A LITTLE DIVERSION

I bought a mug press to go with my Cricut a month ago 

and finally got around to figuring it out yesterday! 

 I made these mugs for my youngest son and daughter-in-law.  Yes, that is a fish biting the toe of the karate kick! 

I asked my son if he wanted me to have a fishing or karate theme and he jokingly told me he wanted a karate kick at a fish!  Well the jokes on him because that is what I did! lol  These mugs are set with infused ink so they are dishwasher and microwave safe--not vinyl applied to the outside like the early projects for mugs.  It just opens a whole new rabbit hole of creative ideas!

 

JUST IDEAS

I bought this tree so that I could hang different cardstock decorations throughout the year--I finally made some leaves!

After cutting them on the Cricut machine, I threaded them with a little loop so they could hang on each of the little 'branches'.  

I'm pleased with the results!

I've started row 6 on the mitered squares blanket. 

It's still a very pleasing knit.

And I cast on another sock in a solid color, 

to see if I like it better!  

 

A' WELCOME' CHANGE

I finally spent some time reacquainting myself with the Cricut machine on this previously purchased shaped signage I bought at Hobby Lobby.  The sunflower is actually a large 'sticker' I printed and then enhanced with colored pencils.  The letters are vinyl;  to protect the project, I sprayed it with clear lacquer.  The fun thing is--I will make another design for September on the other side!

Next, I found the right wall hanging and flowers to match--

to make a warm welcome with the new entrance decor!

 

WHAT?! A TNT!

I made some embroidered cards!  

Jennifer Maker has these Cricut patterns and many more

 to make embroidered cards.

They are a snap to cut and soon enough I was stitching, 

even though my 'aim' was very off

 but did improve as I kept working at it!

This wreath took a bit longer but was more enjoyable for me!

  It seems the glue leaked through and smeared the 'p' from the card that is used to hide the back of your work. 

 These cards are blank on the inside

 but I rarely lack for words to write in my own!  

I must say the hardest part was getting my fingers 

to hold the needle without fumbling!

 

THINK OF OTHERS

I made these holographic vinyls for my friend's drink cup.  Yes, it's her name and her super power!

She put it right on and see how the color changes in different light and angles?!  Pretty cool.
 

BOTTLED UP

I did a craft yesterday morning!  I cleaned the bottle then stuffed it with 'leaves' and a cork topped fairy lights.

I had cut the white vinyl lettering, peeled back the waste

 and pulled out all of the leftover bits.

I then placed the transfer tape on top 

so I could position it on the bottle!

And the best part is putting it on the window ledge!

 

MILTON LEFT A MESS

Power outages and no internet gave us a few days without being connected to the rest of the world! 

 The yard is a mess everywhere but there was no damage 

to our house for which we are grateful!  

The banana trees didn't fare as well, unfortunately!  

I did a bit of knitting on the smaller Sentro knitting machine 

using DK weight yarn.  I would think It will fit 6-12 month olds.

I also finished another pre-illness project, the crow wall plaque! 

I just needed to put the polyacrylic on to seal the painted wood 

so I could put the Cricut cut vinyl on as the finishing touch!

 

And a noble view of my companion, Lena.

SEE ME FLIT!

I made some letters on the Cricut--I know it doesn't look like it but these will spell WELCOME on a new sign.

I cut and painted the wood to make a porch sign for Autumn.  Ideas, you know.

I also cut this out and will be making a new sign for this, too.  

I think looking at Kim's Crow stitching inspired me!

Lena just couldn't keep up with me today-I did a little bit everywhere and she gave up and waited for me to make my bed.  She missed my efforts there and I got to make up the bed without her help! lol

 

AUTUMN ANTICIPATED

I made the matching paper leaf cutout  to match the pumpkin!  I think they will be a pretty addition to the Fall decorations I put out on September first. These are so simple to make which was a good project for my post-travel self!

Another way to relax and settle back in to home was to sit and weave!  The second towel is at the half way mark;  I'm torn between spending a few hours to finish it today or to slow down and enjoy it for several more days!

If I do slow down the weaving, I will be spending time sewing these together for another top to add to the quilting frame queue!

CRICUT CREATIONS

Pretty paper for the outside of a new card...

And a cut-out of thanks on the inside!!!  Isn't that just so cool?! 

 I am having fun learning how to use this machine!

I also had a fascination with this creation.  It is very dimensional-

---it is a pumpkin stained-glass project.  

It is 11 1/2" square.  I will find a frame for it.

I love following Jennifer Maker for all kinds of ideas and skills!

 

IDEAS REALIZED

Yup, this is giving an outlet that has been needing expression for months--to work with wood more! I painted some scraps of 2 x 6's, cut out some lettering and added a bit of twine and a starfish!

Isn't it pretty?!  

I'm still whipping up some amigurumi stingrays--

nice and quick projects.

I forgot to post this finished idea of felt succulents to go in this pot that I can't get anything to grow in but now I don't have to--it's attractive now without any watering! lol

 

AND LIFE GOES ON

What do you do when the storm rages outside?  You quilt, 

play on the design wall, load a new quilt,

make some watercolor cards on the Cricut

 (more on that tomorrow),

crochet another penguin

and knit away on your sock!

Today, the butterflies are back out and the birds are demanding their feeders be cleaned out and refilled and I am happy to oblige!  Now to clean up the yard of all of the palm boughs and Spanish moss on the driveway and ground!  We are grateful to come through it unscathed!

 

EASING INTO THE WEEK

The Layer Cake slices top #1 is off the frame and waiting for me in the binding pile......

And slices of Layer Cake #2 is loaded and ready .

I made some stickers on the Cricut;  it went well and took too long.  I do hate being a beginner with expert ideas! lol

 

A SWEET CRICUT!

A friend came over yesterday to give me some lessons on using the new Cricut!  It sure does help to have a helpful hand with something new and complicated! I was able to cut out the front of a get well card, 

glue a colorful insert and 

print the verse.  

I didn't think to add a 'brand' on the back but I will do that, too.

I also had fun cutting out some layers to make some paper succulent pieces to layer and glue.

I also made some out of felt which was pretty interesting , 

if nervy! 

I am going to add these to a pipe cleaner stem and stick them into a little pot for decoration in one of my wooden pieces. 

 I will post the finished project tomorrow!