My passions lie in the beauty industry (since 1998) & the Craft industry (since childhood, but truly re-ignited in 2010).
Beauty & Craft inspiration, product reviews, and how-to's, as well as general life stuff..
Why does it seem like small spaces get disorganized so quickly?
It's just the Joy Bag, and an old shoe box, but it needed some serious reorganization, and just for "like" things put together for easier crafting.
I started by taking the full size rolls on out of here, and moved them to our storage unit for now. I have enough Joy vinyl on me, especially in the peach color, that I didn't need to keep that with me right now.
Next I moved on to the box- and put all the card making and paper crafting items in there. Keeping those like things together! Plus, if I'm not doing cards I don't even need to get that box out- what a win!
Then I remember I was doing an inventory list on my phone, and started marking down the products I have on hand. (Want to see a detailed list? Let me know in the comments below!)
After that I had to tackle the Joy Bag! I tried to get it more organized than it has been, and I think I know what my next project is too. If I make something with these keychain product holders, I'll free up a bit of space and maybe have room for another roll of vinyl in there! I then tackled the easy press mini cord, it needed wrangling. After than it was just general reorganizing, and supply list making.
Overall I see the improvements, and am glad to be able to cross another goal for January off my list!
In the previous blog I went over my goals for craft related content, and Craftin' Wife's Creations (as far as the craft side).
I'm not sure how well the beauty side of things is working while also doing van life- but I have some creative ideas moving forward that I think may appeal to a broad audience, from the beginner to the seasoned beauty expert. The ideas are just that though, and there are no true goals associated with the content there, other than the continued Wednesday blogs.
I need your feedback on what you'd like to see in that beauty section.
Some of my ideas are:
GRWM in the van/ at camp
X min Hair/Face ideas
Favorites
How To: Anything While Traveling (Carve out time, space, etc. for beauty related activities.)
Storage Solutions
Friday's will remain an anything goes type blog.
My (Personal-ish) 2025 Goals:
1) All the goals from the previous blog, and the Outland Adventures blog. 8+15= 23 total there!
2) Continue using the Lose It app to log calories, fitness/exercise for the day, and water intake.
3) Read at least one book a week, any subject. Did y'all know there are FREE books on Google Play?!
4) Spend at least 10min a day writing in my planner/journal.
5) Do something nice, every day. This can be as simple as saying "hello" when out and about.
6) Visit at least 5 new libraries.
7) Spend less time scrolling social media, and more time creating content.
8) Play Sims 4 at least once a month, see how far I can get in one family over the year.
That's a grand total of 30 goal for the year! I'm happy with that amount, and look forward to meeting each and every one.
Share your goals in the comments below if you'd like.
Thankfully the snow was before & after my appointment. Didn't want to have to mess with it, but it sure is pretty.
The way they worded this on the phone to set up the appointment, to discuss treatment options seemed a little grim..
So, I show up for my 8:30am appointment, and sit there- for an hour. At least it was nice and warm. I met with the doctor, who was very nice. Very your life, your body, your treatment. While being informative and giving his options, which works well for me.
There really were two options, chemo or radiation.
He felt radiation again was best, and I agreed. It really could have been a phone call, but I did need a port flush too, which I had to wait another 20min on, they were having a day over there.
Upon check out the consult with radiology was scheduled for the 15th. Then I'll hear the plan and begin moving forward!
In today's blog I'm going to share my craft goals for the year. These are craft space, time, and project related goals.
Do you have some craft goals to share? Let me know in the comments below, or tag me on social media!
2025 Goals:
1) Organize the Cricut Joy Bag, and Storage Box in a way that makes crafting easy to accomplish.
2) Make note of supplies/colors I already have. Keep running tab on my phone.
3) Set aside time each week to do some crafting, or craft related activities... Mondays?
4) Make the decals for Brunilda, the van, by April.
I have two planned, one for the front visor simply stating "Brunilda" in blue no font chosen yet, the other a quote from Ferris Buehler for the rear two windows... color unknown right now, but design/font is chosen for that one.
5) Finish one craft project a month.
6) In addition to #5 make at least one card per month, give it away.
7) Film more How To's and other Craft related content for CWC. Post 2x monthly on YouTube.
8) Post more often on CWC social medias. Just the blog posts aren't enough. Aim for at least one additional post per week... Saturdays?
Since I'm still passionate about crafting, but it's no longer my main focus I think these 8 goals are a great way to continue creating in a way that works for me, while staying organized.
Well, it's a bit late but Happy New Year! We've celebrated with a trip to a local state park (from the 28th-11th). We've really enjoyed nature watching, hiking, and playing a bit of Pokémon Go again.
The 7th I have an appointment, again, because the scans I had recently did in fact show growth... So we'll learn the treatment options then, and move forward, again. I feel great, and am okay otherwise!
January Blog Schedule:
6th Mon- 2025 Goals Crafty
8th Wed- Treatment Options?
10th Fri- 2025 Goals Everything Else
13th Mon- Straightening Up the Craft Space in the Van
I know these type of blogs aren't for everyone, but I love seeing what others received. Therefor I also like to share what we got each year. It's kind of a tradition at this point. But, if this blog isn't for you, no worries, just skip it and I'll "see ya" for the next one!
I got him a Dremel Tool, and additional accessories but he already had it put away before I took pictures. I also got him State of Decay 1 & 2 for PC, he has them on Xbox One and really liked them. As well as 2 new pair of pants, thicker and better for winter van life.
From my Mom he received $100 cash, which we used for the propane stove he wanted, and some wall panels for the canopy.
From my sister & family he got a bunch of different candies & snacks to try, some Skittles beverages, and a bottle of espresso alcohol:
From hubby I got:
Wet 'n Wild's Alice in Wonderland & Scooby Doo Collections. As well as some new nail polish.
From Mom & Sis and Family I got:
Clothes, a new tumbler, books, a Bridgerton stamp set, & wine!
Brunilda, the van got some items too, they just haven't arrived yet-
a new tire cover, this cheap one lasted over a year, but it's been torn for a few months now
a where we've been map (USA) for the side window
blackout vinyl, we have this and finished one (of 3) windows Christmas day
window tint, for the driving windows (front and rear)
The last item came in early and was put in on Christmas day... a new mattress!
We had a traditional Christmas dinner this year at Mom's house. We opened presents, chatted, played Rummy, and ate until well into the evening! It was a nice time.
How were your holidays? Let me know in the comments below!
First up today is how to cut larger than mat, with your Explore, Maker, or any machine without using smart materials.
I'll start with written instructions, and follow with pictorial.
Written Instructions:
1) Pick your design, and size to fit the material you've chosen to adhere it to. (Large sign, wall decal, etc.)
2) Find the easiest way to SLICE and fit to your mat. Try not to separate in the middle of a letter, number, or key element.
3) Slice each section needed, remember you can only slice with 2 layers.
4) Load material on the mats, CUT.
5) Weed design, apply transfer tape if needed.
6) Piece back together. I like to adhere one section at a time and then work from there.
7) Once all pieces are back together and adhered I like to burnish it all down one more time.
8) Admire your work!
Pictorial Instructions:
(1-4, I'm assuming if you're looking at how to do larger than mat you know how to cut, and layer. If you need help with that please message me on social media, or leave a comment below.)
I'll use a 12x24 Mat first, followed by 12x12.
I chose this one, because I'm from Mtn TN, not music. This design (available in DS) is too big to fit either mat.
In hindsight, if this were a real cut I was going to make, I should have chosen the straight edge square, and not the curve, but the process is the same.
I quickly figured out this was going to have to be 3 pcs. I decided to slice at mountain peeks, and avoid slicing into letters as much as possible. You slice where it's easiest for you to piece back together.
Separated!
For this size a 12x24mat would need loaded 3 times.
A 12x12 is going to be 6 mats.
Working with the slices I already took for the 12x24 mat.
Now it'll all fit on 12x12 mats.
Mat one, of 6 if using a 12x12.
Once it's all cut, piece it back together, and apply. I like to do one section at a time, that way I can work a bit easier, and not have too many elements flopping around at once.
(Would you like a video? Let me know!)
OTHER TIPS:
Instead of duplicating an image in DS, and trying to figure out how many copies you can fit, use the PROJECT COPIES from the make screen. You can still move images around from here if needed.
How to turn Grid on & off~
How to change Canvas color:
What other Cricut How-TO's would you like to see? More tips & tricks? Cricut hacks? Let me know in the comments below!
Larger than Joy Cutting Mat!
Step 1) Open DS and choose your image.
2) Load it on the canvas:
3) Choose a shape, I find the square easiest to work with, and lay it over top of your image.
4) Size the square to the limitations, the Joy will allow. (Less than 4in width.)
5) Slice the square from the image. I could have made this longer, and only had two cuts, but this way we get the practice in.
6) Repeat steps 3-5.
7) Get ready to prep your mats and cut your image(s).
8) Connect your Joy if not already done.
9) Cut all your mats and piece your project back together!
