I wanted to make something creative that I though my hubby would actually use for Father's Day. I came across this project on a blog and knew I had to make my version. =)
Each pallet has the D.O.B. of each of our children.
I used my Cricut Explore to make the pallet "markings". The Cricut Explore can cut vinyl super tiny. The marking are only .5" high!
I used Tim Holtz distress inks in several colors to add an aged/weathered look. I also added mini nails for a more authentic look. To seal the wood, I used a thin layer of Mod Podge so the distress ink colors wouldn't run once the glasses sweat. You could also use real stain. I chose the inks because I could create a variety of patterns/colors.
MATERIALS:
Two (2) 1/2″ x 1/2″ x 36″ square dowels.
Three (3) 1/2″ x 1/4″ x 36″ rectangular dowels.
Adhesive of choice. I used E600. Other options would be wood glue or hot glue.
Mini nails to embellish with.
A type of saw. If you the balsam dowels from Michael's, you can also cut it with an exacto knife.
Inks or stain of your choice. I used Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, Iced Spruce, Forest Moss & Antique Linen.
To personalize, you will also need black vinyl and a cutting machine. You could also stamp your markings.
Mod Podge (light single layer) to prevent ink colors from running once the drink sweats.
The wood used was a light balsam (purchased from Michael's). The cost of the wood was about $12. I already had everything else. You can also use popsicle sticks with the rounded edges cut off. The project is super easy and super cute. Making the coasters takes about an hour. Add one more hour if you want to weather and embellish. I hope you give it a try! =)
I recently bought some foam to cut in my Cricut Explore. I have all sort of ideas on how I can use foam to craft and play with if I can nail down the process. I first cut foam with the Explore for the Fourth of July. I made a Statue of Liberty hat for my daughter. The process was pretty easy, so I decided to try a more detailed project. Cricut has released a new cartridge called Intricate Cut Quotes that has all sorts of possibilities. I decided to try my hand at making a coin purse.
The first time I cut foam using my Cricut Explore, I cut it a few times because it didn't look like it cut all the way through. I also tried using a deep cut housing and blade because I thought the blade housing was dragging. From my experience, using the standard foam 1.9mm setting, it doesn't cut all the way through to pull off the mat like cardstock does. You simply pull the cut foam shape and it will weed with a clean line.
I used a standard mat and a regular housing blade to cut my foam using the suggestions listed in the Custom Material Setting for my Cricut Explore.
I used sticky Velcro to create the coin purse opening/closure.
I sewed the edges using the cuts created from the image as by guide.
I also embossed the foam to give it a faux leather texture.
I hot glued the edges about two inches at a time so that the glue remained hot and would adhere completely.
Close view of the opening/closure.
I wasn't the neatest with my hot glue. I either need to not glue so close the edge or I need one of the hot glue guns with the intricate opening (What??? An excuse to buy another crafting tool??? ;) )
All ready to fill.
I didn't want to leave out the card makers out there. Here is the card I created using the same cut:
Cricut helped "give me a little direction" when creating this week! The Arrows cut is free this week when using Design Space and your Cricut Explore.
I didn't have similar cardstock as featured in Cricut's example. I then remembered that the Imagine Pattern cartridge Notebook Doodles had a paper airplane print out as a Bonus feature. Viola. I had my cardstock! There are a few other options to use as well like grid paper or blank notebook paper.
It's a fun card and it's easy to make. Just press Make It Now and your Explore will do most of the work for you!
I also used my Stampin' Up! notebook punch to add interest to the corner and used Liquid Pearls in Mint Green instead of adhesive pearls. The great thing about using Liquid Pearls is that you can control the size of your embellishment.
My Cricut Explore is HERE and I have been super busy trying all the new features that are now available to me for crafting. First, I want to tell you how well it cuts Stampin' Up! 80lb cardstock. I have always had trouble with the finer more delicate cuts with my Cricut and this cardstock. Now, no problem! Cuts like butter! I have also tried using the draw function to fill in lettering, then cut the shape. Journaling, anyone??? Now, I just tried cutting a vector of my Sock Monkey stamp set. It works!!! I need to resize the banana, hat and cupcake a wee bit, but other then that, it's ready to go!
