Valentines Day is right around the corner. I cannot even believe I just said that! I don’t do a lot of decorating or a lot of Valentine crafting, but I wanted to make a little something to make it feel like Valentines.
These are so quick and so easy to make! I am just learning to digitize with the Chroma Luxe Software. I was excited to be able to create four simple designs with very little effort. I will be sharing more digitizing tutorials soon.
I love how simply changing the fabric from cork to vinyl and changing the thread colors make each set unique. This set of coasters could really be used any time of the year. They are very affordable to make, easy to store and let’s face it, you can just toss them and make a new set if they get overly used.
I have included several formats of embroidery patterns for you to make a set or two of your own. I would love it if you make them and tag me on social media. It’s always fun to see others making something I created and I enjoy seeing how each of you make it your own. You can get the FREE DOWNLOAD here.
As for assembly instructions, I will walk you through the steps on my Ricoma EM1010 Multi-needle machine, but if you have a single needle, don’t worry because the steps are exactly the same. Let’s get started.
Good morning my crafty friends! Can you believe it is January, 2021?
I bet you’re wondering what exactly I mean by “Get out of your head and into your craftroom”.
I was looking through my Facebook Groups, and I noticed so many comments that went something like this, “I have a Cricut, but I’ve never taken it out of the box”, or “My sewing machine has an embroidery attachment, but I’m to afraid to try it” or something similar with another related machine or tool.
So often, we finally get that new toy that we have been wanting so badly only to become paralyzed with the unknown. Questions like, “How do I get started?”, “When will I find the time to set this up and learn?” and “Where do I go from here” creep into our minds and keep us from getting started.
I want to help you get over the fear of opening the box, so that you can start having fun with your new creative tools. I have put together ten simple things you can do very easily that will help you conquer your creative fear, motivate you to open the box and have you making amazing new things with your brand new tools and/or machines.
If you find yourself afraid to “open the box”, I hope you will take just a few minutes out of your day and watch my video. I truly want YOU to have the confidence, motivation and to experience all of the creative fun that is waiting for you. Here are the ten simple steps to get you started.
I recently found out that my one and only Great Nephew, Luke,
loves trucks and he loves texture. I knew immediately that I needed to make him his very own flip sequin pillow. You may remember, I made them several months ago for Ace and Evie and they love them (you can see the post here).
I just received the Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation printer. It has printing capabilities of 11 x 17 out of the box, but with an additional purchase of a bypass tray you can print up to 13″ x 51″! Say what?!!? I am thrilled with the additional print space. It was the perfect printer to create this super cute truck design for Luke.
I want to emphasize that in order to reproduce this process you must use sublimation ink. The magic is in the ink, not the printer itself. So, which printer should you use with sublimation ink? Let’s talk. While you can convert a select few ink jet printers to sublimation ink, not all printers can be converted. A quick internet search will reveal those printeres which can be converted from inkjet to sublimation. Please keep in mind that once you convert a printer to sublimation ink, you should not attempt to convert it back to inkjet. Converted inkjet printers, if not used almost daily, often will result in the print heads drying up which renders the printer useless within a matter of months. It is for this reason that I highly recommend purchasing the Sawgrass SG500 or the Sawgrass SG1000printer.
The Sawgrass printers are made for sublimation. They are equipped with programming that will help keep the print heads working properly.
I have both the Sawgrass SG500and the SG1000. The SG500 can print up to 8.5 x 14 (legal size). The SG1000, as stated above, can print up to 11×17 out of the box and has the capability of printing 13 x 51″ with the additional purchase of the bypass tray. While the inks for the Sawgrass printers are a bit more pricey than generic inks for converted printers, I feel the Sawgrass ink lasts longer and produces better quality color prints. I have had great success with vibrant, true-to-color prints and not a single issue with a clogged print head when using the Sawgrass printers. I have conducted side by side tests comparing a converted Epson printer to my SG500 and the Sawgrass printer won every time. The Sawgrass blacks and greys are a true black and grey, while the Epson produced less than stellar blacks and greys. I have used my SG500for almost a year now, and I’m still on my original set of inks. I feel the inks last a long time (obviously ink life varies according to your useage, the size of your prints, etc.).
Additionally, I prefer the Sawgrass printers because they include the Print Manager. The Print Manager ensures that you are using the correct color profile for the sublimation ink. Using the correct color profile produces richer and truer colors on your finished project. Converted inkjet printers, don’t “know” that you’re using sublimation ink and will print with the color profile that it would ordinarily use for an inkjet printer. You can install (new color profiles for your inkjet converted printer) in your design software, but Sawgrass makes it so much easier. The Sawgrass Print Manager is a simple drag and drop into the Print Manager folder and that’s it.
The Creative Studio is a design software that is included with the the purchase of a Sawgrass printer. It includes a ton of sublimation templates as well as blank canvases in which you can create your very own designs. Creative Studio also includes a library of images as well as the option to purchase additional designs. Printing from Creative Studio is easy, simply design and click print.
I hope this clears up some of the questions you may have about subilmation printers. All of the above information is my own opinion, which is based of my exposure and use of both a converted printer and the Sawgrass printers. Obviously, I prefer the Sawgrass line of products. This is not a sponsored post. I bought my Sawgrass SG500. I bought my sublimation papers and inks. I simply wanted to share my opinions and clear up some of the repetitive questions I get on each sublimation video.
Now, about that sequin pillow… want to see how I made it? Here’s a video tutorial:
*Disclaimer: Some links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. All opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
I have a really fun and beginner applique friendly project for you. I wanted to use these really soft burp cloths I purchased from Defono to create a set of burp cloths that are perfect for a newborn gift or baby shower. I love the quality of the burp cloths, but I wanted to add a little color and personalization.
I went on the hunt for some cute applique truck designs and found this really cute set from Appliquetion Station. The set I purchased has four different trucks, all of which are equally adorable. I chose to use the dump truck and the cement mixer.
I chose to use a monogram for the 3rd burp cloth. Using the same fabrics and color families for each cloth made this set come together easily.
I made a tutorial to walk you through making the cement mixer, but each file is digitized the same way. You can use your single needle or multi-needle machine and follow along. I used my Ricoma EM1010 Multi-needle machine, which I absolutely love.
Who doesn’t love a monogram? I am loving them even more since I got into the world of embroidery. I decided to create a set of monogram coasters out of cork fabric.
I was so excited to see the finished project and even more excited when I realized how EASY and QUICK they are to make.
I got a little carried away and decided to make all the different types of embroidery files so that you can make a set for someone you love, or make a set for yourself. The pattern is blank in the middle, so you can add your favorite monogram or design in the center. You can get the embroidery files here.
Once you’ve gotten the files, join me in the tutorial below and I’ll show you how to stitch them out.
It’s a week before Christmas! Can you even believe it? I’ve got a quick and easy gift idea for your Apple Watch wearing friends. How about a totally customized watch band? I made this one in about ten minutes using my Sublimation Printer and these watch band blanks. I know I say it everytime, but wouldn’t this be a great stocking stuffer, too!
I had so many ideas running through my head. Favorite sports team, logo, leopard, buffalo plaid, holiday, team/school colors, holiday themes and so many more! Here are just a few “mock ups” I made.
What would you put on your watch band? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Here is a tutorial for this quick and easy project:
They are a little gift all by themselves. How cute to leave one in the mailbox for your mail person, make them for neighbors, students, co-workers, etc. They are a really easy in the hoop project. Simply select all of your colors and in no time you will have some really cute candy cane holders.
I absolutely love the detail Scissortail Stitches includes in her digitizing. The tree texture, the detail in the bird’s scarf, etc. are signs of a well digitized file. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
You will need a 5 x 7 hoop to make these (unless you have software to resize them). I used my Ricoma EM1010 mutli-needle embroidery machine, but you can make them easily with a single needle as well.
I made a video in case you want to try a few of these cuties.
It’s Mid December and Christmas is just around the corner. I am in the midst of online shopping to finish up a few of my crafty gift ideas for friends and family. I wanted to check out some of the specials with HSN and QVC because I know, many are wanting to use the Flex payment options.
So, let’s dive in! We will start with HSN. Did you know they carry Cricut items? Often they are the first to release exclusive colors, new machines and accessories. Here are some of the Cricut items you can find at HSN:
The 12 x 10 Cricut EasyPress. They offer Flex Pays of $35.99 a month. To all of my Sewing, Embroidery and Cricut friends, you need the EasyPress Miniin your life. It’s such a great size for pressing smaller items such as quilt pieces, embroidery applique and iron on for hats and bags. Already have the Easypress(es)? Then you need a case. This EasyPress case is made to perfectly store your EasyPress when not in use or to make traveling with your EasyPress a piece of cake. If you’ve been eyeing the Cricut Joy, they. have this Smart Bundle with Flex Pay options. Sublimation fans, you might want to score some of these Cricut Infusible Ink Pens.They are the perfect stocking stuffers for the Cricut lovers in your life.
Let’s hop over to QVC.
ThisCricut Tool Set has all of the basics you need to be ready to start creating. They are basic tools that every crafter should have in their arsenal. These Infusible Ink Wine Tote Blanks are perfect not only for Cricut Infusible Ink, but they also work perfectly with Sublimation! They make perfect holiday hostess sets or perfect packaging for gifting a bottle of wine. The Cricut Joy Tote Bagis not only cute as a button, but the perfect bag to take your Cricut Joy to any crop. Make sure you tell Santa to grab some Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets. If you love sublimation, you’re going to love these!
Be sure and check out all things crafty at QVC and HSN. They will surprise you with the wide variety of crafting machines, accessories and tools they carry. The Flex Pay makes it easy and affordable. Tell them, Santa sent you! 😉
I wanted a quick and easy, but unique gift idea for those who I like to give, what I call, an appreciation gift. The delivery people, the lady at the post office to patiently weighs my packages, the friendly worker at McDonald’s (who knows me by name because of my continuous “Large Diet Coke” orders), and my favorite check out person at the grocery.
I came up with this fun little project that literally took me about 20 minutes start to finish to make the entire set. It’s really easy create custom embroidery files when you have theChroma Softwarethat comes with every Ricoma Embroidery Machine. If you don’t have the software, don’t worry, You can get the embroidery files here.  I sized the file so that they can be sewn with a 4 x 4 single needle machine all the way up to an industrial multi-needle machine. They are really quick because you really only need one thread color.
Don’t they look cute all packaged up with a simple little ribbon. I think they would be a great gift just like this, but you could also step it up and add a coffee mug, starbucks gift card or something a little extra.
Here is a step by step tutorial. Are you going to make a set? Who will be the lucky recipient? Let me know in the comments. Happy Embroidering 🙂
*Disclaimer: Some links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.  Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. All opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
I was so excited to make name tags for my son and daughter-in-law. They recently moved out of town and this will be their very first Christmas to not be here for the holidays. I wanted to make sure they get to experience a big part of our holidays, which is the stocking. In my opinion, it’s the most fun part of Christmas morning. We always open the stockings first.
Even though I bought them new stockings with initials, I wanted to add some customized tags. The Glowforge makes it so super easy to create one-of-a-kind customized pieces. It really only took a few minutes to create the file and a little over 3 minutes to cut. Pretty crazy, right? If you’ve been thinking about a Glowforge, I say go fo it! I love that I can make personalized gifts out of leather, acrylic wood and so much more! If you use this link you will save $100 on the Basic, $250 on the Plus and $500 on the Pro!
What would you like to make if you have a Glowforge? Leave me a comment.
I made a tutorial for for these cute tags, you knew I would!
*Disclaimer: Some links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.  Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. All opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
