Craftin' Wife's Creations: 4th of July Crafting with Cricut Joy (Kid Friendly)

Hey Y'all!

As we get ready to embark on our travel journey I thought now would be the perfect time to really familiarize myself with all of Joy's capabilities (and shortcomings). That way I know what I can, and can't do out on the road, and I'll show you how to in the process!

The biggest shortfall I've noticed so far is the size (width) limitation. It's still possible to go bigger, and I'll show how in an upcoming blog, but it's definitely more work.

Previous posts about Cricut Joy:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2023/04/i-got-cricut-joy-thoughtsreview.html

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2023/04/how-to-easter-basket-tags-w-cricut-joy.html

For today's craft, We're making a simple primitive 4th of July wall hanging. If I were going to do this again I'd probably double the size, and use either cardstock, or some kind of fabric. If you do that, please share with me on social media!

This worked, as is- it's very kid friendly, and because it's very temporary for me. I also don't have any fabric that would have worked on hand.

Link to this project in DS:

https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/6499e656c9563cf1c6effec1

Materials:

Cricut Joy

Joy Mat

Paper of your choosing (I'm using papers from a Recollections 12x12 stack from 2021. If you wanted to make this with paper I'd go a bit sturdier, and suggest cardstock instead.)

String, ribbon, or yarn

Dowel Rod or clothes hanger (I used a skewer, because I had several on hand.)

Scissors (Y'all know I love the Fiskars PowerCut, but for this project especially, any will do.)

(Hole Punch, I could have had the Joy do this step, but forgot.)

Step One:

Start up & open the Joy app, Select a new project/canvas. I kept it simple here, and we're just using the free star shape. Duplicate that star as many times as you'd like. I did 14 total.

Optional: Add the hole to each star, buy slicing out a small circle from the first one before duplication.

Step Two:

Plan out your layout, and color placement. For me this is more a rough idea than a must follow. You get as accurate as you'd like.

Step Three:

Prep all your mats, and cut. For me I did roughly a 11.25 x 15in design, so I had 8 mats.

Do all the fun involved in waiting to cut....

Step Four:

Remove the stars from all your mats.

Step Five:

Prep your hanging apparatus. I used this skewer I had on hand, and some white string.

As previously mentioned, if I did it again I'd probably use a small dowel rod, and fabric stars.

Step Six:

If you didn't add the hole to the stars in Design Space, here's where you'll use that hole punch.

Step Seven:

Measure & cut your string (or ribbon, yarn, whatever you've chosen).

Step Eight:

Using the layout you made in Design Space, follow along and assemble. I just tied a simple knot each step of the way. You could use tape, glue, or any other adhesive you like.

Step Nine: