run

Enjoy the continuous output as your cord grows longer and longer.

This is where the magic happens!

Stay nearby while the machine is working to make sure it doesn't run into problems.

Step 7: Finish Off

Once you’ve reached your desired length, cut the yarn and let the machine suck it in to make the most i-cord possible.

It will still have 4 loops and a dangling yarn tail.

Use the included needle (not the crochet hook) to thread on the tail, then thread through each of the 4 loops going around the circle in order, pull tight and remove the needle.

So. Easy.

Tips for I-cord Success

Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine

Practice with shorter cords first
Keep yarn tension steady for smoother stitches
Clean the machine occasionally for regular use
Experiment with colors and textures for unique results
Use cords immediately in projects or store them neatly to avoid tangling

That's it!

The Caydo Electric i-cord Knitting Machine takes a classic technique—known by many common names like French knitting or spool knitting—and turns it into a fast, modern crafting experience.

It’s efficient, fun, and incredibly satisfying to use. Whether you’re making delicate trims or prepping materials for bigger projects, this tool delivers uniform cords, stable i-cords, and a whole lot of creative potential.

If you love the joy of crafting but want something easier on your hands and faster overall, this is absolutely worth it.

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CHECK OUT THESE POSTS FOR MORE I-CORD CRAFTING TOO!

How to Use We R Makers Big Happy Jig Wire Board DIY

I found the perfect tool for bending and shaping metal that makes it simple, doable and fun!

The Big Happy Jig tool from We R Makers takes all the guesswork out of shaping wire.

With just a few pegs and a sturdy base, you can wrap wire into beautiful shapes for jewelry, cards, wall art, and even larger home decor projects.

How to Make Wire Word Art (Knit Wrapped Words DIY)

Make a wire word art wreath with the I-cord Knitter for the perfect home decor.

The I-Cord Knitter transforms a piece of yarn into a knit tube, the perfect casing for wire words to give it a unique and cozy touch.

Make a nursery sign with wire names, a favorite motto, longer words, a wreath or home decor for the perfect handmade decoration or homemade gift.

How to Use the I-Cord Knitter (Knitting Cord Tool)

Learn how to use the I-Cord Knitter machine for making knitted cords for all kinds of projects.

The I-Cord Knitter transforms one string of yarn into a weaved tube, also known as French Knitter, or spool knitting.

Make the knit tube as long as desired for whatever project you are making it for...check out my project here: How to Make Wire Word Art (Knit Wrapped Words DIY)

These yarn woven tubes can be used for all kinds of fiber art; wire word art, macrame, knitting projects or crochet projects and more.

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How to Make Miniature Books with Mini Book Pages DIY

2026-03-18T06:00:00.002-04:00

How to Make Miniature Books with Mini Book Pages DIY

Learn how to make miniature books with real pages in this simple tutorial.

Just a few supplies are needed to make 1:12 scale dollhouse books; great for a mini book shelf, a book tracker, jewelry and more!

Turn your favorite reads into the cutest tiny mini books, great for the most adorable hand-made gifts!

I love these little miniature Golden Books!

I loved The Little Red Caboose when I was little, so it was fun to recreate this in 1:12 dollhouse scale miniature.

Tiny books are just the cutest!

BOOK COVERS

You'll need covers of each book you will make, if you don't have photoshop or software to scale them down, search for mini book covers and the title you are looking for.

I found all of my book covers online, the easiest way is to find miniature book covers, the Harry Potter book series is easy to find as tiny book covers.

They are super easy to find, with the front cover and the back covers plus the spine included.

This makes tiny book making super easy--I've got brief descriptions of each step as well as a quick video!

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR MINIATURE BOOKS WITH REAL PAGES:

affiliate links

Book Cover Photos
Photo Paper
Printer (any color inkjet)
Mod Podge (or a Glue Stick)
Paintbrush
Old Book (with thick margins)
Cutting Mat
Hobby Craft Knife
Metal Ruler (optional)
Paper Cutter
Razor Knife or Serrated Kitchen Knife
Detail Scissors

I found this book at the thrift store. (don't worry, I saved the text pages for another craft)

Find a glue bound book with wide margins, and you'll be able to make real page books, with blank paper as the inner pages. (If it has some text, that still works too!)

