Pearls and Polkadots

a style blog

DIY PERSONALIZED TOTE WITH THE CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2 AND EASY PRESS 2

Happy 2020! It’s a brand new year full of opportunity, organization and of course, more Cricut projects! I have been working up a Cricut storm, and planning projects for 2020, and am excited to share my latest with you today. Cricut’s iron-on material is quickly becoming my go-to material to work with, only because I can personalize everything I own.

For Christmas, I got the tote of all totes for teachers – seriously, it holds everything (I’ll link it below). The first thing I thought when I opened it on Christmas morning was ‘I need to add my name to this with my EasyPress!’ …so that’s exactly what I did.

If you don’t know, the EasyPress 2 is a machine that allows you to transfer iron-on vinyl to…well…almost anything you want. I usually opt for a cotton-poly blend when picking items, but you really can’t go wrong with the heating guide Cricut provides online! What I love about the EasyPress 2 is that there is an even heat across the entire plate which guarantees a great seal on your design!

In the last few months, I have shared a few projects that I have created with my EasyPress 2 + Cricut Explore Air combined, and today, I am showing you how to easily personalize (pretty much) any item you have!!

Here is what you need for this DIY:

Step 1

Log on to Cricut Design Space and create a new project. Choose a font (I used “Autumn in November”) and begin creating your design. Make sure that you measure the area where you are planning on transferring the design onto. In other words, don’t create a massive design for a small space!

Step 2

Once you have your design, load your Cricut Explore Air 2! Using the light grip mat (blue), roll out your iron-on material. Always face the shiny side of your vinyl down, and smooth out any air bubbles with your essential tools. This is a key step in any vinyl project…the worst is when your design is improperly cut because of air bubbles! Follow the prompts on Design Space, load the mat, and press the Cricut “go” button.

PRO TIP: When making anything iron-on, you MUST select “mirror on” or else everything will be backwards!

Step 3

Chances are, your design will not take long to cut (especially if you turn on “Fast Mode”), so get that EasyPress 2 warming up! Like I said above, Cricut provides an online “Heating Guide” and that will be your go-to for knowing the correct temperature setting based on the material you are transferring onto.

Using the EasyPress mat, place your tote on top. With this tote, I needed to get creative because unfortunately, it doesn’t lie flat (the snap closures prevent it from doing so). Lay the cut design in your desired press space, and use the settings on the EasyPress to iron away! For this tote, each part of my design, I pressed for 30 seconds, at 315 degrees.

Once you are finished ironing, let everything cool (I usually wait 30 seconds to 1 minute). I used a “warm peel” material, so I could peel when it was still warm.

Step 4

Load up all of your belongings into the tote and take it for a spin! I have been using this tote since school started in the New Year and it holds everything. However, I love it so much more now that it has my name on it.

Could it get any easier? I am so happy with my new personalized tote and to all of the teacher readers out there, you need this personalized tote (it seriously holds everything).

For more Cricut DIYS, check out the “Cricut” category on my blog.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

5 Things I Love About my Cricut Explore Air 2 + DIY Thank You Cards

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! *in Andy Williams’ voice* Wow! I cannot believe Christmas Eve is tomorrow. As usual, my list of to-dos is pretty long! However, one thing I am totally prepared for this gift giving season is my thank you cards, thanks to my Cricut Explore Air 2!

If you have been around me at all these past few months, you have probably heard all about my new little hobby! However if you are new around here, let me just tell you…

I have officially fallen in love with my Cricut Explore Air 2. It’s true. We spend evenings together, and I dream of all the projects I can do and all of the things I can make! It’s like having a personal cutting, scoring and drawing assistant at the press of a button.

In this post, I’m going to list 5 reasons why I am full-on in love with this beauty of a machine.

1. It has gotten me back in touch with my creative side.

I love to craft and honestly, I do love spending the time making my ideas come to life. However, one of the things I found in the past, was I don’t have the time. With my Cricut Explore Air 2, time isn’t really a factor. A simple project takes a short amount of time – especially if you use “FAST” mode!

Fun fact: The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut and write up to 2X faster than past Cricut Explore models, and cuts over 100 materials!

 

2. The Bluetooth/Wireless Connection makes it convenient, efficient and SIMPLE!

I primarily use my computer to access the Cricut Design Space. Mainly because I can be more precise with my mouse and have a bigger screen to look at. However, I have found the Bluetooth connection has made crafting comfortable and convenient! Picture this: you have 29 thank you notes to create for the next day but also need to be wrapping gifts (and of course watching a holiday movie). BAM! Pull up design space on your phone, access the cloud projects and get her going! Your Cricut Explore Air 2 is doing the hard crafting work, cutting away, and you are getting stuff done!

