January & February Makeup Looks

Hey Y'all!

Be forewarned, there isn't a lot here...

January/February Looks:

It's actually all January...

The new phone is having issues putting things in order, as well as communicating with the laptop....

For that reason these are not in order. I think I've got it straightened out going forward.

1)

2) Haircut, after & before.

Not at all what I showed her or we discussed.

3)

4)

5) 

6)

More 5)

7)

8)

More 4) Probably my favorite from the month.

Told ya it wasn't much!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Cricut Design Space Updates & News!

 Hey Y'all!

Cricut Design Space is always changing and evolving! Currently, and this is pure speculation on my part, I think they're gearing up for something BIG product wise. We're seeing less and less Explore Air 2, Maker, or Cricut Joy tools and materials at retailer online and in store. We're also seeing more and more sales on existing machines and product. To me that means something new is coming, but I've not seen anything that supports my theory... yet.

Here are the latest updates for PC and android:

PC, mainly just bug fixes, nothing new has been announced.

Android, has a bit of an update to Templates, as seen below:

I don't really use the templates, they never seemed to have or do what I needed. Maybe now they'll work better, and I may give them a try again, but I'm used to crafting without them, and just make sure my measurements are correct. At this point templates seem like an extra step for me, but if you need that visual I think this update may help you.

What are you most excited for Cricut to come out with next? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Books! AKA What I've Read Recently

 Hey Y'all!

I actually have a few to share this month, much better than January...

1) -4) This series:

The Hayden Family Series, Jennifer Millikin

While these books are stand alone, it's definitely worth reading the whole series. Each sibling has there own story to tell, and all four are complex, with their own issues, conflict, and resolutions. Each one is a well written character, you can really submerse yourself in the ranch, and surrounding areas. 

While book 3 was probably my favorite, it's hard to believe X is a psychologist, therefore IDK that I'd want her working in that capacity. (Trying not to spoil it, but if you read these, let me know your opinion!)

A bit from each book:

The Patriot-

I'm a soldier.
A cattle rancher.
A Hayden.

My family's legacy is spread out in front of me, just waiting for me to seize it. If it weren't for one outdated rule, I'd be the owner of the Hayden Cattle Company and my aging father could retire.

When Dakota Wright shows up to buy and develop twenty acres of Hayden land, I see more than a pretty mouth and strawberry blonde hair. I see a way around the decree keeping me from getting what I want.

And, as luck would have it, Dakota has a big problem of her own. We strike two deals: one for the land, and a second that'll make both our problems a distant memory.

It isn't too long before I realize I'm in over my head. I've convinced myself the ends should justify the means, but everything begins to fall apart when my birthright is no longer all that I'm after.

I never thought there'd be anything I could love more than my ranch and my country.
I was wrong.

Turns out, I want it all.
Including her.

The Maverick-

I know you’ve heard about me.

The middle Hayden brother, the one whose wife ran off.

I’m not the short-tempered new owner of the Hayden Cattle Company, like my big brother. I’m not the wild stallion with a mystery ax to grind, like my little brother.

I’m Warner Hayden. Single-father, second-in-command of my family’s ranching dynasty, and my steady, secure world is about to get rocked by America’s sweetheart.

I’d heard Tenley Roberts was coming to our small town to film her latest movie, I just didn't think she’d be driving a 1976 Bronco. So, no, I didn't know the identity of the beautiful stranger I helped on the side of the road, but I figured it out a few days later. And I haven't been the same since.

Tenley is unexpectedly funny, and complicated. I’m recently divorced, fearful of the way she makes my heart beat double-time, and gun-shy.

Despite all this, we’re too wrapped up in each other to care.

But then things with Tenley take an unforeseen turn, and everyone assumes I’ll take my licks the way I always have.

Not this time.

Maybe I am the nice, dependable brother.

But I’m also a Hayden, born and bred.

And this bull has horns.

The Outlaw-

There’s a thin line between being a hero and a villain, and I’m well aware I walk right down the middle of it. My reputation precedes me, even when I’m making a bad choice for the right reason. This is how I wind up in the back of a police car late one night.

My infamous last name keeps my record clean, with a single caveat: community service at a ranch recently purchased by Jo Shelton. I think I’d rather go to jail than serve time with the woman who has made it clear she can’t stand me, even though we used to be friends.

