Saturday, February 7, 2026

Handmade Valentine Cards That Travel Well (Cricut Joy)

Handmade Valentine Cards That Travel Well

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and even though I love all the glittery, over-the-top craft projects, sometimes you need something simple, sturdy, and perfect for sending through the mail—especially when you’re on the road like we are! Today, I’m sharing a few ideas for handmade Valentine cards that are both charming and travel-friendly, all made with my trusty Cricut Joy and a few helpful tools.

Why Travel-Friendly Matters

When you’re RVing, space is tight, and flat, lightweight projects are a lifesaver. These cards won’t get bent in a bag or crushed in a mailbox, and they’re easy to make in batches. Plus, the Cricut Joy is perfect for quick, precise cuts without taking over your entire living space.

Tools & Materials I Used

Cricut Joy – compact but mighty!
Smart Vinyl & Cardstock – perfect for crisp designs that stick or layer easily.
Joy Pen Set – add handwritten-style messages without any smudges.
Transfer Tape – for precise placement of vinyl cut-outs.
Cricut Joy StandardGrip &/or Card Mat – small, easy to store, and perfect for detailed cuts.
Envelopes – make sure they’re snug enough to protect your card but not too bulky for mailing.

Card Ideas That Travel Well

Layered Heart Cards – Cut several cardstock hearts in different sizes and colors. Use adhesive dots to stack them slightly, giving a subtle 3D effect without adding bulk.
Vinyl Cut-Out Cards – Use your Cricut Joy to cut intricate heart shapes or romantic quotes from vinyl, then transfer them onto cardstock. Flat, elegant, and totally mail-friendly.
Folded Pop-Up Accents – Keep it simple with one pop-up element inside the card. A small heart or banner folds flat when closed but “pops” when opened.
Handwritten Joy Pen Messages – Use your Cricut Joy pens to write inside your cards. You get the perfect font every time, with no risk of smearing while traveling.

Tips for Mail-Ready Cards

Keep embellishments minimal – Stick to lightweight layers or vinyl instead of heavy ribbons or buttons.
Use stiff cardstock – Adds structure and protects delicate designs.
Consider mailing tubes for pop-ups – If your design is taller than a standard envelope, a tube ensures it won’t get squished.

These cards are a sweet way to send love, even if you’re living life on the road. I love combining the precision of the Cricut Joy with creative layering and vinyl designs—it makes every Valentine feel thoughtful, personal, and easy to send.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found a card idea that inspires you. I’d love to see your creations—tag me online or leave a comment. Keep crafting, wherever you are!

If you need more of a How To let me know!

Five Little Things Making Me Happy Right Now

Hey friends! Settled into Wildebeest with a cup of cocoa, I wanted to share a few small things that have been bringing me joy lately.

Sometimes, happiness isn’t about the big events or grand gestures—it’s about those small, everyday things that make life a little brighter. Lately, I’ve been noticing and savoring five little things that are bringing me joy, and I thought I’d share them with you.

1. Books That Transport Me

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book and letting yourself get lost in another world. Lately, I’ve been diving into stories that inspire my creativity and spark my imagination. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a cozy romance, or a crafty DIY guide, books are my little escape and a big source of happiness.

2. Time with Friends

Even if it’s just a quick coffee date or a long phone call, catching up with friends always leaves me feeling lighter and more connected. Laughter, support, and shared stories—these little moments remind me of the importance of nurturing relationships.

3. Craft Time

This one is obvious for me, isn’t it? Spending time crafting—whether it’s painting, sewing, or working on a small DIY project—feels like pressing the reset button on my mind. There’s something magical about watching an idea turn into something tangible and beautiful.

4. Sunshine and Fresh Air

A little walk outside, a patch of sunlight streaming through the window, or even just standing on the porch and feeling the breeze—nature has a way of grounding me and reminding me to appreciate the simple pleasures.

5. Moments of Quiet

Between the chaos of life, finding a few minutes of peace—maybe while sipping tea, journaling, or just listening to my favorite music—feels like a tiny gift I give myself. These quiet moments help me recharge and focus on the things that truly matter.

It’s amazing how these little things, when noticed and cherished, can make life feel brighter every single day. What are your little things that are making you happy right now? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!

Until next time, keep enjoying those tiny moments that make life brighter.

Winter Skin Prep in Dry Air: Keeping Your Glow All Season

Hello, crafty friends! ❄️

Winter is here, and with it comes dry, biting air that can leave even the most resilient skin feeling tight, flaky, and just plain unhappy. As someone who loves cozy crafting sessions, curling up with a good book, or taking photos of winter wonderlands, I know that having soft, hydrated skin makes all those moments feel even more luxurious. So, let’s talk winter skin prep and how to keep your skin glowing—even when the air outside is anything but!

Welcome back to Wildebeest. Cold weather can be rough on skin, especially in a bus. Today I’m sharing my steps and products that keep my face smooth and makeup-ready all winter long.

1. Hydrate Inside and Out

It might sound simple, but staying hydrated is step one. Cold air can sneakily dehydrate your skin, so keep a water bottle nearby while crafting or working from home. Pair this with a rich, nourishing moisturizer that locks in moisture. Ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are winter skin heroes.

2. Gentle Cleansing

Switch to a mild, creamy cleanser instead of harsh soaps that strip natural oils. Over-cleansing can worsen dryness, leaving skin tight and irritated. Consider a hydrating face wash or even a cleansing balm for those extra chilly days.

3. Exfoliation – But Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin, allowing moisturizers to sink in better. However, in winter, less is more. Opt for a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week. Avoid anything too abrasive, especially if your skin is sensitive.

4. Layering Moisture

Think of your skin care like crafting a layered project: start with a hydrating serum, then lock it in with a heavier cream. For extra dry spots (hands, elbows, knees), add a rich balm or ointment. Overnight treatments work wonders, too.

5. Don’t Forget SPF

Yes, even in winter! Sunlight reflects off snow, and UV rays still reach your skin. A daily SPF helps prevent damage and keeps your skin looking fresh for all your winter adventures.

6. Create a Cozy Routine

Winter is the perfect time to turn skin care into a ritual. Light a candle, play some cozy music, and give yourself a few extra minutes to massage moisturizer in—your hands and your mind will thank you!

My Favorite Winter Skin Must-Haves:

Rich Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Hydrating Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Gentle Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Overnight Balm: Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Keeping your skin soft and happy in dry winter air isn’t complicated—it just takes a little extra love, hydration, and layering. I hope these tips help you feel cozy, radiant, and ready to craft all season long! 💛

Happy winter, friends!
—Amanda

Thanks for stopping by! I hope these tips help your skin stay happy and makeup-friendly. Share your favorite winter skin tricks with me—I always love learning from you!

Small-Space Crafting: How I Set Up and Pack Away Projects in the Bus

Hey friends! Welcome back to Wildebeest and another cozy corner of Craftin’ Wife’s Creations. Living (and crafting) in a bus means getting creative with small spaces, and today I’m sharing how I turn a tiny table into a workable craft area—without taking over the whole bus!

Crafting in a small space like our Wildebeest RV can feel like a challenge at first, but over time, I’ve discovered a rhythm that lets me enjoy all my favorite projects without turning the bus into a permanent craft explosion. Here’s how I do it!

1. Designate a Craft Zone

Even though our bus isn’t huge, having a consistent spot for crafting makes a world of difference. For me, it’s our fold-out table by the window. It’s just the right size for cutting, gluing, and painting, and the natural light is perfect for details.

I keep a rolling craft cart nearby stocked with all the essentials—scissors, adhesives, brushes, markers, and my favorite papers. Everything has a home, so setting up is quick.

2. Organize Supplies in Bins and Pouches

Small-space living teaches you the value of vertical and contained storage. I use clear plastic bins for paints, beads, and embellishments, and labeled pouches for smaller items. This makes it easy to grab what I need and just as easy to pack it all away when we need space for other activities.

Tip: Use stackable containers or baskets that can double as décor. Functional and pretty!

3. Portable Tools Are a Must

In a small space, multipurpose tools are lifesavers. My favorite items are:

Collapsible cutting mats – easy to fold and stash under the seat.
Clip-on magnifying light – attaches to any table edge, giving extra illumination.
Magnetic pin holders – keep pins, needles, and small metal embellishments in one spot.

These tools make crafting in tight quarters feel effortless.

4. Setup in Stages

I rarely pull out every project at once. Instead, I set up in stages. For example:

Lay out the project and tools.
Prepare materials (cut fabrics, papers, etc.).
Complete the assembly or decoration.

Breaking it down like this keeps the bus from becoming a permanent craft mess and makes cleanup much simpler.

5. Pack Away Efficiently

Cleanup is the key to happy small-space crafting. I always:

Sort scraps into a bin for recycling or future use.
Wipe down the workspace immediately.
Return tools and supplies to their labeled bins or pouches.

Having a “home” for everything keeps the bus functional and keeps crafting stress-free.

6. Embrace Flexible Projects

Some of my favorite crafts are those that don’t require a huge footprint—journals, small décor items, and paper crafts. These are easy to start, stop, and store, which is perfect for life on the road.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this gave you some inspiration for crafting in a small space. I’d love to hear how you make your creative nook work for you—drop a comment or tag me online! Until next time, keep crafting, keep exploring, and enjoy those little moments

February Blog Schedule: Craftin' Wife's Creations

February Blog Schedule

Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s make this fun!

February Posting Schedule

Crafts on Mondays • Beauty on Wednesdays • Everything Else on Fridays

February is one of my favorite creative months. It’s still chilly in most places we land, which means more cozy evenings inside Wildebeest, more experimenting with small-space crafts, and more chances to play with makeup looks just for fun.

Living and crafting in a bus means I plan projects a little differently—everything has to be compact, practical, and not make a huge mess. (And as always… no glitter.)

Here’s what I’m planning for February:

Week One

Monday – Craft
Small-Space Crafting: How I Set Up and Pack Away Projects in the Bus
I’ll show how I turn a tiny table into a workable craft space and how I store supplies so they don’t take over the whole living area.

Wednesday – Beauty
Winter Skin Prep in Dry Air
RV air, heaters, and cold weather can be rough on skin. I’ll share what’s been helping keep my makeup from looking dry or cakey.

Friday – Everything Else
Five Little Things Making Me Happy Right Now
A relaxed post about simple joys, favorite snacks, shows, and small wins lately.

Week Two

Monday – Craft
Handmade Valentine Cards That Travel Well
Easy cards that don’t require bulky supplies and can be made right at the dinette.

Wednesday – Beauty
A Soft, Everyday Valentine’s Makeup Look
Something wearable, comfortable, and realistic—not over-the-top or fussy.

Friday – Everything Else
A Typical Creative Day Living in Wildebeest
What a normal day looks like balancing crafting, blogging, photography, and everyday life on the road.

Week Three

Monday – Craft
Upcycling on the Road: Turning Packaging into Something Useful
When you live in a bus, you get creative with what you already have. I’ll share a few simple reuse ideas.

Wednesday – Beauty
My Go-To Drugstore Beauty Favorites
The products I keep repurchasing because they work and don’t take up a ton of space.

Friday – Everything Else
Cozy Night-In Ideas for RV Life
Low-key, relaxing ways to unwind when you’re parked for the night.

Week Four

Monday – Craft
Planning Spring Crafts in a Small Space
How I plan ahead without storing piles of supplies.

Wednesday – Beauty
My 10-Minute Everyday Makeup Routine
Quick, simple, and realistic for travel days or busy mornings.

Friday – Everything Else
February Wrap-Up: Projects, Favorites, and What’s Next
Looking back at what I made this month and what I’m excited about heading into March.

I’m really looking forward to this month of creating, experimenting, and sharing—bus life and all.

And as always, if there’s something you’d love to see on Craftin’ Wife’s Creations, let me know. I love hearing ideas from fellow makers.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this gave you some inspiration for your own cozy bus, home, or creative nook. I’d love to hear what you’re making, trying, or loving lately—drop a comment, send me a message, or tag me online. Until next time, keep crafting, keep exploring, and keep enjoying those little moments.

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Winter Photography & Craft Display Ideas

Winter has a special kind of magic—soft light, cozy textures, and a slower pace that invites creativity. Whether you’re photographing handmade items or styling crafts for a market, blog, or social media, winter is the perfect season to lean into warmth, contrast, and intentional details. Here are some winter-inspired photography and craft display ideas to make your creations shine.

Embrace Cozy Textures

Winter visuals are all about feel. Even in photos, texture tells a story.

Knits & Crochet: Chunky scarves, mittens, or blankets make perfect backdrops.
Faux Fur & Sherpa: Great for flat lays or product staging.
Wood & Natural Fibers: Think rustic tables, cutting boards, wicker baskets, or unfinished wood slices.

Pro tip: Keep textures neutral so your craft remains the star of the shot.

Use Winter Light to Your Advantage

Winter light is softer and more forgiving—perfect for handmade goods.

Shoot near a window during mid-morning or early afternoon.
Overcast days act like a giant softbox (no harsh shadows!).
Warm bulbs or fairy lights can add a golden glow when daylight fades early.

Avoid overhead lighting when possible—it flattens details and can dull colors.

Seasonal Color Palettes That Pop

Winter doesn’t have to mean only white and gray.

Try pairing your crafts with:

Classic winter tones: Cream, pine green, cranberry, navy
Icy accents: Pale blue, silver, frosted lavender
Warm contrasts: Rust, mustard, deep plum

Choose one main color family and one accent to keep displays clean and cohesive.

Simple Winter Props That Add Story

A few thoughtful props can elevate your photos without clutter.

Pinecones, evergreen sprigs, or dried orange slices
Mugs, books, or journals for cozy vibes
Twine, kraft paper, or fabric scraps
Snowy elements like faux snow, salt, or sugar used sparingly

Less is more—props should support the craft, not compete with it.

Craft Fair & Display Table Ideas

If you’re selling or showcasing crafts in winter markets, visual warmth matters.

Layer your table: Tablecloth + runner + display risers
Vary heights: Use crates, cake stands, or stacked books
Soft lighting: Battery-operated lanterns or fairy lights draw eyes in
Clear signage: Winter markets can be dim—bold fonts help

Add one seasonal focal point, like a small wreath or winter floral arrangement, to anchor the display.

Photographing for Social Media vs. Blog

Tailor your setup depending on where the photos will live.

Instagram: Vertical shots, tighter crops, cozy details
Blog headers: Wider shots with negative space for text
Pinterest: Clean, bright images with strong contrast

Shoot a mix of wide, medium, and close-up shots in one session to maximize content.

Keep It You

Winter content works best when it feels authentic. If your style leans rustic, cozy, spooky, colorful, or whimsical—lean into it. Your audience follows you for a reason.

Winter is a season of quiet creativity, and your crafts deserve to be shown in that soft, thoughtful light.

What’s your favorite winter craft or photography vibe—cozy cabin, minimalist snow, or moody winter magic?

Self-Care Sunday Routine, Midweek Edition

Let’s be real: waiting until Sunday to take care of yourself is a scam. 😅 By the time midweek rolls around, energy is low, patience is thinner than washi tape, and everything feels louder than it should. That’s why I started doing a Self-Care Sunday… on a Wednesday—a gentle reset to carry me through the rest of the week.

This isn’t about perfection or luxury. It’s about checking in, slowing down, and giving yourself permission to breathe.

Step 1: Reset the Space (15–20 minutes)

I can’t relax if my surroundings feel chaotic. Midweek self-care always starts with a mini reset, not a full deep clean.

Clear one surface (desk, vanity, or kitchen counter)
Light a candle or wax melt
Open a window if the weather allows
Toss laundry into baskets (no folding required)

✨ Rule: If it takes longer than 20 minutes, it’s tomorrow’s problem.

Step 2: Comfort Clothes Only

Hard pants are illegal during self-care.

I change into:

Soft leggings or lounge pants
An oversized tee or cozy hoodie
Fuzzy socks or barefoot freedom

This small switch signals to my brain: we are done performing for today.

Step 3: Skin Care, Not a Full Routine

Midweek is not the time for a 12-step process. It’s about care, not effort.

My go-to:

Gentle cleanser
Hydrating toner or mist
Moisturizer
Lip balm or overnight lip mask

Sometimes I’ll add a face mask—but only if it feels good, not because I “should.”

Step 4: Creative Calm (30–60 minutes)

This is where Craftin’ Wife’s Creations really shines. 💕

I choose one low-pressure activity:

Coloring or doodling
Journaling (messy is allowed)
Simple crafting or prep work
Planning upcoming projects without committing to them

No deadlines. No content creation pressure. Just making for the joy of it.

Step 5: Nourishment That Feels Kind

Midweek self-care food is about comfort + ease.

Ideas:

Soup or something warm
A favorite snack plate
Tea, cocoa, or flavored water
Dessert without guilt (yes, even on a Wednesday)

Eating something intentional reminds me that I deserve care every day, not just weekends.

Step 6: Gentle Wind-Down

I end my routine by slowing things way down.

Phone on Do Not Disturb
A familiar show, comfort movie, or audiobook
Stretching or lying flat on the floor for a few minutes (highly underrated)

If I go to bed early afterward, that’s a win—not a failure.

Why Midweek Self-Care Matters

You don’t need to earn rest. You don’t need to wait for Sunday. And you definitely don’t need to be burned out to deserve care.

This Midweek Self-Care Sunday helps me show up more grounded, more creative, and a lot kinder to myself—for the rest of the week.

If today feels heavy, consider this your permission slip to pause.

💗

What’s one small thing you can do for yourself tonight?

Find me here:

Saturday, February 7, 2026