April Mini Review & May Everyday Makeup Shelf

 Hey Y'all!

There's still time to get me to ONE of these goals and a giveaway post on Friday:

linktr.ee/CraftinWife

Current status~

Instagram- 184 (16)

TikTok- 40 (10)

Twitter- 39 (11)

FB- 79 (21)

I'd love to meet ALL the goals, but only need to meet ONE to do the giveaway! (This giveaway will be more Craftin' Wife's Creations focused, and not strictly makeup like the previous one.)

Without further ado:

This time I'm going to start off with the (new) May shelf!

The 4th Dose of  Colors is n my purse, I'm still really enjoying a nude lip, so those are staying yet again. My sister got me this Jaclyn Hill lip, I have worn it once and was impressed. Other than those I only pulled out a couple more lip. 

This month I decided to use only the Colour Pop 9 pans!

Added Urban Decay Brow product here, the rest is the same.

I got the Tom Ford quad through Influenster, and have promised it to my sister when I'm done testing it this week.

I think the nine pans give me enough depth and variety for the month, do you think I'll have to pull something else? Let me know in the comments below!

Last month:

April Shelf~

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2022/03/march-mini-review-april-everyday-makeup.html

I think I've given my opinion on all of these before, but if you have any questions about something  please ask me in the comments below.

I will say I still love that Profusion palette, and still don't care for the Too Faced mascara (tossing that at the end of May).

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

What/Who is Shadow Wolf Studios?

 Hey y'all! 

This Fun Friday is an interview with Chris, CEO and owner of Shadow Wolf Studios, a very small gaming company who are about to release their first mobile game on android, with iOS to follow soon after. 

Question's I asked Chris:

What made you decided to start SWS? 

I've always been into gaming, and learning how they work. As far back as I can remember having my own gaming company was my goal. Creating the games myself, and my friends and family want to play is my passion.

What's been the companies biggest challenge so far? 

Finding the time, I still work full time outside of Shadow Wolf Studios, plus I run a reselling business. 

Biggest achievement? 

I'm beginning to start finding a good group to work with. Huge shoutout to my sounds guy, Jay. He hustles as hard as I do.  And my quality/tester Bruce, he's on top of finding the issues ASAP.

What's your first game about? 

Foxy Pop, Check out a sneak peek here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IP8dh5How6g

and here: https://www.tiktok.com/@shadowwolfstudiosco/video/7080956190015950123?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Do you have a projected release date? 

Early Summer (2022) is the goal.

Any plans for a second game? 

Oh yeah! As well as a 3rd & 4th! Here's an even bigger sneak peek of the second: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgfC9CxzCBQ

Can you share what it's about? See link. 

Do you plan to stay in the mobile game arena? 

No, our first few games are mobile, we want to get our name out there, and hopefully generate some income to fund the larger games. 

Check out Chris' TikTok @shadowwolfstudiosco or his instagram @shadowwolfstudios for more info on upcoming projects!

What's next for SWS?

  Bigger, better games. I really want to create games that everyone can play.

Where do you want to see the company in a year? Five?

  In a year? Working on our first big game, having released 3-5 mobile games at that point. Five years from now I'd like to have a full team of associates, working on our 3rd big game. Big goals, and bigger hustle.

I want to thank Chris for his time today, if you have any questions for him or his team find them on the social media linked above, or here: https://www.facebook.com/ShadowWolfStudios

 

Do you like these interview type blogs? Let me know below.

FUN FRIDAY!!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

How-To Confetti HTV (Iron On Vinyl) Does It Work?

 Hey y'all!

Today I'm sharing a HTV confetti how-to, as well as my thoughts on how it works, and a comparison against screen print confetti.

Supply List:

HTV/Iron on vinyl scraps. (Mine are from all those Easter Peep Shirts I did.)

Scissors

Rotary Cutter

Screen Print Confetti in It's a Party Mix (I ordered from here: https://www.simpledesignstransfers.com/collections/screen-print-confetti)

Heat Press

Parchment Paper (I got mine at Dollar Tree, but you can find it in any grocery store, and several craft stores.)

Teflon Sheet (Mine came with the heat press, it doesn't need replacing yet, but I've ordered a replacement from Craftables. Any vinyl supplier should have them.)

Blank of your choice. (I used an old stained up kitchen towel, from Walmart years ago, that was in the garage/shed pile.)

First, I was going to attempt this with a paper shredder, I don't know if it would have worked, but I couldn't find our shredder. We hardly ever need to use it. Hubby says it played out and we trashed it, but I'm 99% sure we have one, probably in his dungeon (aka office). If you're interested in seeing me try that method leave a comment below and I'll find one to try it out with.

