As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been writing craft tutorials for Creative Fabrica. I wanted to share one of them with you today!
Using a 22 pin knitting machine, you can make two different types of mug cozies – one suitable for takeout mugs, and one with a button for regular ceramic mugs. There’s also a cute mug rug tutorial, using either a 40, 46 or 48 pin knitting machine. What’s a mug rug, you ask? Think of it as a pot holder, but for your mug of coffee or tea!
You can find the tutorial here, along with pictures and full instructions.
Stay crafty!
Kate
Do you have a project you’d love to see me make? Send me a message at Kate@craftygirlcreates.com or leave a message in the comments!
Hey everyone! I just wanted to update you on what I’ve been working on lately. I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while… Life has been busy, and I’m sure a lot of you can relate to that.
So, what have I been up to this year? Let’s start with professionally:
As I’ve shared before, I have an Etsy shop that primarily offers SVG and PNG files for crafters. I’ve also become a writer at The Artistry by Creative Fabrica, sharing craft tutorials and tips. And, lastly, I began selling my handmade items at a local artisan shop nearby
Personally? Life has had a lots of ups and downs this year, but I’m thankful for every blessing that came my way.
So, what will 2022 look like? Well, I can’t guarantee anything. After all, the best laid plans of mice and men (and me!) soon go awry. But here’s what I hope to accomplish in 2022:
Continue to write for The Artistry, while also writing here at my own website
Start listing more physical products for sale on Etsy, while also uploading more SVG files for sale
Continue to be the geeky, sarcastic CraftyGirl that I am 🙂
Do you have any goals for 2022? Let me know in the comments!
Good afternoon, dear reader! Today, while looking at my calendar, I realized that we are just a few short weeks away from Easter. For me, Easter is a celebration of faith…though I do still love pastel colored Easter eggs and fluffy bunnies. If you’re like me, and you didn’t realize that Easter was so soon, I thought I’d share some handmade Easter items with you to help get you ready.
SweetiePieCollection on Etsy
First off, who could resist this adorable Easter sign? I bet it would look so great on your front door! (And secondly, the bunny ears on the capital E? So. Cute.) Get it on Etsy, starting at $44.
TwineAndBraids on Etsy
These Easter eggs are too cute to hide! I love the pastel rainbow colors on each one, and this set of 6 would be great Easter decor when placed in a basket. Find them on Etsy for $20
WoodenFrameDecor on Etsy
If you have kids who argue over who has the bigger Easter basket (even when they’re the exact. same. size!), eliminate the arguments with these adorable, cotton-tailed Easter basket rabbit tags. You can personalize the size and the font..though they’ll be cute no matter what you pick. Find them on Etsy, starting at $4.46
BluefishMill on Etsy
I really love the detail on this metal sign…and of course, the message. It’s treated with a durable gold powder finish, and measures 16″ tall by 10″ wide. Find it on Etsy for $29.95!
SunflowerTeesCo on Etsy
Finally, get in the spirit with this colorful Easter shirt! It’s available in sizes for all ages, and has plenty of color options for the shirt to choose from. Find it on Etsy, starting at $13.52.
Are you feeling more prepared for Easter? Are you ready to bust out the Easter eggs and decorate? Let me know in the comments below!
Hello, everyone! Today, I wanted to discuss crafts (as usual) and to ask, specifically…what’s YOUR craft? (Or crafts, if you’re like me)
Do you like to crochet? Knit? Or maybe you can’t stand anything with yarn. Maybe you paint, or sculpt, or even make your own stained glass sun catchers.
Whatever it is you do, I’d love to know! Drop your comment in the box below, and let us know: what’s your craft?
I’ve previously posted some free crafting graphics – transparent background PNG files that you can use with your cutting machine, a print on demand company, and more. I wanted to let you know that I have even more graphics for sale in my Etsy shop, CraftyGirlMerch.
There are SVG files to use with your favorite cutting machine, as well as PNG with transparent backgrounds for sublimation, cut and print, or even use with a print on demand company. The best part? Every design comes with a commercial license.
Save 20% off your order when you use coupon code BLOG21
These graphics are perfect for using with your Cricut or Silhouette, using for digital design or even for print-on-demand items. Best part: they’re totally FREE! You have my express permission to use them however you want (commercial use included!) They’ve been created with a transparent background, making them easy to upload into your Cricut or Silhouette software, or a print on demand website.
These graphics are perfect for using with your Cricut or Silhouette, using for digital design or even for print-on-demand items. Best part: they’re totally FREE! You have my express permission to use them however you want (commercial use included!) They’ve been created with a transparent background, making them easy to upload into your Cricut or Silhouette software, or a print on demand website.
These graphics are perfect for using with your Cricut or Silhouette, using for digital design or even for print-on-demand items. Best part: they’re totally FREE! You have my express permission to use them however you want (commercial use included!) They’ve been created with a transparent background, making them easy to upload into your Cricut or Silhouette software, or a print on demand website.
As a small business myself, I like to purchase from other small businesses whenever possible. Not only do you get great customer service, but you sometimes find speciality items you wouldn’t find at a national chain. With this series of blog posts, I’m going to share with you some of my FAVORITE small businesses!
When I say that I’ve always had great customer service with this company, I mean it. From actually contacting customer service with a question, to getting advice on their Facebook customer group from employees, someone at Expressions Vinyl has been there for me every single time.
Glitter HTV at prices that can’t be beat.
With an easy to navigate website, great customer service, and awesome prices, Expressions Vinyl is my go-to shop any time I need (…or want) more vinyl for projects like tote bags, aprons, coasters, decals and more. Make sure to sign up for their rewards program, where you get points for your purchases that you can trade in for store credit.
What have I made with vinyl from Expressions Vinyl? Let’s take a look…
HTV rainbow holographic vinyl unicorn, to go on a tote bag.A shapes matching game for my son, with permanent vinyl.This adorable mug, with permanent vinyl.
Make sure to check out Expressions Vinyl today!
P.S. Everything I’ve said has been my own opinion, and I have not been compensated in any way for this post. I just want to share my love for one of my favorite small businesses. 🙂
Sometimes, the simplest toys are the best for using your imagination and fostering creativity. And honestly, does your kid really need another loud toy with flashing lights? (I know mine doesn’t!) So, today, I’d love to share with you a few handmade wooden toys from creative minds around the world.
As you might have noticed, I’ve been quiet for the past month…maybe a little more. Like most of the world, we’ve been dealing with the consequences of COVID-19. While we’ve been blessed to not get sick so far, it’s definitely been stressful having our whole lives change…and we’re some of the lucky ones.
My husband is, thankfully, able to telecommute to one of his jobs. We have plenty of food (thanks to my tendency to keep a well stocked pantry + living in an area with a lower population than most), we don’t have to worry about most of the problems that the world does. We’re blessed. And so thankful.
Quarantine has still been hard, though. I haven’t felt the urge to write, or to really be that crafty, until recently. Instead, I’ve been focusing on getting through each day, and doing little projects.
But, much to my dismay, quarantine is unlikely to end any time soon. Social distancing looks like it’s going to be part of our lives for a while yet. It’s flattening the curve – I can only imagine the loss and sickness if we didn’t have any measures in place.
So, in my attempt to feel as normal as I can (plus the fact that I have, honestly, missed writing and crafting fun projects), I’m going to do my best to post more often..and to make those posts as cheerful as possible. We’re all going through a LOT, and we could use all the laughter we can get. 🙂
In the near future, I’ll be featuring lots of handmade finds (including toys!), and I hope to show you some of the projects I’m going to work on.
Each week, I’ll be featuring my suggestion for a new craft to try. Already tried it? Maybe you’ll learn something new!
Oh, crocheting. I’ll admit, this is probably one of my favorite crafts ever. Some people might think of it as boring, but to be honest, there is a LOT you can do with crocheting. There are advanced techniques (like graphgans) that I haven’t tried yet, and I’ve been crocheting for about half my life!
Crocheting is, by definition, needlework done by interlocking looped stitches with a hooked needle (see here). When you think of crocheting, what items come to mind? Maybe it’s the scratchy wool scarf that your great-aunt made you for Christmas. Or it’s the snuggly, warm baby blanket you’ve never been able to part with. Your memories, either good or bad, tend to define what you think about a subject. So..what are yours?
My memories regarding crochet center around my Mom, and being amazed as I watched her fingers fly over the yarn, crocheting blankets and dainty baby sweaters. HOW was she moving so fast?! Sometimes, I swear that it felt like all I had to do was blink, and *poof* – another set of baby booties were done. I begged her to teach me her yarn magic, haha, and she did (once my hands were big enough to properly hold a crochet hook).
When it comes to supplies for crocheting, it’s simple: for most projects, all you need is a pattern, yarn, a crochet hook, a pair of scissors, and a large needle to weave in your ends when you’re finished. Heck, you don’t always need a pattern, either. Once you get the basics down, you’ll find yourself coming up with your own patterns.
Want to get started? Here are a couple of beginner tutorials on how to learn to crochet:
You might be asking yourself, “There are so many yarn choices out there! What do I use!?”. Well, this depends on what you’re making..but for the majority of projects, a worsted weight yarn, like Red Heart’s Super Saver product line, works great. Bonus: it comes in a LOT of colors!
As far as crochet hooks go, it’s all about preference. For me? I prefer metal crochet hooks for their durability. Here’s the set I have:
When you think of Etsy, you don’t always think of gardening…right? However, you’d be surprised at the number of handmade gardening finds available for sale. Planters, tools, and (my absolute favorite) seeds are just a few options.
I’m in the process of planning my vegetable garden for this year, and while I probably (okay, definitely) have all the seeds and supplies I’ll need, I couldn’t help but browse online for more. Here’s a couple of my favorites…
I was recently browsing pictures from our local farmer’s market’s opening day, and I noticed a table with handmade wooden cutting boards in the background. I am FASCINATED with them! I’ve always wanted to be able to make something so precise, so intricate…though if I did make myself one, I don’t think I’d be able to use it because I’d be afraid of messing it up 🙂Â
So, for today’s post, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some handmade cutting boards on Etsy. Even if you don’t want to purchase one for yourself, I think that they would really make a great wedding present or housewarming gift.
I just love how this oak cutting board is staged for the photo – it really makes you want to roll your sleeves up and start cooking. Cooking can be such a relaxing hobby if you don’t take it too seriously!
When my sister-in-law got married, my husband and I purchased a personalized cutting board for her & her new husband. It was beautiful! Personalizing gifts is such a great way to add a little extra thought into the presents you buy.
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to wear bright, vibrant shades of green – though, in my opinion, you don’t need an excuse 🙂 Since I love focusing on handmade items, I thought I’d feature some apparel and accessories for the whole family from Etsy sellers.
It’s been at least a month since my last post – probably close to two. What could’ve possibly happened to silence CraftyGirl for so long, you ask? Was it a month of mourning because I couldn’t find the right fabric for a project? Did Michael’s have a huge sale and I’m currently buried in shopping bags? 🙂 Thankfully, it’s not either of those…though I wouldn’t mind buying more craft supplies! 😉 No, these past two months have been spent in preparation of a huge move, the move, and then the unpacking.
Are we completely unpacked yet?…I’m not sure if we ever will be 🙂 But I think we’re getting there! We’ve also added to our family since we moved – Navi (our dog), Link & Zelda (our cats) and George, Grace & Audrey (the chickens). If you’re a fan of The Legend of Zelda video games, you might’ve picked up on our enthusiasm over naming our pets 🙂
It’s so nice to be in a house, not an apartment…one of my favorite things (besides having two bathrooms instead of one) is that I can make noise anytime I want without worrying about waking people up. Sometimes I can’t sleep, and cleaning helps me wind down. I’m pretty sure the neighbors at our apartment complex wouldn’t have appreciated me vacuuming at 2am. 🙂
The only downside to moving, that I can think of, is that I haven’t had much time to work on craft projects lately…and Christmas is rapidly approaching! The past few weeks have been full of painting, unpacking, chasing after animals, and there just hasn’t been much time in there to work on Christmas presents.
So, dear readers, I’d like to ask you: What’s your go-to quick Christmas present that you like to make? I can’t wait to hear your ideas in the comments section! 🙂
It’s fall! Depending on where you live, the weather may be getting a bit more chilly, the leaves may be changing colors, and you *might* just be gearing up for Halloween and Thanksgiving. 🙂 If you’re looking for some great kid friendly fall crafts, look no further! I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for you that I think your kids – and you! – will enjoy.
I was browsing on Pinterest this morning..and afternoon (because we all know, you can get sucked into Pinterest for hours!) and I came across some tissue paper craft tutorials that I just HAVE to share! Some of these are classic, others use tissue paper in ways I would’ve never thought of. So, scroll down to see my favorite picks from my Pinterest binge session today 🙂Â
Check it out! From now until Saturday, September 3rd 2016, you can get 25% off your TOTAL purchase at JoAnn Fabrics! That means 25% off of beads, craft paints, and more!
If you make a purchase, let me know what you got! 🙂
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
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A lot of Etsy shops are born out of inspiration to provide a product that the owner feels would be a benefit to a group of people, and Etsy shop RestlessRemedy is no exception. After her sister-in-law suffered from a stroke and was diagnosed with dementia, owner Debra set out to create a way to help her maintain her fine motor skills. After researching, Debra learned about fidget quilts: a lap-sized quilt with different buttons, pulls, and other activities that patients can use to occupy their mind and help with their motor skills. “After making Alexandria a quilt and seeing how much she enjoyed it, I made a few more to donate to my local senior center. Restless Remedy has snowballed from there”, says Debra.
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When asked if she’s always been interested in arts and crafts, Debra replies, “You name it, I’ve crafted it!”. When she was a child, her grandmother taught her to sew; and as an adult, Debra focused on jewelry making, paper crafts, knitting and crocheting. Debra’s been a fan of Etsy for the past several years, but just opened her shop in 2015.
As you might have guessed, Debra’s main inspiration for RestlessRemedy is her sister-in-law, Alexandria. Debra loves crafting fidget quilts, and loves the rewards of being able to inspire and help out her customers and their families: “Every time I get feedback from my customers, my heart sings! I especially love seeing pictures of loved ones with their fidget quilts.” Debra loves working on custom quilts, getting to learn about who she’s making it for.Â
As for her plans for the future, Debra wants to focus on the same things she’s always done: maintaining the care, quality and meaning of each quilt.
Valid through Saturday (9/3/16), you can use this promo coupon online to get 40% off any one regular price item at Michael’s! It’s a great deal – there are some exclusions (sewing machines and Cricut machines, to name a few) but if there’s something you’ve been thinking about getting for a while, now’s the time to get it!
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
Hannah Holmes isn’t afraid of monsters – they’re one of her biggest inspirations. “I am so, so in love and intrigued with the Universal Movie Monsters. Those are comprised of some of your most iconic film monsters; think Frankenstein, Dracula, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, etc… Universal Studios were the first to really tap into horror movies in the early 20th century and shaped those characters so much; it was really quite revolutionary for the time period”, she says. A huge fan of pop culture, Hannah opened her Etsy shop, MonsterNo5, to share her love with the world in the form of graphic design prints, and a (soon-to-be released) t-shirt line. Â
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With a background in fine art photography, Hannah contemplated going into cinematography because of her love in film; both the process of making a film, and the storytelling behind it. Graphic design hasn’t always been her cup of tea; she picked it as her second major in college, but ended up dropping out of her graphic design class when it focused on advertisement placement & magazine layouts. “I hated it so much! Fast forward two years, and I end up getting a job as a graphic designer where I am making ads, brochures, and marketing material for a living. Talk about irony!”, she laughs. While Hannah loves her day job (“I think the difference is doing it for something you really care about”, she notes) , she’s really enjoyed being able to explore her creative side in her spare time with MonsterNo5.
What’s her favorite shop item so far? Hannah loved working on the Hunchback of Notre Dame print (pictured above), adding in extra colors and design elements. She has plans to do a line of all the Universal Monsters in this style, taking time for special details and typography. As for what the future holds, Hannah is excited to work on her upcoming line of t-shirts that feature her illustration of Frankenstein.Â
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
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“Llamas are an enchanting animal, with so many unique colors and fibers”, says Nichelle Scholz, owner of Etsy shop FoxHillLlamas. Having started paper crafting at the young age of 8 years old, Nichelle began to craft with llama fibers in 2014. Her desire was to showcase llama fibers in products that you wouldn’t normally expect; paper, bird nesters, dryer balls and more. Nichelle and her family have a small herd of llamas at their farm in Western Australia. Each one of her llamas helps contribute to their cost of their care by the sale of the products that Nichelle is able to craft from their fibers and sanitized llama poo.
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Lllama poo?! Yes, you heard that right. 🙂 Nichelle adds sanitized llama waste to some of her paper products. They’re actually her best seller on Etsy – “The business cards have proved to be great conversation starters!”, comments Nichelle. Llama poo paper is made with recycled paper, and is hand formed with a specially sized mold.
Nichelle’s best-seller isn’t her favorite item, though. Passionate about making products that benefit nature, Nichelle has created bird nesters filled with llama fibers – perfect for your local mama birds to make nests out of. She says, “There is something special about helping a mother provide for her family and this can be extended to our native animals too.”
If you’re thinking about becoming an Etsy seller, Nichelle has advice for you – “You will grow with your store and learn along the way. If you wait until you feel ‘ready’ that moment may never come.” She also advises to be patient in waiting for sales, and to stick with it. “I have found that the Etsy community is amazingly supportive, both buyers and sellers. Others sellers are very supportive, they will help if you have any problems and will lift your confidence if it wanes. Good luck!”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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