3. It is a game changer when you need a last minute gift!

Who doesn’t love a t-shirt with a quirky saying on it? Or a mug with their name on it? Making your own gifts is SIMPLE with the Cricut Explore Air 2. It takes no time, and you can have a quality, thoughtful and creative gift ready to go the night before! Can’t say I haven’t done that a few times already…

4. The project possibilities are endless…and inspires me to challenge myself.

Since receiving this baby, it has changed the way I shop. Here me out. I would wander about big box stores, see a cute holiday pillow or a graphic tee I thought I needed and would instantly buy it. Now, I look at these items and say…”pfffft I can make that myself”…and I DO!  My Cricut Explore Air 2 has inspired me and challenged me to attempt projects that I would not have even thought about doing before. Besides, isn’t an item way more exciting when you can say YOU made it!?

5. It’s fun to be creative!

That is one major and probably the main reason I love my Cricut Explore Air 2. I just have so much fun coming up with ideas for projects. I have always loved crafting but one of the things I don’t like is the mess, the time and work that comes with it! All of that is cut in half with my Cricut and since the machine is doing the hard part for you, you can just focus on CREATING and HAVING FUN!

I already have a long list of things I want to make – especially now that school is out for the holidays. However, I want to share a little DIY with you today just in time for the Christmas festivities!

Here’s what you need for this DIY:

Step 1

Log on to Cricut Design Space and create a new project. You may also find a pre-designed card and customize to your liking. I took the opportunity to be creative and designed my own card from scratch!

This entire thank you card was created using pre-loaded images/shapes/fonts offered in Design Space

Step 2

After you have gotten your design the way you want it, load your Cricut! Using the light grip mat (blue), carefully place your first card stock sheet down. I always place the smoother side down but it is up to you! Following the prompts on Design Space, load the mat into your machine, and sit back and relax!

Pro Tip: When making cards, it is incredibly important to have the essential tools kit! The scoring stylus is a MUST for your cards to be folded crisply!

Step 3

Once you have cut and scored all of the necessary pieces for your card, assemble together using adhesive. For intricate projects, I do use a glue stick as it provides a nice seal and I find glue dots run out quicker!

There we go! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy as we say in the Kindergarten classroom! I’m pretty sure I will never be purchasing a card again!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Easy DIY Holiday Shirt with the Cricut Explore Air 2 and Easypress 2

I haven’t been blogging much in 2019, and every year I say I’m going to change that. However, this year may be different because I have gotten right into a brand new hobby that I MUST spread the word about.

If you know me, you know that I am all about the crafting. I love to draw, bullet journal and make things. About two months ago, my entire life changed by this amazing machine that arrived on my doorstep! Yup! A Cricut Explore Air 2 and (even better) an Easypress 2!!

Lately, I have been crafting like I have never crafted before, and it is wonderful. Which is why I am super excited to share a project with you, and tell you all about my brand new Easypress 2 (which has CHANGED. THE. GAME.)!!

The possibilities are endless when it comes to the EasyPress 2! However, at this time of year, I am all about the “punny” holiday t-shirts with cute sayings – especially being a teacher! So I decided to peruse the depths of the internet and find a cute and funny saying to press on a shirt to rock for our holiday spirit week!

Here is what you need for this DIY:

Step 1

Log on to Cricut Design Space and create a new project. After you have come up with a saying you want, choose a font and type it out! I explored Pinterest and found one I liked, and then created it with my own font and design to it!

Step 2

After you have created the design you want, you need to load your Cricut! Using the strong grip mat (green), roll out your iron-on material. Always face the shiny side of your vinyl down and smooth out any air bubbles with your essential tools (very important). Following the prompts on Design Space, load the mat into your Cricut, and sit back to watch the magic happen!

PRO TIP: When making anything iron-on, you MUST select “mirror on” or else everything will be backwards!

Step 3

While your iron-on material is busy being cut, turn on your EasyPress 2 to get it nice and warm. Cricut provides a “Heating Guide” which tells you exactly what temperature to set your machine to based on the material of your clothing and the material you are pressing on!

Get that EasyPress heating, and prepare your pressing space! Using the EasyPress mat, lay your t-shirt on top. Once it’s all heated up, use the timer on the EasyPress, heat your t-shirt up for 5-7 seconds, and then place your cut design where you want it. Iron away – minimum 30 seconds for a cotton t-shirt (heating guide recommended).

Once you are finished ironing, let everything cool for roughly a minute. The material I used for this project was a “warm peel” material, so you want to make sure that when you peel the clear backing from the design, it is rather warm.

Step 4

Rock your t-shirt where everyone can see it, because you now have made your very own holiday tshirt!

BAM! How easy was that?!

This is the crafting dream machine. Like I said, the possibilities are endless. My head is already swirling with ideas of things to make – thank goodness the holiday break is coming soon!!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Review

I’ve always been a crafty gal. I love everything from drawing (my personal fave!) to making my own xmas cards, to embroidering and quilting. I’ve just always had this urge to create and make my ideas come to life. Lately, I have been exploring a new machine called the Cricut Explore Air 2. Now, this is the first time I have taken my crafting to an expert-feeling level, and I have to say…I am super excited to become more familiar with this craft-lover’s dream machine.

Cricut Explore Air 2 ReviewCricut Explore Air 2 ReviewCricut Explore Air 2 Review

When I first found out about Cricut, it was through a network of local bloggers I connected with a few years ago. They were all big into crafting using Cricut products and were producing the most unreal projects…and that’s when I knew I needed my hands on one of these babies!!

I have to share a little secret though…when my gorgeous teal machine arrived on my doorstep, I was apprehensive to open the box. All of the materials, the project possibilities and the complex looking equipment that was in this package was OVERWHELMING (to say the least…). Where do I begin? What do I make? What can I make? There were so many possibilities and I really couldn’t get my ideas straight for this post….but after looking at their simple and straight forward how-to videos, my nerves settled and the creative juices started to flow.Cricut Explore Air 2 ReviewCricut Explore Air 2 Review

Since I unboxed this machine over on my IG Stories, I have been getting TONS of questions…

What can you make?

You can make anything from intricate, detailed cards, to vinyl stickers, to graphic tees, to mugs!! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to create, create and create some more!

Is it hard to use?

Abolsutely, 100% NO, it is NOT hard whatsoever! Like I said above, I was super nervous and intimidated (like no joke). However, once you follow the how-to videos, do your first simple project, and get more familiar with how the machine works…you will find it the easiest thing to do. I think of my Cricut as my little assistant who does all of the hard work of crafting for me! Plus, it’s really cool to watch how precise everything is when you’re cutting things out!

What materials does it cut?

Ummm…everything? Okay, okay…not everything in the world. But it sure cuts a whole lot of different materials. Cricuts cut paper, vinyl, foils, foam, iron-on transfers (for clothing/bags/etc.), faux leather, and even chipboard (yeah, seriously!!).

What if I’m not creative?

I truly believe you don’t have to be an expert crafter to use this machine. Cricut makes it really easy for people who aren’t naturally creative, but wants to up their game! They have a section on their website – the “Cricut Design Space” – for templates, graphics, tutorials. They also have a space for you to upload custom designs if theirs aren’t working for you!

As a quick little example…I tried playing around and created a little bird house card. This project was taken directly from their design space and it took me all of 30 minutes after cutting + assembling it! Check it out below…

Cricut Explore Air 2 Review

Cricut Explore Air 2 Review

Cricut Explore Air 2 Review

Cricut Explore Air 2 Review

Not too shabby for just learning the machine. However, I can’t say it was difficult because the Cricut did majority of the work for me! Once all of the pieces were cut out, I used adhesive to glue all of them together!! Guess who is never buying a card again…me!

Cricut Explore Air 2 Review

To sum up this whole post…my new Cricut Explore Air 2 is unreal and I can’t wait to bring lots of fun projects to you just in time for the holiday season…and if you know and love me? Expect to be getting A LOT of handmade things for Christmas this year (you may not recognize that it’s home made lol).

Do you have a Cricut? Let me know what the first thing YOU would make is below…

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Life Update

I don’t really blog anymore. There. I said it! It has been forever since I sat down and wrote a lifestyle, fashion or general style post and I’m here today to tell you why. Why I have let this passion of mine fall by the wayside, and WHY it is OKAY.

Since graduating last year, life has picked up. Anyone who knows me inside and out, knows how much I love to teach. It has been my heart and soul for the last two years, studying teaching methods and creating my “teaching practice”, and that is what consumes me. Fortunately for me, I walked out of school with a position in two school boards, ready to do what I love, and change lives. There has been laughter, tears, an abundance of stress and lots of smiles during this first year. I moved into teaching the first grade, coming to love and know twenty beautiful souls that I will forever cherish as my “first real class”. I am back in an occasional teaching role, and am now kept busy day in and day out with different students of all different ages.

It sounds busy, doesn’t it? It is busy. Like, it is CRAZY busy. The amount of running around, and switching mindsets that I have done in the last six months is nothing I could have ever imagined for my first year of teaching. The good news is, is while this seems like I am saying “poor me, look at my busy, busy life”…I am throwing all these words down to say I. LOVE. IT.

Every single moment of it. The good and the bad. These last six months have made me realize that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. Teaching others is a passion that cannot be replaced in my world.

Are you still with me?

So by now…(if you haven’t stopped reading)…you are probably wondering WHY I am telling you all of this. There are a number of reasons, really, for which I won’t bore you all with. The main reason is to share. Share this happiness that I am feeling, and hopefully inspire someone to go after their dreams.

As for my blogging? Through the many years I have spent studying, blogging has been an outlet for me. A passion to turn my thoughts into meaningful words, published for whoever wants to spend the time reading them. I still consider it to be an outlet, but not a necessary outlet.

It’s a place I come to express my thoughts and share my ideas…and that’s the attitude I will take going forward. I want to get back to creating posts that I love. I want to explore new attitudes and ideas, and write more lifestyle pieces that tells you guys who I am. So there we have it…a new outlook on writing, my purpose and a major update on my part! I am so excited for more dreams to come true, and to be able to share more of my life on Pearls and Polkadots. Until next time…cheers everyone!