How-to Vinyl Confetti~

(Pictorial below written instructions.)

1) Cut your vinyl scraps into small pieces. I'd suggest cutting them over something you can carry over to your press. 

In the video I'm using the scissors but then I used the rotary cutter to get the pieces a bit smaller, more quickly. In retrospect, as you'll see, I should have gone a bit smaller on some, and used less vinyl.

2) Get your press ready! I preheated the towel at 315F for 10 seconds.

3)Transfer the vinyl bits to your blank. I used my cutting mat for this, but a sheet of paper would work well too.

4) Arrange your vinyl pieces on your blank however you'd like. This is where I think I did too many pieces. 

5) Cover vinyl with parchment paper fully, then cover that with the teflon sheet.

6) Press! I did 315F for 15sec then decided an additional 15sec was a good idea, especially on a towel. I'd just follow manufactures directions, for typical HTV projects.

7) Remove the teflon sheet and parchment paper. Peel the parchment paper slowly, some of the vinyl will be stuck to it. This is because only one side is meant to adhere (heat transfer-able). 

8) Admire your work! 

HTV:

 

 

Note the messy parchment paper.

Confetti:

Thoughts~

Did it work? Yes. Are their things I'd change? Also yes. As mentioned above, I'd do less vinyl and smaller bits, more spread out, and take care to not overlap too much. I think the idea is great, especially since you already have the HTV scraps, you just have to save them. Mine are currently in a bag on my desk, because I will try this on a shirt soon.  Do you want to see the outcome? Let me know in the comments!

Screen Print Confetti~

Mine included directions of 350F-385F for 7sec, cover with parchment paper, and peel HOT. I did 350F for 10sec. and included a teflon sheet. I think it turned out really well, and was very easy to use. It looks great, and fused to the towel extremely well.

Which one?

Both were fun, and both have their pluses. 

Vinyl is "free" you've already bought it and made your project you're just using up your trash now.  Two ounces of screen print confetti is around $5 USD.

The HTV is more work however, and the screen print confetti is simple and easy to use, just shake some out and press.

I like both, but IMO the confetti looks better*, and is less time consuming. I can see myself using the various specialty vinyl's to get a custom confetti.

*Further testing needed, vinyl on a towel doesn't perform the best.

What are your thoughts? Share below.

Have a great day,

CraftinWife

My Nail Polish Collection

 Hey Y'all!

If you've been following me for awhile you know my old nail polish storage (hanging) fell down, and so I had to go through them all, and figure out something new.

Here's that declutter blog:

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2020/07/declutter-series-1-nail-polish-declutter.html

I still have them all sitting on the tea pot collection shelf, and I don't love it, but I haven't come up with anything better. 

I haven't gotten rid of anything, and have added a few new ones, so it was time for a tiny declutter, and a collection update since it's been almost 2 years! (Wow!)

I started out with 95, and decluttered 14, leaving me with 81. Had I been paying attention to the number while cleaning up I could have probably chosen one more to declutter, but I didn't count until I was uploading pictured.

Before:

During:

Upside down nail polish equals decluttered!

Most of what ends up decluttered are the Sally Hansen Gel Like polishes, I wasn't a big fan of these and they're getting too old to keep. Other than those it was polishes I know I've had for years, and don't ever reach for.

I clearly like the sparkle! I have several in every color.

I was surprised I have so many blues and greens, and so few pinks!

 

These nail art kits I got through Influenster, and really enjoyed trying them out.

I don't wear red often, so this is more than enough.

Overview:

All put away:

Overall it seems my favorites are the minty hues, and shades similar to that. What's your favorite nail polish? Share in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Dollar Tree/Crafters Square Cricut Items Review

 Hey Y'all!

I'm loving the newer, larger craft section at Dollar Tree! How about you? Most of mine locally seem to focus more on the paint and sticker sections, but I've snagged a few Cricut (cutting machine) type items to try out!

*Not pictured, Transfer Tape.

So far I've used all the tools, here are my opinions:

The spatula is larger, more square, and a bit thicker than the Cricut version. For paper crafts (the only time I've used the spatula tool) I found the DT version to be too think to get under the paper and lift it off the mat without issue. 2/10

The small scraper tool, very comparable, the top hole is larger (easier to hang) on the DT version, other than that to me they seemed almost the same 10/10 

The self healing mat is a bit small at 8in x 6in, but works well. I don't have a Cricut branded self healing mat to compare, but it's thicker than my Fiskars, and thinner than my (favorite) X-Acto mat*. It works very well, so I'd give it a 8/10.

*Mine is not this large, but I couldn't find an exact link.

The weeding tool itself is a tiny bit longer than Cricut's standard weeding tool, and the curve on the tool is a bit less. I actually find I'm reaching for the DT version more often than not. 10/10

I don't have the Cricut version, but my Westcott rotary cutter is a bit larger than the DT, at 45mm, but the 28mm DT version works sooo much better for me. 11/10

The vinyl products:

The transfer tape is very thin and tends to wrinkle up very easily, but it also does the actual vinyl transfer well. In my experience Cricut transfer tape can be too sticky, and the vinyl doesn't always want to release. My current favorite is Oracal (without grid lines). I'd give the DT tape a 6/10.

"Older" bigger box vinyl (Blue), and the "newer" small box DT vinyl (Grey) are both very thin. At first the older (blue) does feel a little bit thinner, but I think  this is just the paper backing. It seems this was more a packaging change, and not really a quality change. After cutting, the newer (grey) feels thinner, and far less sticky. Both cut on my Explore One, older blade, on vinyl setting. They both did a 3in heart just fine. I may attempt a bit smaller, but nothing intricate as I really don't think that would hold up. I'll have to do a wear test and post an update on how that turns out. I can't imagine it sticking well for long on any surface. So currently I give the vinyl a ??/10. I'll have to play with it more, but it did cut perfectly, even if the vinyl it's is a bit thin. I'll do more testing and post an updated blog in May!!

What are your thoughts on the Dollar Tree/Crafter's Square Items? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

How'd the Craft Show Go?

 Hey Y'all!

How crazy was last week? I didn't think prep would take until Thursday! 

Previous Prep Blogs:

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2022/04/no-blog-more-prep.html

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2022/04/change-of-plans.html

I had a lot of fun doing the show though, and the weather held up nicely (it was an outdoor event).

I learned some things, and what I want, and don't need to bring for future events.

Being Easter weekend I wasn't sure how this show would go, I figured if slow then that was fine for my first show, and if not great for business!

Friday started out COLD, and slow. I made a few sales, and then it really died down around lunch time. It also started to really get hot about that time. It never really picked back up, so we packed up around 2pm.

Because Friday was so very slow I was worried about Saturday being worse, especially with a cooler, cloudy day, and all the Easter events happening. Thankfully it was a very busy day, and I made several sales, and a few good connections locally. We were planning to stay all day since it was going so well for me, but about half the vendors started packing up around 2, we held out until 3pm, but with a mostly empty field it didn't make sense to stay.

(The event was 9-5 both days.)

I did notice the vendors closest to me didn't do as well Saturday, they did much better Friday morning. I think it was just who was buying, when, and what they were looking for. I'm glad we all did well this past weekend.

Going forward I want to get a canopy for shade, I did wear sunscreen and long sleeves, but still got a bit of sun on Friday. (Hubby got A LOT of sun, especially his arms.) I don't feel, for this event, that I forgot to bring anything that was essential. I actually didn't need the bags I made a special trip for, as everyone opted out of a bag, however I think different events this would change. I didn't need order forms with me, as people chose business cards instead. As I do more events I'm sure the list will grow, and change.

Overall I think the host, Tracy, did a great job, and would gladly attend another event by her. Huge shout out to East End Lanes for allowing the event space.

Have you ever done an event (not specifically craft related)? How was it? Any tips? Share in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

No Blog, more prep!

 Hey Y'all!

Still super busy doing last minute show prep!

Thanks for your support!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Change Of Plans!

 Hey Y'all!

I know today was supposed to be:

 11th Mon~ How-To Make Confetti Vinyl w/ Scraps... Does it work?

I also ordered some screen print confetti to compare, and I plan to shuffle things around and will do that blog on the 25th instead of the "What I'm Working On" blog. I've been sharing what I'm currently working on on my social media.

I'm sorry for the delay, but with the upcoming craft show prep I haven't had the time to play around with the vinyl, and the confetti just arrived today.

So, since I don't want to leave you with no blog here's a few recent shorts from my TikTok (@craftinwife) via YouTube (CraftinWifes Creations).

Thanks for you patience!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

200 Get To Know Me Questions (126-150)

 Hey Y'all!

Today is Fun Friday over on all my social media outlets! Here's the post if you can't find it elsewhere:

Now on to todays blog!

The questions can be found here:

200+ Questions

Previous Blogs:

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2021/08/200-get-to-know-me-questions-1-25.html

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2021/09/200-get-to-know-me-questions-26-75.html

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2021/10/200-get-to-know-me-questions-51-75.html

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2021/11/200-get-to-know-me-question-76-100.html

http://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2022/02/200-get-to-know-me-questions-101-125.html

Here we go! As a reminder I don't look ahead at these questions, so my answers aren't thought out, or edited beforehand.

126. Did you ever hide anything from or lie to your parents? Sure, all kids/teens do. The biggest was probably omitting all the facts to my & Lisa's first NC trip.

127. If you had a family business, what would it be? Different parts of the family have their own businesses. Mostly construction.

128. Do you and your family have any nicknames for each other? Lots. My most used one is Enna, Aunt Amanda is a lot to say, and I like Enna just fine. No one uses my real name, with my BFF/Sister (we've been BFF's for over 20 yrs) family it's Mana. 

129. What's your favorite way to spend time with your family? Just chillin'.

130. How do you show your family you love them? Lots of ways. Spending time, gifts, etc.

131. What’s your favorite family tradition? Christmas PJ's!

132. What's the most important holiday you spend with your family and why? Any. It's about spending time together, not really what day it is.

133. Who in your family would you describe as a "character"? Have you met my family?? All of them.

134. How do you feel about family events? I'm not an event person, but I enjoy hanging out in smaller groups.

135. What's something your family would be surprised to learn about you? My immediate family knows most of the things to know about me, the rest of them? IDK. 

136. Which family member do you confide in most? Other than Hubby?

137. How do you deal with arguments between family members? That drama ain't for me. Not my life, not my problem.

138. If you have children, how do you want to raise them? N/A

139. What's more important: family or friends? If you have a shit family 100% leave that toxic environment. Mine's cool, so they're #1.

140. Do you have any friends you would consider family? Yep, love ya Lisa! (BWP2 too!)

141. Has your family ever pressured you to act a certain way? Not that I recall, we were the tame ones, on both sides. So even when we were acting a fool we still paled in comparison, lol.

142. Did you ever get to meet your great-grandparents? 1 set on Mom's side, there are pictures to prove it but I was really little and don't remember. Dad's Dad's Mom, she was ornery and awesome. Dad's Mom's Dad, he was cool when we were little, but then he moved south and dementia took over.

143. What personality traits do you share with your relatives? Sass, strength, and independent.

144. What physical traits do you share with your relatives? I look mostly like my mom's mom's side, with dad's mom's side big ole bum.

145. What stories did your family members tell you growing up? Lots, I'll share this, I miss Dad dearly, but glad I never have to hear the cafeteria fork story again.

146. How did your parents (and/or grandparents) meet? Dad was friends with Mom's brother, and worked for her Dad. (So she knew of him.) The guys and their dates were going to the movies (?) and Dad's date cancelled or he didn't have one, I don't remember. Mom's brother asked her to go, and she said several times, loud enough for Dad to hear, "I ain't going with him, NO." She went, and 8mo later they were married.

I have no idea how Granny met my mom's dad, never met the man and they divorced around the time my parents were married. 

Grandma & Grandpa met at church, I think at a dance.

147. What makes you proud of your family? As a whole? They're resilient.

148. Who's the newest member of your family? Which part of the family? On my side I suppose it's my cousin Rusty's kids (and they're ADORABLE!). On Hubby's side it's our nieces daughter, she's not quite 1. But we haven't seen them in a looooooooooong time.

149. What can always bring your family together? Food. LOL!

150. What do you think makes someone a “good person”? Honest, willing to learn/grow, etc. 

To answer the Fun Friday question, which I'm sure I've answered before, my first job other than babysitting was as a dishwasher in a local restaurant, then Legg's Hanes at the outlet mall, then I started doing hair.

What was your first job? Share below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

March Makeup Looks!

 Hey Y'all!

I know I did more looks than this, but I'm pretty sure I forgot to take pictures a couple times!

Previous Makeup Blogs:

March Shelf

February Looks

March Mini Review

Looks for the month~

1) My uncle's funeral. I wore quite a bit this day, because it had to last from 9am til at least 10pm, and it all (but lip) held up really well!

2) Bumming around KY on our way home.

3) Hiking with Hubby.

4) ? Probably grocery shopping.

5) Playing with the Anastasia Lip Kit some more, grabbed way too much black and not enough blue or red.

6) Embrace the 80s/90s vibes.

7) My favorite look for the month!

Which was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Sorry this isn't longer/more detailed but it's fixin' to storm here, and I gotta get a few things done before that happens.