EasyPress 2 Heats Things up with Cricut

Friday, September 21, 2018

Sponsored Post

EasyPress 2 Heats Things up with Cricut

Hello Darlin! This week Cricut provided me with a new EasyPress 2 Medium (9X9) to create a project within Design Space using their StrongBond Iron-on. One of my favorite ways to decorate during the colder months is snowflakes. Lets see how easy peasy this project will be for you to recreate.



Since the EasyPress 2 is heating up even faster than ever it had me thinking the opposite direction. Winter! My favorite gift or decor item for Winter is snowflakes or snowmen. These delicate one of a kind gems glisten through the sky making even the gloomiest of day sparkle. The snowflake pillow project material and directions are located here in Design Space

Dragonfly & Lily pads contains Affiliate Links to the items used in this blog post. When you purchase through the convenient links we will receive a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. 

Supplies
 

Cricut StrongBond SportsFlex Iron-On Metallics Sampler
12X12 Green Cutting Mat
Fabric of your choice or pre-made Pillow Cover 
(amount and size will vary with your pillow. This was 12X12)
EasyPress 2 9X9 or Medium
EasyPress Mat size?
Sparkling Snowflake Layered Card(#ME2F767) Anna's Christmas Card
Weeding Tools



While using Design Space from Cricut take it a step further to check your design by using the patterns for backgrounds even if you're not printing. Look at the realistic image that was created to assure your choices during the process. 




Anna Griffith designed a beautiful snowflake layered card, a perfect way to show you how easy it was to adapt a Design Space project into a different project. With her design I used one layer sliced off the card, deleted the score line and changed the size into a square.  Strongbond Iron-0n metallic is a the perfect way to add decor to a pillow.  It is guaranteed for 50 washings when used as directed.







Cricut produced a new EasyPress 2 which heats up faster with the new ceramic coated plate creating even heat for perfect projects. Speaking of surface the holder has a new easy to rest shape and I haven't even shared the best part yet. The EasyPress 2 comes in three sizes, S (6 X 7 ), M (9X 9), L (12 X 10). It has a USB port for easy updating, a sweet raspberry color, and the temperature raises up to 400 F. 




Come back each month for a new pillow cover design totalling 12 for the year. Storing 12 pillow covers is far easier than storing 12 different pillows. Keep reading to see what design is used for the next month. Also watch for a tutorial for easy to sew pillow covers out of your favorite fabrics, then you will be able to create right along with me. Please tag me on Instagram so when you create your pillow cover I will head over to comment on your project. Fly on over to follow Dragonfly & Lily Pads FaceBook Page where I will feature your pillows with credit to you.

I hope you enjoy the project please Pin, Pin, Pin!




The best part of this monthly post is all designs will be linked to the Cricut Design Space for easy access to create the project yourself. Join me in October for the next pillow cover creation.     

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~ Let Your Creative Spirit Dance  ~ 
                                                     Karen Marie



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Golden Dodecagon Votive Candle

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Golden Dodecagon Votive Candle

Today is the day when several bloggers join in a Craft and Create Challenge of the month. This month the theme is use your imagination. A few month ago this Dodecagon was made out of a cereal box. My soon to be daughter in law was pricing these votives for the wedding. $$$$$ The test project proved to be an cost effect design for decor for the wedding day.

Supplies

Metallic 12" X 12" Cardstock
Tiny Zots
Cricut Mat
Cricut Design Space
My Cricut Design Space has Dodecagon Votive and shapes.
Matte Gold Acrylic paint
Paint Brush
Battery Operated Candle
Cricut Maker


Above is an example of your computer screen while cutting and scoring in one setting using the Cricut Maker.


The scoring lines along with crisp cuts make an easy quick process to complete the craft. This project is not in my While in my craft room I cut the votive candle then brought them with me on the weekend.  Where is your favorite place to craft and create?  I love creating at the lake house. Please visit our Summer lake house tour. I am sure you will agree.

An easy way to bend straight tabs with the card stock my tip is to use your Cricut scrapper.


Once you fold all your angles become clear. I used double sided tape which fell apart from the heat and humidity the first one I assembled. This turned out to be a gift since I dry brushed the white interior with a matte gold then used tiny Zots to complete. The Zots worked much better and the brushed matte gold amped up the presentation of the votive.

AA few months ago cereal boxes proved to be a testing ground for making Dodecagon votive. For detailed directions follow this link to the tutorial.  It has a strong structure for battery operated candles. The price on one of these votives is costly out of metal painted gold. Each votive cost no more than two dollars with the battery operated candle.That is quite a savings!

Imagine the many parties you could use this Dodecagon Votive Candle Holder.
Below is a Pinterest image to include on your boards.


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~ Let Your Creative Spirit Dance  ~ 
                                                     Karen Marie

Be sure to visit my crafty & creative friends. I hope you enjoy the projects and Pin, Pin, Pin!




How  to Use Cricut for Branding - Create & Babble ⋅ Faux Leather Cactus Key Chain - Real Girls Realm ⋅ Teacher Award Ribbons - seeLINDSAY ⋅ Decorated Gift Bags with the Cricut Maker - Cookies, Coffee and Crafts ⋅ How to Make Leather Earrings - Refresh Restyle ⋅ Hello Gorgeous Makeup Bag - The How-To Home ⋅ How to use a lightbox for tracing - Smiling Colors ⋅ Personalized Baby Girl Cricut Card - The Inspiration Vault ⋅ Mermaid Glitter Wine Glasses - Daily DIY Life

Wedding Tote Created with Cricut EasyPress

Monday, July 9, 2018

Wedding Tote Created with Cricut Easy Press

 Keeping your things organized during the day of the wedding while looking graceful, calm and put together is no small feat.  During the shower for my son's fiance' I gave her mom a tote with the Mother of The Bride pressed in Sportflex iron on matte gold after creating the design on Cricut Design Space.


Double Duty Desk made with PureBond

Saturday, June 30, 2018


Double Duty Desk made with PureBond

PureBond sponsored The Fab Furniture Flipping Contest to showcase uses for their project panels called the One Panel Challenge. We were each given $50.00 Gift Certificate to Home Depot to purchase our Purebond choices and supplies.

Double Duty Desk made with PureBond One Panel Challenge

Many of you already know recently my first room in my life has closets filled with craft supplies. One of the biggest problems in this room is surface space to work but also collapse for guests to sleep when visiting.  The solution I came up with was to create an additional fold down surface which I could flip up for projects yet fold down for computer work or room for our guests.
Vintage Desk with light wax finish sanded for prep during One Panel Challenge from The Fab Flippin Furniture Contest Sponsored by PureBond

The prep work began in our backyard by sanding off the top finish of the desk. The top felt very smooth which caused me to suspect a waxed finish. 

Sanding with 120 and 220 sand paper to prepare desk for double duty finish.

 My suspicion was confirmed as you can see the white of the wax as I was sanding. Luckily the finish was thin leaving a beautiful wood surface after using 120 and 220 sanding paper in that order to ready the top for paint.

PureBond Hardwood Plywood Panel provide for One Panel Challenge cut to size and sanding.

The next step was to measure the top and then create the same size cuts to the PureBond Project Panel. Notice how close the top looks to the cut Purebond after the same sanding process. Adding the hardware on the ends prevents me from adding trim to compliment the routed edge on the desk. Sanding the edge to a soft rounded edges and corners gave me the look needed to blend the old and new.

Painting with Rust-Oleum  Ocean Mist spray paint for Double Duty Desk

I had ocean mist spray paint on hand in my stash and the color is a great blend to the color scheme in the craft room.

Everbilt Non-Mortise Hinges and Right and Left Lid Hinges with Safety stop.

