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Exciting Happenings
I have never been to Point Pelee and I enjoyed it. It was beautiful and peaceful. I want to go back again and explore parts of the parks that we didn’t go to or do more of the areas we did get to. It was a good start to help prep for our trip to Costa Rica. Ian is a big bird person and Point Pelee is the place to go and see all the cool birds. There were lots of birds, a turtle and frogs. We got to see all kinds of cool birds and enjoy nature. It is a great way to spend the day outside with friends and family. I am sure there was more out there but we just couldn’t see it. At the point itself, the view of Lake Erie was incredible and I could stand there all day.
I got to lead a Cricut class "making your own tote bag" at HelloMaker! I helped the attendees create their designs or they could come with one ready. I also helped them cut and weed the design and adhere the design to the bag, and gave general advice on the Cricut machines if they had any questions. It was awesome being able to do this and help people with the project. I missed doing classes like this and it made me feel more like myself. I can’t wait to do more in the future. They won’t all be just tote bags there will be other projects like glasses or mugs. Stay tuned for more information on my blog if you would like to join the classes!
I created a new work surface in my office. There just wasn’t enough space or surfaces for all the supplies and tools it just sat on the floor or in weird spots. I would have to pull it out, put it on a cramped desk to use it and then put it back it got a little annoying. For the longest time, I was looking at buying new pieces of furniture to fix it but it’s expensive. I rearranged hoping that might help and half the time it didn’t work. I never thought about going to a hardware store and buying a shelf to put on top of the furniture I already had until I saw it on Pinterest. I bought a shelf from Rona and placed it on of the two shelves that hold cardstock and created a new work surface. It has been great, the printer isn’t in an awkward spot, my laminator can stay out, and there is a permanent home for the Cricut Joy. I can leave projects on it to dry and I can hide all the ugly cords underneath. With the rearranging to set it up, I made more room and have no idea how I did it.
Projects and up on the blog
HTV tips and tricks - this is completely printable (link coming soon)
"I like big books" stickers
"Emotional baggage" stickers (link coming soon)
"Floral note" stickers
Last month I bought some pendants to start making necklaces using UV resin. I hadn't tried it until this month and didn't go as well as I had hoped. It turned out okay for the first time. It is something I can wear myself so I will consider that a win. I think the problem was I pushed the dried flower too far down and it didn't cure right.
I have been trying to add heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or iron-on to faux leather. I want to be able to add it to projects from time to time. I don’t use it very much so I am playing with it a little more and experimenting with it. It hasn’t gone as well but I am getting there, I either overheat it and the glue kind of goes weird or flatten the texture. Yay for scrap pieces to try it out in because I hate wasting materials.
I did my first beer cup glass and I love how it turned out. It took some time for me to actually make one because I had to order new ones since the first box had a broken one. I used a pre-designed coffee bean wrap image to get a feel for it for the first time. Next, I am going to try and create my own wrap but I am not a designer so it will probably take a few tries. I can't wait to do more.
Books
“Magnolia Table volume 3” - I am a big fan of Joanna Gaines and when she puts out a book I get it. There are so great recipes in there I want to try.
Techniques to try
Waterproofing stickers using a laminator which seems to be one of the most popular ways of making the stickers waterproof so at some point I will give it a try.
New tools/supplies
"Shiftcam SNAPGRIP" - This is a neat gadget for my phone. It attaches to the phone and makes it feel more like an actual camera. It has a grip for your hand and a button to press to take the picture. Connects to your phone with Bluetooth to charge the phone with the power bank.
"Cup cradle" - I wanted to get one of these to help with holding glasses, mugs and tumblers when I am applying vinyl. I tried to use random things that I have seen other crafters do in the past and they didn’t work the best for me. This cradle is heavy, made of silicone and stays in place.
"Zicoto vinyl matte sticker paper" - I like this sticker paper and would use definitely it again. It's got a good weight and think the stickers are pretty sturdy and waterproof. The next test will be with trying it with Oracal transparent vinyl like I usually do.
"Guillotine cutter by we r memory keepers" - I was so excited when I saw this at Homesense on clearance. I have a small one but I have always wanted a big one and now I have one. The one linked is similar to what I have but mine is purple.
Music
Joy Oladokun - I have been introduced to her recently and I suggest listening to her.
Home decor
Wicker baskets from a yard sale - I was super excited to get these baskets at such a good deal. I got a bunch of them in practically perfect condition for 5 dollars for all of them. I had been wanting to get a few but some places what a small fortune. Now it’s time to decide what to do with them.
Floral planter - The planter is from the Linen Chest. It has different shades of pink and green with flowers, plants and butterflies. It gives spring vibes and it makes me happy.
Kate Spade lamp - I am super excited to have this lamp. We have gone to HomeSense many times and have loved it. We were looking for a lamp since we were changing up the living room a bit and it was in the clearance section! It was such a great deal.