Step 1: Book Covers

Begin by finding the book covers you desire.

Then print the off on photo paper, I found that my printer made a much more detailed print with the semi-gloss photo paper rather than plain paper or even card stock.

Then use a paper cutter or scissors to carefully cut all the tiny cover pictures.

I used detail scissors to cut them out as perfectly as I could.

MINIATURE HARRY POTTER SERIES BOOKS

Let's get started making books from these little Harry Potter book covers.

I've got all 7 covers cut out, and look at them carefully, they have the front cover on the back cover--flipped upside down.

This way no matter which way the book is turned, it will be right side up.

First fold along the edges of the book so it has a front cover, spine and back cover, it just needs 2 folds, sometimes a metal ruler helps, but I just did it with my fingers.

My thrifted book has big, wide margins, so the inside pages of our mini books are completely blank pages.

This isn't critical, but it's a fun feature of these little books, or you could make little useable journals that someone could write or draw a little bit in the tiny page of your mini book.

Step 2: Book Pages

Measure the spine of the book you are making first, typically I found a few books the same thickness, so it worked really well.

Remove the cover of your thrifted book and pull out a section big enough for your miniature book spine.

Use a razor knife, serrated kitchen knife or even a hacksaw blade to cut the glue edge of the book spine to the desired thickness.

Step 3: Mod Podge

Now get the Mod Podge ready and a paintbrush, just get a little Mod Podge on your brush so you don't have a lot of excess glue.

Paint Mod Podge on the inside of the front cover, down the inside of the spine, and the inside of the back cover of the book.

Then wrap the book around the spine of the thrifted book spine.

Let the book dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Continue filling the spine of the book with all the miniature book covers that fit the width of the spine.

(You can also cut a larger section of your book and start gluing wider books to the spine of that section.)

Make sure you don't get Mod Podge on your fingers, having grubby hands can ruin the photo paper...but it's the right paper for the effect.

Continue filling the spine of the book with a couple of mini-books or more.

When you make a mini diy book, you always want to make more...that's the favourite part!

See how I have a bunch of mini books lined up on the spine!?

You can set a heavy book on top of them while they dry to keep the glue down firmly.

Step 4: Cutting Book Pages

After the glue dries, the next step is to cut around the book covers carefully with a hobby knife on top of the cutting mat.

You can use a metal ruler to make sure your cuts are straight, or just gently cut along side the photo paper cover and just cut a piece of paper or 2 at a time.

Once you've cut around all 3 edges of your book cover, it's done!

Your little book is ready to adorn a dollhouse, turn into earrings, add to a jar or ornament for a book reading tracker.

Now make a bunch more--get ready for an overload of books!

My page edges are a little rough on this mini book...I don't need nice things! Lol

Take your time cutting the papers, use a ruler or a guide for much cleaner edges than me.

It's easy to trim up the edges after they are cut by standing the book up and cutting down the book block.

The best kind of craft is one that doesn't take up so much space on the always-too-cluttered table and these mini books are just the perfect thing!

MINIATURE CHILDREN BOOKS

I used the same process for these little golden books.

They only needed a couple of papers inside them, since they just have one center fold.

After cutting the children's book cover papers, fold them in half.

I use the Matte Mod Podge.

Just paint the Mod Podge on the inside of the children's book covers.

Place them over a thin section of paper...I think they only have 4 papers inside each one.

Use the hobby knife to cut them out after the glue dries.

These books are much easier to cut out because of the few pages.

Super simple, one smooth cut around the three edges is all it takes.

I ended up using all the spine area of my thrifted book to make all these little miniature books.

Now you can just admire these teensy little finished books!

Here's an idea- give a collection of children's books to a child with a little dollhouse!

If you have the full children's books, read one at the end of every day and let your child read the little one to their doll.

Here's the Harry Potter series collection of mini books!

They are so much fun!

Here's the full set between my fingers.

I love their tiny size.

I built a small bookshelf to house all my miniature books.

Maybe you know a different way to make miniature books, but this was the easiest way I've ever found to make darling little books that look real with real pages.

You can make a miniature version of all the books you read last year to keep as a book reading tracker.

You can put these inside a clear fillable ornament, in a little jar or some other fun way to display them.

Which of these fun little books is your favorite!?

I can imagine a little miniature display of these spooky books, potions and jars of frogs!

I made these little Dr. Seuss books too, they have a cover that wraps around the front pages.

They didn't work out quite as well as I was hoping, I think the photo paper is too thick.

They are still cute though!

That's it!

Turn all your favorite books into miniature books with real book pages!

This fun and simple DIY is great for a reading book tracker, 1:12 scale dollhouse bookshelf or just for fun.

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Check out these other fun posts too!

How to Make Mini Charcuterie Dollhouse Dessert Board

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

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

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

How to Make a Tear-off Notepad with Mod Podge DIY

Make your own tear off notepads to keep lists, memos and to-do's organized using paper, Mod Podge, clamps or binder clips and scrap cardboard!

I always have several notepads on my desk for checklists and notes. I have the worst memory these days, so notepads are crucial.

Yes, sometimes I use my phone, but I have a very visual memory and can remember things better if I physically write it down.

What about you? Do you use tear-off notepads?

Let's get crafting and make notepads!

How to Laser Engrave Journals DIY with xTool S1!

Learn how easy it is to make a laser engraved journal or notebook with xTool laser cutting machine, use different patterns or make a bunch the same.

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

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

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 and fit full-size book pages folded in half.

Turn a cereal box or other old packaging into a refillable notebook for sketching, drawing and note taking.

Refillable Leather Journal DIY

Make a chic refillable leather journal out of Cricut Leather and a few other supplies.

This shimmery metallic leather journal has paper folded in half inside, held tightly by elastic, making it refillable as needed.

You can also fill your journal with any type of paper, not just plain pages!

How to Use We R Makers Big Happy Jig Wire Board DIY

2026-03-16T06:00:00.248-04:00

How to Use We R Makers Big Happy Jig Wire Board DIY

I found the perfect tool for bending and shaping metal that makes it simple, doable and fun!

The Big Happy Jig tool from We R Makers takes all the guesswork out of shaping wire.

With just a few pegs and a sturdy base, you can wrap wire into beautiful shapes for jewelry, cards, wall art, and even larger home decor projects.

USING THE HAPPY JIG!

I recently spent an afternoon playing with the We R Memory Keepers, now We R Makers, Big Happy Jig, and it quickly became one of my favorite craft tools.

I started by following a couple of the included design templates in the manual, and within minutes I had made the cutest little wire shapes!

After making a flamingo and a monstera leaf, I felt confident enough to design my own project—a long-stem wire rose.

If you’ve never tried wire shaping before, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know—from setting up the jig to creating your own custom wire designs!

Let's get started!

What Is the Big Happy Jig?

The Big Happy Jig tool is a wire-shaping board designed to help you create consistent, professional looking wire designs.

The base has evenly spaced holes where you can insert metal pegs.

By placing the pegs in different configurations, you can wrap wire around them to form shapes and patterns.

And for those wondering, yes, the Big Happy Jig works with i-cord wire crafts too!

Think of the Big Happy Jig tool as a tiny blueprint system for bending wire.

Instead of trying to freehand curves and loops, the jig guides the wire exactly where it needs to go. The result is smooth curves, even shapes, and much less frustration.

The Big Happy Jig tool comes with:

A sturdy base board
Multiple plastic pegs
2 sizes of peg caps for bigger curves
An instruction manual with beginner design templates
Flush cut wire cutters
Roll of wire

Why the Big Happy Jig Is Great for Beginners

Wire art can seem tricky at first because metal wire doesn’t always want to cooperate. The Big Happy Jig tool removes that challenge.

Here’s why it’s beginner-friendly:

• The peg system keeps your curves consistent

• The base keeps your project stable while working

• Templates help you learn basic shapes first

• You can easily adjust or redesign layouts

• It works with many types of wire

Even if you’ve never worked with wire before, you can start making beautiful shapes in minutes.

Supplies You’ll Need to make wire art with the Big Happy Jig:

affiliate links included

We R Makers Big Happy Jig tool (Get it now while it's 70%+ off)
Plastic pegs and peg caps (included with the Big Happy Jig)
2mm-3mm Craft wire (gold, silver, or coloured wire--roll included in kit)
Wire cutters (included)
Needle nose pliers (optional but helpful)
Instruction manual with design templates (included)
Additional 3mm Aluminum wire

For my projects I used yards of gold wire, which gave the finished designs a bright metallic shine. Gold wire looks especially pretty when used for decorative shapes like leaves, flowers, and animals.

You can also experiment with:

Silver wire
Copper wire
Bright neon wire
Pastel colored craft wire
Covering wire with felt, yarn i-cord or other materials

Using different colors is a fun way to match projects to party themes, seasonal decor, or handmade gifts.

Step 1: Choose a Design

When you’re just starting out, the easiest place to begin is with the included design templates from the instruction manual.

These templates show you exactly where to place the pegs on the board. Once the pegs are in place, the wire wraps around them to form the shape.

The two designs I tried first were:

• A flamingo

• A monstera leaf

Both looked a little complicated at first glance, but they were surprisingly easy to make with the jig.

Step 2: Set Up the Pegs

To begin your project, insert the metal pegs into the holes on the jig according to the template pattern.

Each peg creates a turning point for the wire.

Make sure the pegs are firmly seated so they don’t wiggle while you wrap the wire. Once your pegs are placed, add the peg caps to hold everything securely.

The caps help prevent the wire from slipping off the pegs while you shape it.

Step 3: Start Wrapping the Wire

Unravel a length of wire, but keep it on the roll...as you don't know exactly how much you’ll need and we want to minimize waste.

Place one end of the wire against the starting peg, the peg with the slit groove through it...it will hold the wire in place while working.

Now begin wrapping the wire around the pegs following the template path.

As you guide the wire around each peg, press it gently against the jig base so it forms smooth curves.
The jig does most of the work for you!

Step 4: Continue Shaping the Design

Work your way through the pattern one peg at a time.

You’ll notice how the wire naturally forms the curves of the design as it wraps around each peg.

If you make a small mistake, don’t worry. Wire is fairly forgiving and can usually be adjusted with your fingers or needle nose pliers.

Take your time and enjoy the process.

Within just a few minutes, you’ll see your design taking shape.

Step 5: Remove the Finished Shape

Once the wire has been wrapped around all the pegs in the template, gently lift the finished shape off the jig.

Sometimes the wire will spring slightly as it comes off the pegs. If that happens, just reshape the curves with your fingers.

Use wire flush cutters to trim the ends neatly.

For a different look, tuck the ends behind the design or curl them into tiny loops.

Project 1: Flamingo Wire Art

The flamingo design was my first test project, and it turned out absolutely adorable.

The shape includes:

A curved neck
Rounded body
Long legs

The jig makes these curves easy to create, even if you’ve never shaped wire before.

I used gold wire for this project to give the flamingo a bright, fun look.

It would be perfect for:

Tropical themed crafts
Summer decorations
A colorful party banner
Handmade greeting cards

Project 2: Monstera Leaf

Next I tried the monstera leaf template.

This design includes several small interior loops to mimic the natural holes in monstera leaves.

It looks intricate but is surprisingly quick to make with the jig.

I used yards of gold wire for this one, which gave it a modern, minimalist style.

This leaf design would be beautiful for:

Plant themed crafts
Botanical wall art
Scrapbook embellishments
Home decor accents

Tips for Working With Craft Wire

If you’re new to wire art, these tips will help make your projects easier.

Choose softer wire, the wire included with the Big Happy Jig is wonderfully soft to bend and yet holds its shape.

Craft wire that is too thick can be difficult to bend. Medium or soft wire works best with the jig.

Work slowly.
Take your time guiding the wire around each peg.

Use pliers for tight bends.
Needle nose pliers can help shape sharper angles.

Practice with scrap wire first.
This helps you get comfortable with the tool before starting a final design.

Why I Love the Big Happy Jig

After trying several wire designs, I can honestly say the Big Happy Jig tool is a fantastic addition to any craft room.

What I love most:

Easy setup
Beginner friendly templates
Endless design possibilities
Durable construction
Perfect for creative experimentation

Whether you’re making jewelry, decorations, or modern art pieces, it really is the perfect tool for shaping wire.

Where to Find the Big Happy Jig

The We R Memory Keepers Big Happy Jig is widely available at craft stores and online retailers.

You can often find good deals, bundle kits, and even free shipping depending on the shop.

BUY IT HERE WHILE IT'S NEARLY 75% OFF--SUCH A GREAT PRICE!

The Big Happy Jig tool is easy to use and put the pegs much closer together for smaller wire creations, perfect for handmade cards or scrapbook pages.

I'll be showing some fun things to do with wire sculptures in the future, for now, get the Big Happy Jig tool while it's on sale.

You do not want to miss this.

Now you can confidently design your own projects or keep working from the sample templates!

Designing Your Own Wire Art

After making two template projects, I felt confident enough to try designing my own shape.

This is where the Big Happy Jig tool really shines.

Because the pegs can be moved anywhere on the board, you can experiment with endless shapes.

I decided to create a long-stem rose.

Project 3: Long Stem Wire Rose

To create the rose, I placed the pegs in a loose spiral pattern for the flower.

Then I added a few pegs below it to guide the stem and the leaves.

Here’s the basic process I used:

Wrap the wire around the spiral pegs to create the rose bloom.
Guide the wire downward between two pegs to form the stem.
Add a few curved loops on each side for leaves.
Finish with a straight wire stem.
The final result looked elegant and delicate.

It reminded me of a minimalist line drawing made entirely from wire.

Creative Ways to Use Wire Art

Once you start making wire shapes, you’ll quickly find lots of ways to use them.
Here are some ideas:

Home Decor

Mount wire art onto a wood base for a fun entryway tabletop piece.

Make a bouquet of wire flowers and leaves for a vase display.

Wall Art

Frame your wire designs in shadow boxes or attach them to wooden boards for modern wall decor.

These make beautiful home decor projects.

Cake Toppers

Attach small wire shapes to skewers and use them as cake toppers for birthdays or weddings.

Party Decorations

Bright neon wire shapes make amazing decorations for a colorful party.

Handmade Cards

Glue mini wire designs to greeting cards, scrapbook layouts or other paper crafts for a dimensional effect.

Try making:

Names
Hearts
Stars
Fun words like “Celebrate” or “Love”
Jewelry
Smaller wire shapes can be turned into earrings, necklaces, or charms.

That's it!

If you’ve been curious about wire art, the We R Makers Big Happy Jig tool is an amazing way to dive in.

It takes what could be a tricky technique and turns it into a relaxing, creative craft. The included design templates make it easy to learn the basics, and once you get comfortable, designing your own shapes becomes incredibly fun.

From flamingos and monstera leaves to custom flowers and lettering, the possibilities are endless.
And before you know it, you’ll be reaching for colored wire, metallic wire, and even neon wire to experiment with new styles and creative home decor projects.

If you try this craft, I’d love to hear what designs you create!

Happy crafting!

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Check out these other posts on Wire Art too!

How to Make Wire Word Art (Knit Wrapped Words DIY)

Make a wire word art wreath with the I-cord Knitter for the perfect home decor.

The I-Cord Knitter transforms a piece of yarn into a knit tube, the perfect casing for wire words to give it a unique and cozy touch.

Make a nursery sign with wire names, a favorite motto, longer words, a wreath or home decor for the perfect handmade decoration or homemade gift.

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!

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 Make Iridescent Window Clings DIY with Cricut

2026-03-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

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!

RAINBOW PRISMS OF LIGHT

I love how these turned out, they are so bright and fun in the window and scatter rainbow light all over the sink, dishes and walls!

I picked line art flowers, but you can design your own, use text or pick your favorite design for this craft.

Supplies Needed for Iridescent Window Clings:

affiliate links

Permanent Glossy Black Adhesive Vinyl
Iridescent Window Privacy Cling Film
Cricut Machine
Transfer Paper
Cricut Tools (Weeding Hook, Scraper)
Spray Bottle with Water

Step 1: Design

Begin by selecting a design you like in Cricut Design Space.

I just typed in flower and found these line art flowers right at the top of the list.

Add them to your canvas.

Select the image and click the "offset" button.

Drag the slider up or down to create the perfect offset, so it creates an outline of the image.

Change the color of the line art to black and the offset to a different color so you can cut them out on 2 separate mats.

Step 2: Cut Design

Now place the black adhesive vinyl on the mat, with the adhesive side down...the colored side up.

Then cut out the line art designs.

After the Cricut cuts through the adhesive vinyl, it's time to cut out the offset images from the iridescent window cling film.

The film has a slight texture on the top, like stained glass-ish.

The backside is smooth, that's the side that will adhere to the window or glass...and it also has a layer of protective film on it.

Place the smooth film side on the mat and cut on the textured side.

Set the Cricut material to "window cling" and "more depth".

I did have to cut the image twice, so once it finishes, don't remove the mat, just click the cut button one more time.

**NOTE: Cut the Window Cling out TWICE**

Step 3: Weed

Now cut the images apart and weed the excess vinyl.

Weed all the excess vinyl form the image so it's just the line art on the transfer sheet.

Step 4: Transfer Tape

Now place some transfer tape over the adhesive vinyl, smooth with a scraper tool.

If you don't have a scraper tool, you can use a credit card type card to smooth it out.

Peel the paper backing off the back of the vinyl.

Step 5: Adhere to Cling

Now place the adhesive vinyl on the coordinating cling cut out.

The offset makes this a little forgiving, just place the vinyl on top and smooth it out with a scraper, carefully over the textured surface.

Then peel off the transfer tape by rolling it back over itself.

Step 6: Window Cling Time

Now peel the window cling off the backing and it's ready to add to a sunny window!

They look great and make a great decal for a window of car or your home.

This is such a fun way to make a stained glass window effect, no Mod Podge, puffy paint or acrylic paint needed!

Now clean your window and get a spray bottle of water...or just get your cling wet in the sink.

The smooth side of the window cling will adhere easier to a window with a little water.

Just give it a spritz and stick it on the window--or use a small bowl of water and sprinkle a bit on the back of the cling.

They are the perfect way to brighten up your window, especially in the Winter or early Spring when there's no plants or flowers growing.

They do a great job covering up my compost area outside.

These easy window clings are a fun activity and make a great gift too!

I am going to make a bunch for neighbor gifts for Spring!

Have you made window clings with Iridescent Window Privacy Cling Film on your Cricut yet?

I love how they sparkle and add so much fun to my kitchen.

Look at the rainbow sparkles in my sink--I had to clean it in the first place!

I love the cheeriness these suncatchers add to my windows.

They are easy to make, take less than 10 minutes and make me smile every day!

That's it!

Making iridescent window cling suncatchers is an easy DIY using Cricut.

Make gorgeous rainbow makers in just a few minutes with colored vinyl and iridescent window film.

Pick up the supplies for these fun projects and make a bunch today!

Iridescent Window Privacy Cling Film

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How to Use Plaid Folkart Murano Glass Paint DIY

Learn how to use Plaid Folkart Murano Glass Paint on a few glass projects.

It's a fun way to add the look of hand-blown glass to glass objects that need some excitment.

Upcycle various glass pieces with different glass effects from Plaid's line of Murano Glass Paint.

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.

This cute cherry decor DIY is chic and groovy all in one, you can make different shapes too!

Disco balls and cherries are all the rage, so they are a match made in heaven!

How to Make Stained Glass with Gallery Glass Paint

Learn how to make the perfect faux stained glass using Plaid's Gallery Glass and Gallery Glass Leading Sheets.

It's easy to create a suncatcher, glass frame or even add special elements to windows in your home.

Stained glass suncatchers are beautiful, popular, and a fun craft and Gallery Glass is a great alternative to the huge investment and skill it takes to cut and solder glass.

DIY: Doctor Who Gallery Glass Window Clings!

Learn how to make gel window clings with gallery glass paint, wax paper or parchment paper and a little time.

Make adorable geeky fandom window gel clings or make your own window clings of your favorite icons.

Great craft for older kids too!

Doodlecraft

Scrabble Tile Names Framed Word Art DIY

Scrabble Tiles Family Name Framed Word Art DIY

You will need:

Step 1: Arrange Pieces

**Cheater Tip**

Step 2: Prep Frame

Step 3: Prep Paper

Step 4: Glue Pieces

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Mother's Day Heart Pop-Up Card DIY with Cricut Maker

Mother's Day Heart Pop-Up Card DIY with Cricut Maker

Supplies Needed for Mother's day Pop-up Card:

Step 1: Patterned Paper

Step 2: Scoring Wheel

Step 3: Cutting Blade

Step 4: Repeat

Step 5: Adhesive

Check out these Cricut Machine bundles:

That's it!

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Here's some more helpful Cricut posts:

How to Make Giant Coffee Filter Flowers Hand Dyed DIY

How to Make Giant Coffee Filter Flowers Hand Dyed DIY

Easy Coffee Filter Flowers:

Supplies Needed for Giant Coffee Filter Flower:

Step 1: Dying the Coffee Filters

Coffee Filter Flowers with Markers:

Step 2: Building the Coffee Filter Flower

Create the center:

Build the Petals of the Rose:

Make Beautiful Flowers Bigger:

That's it!

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Here's some more great paper flowers!

25+ Mod Podge Crafts (Craft Project Ideas to DIY)

25+ Mod Podge Crafts (Craft Project Ideas to DIY)

Mod Podge Rocks!

MOD PODGE CRAFTS:

PLAID CRAFTS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM:

WHAT CAN I DO WITH MOD PODGE?

25+ Mod Podge Crafts (Craft Project Ideas to DIY)

Martha Stewart Paint: Butterfly Specimen Wall Art DIY

Martha Stewart Paint: Butterfly Specimen Wall Art DIY

MARTHA STEWART PAINT AND CRAFTING TOOLS AVAILABLE FROM PLAID

Use the code: DOODLECRAFT15 for 15% off your order!

CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME PRODUCTS:

SPRING HOME DECOR DIY:

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BUTTERFLY SPECIMEN ART:

STEP 1: TAPE EDGES

STEP 2: PAINT

POUROUS WOOD!

STEP 3: TEXTURE PASTE

TEXTURE PASTE RECIPE:

STEP 4: STENCILS

DIY HELLO SIGN:

BUTTERFLY COLLECTOR ART:

That's it!

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How to Make Japanese Paper Dolls with Origami Paper

How to Make Japanese Paper Dolls with Origami Paper

History:

Backstory:

Supplies Needed for Japanese Paper Dolls:

Step 1: Head and Neck

Step 2: Collar

Step 3: Kimono Dress

Step 4: Waist Band

Step 5: Hair Piece

Step 6: Embellishments

That's it!

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Check out these posts too--great for origami paper!

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

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

Tulip Tie-Dye Kits:

BRIEF HISTORY OF TIE DYE:

Supplies Needed for Tie Dye Party:

Tie-Dye Station Set Up:

Cheater Tip