The surface needed to be level when opened without a gap located in the center from the hinges. Another consideration was how to hold the top up secured when opened. For this part of the project thinking out of the box was key. There is no room under the desk to place the support in the center top.The lid support hinges work great since they work on the ends of the desk and top.

Everbilt Non Mortise hinges combine new PureBond One Panel Challenge with Vintage Desk

A great hint to screw in the hinges is turn the desk upside down on a level surface and line up the two tops. Then align the hinges and screw in to both the desk and PureBond Hardwood Plywood. This photo shows the age of the desk. I love the way the new PureBond blended seamlessly with the vintage desk.

Double duty desk with top folded down to save space during computer work.

Yes this vintage desk is wearing its character with cracks and age. By adding the PureBond flip up top this piece of furniture has been updated in color as well as a solving my surface problem. Now This vintage desk still adds the character to my craft room since Purebond provided an affordable strong project panel furniture finish plywood to add to this quality finish furniture piece will stand the test of time. 

Top of the new PureBond additional surface space with Double Duty Desk made with PureBond One Panel Challenge

 Above the hinge locks in place until you push it in and down. This is where I  noticed my shopping mistake. I grabbed two right handed hinges but needed a right and left handed hinge for each side of the desk. A quick exchange made by my Prince Charming and I was back on track.

I hope you loved this project. Please share and pin to save for your reference. When you build a PureBond One Panel Project tag me on Instgram

Double Duty Desk made with PureBond #OnePanelChallenge
I am thrilled with the double duty desk made for the PureBond One Panel Challenge. Purebond hardwood plywood allows a fine finish at an affordable price point with outstanding quality.

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~ Let Your Creative Spirit Dance  ~ 
      
                                                     Karen Marie

Stars and Stripes Candle Wrap

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Stars and Stripes Candle Wrap

This Sunday is the Craft and Create with Cricut Challenge. Michelle and Jeanie have been kind enough to round up some Crafty, Creative Cricut lovers who share their beat ideas each month with you. Thank you Michelle and Jeanie for being the masterminds of this fun challenge.
The 4th of July theme has me thinking Stars and Stripes which will brighten my decor by day and glow while the fireworks light up the night sky to cap of a fun day of celebrating the USA. 
Do you remember this post on DIY Holiday Candle Wraps for the Winter Holidays? To learn how to make the candle wraps refer to the link above for a tutorial.

Wood Cake Topper With Cricut Knife Blade

Thursday, May 24, 2018


Wood Cake Topper with Cricut Knife Blade

Good morning Darlings it is a fun day today. We are using WOOD as our Craft Lightning material and I am excited to use my new Cricut Knife Blade. The good news is, the blade cuts through 1/16th Basswood like butter. Lets hang out together for 15 minutes while I show you how to make your own cake topper which is as easy as pie

15 Minute Wood Cake Topper for any event. This one is for my sons upcoming nuptials

Summer Onesie Made with Cricut

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Summer Onesie Made with Cricut

It is the Craft & Create Monthly Challenge today. The team has chosen Summer as our theme. The buds of Spring are just beginning to peak out in our neighborhood. How is the weather where you live? This time of year makes me think of diamonds, dusty mitts, and the cheer of the fans. 
The first thought which came to mind was to honor the most American pastime of Summer. Take Me Out To The Ball Game in my own way came to life. 

Take Me Out To The Ball Game Onesie made with Cricut Maker. Cricut SportsFlex Deep Blue, A white Gerber Onesie and a Deep Red Flock Iron on.

End of the Year Teacher Gift Made with Cricut

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

End of the Year Teacher Gift

As Spring arrives it is time to gather ideas of how to thank those who have spent the school year working with our children. Today I am sharing my favorite gift we have given to the staff and teacher of my sons. This gift lives on and on just like the impact teachers, aides, nurses, principals and office staff leave on our kids. In this tutorial you will learn how to make a tag to hang on a plant. The tag reads, "Thank you for helping me grow."


Not only am I sharing my favorite gift ideas made for the end of the year teacher gift but my friends are sharing their best ideas too. Join us all week as you have hit the jackpot for all your teacher gifts this year.


Ring Bearer T-Shirts Made with Cricut Sports Flex Iron-On

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

This post is sponsored by Cricut. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ring Bearer T-Shirts Made with Cricut SportFlex Iron-On

When Cricut approached me with using their new SportFlex Iron On I knew what I was making immediately. Two little boys 5 and 2 are standing up as ring bearers in our family wedding this Summer. No little boy ever said, "I want to wear a tuxedo all day when it is 100 Degrees." Wicking fabric t-shirts seemed the perfect gift for our two little guys to hit the dance floor running after the ceremony. 

Superhero Ring Bearer moisture wicking T-Shirt made with Cricut Sports Flex Iron-ON Vinyl



Supplies

*For your convenience Affiliate Links are included in this post. This sends you directly to the products used in this post while you pay no additional costs I receive a small commission from your purchase.





           Light Blue SportFlex Iron On


Ruler

Scissors 







Cricut Design Space Cutting Phase of Ring Bearer T-shirt made with pineapple slice image


There are Five images I used from Cricut Design Space. You can look at by clicking the link above for more details.

When using Vinyl Sport Flex Iron On you must mirror the image

Mirror images is very important since the images would be back word. Above is an example of what a mirror image will look like on your mat before cutting.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend but the love of your life is even better.

Measuring to find the middle of your moisture wicking T-shirt and the design you are making are extremely important. This step will help you center your project properly on your garment. 


The recommended heat setting for the EasyPress with nylon blend fabric is 305 and 30 seconds of pressing with Medium pressure. 15 seconds on the back  with a warm peel. Turn on your EasyPress while remembering to set the temperature as well as the timer. It will beep when it is ready to begin.


As I mentioned above I began my design as soon as Cricut accepted me for the SportFlex Iron-On program. Cricut recommends a 2 layer limit when using this product for best results. I used 5 layers of SportFlex Iron-On in my design before I knew the recommendations. Since I had my heart set on making my Superhero Ring Bearer design I thought I would give it a try. I had sliced the layers to fit with in each other and the bigger layers did great. The Font was fragile to work with curling slightly. I was able to use the pick to hold it down as it cooled. The diamond ring is layered on top of the superhero shield as well as the blue diamond. Those elements worked terrific with no complications
      


                                                                                                                





The Cricut Maker made smooth work of cutting the SportFlex Iron-on. I used the setting with more and speed which cut through my project nicely on each phase.






Here is where I went a little rouge for the directions because as I said before I had my design created before the new product came out. Would you believe the gold and light blue part of my design was a pineapple ring in Cricut Design Space! The diamond ring is actually a napkin ring holder. They both are adorable on their own but used as a Superhero Ring Bearer Nylon wicking shirt design you would never know.




The EasyPress has beeped it is ready. You simply prepare your t-shirt place your iron-on design and wait 30 seconds. Remember to set the EasyPress to 305 F Press for 30 Seconds using timer and medium pressure. Then due 15 seconds on back of garment and warm peel.

Layering the Cricut Sport Flex on a Swim Shirt with moisture wicking from Walmart.

Using a warm peel method gently remove the backing at a 45 degree angle while pressing any pieces down with a pick. It is hot so be careful.

Double trouble when two little guys become Superhero Ring Bearers

OMG! These two brothers are going to look so cute busting their moves on the dance floor after escorting the rings down the aisle on N & J wedding day. 

Be sure to Pin it! I will be sure to add pictures to my Instagram after the big day. I have already made a canvas bag for the Mother of the Bride, and Love Love Love Heart Art on burlap. You are going to love how the stretch clings to the fabric literally looking as if it is melting right in to the different fabrics I have used so far. You will fall in love just like me when you try the New Cricut SportFlex Iron-on


What is the first project you would make with Cricut SportFlex Iron On and  EasyPress? I would love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

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~ Let Your Creative Spirit Dance  ~ 

      Karen Marie



This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.


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New Life for a 3 Buck Table

Thursday, March 22, 2018


New Life for a 3 Buck Table

Today is a fun day Dragonfly Darlings. We are learning from the best upcycling, repurposing blogging group. It is March Thrift Store Challenge Day!!! Learn How easy is it to take a Three Buck Table to it's new life. Perfect for a Spring project as we clean up our yards, plant gardens and when done sit back and enjoy some lemonade.




The Rules:

  • Upcycle an item(s) from a thrift store, resale store, or garage sale into a new piece of decor.
  • There's no monthly theme.
  • There's no budget to stick to.

Meet the Hosts


Make sure you follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!



Love Love Love Burlap Art

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Love Love Love  Burlap Art 

Darlings we are marching into the Create with Cricut Challenge. It's Burlap month! You may have noticed I have love on my mind this year. Since we are planning two weddings with in ten months of each other you may actually consider calling me a wedding planner. HaHa! The inspiration for my burlap art is a combination of two of my thoughts colliding. First I have the song, ๐ŸŽAll You Need is Love, ๐ŸŽ by The Beatles humming in my head. Second matte gold is N & J accent metal color for their wedding. I apologize ahead for the song now being stuck in your head or the matte gold buying spree.

Burlap Art made with Cricut title Love Love Love for March Challenge Create with Cricut

Mother of The Bride HTV Tote

Mother of  the Bride Tote

Today we are focusing on something we rarely do for ourselves. Self Care! How about Darlings? I know that is the last thing on my list most days. Truth be told when raising babies many of us were lucky to get a shower in by days end. Gross! It is real life. A group of bloggers are giving you Awesome ideas how to create Self Care made with Cricut projects. Jessica of the DIBY Club has gathered together a group of wildly creative souls. She is contributing the first link below this post with a pattern for pajama suit The Gabriella. I for one Love a lounging PJ Day,  These  projects would be great gifts or given to yourself too. I suggest two for me one for you idea. ๐Ÿ’–After all we are promoting Self Care!!
Well gone are the days of babies crying at our house. Wedding number 2 Here We Come. We have two sons, but I never thought our family would be planning a second wedding in a year.
Taking the first son A & A wedding into account my take away from the beautiful day we added our first daughter to our family it is a blink of beauty, emotions and making sure the day was perfect for our kids and guests. For our
N & J wedding this Summer I thought a gift for her mother would be nice. Keeping your things organized along with the many parts of the moving puzzle of a wedding while looking graceful, calm and put together is no small feat.

Mother of the Bride Heat Transfer Vinyl Tote

Clay Pots Glamour

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Clay Pots Glamour

This morning you may be a little tired after a fun weekend. Don't despair during this Monday darlings we will bring some glamour into your life in 15 minutes or less using clay pots! That's right people it is Craft Lightning Week and it is all about Clay Pots. Follow along all week with our lovely hostesses: 
Angie from Country Chic Cottage  Carolina from 30 minute Crafts Moerena from Morena's Corner feature over 40 Clay Pot ideas you can make in a few minutes.

Glamorous Clay Pots in less than 15 minutes lead picture of Gold pots filled with pea gravel, and succullents

Sunset HTV T-Shirt

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Sponsored

Good Morning Darlings! Today is all about HTV and Happy Crafters kindness to join the group of Craft & Create Bloggers on the challenge this month providing us all with HTV and a T-shirt to work our magic. Thank you Happy Crafters! You truly made this crafter happy along with many more. 
As you can see I will be sharing my latest T-shirt design using a blue heather shirt, Matte Gold and Rose Gold HTV all from Happy Crafters. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom of this post because Happy Crafters is holding a Giveaway to make you Happy too. You must enter to win!!!!