Despite the tense atmosphere and how she keeps me at arms’ length, I show up every day, ready to work. Quickly I learn a valuable lesson: while it’s difficult being around someone I don’t like, it’s far more difficult being around someone I find myself intensely attracted to, but cannot have.

Because Jo, the woman who's driving me crazy with her quiet strength and beautiful face, is in a relationship. With a man who, I’d like to point out, is not out there getting his hands dirty on his girlfriend’s ranch. Possession is 9/10th’s of the law, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m currently in possession of Jo’s time and attention.

One day, the unexpected happens. Her blue eyes pierce my callused exterior, seeing deep down into a wound I work hard to hide. It’s in this moment, and so many that follow, that I become certain there’s no hope left for me. I’m in love with Jo, and I’m desperate to show her I’m someone worthy of her love in return.

Lucky for me, nobody rises to the occasion quite like an outlaw.

The Calamity-

I’ve made a mess of things again. Not that anybody is surprised.

After I’m politely asked to withdraw from college for my antics, I return home to my family’s cattle ranch. The sweeping views, the towering pine trees, and the whisper of the wind remind me I belong on this land. My heart is in the alpine air, my soul mixed into the soil. All I’ve ever wanted is to run the ranch alongside my oldest brother, but my family refuses to see me as anything but a walking disaster.

If I’m going to show them what I’m capable of, I have to prove myself. Lucky for me, I’m a Hayden through and through. I’ll dirty my hands in more ways than one.

That includes the man who showed up in town again after all these years. Sawyer Bennett. I’ve heard the stories about his family, and they don’t scare me. Our attraction is undeniable, and the best part? Sawyer looks at me with fresh eyes. When I’m with him, I get to be the woman I’m fighting to become. And I’m learning just how much I want to be that woman.

But then I make the ultimate mistake: I utter the word perfect. I should've known better. There’s nowhere to go but down after that. And down we go, until we hit rock bottom.

Sawyer unearths a long-buried secret, and challenges everything my brothers and I grew up believing. Nobody is surprised I’ve brought disaster to our doorstep again, but it’s not over.

Because when it rains out on the ranch? It pours.

5) Next I continued the Bridgerton series, and this one wasn't my favorite. I feel like we already knew most of what was happening. It's also almost solely from Michaels point of view. I feel like I don't really know Francesca at all... And that doesn't bother me.

When He Was Wicked, Julia Quinn

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one’s life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca’s surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .

6) &7) Wildwood Society Romance Series, Roxie Nior

Why it's called that I don't know, it's only mentioned (by name) once or twice across books 1 & 2.

Both of these were good, quick afternoon reads. Easily stand alone books, the first one mentions the friend group, and they get together far more than book 2. I'll save up my Google Play points to get the rest in the series.

I like that the cast of characters each are unique and flawed. They are well written, as is the book series, except the F word gets tossed around far too much to make it remotely impactful. Especially in the character that has a lot of religious trauma. It just doesn't fell like he'd say it that much compared to the way he talks/acts otherwise. It's like the writer couldn't think of a different word, so she just shoves that one in, regardless of if it actually "fits". Still good stories though... A bit steamier than my usual read.

The One Month Boyfriend-

Silas and I agree on one thing, and one thing only: my ruthless, heartless, narcissistic jerk of an ex-fiancé needs to be taken down a notch.

So we do what anyone would do: we pretend to be a couple.

Even though Silas and I are polar opposites. Silas is a loud, cheerful, over the top showboat. He’s his hometown’s golden boy, the Marine who came back to rescue kittens from trees and walk old ladies across the street.

And me? I'm the awkward new girl who freezes up around strangers and can’t make small talk to save my life.

It shouldn’t work. We can barely have a conversation without arguing. There's no way we should be friends, let alone dating, except... Everyone believes it.

Especially my ex.

Now I'm having way too many real fantasies about the man who gets on my last nerve. My fake boyfriend is starting to feel a whole lot like a real one.

The kisses feel real.
The way he protects me feels real.
The night we spend together in a hotel bed feels very real.

This was supposed to be fake, but I think I might have fooled myself most of all.

The Two Week Roommate- 

There are probably worse things than being stuck in a remote cabin with the rugged-yet-grumpy forest ranger who saved my life in a blizzard. Getting mauled by a bear, for example, though I might prefer that to eating breakfast with Gideon Bell, the guy who nearly ruined my life when we were kids.

It was twenty years ago. We haven’t spoken since. Our families still hate each other, and our lives are completely different. I’m not sure we’ve got anything in common besides childhood memories.

But when it’s just the two of us for a couple of weeks, none of that really matters.

What matters is the way Gideon grumbles, but makes my tea exactly the way I like it. What matters is how he always gives me the spot on the couch closest to the fireplace. What matters is how he looks at me when he thinks I’m not paying attention.

And those childhood memories? He’s in all my favorites.

Up here, in the cabin, it’s easy to look past all that because it feels so good to kiss him. It’s easy to spend a wild night in front of the fireplace and wake up still wrapped together. But back in the real world, where everything that drove us apart is still alive and kicking? It’s a lot harder.

Can Gideon and I fix what broke twenty years ago, or does what happens in the cabin have to stay in the cabin?

8) I know I said in a previous blog I wasn't going to read any more of the Deliverance Co books, but I think this one is stand alone enough. Hubby picked it up for me from a local thrift store.

The Sooner The Better, Debbie Macomber

I liked this one more than book one. Overall the story was more interesting, and the main characters far more likable. I won't look for book 2.

She’s stuck with Jack…

Lorraine Dancy has just discovered that everything she believes about her father is a lie—starting with the fact that Thomas supposedly died years ago. Now she’s learned that not only is he not dead, he’s living in a small town south of the border. In the process of tracking him down, she manages to get framed for theft and pursued by the real thief, the police and a local crime boss. Her father’s friend Jack Keller agrees to help her escape, although Lorraine’s reluctant to depend on a man like him.

And he’s stuck with her!

Jack’s every bit the renegade Lorraine thinks he is—an ex-mercenary and former Deliverance Company operative. He’s also the one person who can guide her to safety. But there are stormy waters ahead, including an attraction neither of them wants to feel. An attraction that’s as risky as it is intense—for both of them. The sooner he can get Lorraine home, the better!

8 books this moth was pretty good! What should I read next? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Makeup Routine? Makeup Tag!

 Hey Y'all!

I need to quit putting this in the rotation, I don't really have a routine anymore. On days I decide to wear makeup I get my case(s) out, choose a primer and go from there. 

Typically it's:

Primer

Maybe Tinted Moisturizer, or Sunscreen

Powder

Blush

Highlight

Bronzer

Eyeshadow (my favorite)

Mascara (curl lashes first)

Maybe eyeliner, usually not

Lipsticks/Gloss

Setting Spray

Tag Questions: 

Makeup: 
blush or bronzer~  Bronzer (I Do love a good blush though.)
lip gloss or lipstick~ Either/Both
eye liner or mascara~ Both, if I had to pick one, mascara.
foundation or concealer~ Concealer, though I hardly use either.
neutral or color eye shadow~ All! I don't do the same look everyday, makeup should be fun!
pressed or loose eye shadows~ Pressed. Much easier to work with.
brushes or sponges~ Brushes!

Nails:
OPI or china glaze~ I'm not brand loyal, but out of these two, OPI.
Long or short~ Medium to long, but mine keep breaking and are currently short.
Acrylic or natural~ Natural!
Brights or darks~ Both, but I pick brights more often.
Flower or no flower~ No.

Body:
perfume or body splash~ Either.
lotion or body butter~ Generally lotion, but body butter in Winter.
body wash or soap~ Body wash!
lush or other bath company~ Any, again not a brand kinda girl.

Fashion:
jeans or sweat pants~ Most days? Sweats, loungewear, or leggings.
long sleeve of short~ Depends on the weather.
dresses or skirts~ Dresses.
stripes or plaid~ Either, both have their place.
flip flops or sandals~ Both, but most of the time flip flops.
scarves or hats~ Both but I wear neither often.
studs or dangly earrings~ Both. I have my ears pierced multiple times.
necklaces or bracelets~ Both. Necklaces more often.
heels or flats~ Flats, 99% of the time.
cowboy boots or riding boots~ Neither. Maybe hiking boots.
jacket or hoodie~ Zip up hoodie.
forever 21 or Charlotte Russe~ Forever 21 plus, but really only buy jewelry there.
Abercombie or Hollister~ Neither.
Saks 5th or Nordstrom~ Never even been inside either of these.

Hair:
curly or straight~ Mine is mostly straight now.
bun or ponytail~ Not long enough for either.
bobby pins or butterfly clips~ Pins or elastics.
hair spray or gel~ Spray.
long or short~ Short.
light or dark~ Dark.
side sweep bangs or full bangs~ Side or none.
up or down~ Both, but down most of the time.

Random:
Rain or shine~ SHINE!
Summer or Winter~ SUMMER!
Fall or Spring~ FALL!
Chocolate or vanilla~ Vanilla.
East Coast or West Coast~ East, but only because I've never been to the West Coast. 

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Color With Me!

 Hey Y'all!

I've been working on my coloring more lately, and have been using a variety of art mediums. Here lately I've been playing around with gel pens, alcohol markers, and colored pencils. 

Photos-

For this first image (Prima) I used Spectrum Noir Tri Blend markers. They are so fun and easy to use! My blending is something I'll continue to work on, but I like the markers. I like how easy they are to take with me, and how quickly you can color something. My only complaint was when popped apart they can be a bit harder to handle, because they are smaller. 

The following lady image is from a set in a previous (years old) issue of a craft magazine. The bears are from Art Impressions. On these I used Gel Pens from Big Lots. They were very easy to work with, and had a fine enough tip for smaller lines. I did find the pens with glitter tend to glide more easily, and looked better than the others.

Next, I worked on a coloring book image, comparing the differences between Spectrum Noir Basics Markers, and Tombow Colored Pencils without attempting to blend. I feel the image is to small to try that comparison. However I'd like to try it for an upcoming blog if it's something you're interested in. Let me know in the comment section below.

*It seems the Basics line from Spectrum Noir is no longer available on their website.

** Tombow 36pc Colored Pencil, I won them in a Holiday Giveaway on Instagram in 2020. 

Chosen Image, I drew the black line to get a halfway point.

Pencil Set.

Markers!

Coloring:

These pencils were so easy to use, and so much color variety! I especially love the way the sunflower turned out. I can't wait to play with them more. So much better than the Daler-Rowney pencils I've been using, and those are pretty good.

Above is no flash, below is with flash.

This particular set of markers had a lot of purples and pinks, and a few shades of red, green, yellow, and brown, but no blue or orange. I found that kind of odd. (I do have more markers from Spectrum Noir I'd like to test out against these, as well as my other marker sets.) I like the vibrancy of the colors, but even the thinner tipped side of the marker is too thick for this scale/small image. 

I had fun testing them out, and like them all, however in the last image that colored pencil sunflower just stands out. What are your thoughts?

Would you like to see more marker or pencil comparisons in the future? Sound off below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Hey Y'all,

So what are our plans for the day?

Not much. As I've shared before, we're not really into a commercial holiday telling us what we should do.

Flowers, Chocolates, Overpriced Dinner.

That's just not our style.

 

So, what are our plans?

Packing up and leaving this camp spot. Glad this rain ended, even just for the day. And trying to get a few things done with the van- like tire rotation, window tint, etc.

Then headed in the direction we need to go- North and West. Slowly, since we have plenty of time to reach our destination.

What are your plans today? Let me know in the comments below.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Probably The Worst GRWM Ever... Q & A Instead

I warned y'all.

First it's been chilly and rainy and so I haven't really been doing any getting ready.

I attempted it.

The video sucks so much I'm not publishing it.

Not my best work.

Apologies,

CWC

Let me make it up to you some by doing a Q & A:

The questions can be found here:

200 QU's

1. What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? All my days are days off. Until April, when we start a work camp gig in NW Indiana. That's only like 10hrs a week (each) though. So our days of will be spent much the same as they have the past year- running errands, and exploring the vast world around us.

2. What type of music are you into? I like a huge variety. Not big on big band, swing, heavy metal, or hardcore rap, but I'll listen to pretty much anything. Not loving most of the new pop, but I'm old.

3. What was the best vacation you ever took and why? Since it askes vacation, I'm not going to include the past year, where I'd say either AL or SC.

More specifically either Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, or Santee State Park..

I've been fortunate enough to take a decent amount of vacations/road trips in my life so far. My favorites are Disney, and then it's really vacations that were made awesome by the journey like the first trip with Lisa to NC, or the trip with hubby and MIL that no one believed we went that far (VA to DE and NJ and back in 24hrs)... Fun trips like that.

4. Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why? The goal is all 50 states, but we're in IN from April - Oct minus DR appts, so we'll get IL and probably MI while there. (I've been to MI, Chris hasn't.)

5, .What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them? Crafting (Dad worked for JoAnn Fabrics Corp.) Reading (Mom always took us to the library, before we could even read.) Day Trips (We did those all the time growing up, hubby and I have always enjoyed just picking a direction and seeing where the day takes us.) Gaming (We got our 1st gaming system {Nintendo} from one of my Dad's friends, we really only played in the long cold NE Ohio winters, but had a lot of fun playing. Then Hubby was huge into gaming, and introduced sis & I to the Sims, yeah the first one.. We'd play for hours together. Now we own a lot of games/systems and play mainly on our laptops*, though we did bring our Nintendo Switch.)

*Sims 4 for me, Diablo series for Chris.

6. What was your favorite age growing up? Hmm.. probably like 10-13. Still a kid but old enough to do some fun stuff without Mom and Dad.

7. Was the last thing you read? You'll have to check the book blog for that...

8. Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert? Introvert... until I'm comfortable around you.

9. What's your favorite ice cream topping? Nothing. I like mint or cookies and cream, peanut butter, cookie dough type flavors so they don't "need" toppings.

10. What was the last TV show you binge-watched? Nothing really recent, we did watch all of the new Goosebumps, and have been working our way through Young Sheldon.

11. Are you into podcasts or do you only listen to music? Music. 

12. Do you have a favorite holiday? Why or why not? Halloween, because SPOOKY is fun. Christmas, because magical.

13. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Salad, or pizza. Different toppings would make it the most versatile food option(s).

14. Do you like going to the movies or prefer watching at home? Home. I can have whatever food/drinks I want. Pause it if needed. Have it at a volume less than bust your eardrums. Yeah, home is better.

15. What’s your favorite sleeping position? Usually I end up on my left side, but really I'm a rotisserie, spinning around all night. 

16. What’s your go-to guilty pleasure? IDK.

17. In the summer, would you rather go to the beach or go camping? Both, beach camping is a thing.

18. What’s your favorite quote from a TV show/movie/book? Too many to list. Hubby and I like to quote movies and then play wrong answers only.

19. How old were you when you had your first celebrity crush, and who was it? Umm.. maybe JTT so probably like 13ish.. I really don't remember.

20. What's one thing that can instantly make your day better? Food, lol. And family. 

21. Do you have any pet peeves? Shitty drivers is #1. East Tennessee is full of them. (Bless their hearts!)

22. Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Dinner I guess. But I'm all for eat what you want regardless of the clock. Pancakes for dinner? Awesome! Chicken Sandwich for breakfast? Cool, you do you.

23. What song always gets you out on the dance floor? Nope. I dance around the van all the time, but not going dancing.

24. When you were a kid, did you eat the crusts on your sandwich or not? Yeah, most of the time. We weren't picky kids (sis and I) our parents let us develop our own taste.. there was no such thing as "kid food".  We had chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, etc but it wasn't labeled as kid specific food. Mom made one dinner, and allowed for 1 modification. You don't want sloppy joe's? You can have a hamburger. You don't like green beans? You can have a salad. For our breakfasts and lunches we got to choose whatever we wanted (within reason).

25. What activity instantly calms you? Breathe in for 5 sec, out for 5 sec.

These were actually pretty fun questions! I hope you enjoyed.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

How To: HTV BASICS

Hey Ya'll!

This blog is 2 parts, in the first (top) section I'll go over how to with the Cricut. In the second part, it'll be more basic information about HTV/iron on vinyl.

For this HTV (heat transfer vinyl) how-to I'll be using:

My {Windows} PC (Cricut can also be used through mobile, tablet, laptop, ect. Android, Windows and Apple compatible, though some features are a bit different across the platforms.)

My Cricut & Design Space

Cricut 12x12 cutting mat

Cricut Weeding Tool

Cricut 9x9 Easy Press 

Rainbow Oil HTV by the Paper Studio from Hobby Lobby

Gildan Tee Shirt(s) from Bulk Apparel 

To begin load up Design Space and choose an SVG, create your own, or find one online. The options are endless. If interested in either a how to make your own, or my favorite sites for SVGs let me know in the comments below!

We're going to be working with my husbands (main) company logo, original artwork by Kevin Thompson, modified by me for use with the Cricut and to put on apparel. 

1) Open your design and size it to fit your "blank". This is going on an XL shirt so I chose to go close to max. The 12x12 actual cutting space is 11.5x11.5, similarly the 12x24 mat cuts 11.5x23.5, allowing a half inch mat space. 

2) Click "Make It". 

3) HTV goes on the mat shiny side (carrier sheet) DOWN. All iron on (HTV) projects need to be mirrored for that reason.

4) After I've made sure to mirror my design I move it a little further in and down on the mat on screen, I'd rather give myself a bit of leeway there than have it cut the design off.

5) Select your material, either by the dial on the Explore machines or on screen with the Maker.

6) Load your mat by pressing the arrow buttons. (There is no material on this mat, picture was taken after the fact.)

7)Click cut, the cute little cricut C.

Cutting in progress screen. Depending on the design, and size this could take several minutes. If you're doing a multi color design each color will be loaded on a separate mat. There is a hack around that depending on size(s) and if interested in that let me know in the comments below!

8) Cut has finished, unload the mat.

9) Click finish! This will take you back to design space and your image. 

The computer (phone, tablet, etc) portion is done, so if you want to save your work before closing out it will prompt you to do so. 

This is what my cut out looks like. Because this was so large I didn't have much excess to save, but if you've done a smaller cut use your scissors are cut around your design before weeding to save your vinyl for another project.

10) Weed you design. On these patterned vinyl's, or on white, I like to use my Ott Light so I can better see what I'm doing.

This task can be tedious depending on the design, but should pull up/weed fairly easy.  Some suggestions for if it's not: cut settings were wrong (read the instructions with each brand you're using), bad vinyl which is rare but does happen, or your design is just too small. Most of the time if there's an issue it's the cut not being deep enough. Test cutting with a new material is a great way to alleviate that issue.

11) Prep your material according to the HTV directions.

For this example using my Easy Press I pre-heated the shirt at 305 F for 15 seconds. This is done to get out the wrinkles, and any moisture that may be in the shirt.

12) Press! Since this design was bigger than my press I had to do it in sections. ( Not an issue with my new heat press, yay!) I did 305 F for 30s, in four sections paying close attention not to overlap and "burn" the design.

13) Some HTV is warm peel, some is cold peel, be sure to follow the directions there, as it does make a difference. Peel the carrier sheet, and it's done!

14) All finished! The Easy Press has an auto shut off feature, some heat presses do not, so I always manually shut it off to stay in the habit. If you haven't shut down design space you can do so now, or start your next project!

If you'd like more in depth about any of todays blog let me know! If you're new to Cricut (even if you're not) and make anything new share a link to your project(s) below, I'd love to check them out!

HTV Basics:

Heat transfer vinyl, or HTV for short, is a specialty vinyl polymer that can be used on certain fabrics and materials to create designs and promotional products. (aka Iron-On Vinyl)

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) is a material that's easily applied with a combination of heat, pressure, and time. HTV can be applied with a heat press, home iron, Cricut EasyPress, etc. Carriers (carrier sheet) are the plastic backing that comes attached on HTV, and is peeled after heating per manufactures directions.

1) Each brand & type of HTV/Iron-On has specific instructions from the manufacture. These can vary widely, so be sure to keep track of what you're using.

For example:

My top 3 brands heat guides~

Craftables HTV.

Cricut has their own website:

https://cricut.com/heatguide

Siser (North America) has a ton of valuable information on their website.

2) Most all HTV is going to be mirrored, and put on your cutting mat shiny side (carrier sheet) down.

There are a few exceptions to this, mostly with patterned HTV, but those brands will be well labeled. You'll need to purchase and add the carrier sheet (transfer mask) after cutting. I personally find this tedious and more of a hassle than I'm willing to do, so now I tend to stay away from the brands that require it.

3) You don't need to start off buying all the things.

You need a cutting machine, a blank item to add your HTV to,  a design, a sheet (or roll) of HTV, a heat source, and a weeding tool (It's extremely difficult without one).  

I've mentioned my favorite brands above, but there all all types of HTV.  Basics, Glitter, Puff, Glow in the Dark, Holographic, Patterned, Sun Changing, Reflective, Flock, Glossy, Matte, etc. The possibilities are almost endless with HTV, especially when you start layering.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife