ShadowWolf Studios (aka My Husband, author Chris Outland) Appreciation Blog

 

Two Creatives, One Road: The Joy of Living and Dreaming Together

Hey friends,

It’s Amanda — your Craftin’ Wife — and today’s blog is a little extra special. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on just how lucky I am to live this wild, wonderful life not just as a full-time traveler, but as one-half of a creative duo.

Life on the road is an adventure on its own, but doing it with someone who gets your creative soul? That’s next-level magic.

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🎮 Meet My Favorite Human: Chris (aka ShadowWolf Studios)

Let’s take a second to gush about my husband, best friend, tech genius, editor, co-pilot, late-night brainstorm buddy, and creative partner in chaos — Chris, the brilliant mind behind ShadowWolf Studios.

Chris isn’t just a gamer or coder — he’s a storyteller at heart. He crafts digital worlds with the same passion and depth I bring to my handmade creations. Whether he’s writing lore for a game, a new book, or building something entirely from scratch, he’s always pushing himself to make something authentic and original.

And the best part? We get to inspire each other every single day.

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🧠 Creative Energy on Wheels

We don’t just share a home — we share ideas. Our RV is a rolling studio, full of yarn, vinyl scraps, game notes, camera gear, notebooks, chargers, and a thousand dreams-in-progress. It’s chaotic, yes — but it’s ours. Some mornings he’s tinkering with code while I’m planning a craft tutorial. Other nights, we’re curled up editing a video together, laughing at bloopers and brainstorming the next big thing.

We celebrate each other’s wins — whether it’s a perfectly weeded Cricut design or a finished game build. And when the creative burnout hits? We remind each other to rest, reset, and refuel — usually with tacos and bad movies.

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🚐 Creative Living = Creative Loving

When two creatives share a life, the love looks different. It’s in the way we make space for each other’s passions, the way we hype each other up, and how we see the world through two totally different lenses — and still choose to walk the same road.

Chris supports my messy craft chaos, listens to my rambling ideas, and always reminds me that what I create matters. And I do the same for him — even when I don’t understand what half the buttons on his keyboard do. 😂

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💡 Inspiration Around Every Bend

Traveling full-time feeds our creative fire. Every small town, roadside oddity, quiet forest, or eerie gas station sparks something in one (or both!) of us. We capture it, sketch it, write it, build from it.

We’ve learned that inspiration doesn’t come from waiting — it comes from doing, from seeing, from being out there together, chasing it.

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❤️ So Yeah… Being Two Creatives on the Road? It’s Everything.

It’s messy and magical. It’s exhausting and energizing. It’s full of glitter and glitches, crafts and code, detours and dreams.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything — especially not the man who drives this big ol’ bus, cooks dinner while I’m editing, makes me laugh when the Cricut eats my vinyl, and never once told me to pack fewer craft supplies (even when he really should have).

Here’s to the road, the art, the chaos — and to Chris, the ShadowWolf who keeps this Craftin’ Wife dreaming big.

💖
Amanda
Craftin’ Wife

5 Travel Makeup Essentials

 

Makeup Essentials for Life on the Road: Staying Glam in an RV

Hey beauties!

Amanda here, your Craftin’ Wife, ready to talk about one of my favorite topics — makeup — but with a twist. Living in an RV means limited space, limited water, and limited time sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your beauty routine. With a little smart planning, you can keep your glam game strong on the road.

Here’s my list of makeup essentials that fit perfectly into RV life — compact, versatile, and totally effective:

1. Multi-Use Products

Look for products that do double (or triple) duty — think a tinted moisturizer with SPF, a blush that can double as lip color, or an eyeshadow palette that can create multiple looks without taking up space.

2. Compact, Travel-Friendly Packaging

I prefer smaller palettes and stick-form products because they’re easy to stash in limited storage and less likely to spill or break during travel.

3. Quality Tools in Mini Sizes

A few good brushes and tools go a long way. I keep a small brush roll with essentials like a blending brush, a flat eyeshadow brush, and a travel-sized beauty blender.

4. Makeup Remover Wipes

Water is precious on the road, so makeup remover wipes are a lifesaver for quick and gentle cleansing at the end of the day.

5. Setting Spray and Primer

Both are compact, travel-friendly, and make your makeup last longer even when the weather or your schedule gets unpredictable.

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Living in an RV doesn’t mean you have to compromise your self-care or style. With the right essentials, your makeup routine can be just as enjoyable and effective as it is at home.

What’s your must-have makeup product when traveling? I’d love to hear your favorites!

Stay glowing,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖

The Magic of Creativity — Why It’s the Best Superpower We’ve Got

 Hey Y'all,

I decided to switch from another DS projects blog, to more about the joys of creativity in general.

Hello, lovely friends!

I’m Amanda — the Craftin’ Wife behind this little corner of creativity. If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey of crafting, DIY beauty, and making things with my hands, it’s this: having creative hobbies isn’t just a way to pass the time — it’s a way to nourish the soul.

There’s something magical about sitting down with a fresh project, whether it’s a new makeup look, a handmade decoration, or a crafty tutorial to share with you all. It’s like the world slows down for a moment, and all the noise fades away. The mess of glitter (okay, not loose glitter — that stuff is the herpes of crafting, trust me!) and paint, the hum of the sewing machine, the soft swish of a makeup brush — all of it becomes a soothing rhythm that helps me recharge.

Creativity lets me express parts of myself words alone can’t capture. When I create, I feel connected to something bigger — a community of makers, dreamers, and doers. It’s a place where imperfections become beautiful, where trial and error are just part of the fun, and where every little success feels like a personal victory.

Life on the road with my husband Chris means our space is limited, but it has never limited our creativity. If anything, it’s made me more resourceful and inspired me to share DIY projects and beauty hacks that are easy, practical, and perfect for busy days. Whether you’re crafting at home, on the road, or anywhere in between, there’s joy in making something uniquely yours.

I just want to gush about something that makes life so much brighter: creativity.
Not just in the “make pretty things” way (though, yes please 🙋‍♀️), but in the solve problems, dream bigger, and make life sparkle kind of way.

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✨ Creativity Makes the World More Fun

Let’s be real — the world can be a little gray sometimes. Creativity is like the glitter (loose glitter haters, stay with me 😆) that lands exactly where you want it. Whether it’s painting, sewing, designing a new makeup look, writing a story, or upcycling thrift store finds, it adds a layer of joy to the everyday.

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💡 It’s Not Just for “Artists”

You don’t need to be a painter, sculptor, or Etsy seller to be creative. Creativity shows up when you:

• Rearrange furniture for a fresh feel.

• Come up with a clever way to store craft supplies in an RV.

• Figure out how to make dinner from five random ingredients.

• Find a way to make a gift special without spending a dime.

If you’ve ever thought, “Huh, what if I tried it this way?” — congratulations, you’re a creative thinker.

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🌱 It Grows with You

Creativity isn’t a limited resource. In fact, the more you use it, the more it grows.
Every time you challenge yourself with a new project or experiment, you’re giving your brain a mini workout. That’s why artists keep finding fresh ideas — they’ve trained themselves to look at the world in what ifs instead of what is.

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💖 Creativity Brings People Together

Some of my best memories have come from sharing ideas with others — swapping beauty tips, crafting together at the picnic table, or bouncing story concepts around with Chris while we’re on the road. Creativity is contagious in the best possible way.

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🛠 You Can Use It Anywhere

The best part? Creativity doesn’t care about your location, budget, or background. You can be in a high-rise apartment, a tiny RV, or a cabin in the woods — if you’ve got imagination, you’ve got everything you need.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Creativity is our human superpower. It’s what turns a foam pumpkin into a centerpiece, a bare face into a masterpiece, and a quiet afternoon into a memory.
So the next time inspiration strikes — whether it’s for a big, bold project or a tiny tweak to your routine — run with it. That’s where the magic happens.

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💬 Tell me — what’s the last creative thing you did?
I’d love to celebrate your ideas in the comments!

Stay inspired,
Amanda
Craftin’ Wife’s Creations 🎨💄✂️

Thank you for being part of this journey with me! I can’t wait to keep sharing tutorials, tips, and ideas that spark your own creative spirit.

Who/What is Craftin' Wife's Creations?

 Hey Y'all!

So... 

Things have changed over the years, I went from the typical crafter, to a business, to a teacher of sorts, and trying to navigate what that looks like on a regular basis.

Then having more interest in going back to the beauty side, and figuring out how (and if) that fits life on the road.

The answers?

I'm still figuring it out... but I have ideas.

A rebrand, if you will..

✨ Meet the Craftin’ Wife: Creativity, Beauty, & Big Dreams on the Open Road 🚐

Hey there, friend! I’m Amanda, the heart and hot glue behind Craftin’ Wife’s Creations—a plus-sized, makeup-loving, book-devouring, craft-obsessed woman living her dream life on the road with my husband, Chris. Together, we travel full-time in our (well-loved) RV, hopping between workamping gigs and wild adventures. But just because we’re mobile doesn’t mean the creativity stops—if anything, it fuels it.

Moving forward I'll use Craftin’ Wife’s Creations as a way to share the things I love most:
🧶 Crafting on a budget
💄 Beauty and self-care, even in campground bathrooms
📚 Cozy reads
🎒 And most of all—DIY creativity with a traveling twist.

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🛠 Life’s Messy—Let’s Make It Pretty

Whether it’s transforming dollar store finds into campsite decor, organizing a chaotic RV space, or figuring out how to apply winged eyeliner with no counter and a bumpy road, this blog is here to share real-life DIY and beauty hacks for the nomadic lifestyle.

What you can expect here:

• Easy DIY tutorials using limited space & supplies

• Craft kits & printables for when you need a creative boost

• Beauty tips for travel days and no-mirror makeup routines

• Honest reflections on van life, marriage, and staying inspired

• Cozy content: favorite reads, handmade gifts, and travel journal ideas

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📦 Crafting in Small Spaces

Trust me, learning how to paint, glue, and glitter in an RV takes some... creative problem-solving. I'll share tips for storing supplies, working with limited surfaces, and staying inspired when your whole home is on wheels.

You'll see me use everything from thrift store treasures to campground castoffs in my projects—and I’ll walk you through how you can, too. Think of it as glamping meets crafting, with a dash of grit and glam.

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💄 Beauty Isn’t Just for Bricks & Mortar

Just because we live in campgrounds doesn’t mean we can’t show up feeling fabulous. I’m all about finding ways to keep up a self-care routine on the road, whether it’s a simple makeup look under the awning or a skincare routine that doesn’t need running water. You'll get honest product reviews, makeup tutorials with natural light, and some real-talk about confidence in a world that doesn’t always make space for plus-sized, makeup loving, crafty women.

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🎨 Join Me Around the Craft Table

This blog isn’t just about my journey—it’s about building a community of creative, adventurous souls who love a good project and a beautiful life, even if it’s a little scrappy and unfiltered.

So whether you’re a fellow traveler, a weekend crafter, or just someone looking for inspiration with a little glitter glue on it—I’m so glad you’re here.

Pull up a folding chair, grab your glitter, and let’s make something beautiful.

🖤 Amanda
The Craftin’ Wife

Beauty Tag 150-175 (Continuation)

 Hey Y'all!

We're continuing this blog series:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2025/07/continuing-beauty-tag-126-150.html

The numbers are off again... IDK.

This is 150-175, The questions can be found here:

https://wisledge.com/beauty-tag-questions/

134. Is there any cosmetic that can be used for multi-purpose? Lots. For example most all lipstick can double as blush, if eyeshadow is eye safe then it's face safe too.
135. What’s your favorite makeup mantra? Not really a mantra, but IMO there's no "season" for specific colors. Wear what you like, whenever you want.
136. Do you have any particular beauty wish? Nope. Not that I can think of.
137. How would you like to do your wedding makeup? That happened a loooong time ago. I'd do it much the same, only more bold, now. 
138. Which type of neckpiece suits you the best? I do not know what this is asking.
139. What was your first lipstick? Jane Cosmetics is one of the first I remember.
140. Which shade of lipstick is actually the best nude for you? I don't know, I own about 30 nudes, LOL.
141. Would you ever go through any cosmetic surgery? No thanks.
142. Do you like contouring? I don't really do it, so I guess not.
143. HD makeup or normal makeup? Normal...
144. Matter liner or glittered liner? Depends on the day/look. Glitter for Christmas almost always.
145. What is the best compliment you have got to date for your makeup skill? Just that it looks good.
146. What requires to be a makeup guru? A love of makeup, skill in application, and a following who likes your style.
147. Have you ever given any free consult to save anyone’s skin condition? No.
148. How does it feel to wear bold makeup? Amazing.
149. Which perfume can energize your mind? Happy, Clinique
150. Which hairstyle suits you the best? I'll let you know when I find it.
151. So, which type of color lens suits you the best? Any I choose.
152. Glitter, glossy, or matte nail paint? All them.
153. Have you ever waxed your eyebrow? Yeah. You?
154. Have you ever eaten lipstick in your childhood? I'm sure I might have, but I've not heard stories so maybe not.
155. What is the perfect base for your makeup? I like porefessional, but haven't bought it in years. I just keep trying new things instead.
156. 3 beauty tips that your mom taught you? Black eyeliner is best when heated, Covergirl is too orange for us, perfume is best when used sparingly.
157. Have you ever tried applying colored mascara? Lots of times!
158. Which is your favorite brand of bathing products? Ummm... Bath and Body Works

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

How To: Cricut Joy Pens & Markers

 Hey Y'all,

Lets get right into it...

Using Cricut Joy Pens & Markers

1. Design in Cricut Design Space:
   • Create your design and size it for your project (be mindful of the Joy and/or your materials size limitations).
   • Assign the desired pen/marker color to each element you want drawn.
   • Ensure the "Operation" is set to "Draw" for the pen functionality.
   • Use the "Attach" tool to lock the arrangement of design elements (if needed).
2. Prepare your Cricut Joy Machine:
   • Ensure your Cricut Joy machine is connected via Bluetooth to your device (computer, tablet, or phone).
   • Note: For Cricut Joy machines, you don't need a separate adapter to use pens; they are designed to fit directly into the clamp.
3. Load the Pen:
   • Open the clamp on your Cricut Joy machine.
   • Remove the Blade Housing and set it aside in a safe place. 
   • Note: The interior "wall" of the Joy & the Blade Housing are magnetic.
   • Remove the cap from your Cricut Joy pen or marker.
   • Insert the pen into the clamp. It should drop into place without needing extra pressure or a click.
   • Close the clamp. Your machine is now ready to draw!
4. Load Material and Initiate Drawing:
   • Place your material onto the machine mat, aligning it with the upper left corner.
   • In Design Space, select your mat type, then click Continue.
   • Choose the appropriate material setting for your project (Smart Vinyl, Cardstock, etc).
   • The light on the top of the machine will start blinking, indicating it's ready to load your material.
   • Insert the mat under the guides, using both hands, until the rollers grip the mat.
   • Press "Go" in Design Space, and the machine will begin to draw your design. 

Additional tips:

• Testing your Pens: Always test your pens on a scrap piece of paper before using them in your Cricut, especially if they are new, to ensure proper ink flow.
• Switching Colors: If your project involves multiple pen colors, Design Space will prompt you when to switch them out. Simply open the clamp, remove the used pen, insert the new one, and close the clamp.
• Single vs. Double Lines: When writing text, ensure you've selected a writing font in Design Space to achieve a single-line appearance. Otherwise, the machine will draw the outline of the letters.
• Attaching: Remember to use the "Attach" tool to ensure the pen-drawn elements and cut elements remain in their intended positions relative to each other.
• Storing Pens: Store your Cricut pens upside down with the cap at the bottom to promote optimal ink flow. 

By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning projects with your Cricut Joy and its amazing pen functionality.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

August Update

 Hey Y'all?

When was the last update? It feels like forever ago since I did a dedicated blog, however I feel like there's not a whole lot to add here...

So, what's new??

We're still workamping in NW Indiana, the horrible heat has finally ended and the days have been nice- hovering at about 80 degrees. The nights are a perfectly cool 60 or so. We're loving that.

We haven't really ventured anywhere- we even have our groceries delivered. I do try to get a decent walk in at least 3x a week.

In other news... Chris isn't too thrilled at my love for Tyler Childers new album, but he can deal with it. LOL! He's not around during the day anyhow. 

I'm watching ER for the first time, I've made it to Season 4- and I don't want spoilers but if Dr. Ross and Nurse Hathaway end up together I don't ship it. I did like Dr. Green with Chuny though it was short lived.

I've actually spent some time crafting, and am working on a book of short stories. We'll see where that goes...

Mid-Month is another trip to NE TN, and a couple doctors appointments. Then back here to finish out the season (early October). After that? It's still up in the air, we're looking for a Winter gig.

Check out all my social media for content everyday:

linktr.ee/craftinwife

linktr.ee/outandadventures

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife