Cutting Vinyl with a Cricut {Mini Tutorial}

We posted a few weeks back about making your own Bean Bag Toss. We also mentioned that we were going to give the Bean Bag Toss we made to friends of ours as a gift. We wanted to customize the toss, so we decided to add some vinyl. Our friends just built a game room/bar next to their home *which is on acres of land out in the middle of no where. They have dubbed their new game room/bar as "The Joint in the Woods". We figured it would be most appropriate to add "The Joint in the Woods" to the Bean Bag Toss. 

I'll tell you right now--I don't have the best patience when it comes to applying vinyl. It can twist, tangle, and adhere to its self. Plus I can never seem to line it up straight. I do have the transfer paper which helps, but I'm still not 100% at the applying vinyl part. Mr. Woodsy and I agreed that I would cut out all the lettering and then he would apply the vinyl letters on to the Bean Bag Toss. Team work at it's best!

You'll notice in the pictures that their are paper cut outs everywhere. That's because I do a mock up for size and spacing prior to cutting the vinyl. I want to make sure that I'm not wasting one scrap of vinyl (lets face it--it's expensive). Plus this gives you a good idea of what the finished product will look like. Mr. Woodsy likes to measure out and draw a line (on the surface) where he will be placing the letters with a pencil. Just by Googling I found tons of tips and tricks for cutting vinyl. If you buy the Provocraft vinyl they give you all the settings on the directions. 

Here is what I found when working with vinyl: 

**Use a new(er) adhesive mat and a sharp blade**

*Definition of a Kiss-Cut: 

To die-cut but not all the way through the paper – commonly used for peel off stickers.

 Basic Shape:   

Blade Depth 3 

Speed 2-3
Pressure 2
Intricate Shape:

Blade Depth 3 

Speed 1
Pressure 2 

We used the basic shape settings for "joint; woods" and the intricate settings for the cursive words "in; the". I use the kiss-cut method if we are peeling off the letters and placing them our selves. I use a full cut-through method if I am using the transfer paper. Hope this tutorial helped. Feel free to e-mail us with any questions. 

What do you think of our now customized Bean Bag Toss? 

*Our friends absolutely loved them! 

Disclaimer: Provocraft did not provide us with any of the materials used nor are we being compensated for this post. This post is purely my own thoughts and opinions. 

Dual Heat-N-Bond {Cricut Cut} Onesie

One of my first post on Sew Woodsy was about cutting fabric with the cricut and using Heat-N-Bond to adhere the fabric to clothing. I got a new cartridge recently, and was working on some baby gifts and made my first ever layered heat-n-bond fabric project. I love how the additional color brings out the rest of the cut phrase and image. 

If your interested in doing a dual-layered cut out using heat-n-bond you'll want to adhere the first layer onto the clothing, and once the surface has cooled, carefully place the second layer of fabric on to the surface where you'd like to adhere it too. Follow the directions of the heat-n-bond, and voila! You'll have a dual-layer heat-n-bond cut out! 

Laundry Room Signs {Wash, Dry, Fold}

I started these laundry room signs back in September, and they sat... for months. Until finally, I was tired of looking at them in my guest bedroom. I had finally decided how I would display them and what color scheme I was going for in the laundry room. I originally got the idea from CraftOManiac, and with some pre planing aka browsing the internet, I knew how I wanted to make these signs my own!

I purchased the same plaques from the dollar store, removed the ribbon, and began painting with a "sample" paint I had from painting our house. After I was done painting I was ready to cut out my letters with the cricut and mod podge them on the plaques; however, Mr. Woodsy was not happy with how rough the wood was. So he took them, and sanded them down for me, and then I painted another coat of paint on them. 

While the paint was drying I decided on the font I wanted to use, and began cutting out the letters using the Jasmine cricut cartridge. 

 I then applied a thin layer of Matte Mod Podge to the panted plaque. I carefully placed the letters on the plaque and let it dry for a good 20 minutes.  *Obviously this is the wrong order that the sign should go in.

About 20 minutes later I applied another layer of mod podge. Pictured above is the mod podge dried. I then waited MONTHS until I did anything with these inexpensive signs.

A few week's ago I finally decided what color ribbon I wanted to use and where I wanted to place these signs. I decided I wanted them to read vertical instead of each sign hanging horizontally. I used one consecutive piece of ribbon as pictured above. 

After reconfirming that I liked the spacing I removed the bottom sign and placed hot glue on each of the ribbon pieces. 

I carefully placed the sign on the ribbon (pushing down firmly to make sure that it sticks). Make sure when you are pushing the sign onto the ribbon that it doesn't move and that hot glue doesn't drip over the edge of the ribbon and adhere to your floor (like mine did)! 

Repeat the last two steps (two more times) until all three signs have been glued to the ribbon. 

Here is the finished product... except when we went to pick it up the "wash" sign was leaning over. 

So, I fixed this by adding additional dot of glue towards the top of the ribbon on each side. 

I used my handy dandy Hot Glue Gun Helper to push the ribbon that had the hot glue on it onto the placque. No more hot glue burns here! :) 

I consulted with Mr. Woodsy on where I would like it hung, and he went right to work. 

Here is the final product! Plus, a sneak peak of what's to come (Re-Wrapped Fabric Board)! 

All You Need is "LOVE"

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's day and got to spend it with someone you love! I got back from my work trip just in time to enjoy my decorations a few more days. They will soon be boxed up and I'll have to wait another year to bring them out again.


A few week's ago I asked Mr. Woodsy to give his scroll saw another whirl and cut out the word "LOVE" for me. I was inspired by the LOVE cut out on the Home Accents Cricut cartridge, and knew it would make for a great wood cut-out.


Mr. Woodsy used literally a scrap of birch wood to create this amazing piece of art! I cut out the word "love" on my Cricut at 5-1/2 inches. Mr. Woodsy then traced it and within a few minutes had the word cut out (and all in one piece). With a little sanding; it was complete! I originally wanted to paint it red, but due to my heavy load at work I never got around to it. I know he's happy to see for once one project stay a natural wood color. There's always next year for paint! 

January Craft with Me: Rosette Frame {Mini Tutorial}

I got quite a few craft projects completed this weekend, and one of them is one I've been wanting to work on ALL month! Ucreate hosted a few "create with me" sessions in 2010, and they are planning to host one each month in 2011!  For those of you who aren't familiar with Ucreate you should go check them out--right now! 


This month's "create" session was to create a rosette frame. I bought a very inexpensive frame a few months back at Goodwill. Actually, to be more precise I bought two wooden frames for .69 cents each! I knew I'd make something cool out of it--I just didn't know what. With some mod podge, fabric, and a little help from the cricut I made such an awesome Valentine's inspired frame. I'm super happy with how it came out and of course I love the picture I choose! That's our dog, Lola, aka the furbaby (the closest thing we have to a child, and at times I feel can be even more needy than a child). 

Supplies: 

-Picture Frame

-Scrapbook paper

-Exacto knife

-Mod Podge paper

-Foam brush

Scissors

-Fabric

-Hot Glue Gun

-Picture

*Any other embellishments you please (I pictured buttons, but changed my mind at the end of the project)

First, you will want to cut out your paper leaving a few inches on each side. 

Next, you will want to apply a generous amount of mod podge to the front of the frame, then press down firmly. *If you want your paper to lay perfectly flat you will need to watch your paper and as bubbles pop up you will need to start smoothing the paper. I on the other hand did not want the paper to be flat and I wanted the little bit of added texture. After the paper has dried to your frame {about 5 minutes} you will want to carefully use your exacto knife and cut out the center of the frame. Cut a slit on each of the corners to make it easy to wrap the inner pieces of paper. 

Next you will want to wrap the paper around the frame, applying generous coats of mod podge. Once all the sides are wrapped you will want to start applying a few thin and even coats of mod podge all around the front and sides of the frame. *This is also when I applied the "love" cut out from my cricut. 

Next, you will want to plug in your hot glue gun, cut your fabric, and tie your knots. I follower THIS tutorial, from The Secret Stitch Club, on how to make the fabric rosette (can you believe this was my first time?)! Overall, it was pretty easy and I learned a lot! 

Next, you will want to add on your embellishments. I choose to use some of Jolee's Jewel's Swarovski crystals. I dabbed a little bit of hot glue to the rosette and with tweezers from my awesome hot glue gun helpers I placed the gems on the flower. 

Here is the finished product! 

Heart Garland

Last year after receiving my sewing machine I was starting to practice on paper and scraps of fabric. I had scene this idea on a blog (forgive me for not knowing which one), and instantly went to recreate it. This blogger though, cut there hearts by hand. Since I had also received a cricut for Christmas I choose a few pieces of scrap book paper, choose the size of my heart and began cutting quite a few (a good 15-20 minutes worth of) hearts. Once I was done cutting out my hearts I stacked them in the order in which I wanted them to hang... a pattern of sorts. I then began running each heart through my sewing machine. I made sure to keep a good 12 inches of thread on each end of the garland so that I could hang it. 

Depending on your length will depend on how many hearts you need to run through your machine. 

 Last year I hung this garland above my kitchen window and sliding glass doors. This year I decided to decorate my living room shelves {the closest thing I have to a mantel}. Now, I just need to have enough time and energy to finish making some more Valentine's crafts to fill these shelves! *Pictured is the Believe sign that Mr. Woodsy created before Christmas. I'm hoping to replace this with a Valentine's inspired sign! 

These are easy to store year after year. Just cut a piece of card stock. Cut a slit at the top with scissors place the thread in the slit and carefully start wrapping your hearts! 

Frosted Valentine's Day Vases {Mini Tutorial}

Last year, after receiving my cricut for Christmas (2009) I started seeing all of these blog post about cutting vinyl with the cricut! I was instantly intrigued, but at the same time quite a bit intimidated. I saw on a blog (and forgive me that I did not document which blog) how you could use etching cream, vinyl, and a plain vase to create a frosted glass! I cleaned my vases very well with hot water and soap prior to getting started on the project. I laid out newspaper on my kitchen island, and got to work!

Supplies Needed:

-Vases (I bought mine for a dollar each at the dollar store)

-Etching Cream (about $10)

-Sponge brush

-Vinyl

-Newspaper

-Sink with flowing water

In my mind I mapped out how I wanted this to look. I cut out individual phrases and shapes on my cricut using about 3 sheets of 6x12 vinyl. I can tell you that the person who blogged about this project had design studio where she welded everything together prior to cutting it out. I on the other hand still design studioless cut out each individual shape/phrase and applied it by hand to the glass (a little on the time consuming side). 

After I applied ALL the vinyl by hand I started rubbing a generous amount of etching cream to the vase. Well, I thought it was enough on the first vase--I later found that you really need to cake the stuff on and make sure it isn't streaky or that's the way your vase will come out. 

Me, concentrating on painting on the etching cream. 

Me, posing as I rub on the etching cream. ;) Once you have all the etching cream on you let it sit for about 20 minutes, wash the etching cream off in the sink, and then peal the vinyl off.

Here is a picture of my final product. You will see that they are all a little streaky, but I think it was a great first attempt! I used these vases for Valentine's day as a center piece on the table.  I had flowers in the middle vase, and I placed tea light candles in the other two--too not only set the mood, but give a nice glow to the table. Throughout the year (and to hold flowers throughout the year I use the LOVE vase and the Live, Laugh, Love vase to hold flowers. 

*All pictures were pre-DSLR and pre-blog. I merely documented my project to share with family and friends!

Top 10 Craft Projects in 2010

Each year as the year ends we see a lot of countdowns... best of's per-say. I figured it would be a great way to end they year by doing the Top 10 Craft Projects in 2010 on Sew Woodsy. I based this on our "all time" pageviews and that's how I choose our top ten! Hope you enjoy and can't wait to spend a new year with such amazing followers! 

#10: Tutorial: Cutting Heat-N-Bond Adhered Fabric with the Cricut

This was one of our first post on the blog and it had 546 views within the past year! This was our first project accepted by Craft Gawker, too!

 #9: Mod Podge File Cabinet Make-Over

Later on in the month of August we posted about this awesome and inexpensive revamp. 548 views and it's still a fan favorite! 

#8: {Sneak Peak} Apothecary Bottle

As most of you quickly learned Halloween is the "Woodsy's" favorite holiday of the year! This simple goodwill find revamp was a huge hit with 628 pageviews!

#7: {mini tutorial} Bloody Bathroom

A $20 Halloween bathroom make-over proves that you really can transform anything! 639 views later... and I'm sure a few more bathrooms a bit creepier in 2010! We also made the top 10 on The CSI Project!

#6: Guest Bathroom Mini-Makeover + Black Crown Molding

Crown Molding can be a pain to instal but it makes a world of a difference in any room! When you paint it black and give your guest bathroom a mini makeover you are sure to turn heads! 712 heads to be exact! 

#5: {Tutorial} Halloween Silhouette Plates

$5 worth of plates from the goodwill, black spray paint, and some Halloween silhouettes cut out via the cricut made this project a big success! 790 views in total! 

#4: One Cool Halloween Owl

After finding a super awesome and easy to use pattern online I sewed up this awesome little owl. Little did I realize we would gain almost a thousand hits {915 to be exact}! This cute little Halloween Owl  was featured on the Creative Itch and was also accepted by Craft Gawker.

#3: {Tutorial} Mummy Head on a Platter

Ahhh, probably one of my most favorite projects of the year! The Mummy Head on a Platter. After not wanting to spend $70 on Grandin Road I decided to recreate my own for about $20! In my opinion it came out even better and I even saw a few other recreations on the web after I posted about mine! This mummy head made the cut on The CSI Project & was also accepted by Craft Gawker {1,317 pageviews}!

#2: Tutorial: Customized Magazine Holders

With such a low cost project this got a lot of buzz including a shout out from the infamous Craft Gawker to boot! 15 comments and 1,431 pageviews later I'm happy I did this simple and easy magazine revamp/storage solution for my new craft room! 

and the number 1 project in 2010 {according to pageviews}...

Skeleton Magnets {Mini Tutorial}

A simple idea that came to mind made such a big impact! Was featured on Craft Gossip! 42 comments and 2, 320 pageviews! I am still blown away by the notoriety  these easy to make magnets got! 

Skeleton Paper Towel Cap

I was up to no good the other week, and as I worked on the awesome apothecary bottle I had an "aha" moment. As I pulled the large skeleton cut out off my cricut mat I saw the eyes, nose, and stitched mouth sitting there and I knew I needed to make it into something cool. I remembered I had this useless glass candle piece that came with one of the candelabra's I bought a while back at the thrift store and that's when I went digging around for it. I found it, pulled out the modge podge, and created a little skeleton face. For some reason I decided to let it dry on top of the paper towel holder. I came back to check on it and I fell in love with even more than what I first thought of this great idea.

Tutorial: Cutting Heat-N-Bond Adhered Fabric with the Cricut

I am a fairly "new" owner of a cricut. I've had mine for less than a year and have already done so much with it! From cutting paper to vinyl, and now fabric! I'll walk you through some steps on how to cut fabric with your cricut using an iron-on adhesive.

1. First practice on paper to make sure that you achieve the size(s) you want before wasting your iron-on adhesive/fabric. You will also want a brand new or very sharp blade, and a brand new mat. I've recently dedicated one of my mat's and blades to cutting fabric only. That way I don't have to go out and buy new materials each time. 

2. Make sure that the chosen fabric to cut is pre-washed and DO NOT use fabric softener. After you have washed your fabric, adhere Heat-n-Bond ultrahold to your fabric. Pre-heat iron to medium heat, NO steam. Cut your fabric and heat-n-bond to fit the size of your cricut mat. Make sure that you give a little extra room on your material to compensate for when you iron on the heat-n-bond. You do not want to get the heat-n-bond on your ironing board!  Place adhesive on back of material to be bonded (paper liner should face up). Place and hold iron on the paper liner for 2 seconds. Repeat until entire surface is bonded. Allow to cool. *You can purchase Heat-n-Bond in the fabric store, or they also sell it in the crafting section at Wal*mart (typically 1 yard for $3). Heat-n-Bond comes in a variety of strengths. I prefer the ultrahold since you know you'll be washing this and will want it to withhold heavy duty usage!

3. Peel the paper backing off the fabric and adhere it to the mat (adhesive side down). If you leave the white liner on the fabric and then adhere it onto your mat it will end up getting messed up when you start cutting (i.e., bunching; not all of the cut will come through). Make sure that the fabric is smooth and is adhered well to the mat.

4. Set your cricut blade on 5, the speed on the lowest and the pressure to max. This will ensure that the cricut will not go too fast and pull the fabric off the mat. Load your mat into the cricut and begin to cut. Once your done cutting... carefully remove your heat-n-bond fabric from the mat with a cricut spatula.

5. Place the material, adhesive side down, on top of your project. Press and hold iron for 8 seconds on each section until the entire piece is bonded. *Make sure that you leave the iron in one place for a few seconds to ensure the cut-out hasn't moved. 

*Make sure to always read the heat-n-bond directions since times may vary depending on what type of fabric is being used. All directions given above are for cotton materials. 

Here is one other example of a t-shirt I transformed by cutting out fabric adhered to heat-n-bond with my cricut, and adding spunk to a shirt that was full of hole's and in the goodwill pile! 

Have fun playing with cutting heat-n-bond adhered fabric on the cricut!

Linked to: Craftgawker, Blue Cricket Designs, Oops, I craft my pants