Hot To: Vinyl Project W/ Cricut Joy

 Hey Y'all,

This blog is less how-to and more design ideas. If you need to know "How To" your Cricut machine I have several blogs on that. 

You can start here:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2022/12/how-to-cricut-design-space-on-pc-android.html

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/09/cricut-design-space-updates-and.html

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2023/05/how-to-cricut-design-space.html

If you have any questions leave a comment below, or find me on social media:

https://linktr.ee/craftinwife

For today's blog I thought a hotel keychain would be cute with  any number(s) important to you...

I used my Joy for this, but any cutting machine will complete this project.

Other Supplies:

Cricut Joy Mat, Standard Grip

Hotel Keychain from Dollar Tree (Craft Section)

Vinyl, mine is From Dollar Tree but any vinyl you like would be perfect!

I cut mine on the stencil vinyl setting, and that seemed to work out well. It didn't really require any weeding, I just pulled my design right off the carrier sheet and adhered to the keychain.

I've not added this, or any project, to my design space profile in a while... 

If you'd like it added there let me know!

Other Hotel Keychain Design Ideas (I liked):

https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/66f86d720579638c836e8e57

https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/66226fd701749ea8d21f6ac5

https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/64e61406a7213325238285af

https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/64ecfe53022be6cf68a237bf

Which of these inspire you? Share with me in the comments below, or tag me in your social media post!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Goal Update (April- Now)

 Hey Y'all,

It's been a long while since I've done a goal update blog... Let's catch up!

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.

How am I doing with these???

1) Pretty Good, not stellar, but not bad. (See below.)

2) I'm on 46 or 47 straight days, so back on track!

3) I've got a lot of down time, so this has been an easy goal here lately!

4) No, but usually 2 or 3 times a week I catch up.

5) Easy!

6) We have 4 down! Laurel Co. KY, Rittman (Wayne Co) Ohio, Decatur (Adams Co) IN, and Roselawn (Newton Co) IN. --We've also done some again this year: Wellington, OH, First time since 2004. As well as Kingsport, TN, Church Hill, TN, & Rogersville, TN.

7) Haven't crafted at all, but have been posting on social media more often.

8) It's averaging about once a month, sometimes a bit more.

So, overall I think these are going well. YAY!

I've got this!!!

Craftin' Wife's Creations Goals:

2025 Goals:

1) Organize the Cricut Joy Bag, and Storage Box in a way that makes crafting easy to accomplish. ~DONE!

2) Make note of supplies/colors I already have. Keep running tab on my phone. ~DONE!

3) Set aside time each week to do some crafting, or craft related activities... Mondays?--- Has yet to happen.

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.

Got the quote made, never adhered, then we got a new (to us) vehicle. Need to get it put up! Brunilda never got a decal. Wildebeest may, no plans though.

5) Finish one craft project a month.--- Still failing here.

6) In addition to #5 make at least one card per month, give it away. ---- Nope.

7) Film more How To's and other Craft related content for CWC. Post 2x monthly on YouTube. ---Not quite there.

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?--- Trying.

Are you interested in the Outland Adventures Goals??

Let me know moving forward.

This year we'd like to grow each and every one of our social media platforms, do more, and see more of this vast country!

2025:

1) Post daily on at least one of our social media platforms. 

Tuesday's and Thursday's will remain blogs and videos. 

Saturday's will be something quick and fun, like a picture of what we're doing. Monday is fan engagement posts, and Wednesday are currently anything goes. Sunday's are a question to our followers.

These posts can be on any, or all of our social media so be sure to check us out everywhere.

This is going really well, 100%!

2) Get more active on Instagram, add Amanda as a user to that account as well. -DONE!

After 3 month of posting semi regularly and seeing no growth we've dropped Instagram from our focus. 

We post very rarely there. Do you still use Instagram? Let us know in the comments below!

3) Work on Work Camp Resume, finish by mid- February. Apply for jobs ASAP. (This is dependent on Amanda's treatment schedule.)

100% and job secured for the season! 

Our new resume for Fall/Winter 2025/26 is finished and we're currently looking for a position in Southeastern U.S.

4) Purchase and use VidIQ, especially to aid in thumbnail and descriptions on videos. -By end of January.

Done!

5) Revamp and update Amazon Wishlist.

Done! & Re-Done.

6) Visit 3 new states this year!

We've got one! IL. We've also seen new parts of states we've been to (KY, OH, & IN). We'd like to get to MI this year before our season here is finished.

7) Visit 4 new State Parks in 2025.

2 down! (We're counting Levi Jackson (KY), and we've done Findley (OH).

8) Complete 52 hikes this year (at least 1mi). We're already ahead with 3!

Some weeks we get none, others 2 or 3 so were ahead, & we're still well on track!

9) Try something new everyday.

Easy!

10) Get the drone up at least once a month, even if it's just to practice flying it around.

Fail. We've used it none.

11) Use the "good camera" at least 2x a month, get those shots!

We've gotten it out 3 or 4 times now! So a little less than once a month.

12) Complete a course on Digital/Social Media. (These will be free courses, and we'll update you on our favorites!)

We're both enrolled in classes.

 I just finished one through EdX. It's intro to Social Media for Business, but it has some relevant information and tips so far. I also finished one on storytelling! Chris finished a marketing course, and is continuing a programming courses on Stack Skills.

13) Become more involved in the Van Life community both online and IRL. 

The online side will be easy to do since we are posting more often! 

Work in progress, but we are growing and engaging more online. We also have talked with more people out and about.

14) Connect with other creators, and van life brands. Make lasting connections and build relationships!

Work in progress!! We have a few brand collaborations soon! 

15) Friday's post just came to me! Post what we're grateful for from the week. May be one thing, may be a short list of things.

I did forget once in June, but otherwise this has been a huge success!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

My Favorite Sunscreen Products

 Hey Y'all!

Sunscreen is always important, but especially in Summer- since we're all outside even more. Here are a few of my favorites. Feel free to share yours in the comments below!

Body:

Coppertone Every Tone 50 SPF-

Has no white cast, but definitely has to be rubbed in, the sprayer isn't great. 

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick 70 SPF-

I find it a bit too greasy feeling for face, but it works great for shoulders, neck, ears, etc.

Hair/Scalp:

Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist 30 SPF-

A bit of SPF without the greasy feel/look. I don't immediately feel like I need to scrub my scalp/hair with this one.

Lips:

Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm 30 SPF-

Comes in various scents/flavors, doesn't feel like a sunscreen product.

Face:

Sun Bum Face Mist 45 SPF-

Easy to apply, not greasy feeling, pleasant scent, holds up for hours.

Supergoop Daily Dose Bio retinol & Mineral SPF (40)-

A little glowy, but it's a fantastic product.

*Typically I just do one or the other of the above.*

Supergoop Invincible Setting Powder 45 SPF-

Love that it's easy to travel with. Comes contained with it's own dispensing brush. Sweat resistant, helps lock all the other SPF down. (New name & packaging.)

Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray 30 SPF-

Does have a bit of a sunscreen smell, but also really has a good makeup setting spray aspect. 

What are some of your favorites?

Let me know in the comments!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

How To: Navigate Cricut Design Space

  Hey Y'all!

This blog has been requested a few times now, and I'm excited to share an overview, and how to with you...

In this blog I'm going to go over how to find and install DS, the Home Screen, menus, and what they do, and a general overview of all the "other" (non design) spaces within Design Space.

There are a lot of fake design space links out there, and they try to charge you but...

Design Space is free! (Unless you choose to have access.)

PC~

Design Space link:

https://design.cricut.com/#/

How To install:

https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009428814-Downloading-and-Installing-Design-Space

More info on access:

Cricut Access

Open Design Space:

Sign in.

Here's my Home Screen:

From the LEFT:

The drop down menu (referred to as the hamburger menu)~

1) Your Name

2) View Profile (this is where all your public saved projects, and a blurb about yourself, and any other info you want to share will be. Optional.)

Mine looks like this~

https://design.cricut.com/landing/profile/5b9ba957cc8e76062d1231c9

3) Home

Takes you back to that start/home screen.

4) Canvas

This is where all your design work, prep, etc will be.

Here's a look at the blank canvas~

We'll get more in depth with this later.

5) New Product Setup

This is where you'll let the program know which machine(s) you have, and connect them to your account.

Each one will walk you through the set up process once you choose your machine. (If you have more than one, they all need separately set up.)

6) Calibration (Used for print then cut projects)

DS (Design Space) will prompt you to print a calibration sheet, on regular copy paper. Then load into your Cricut, and follow the on screen prompts.

7) Manage Custom Materials

This extensive list (far longer than the picture) allows you to change the cut settings for every material your machine can cut. I have never had the need to manually change the settings, beyond the more or less pressure options in the make screen. However if you use a material often you could make a custom setting for it specifically.

8) Update Firmware

This is the first firmware update I've ever done, it took less than 5 seconds for both of my machines.

9) Account Details

Literally that, all your account details, email preferences, subscriptions, order history, etc.

10) Link Cartridges (Explore Family)

No longer works, if you have cartridges to link you must call member care. 

https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020316674-Cricut-Contact-Information

11) Cricut Access

Easy button to subscribe.

12) Settings

A~ General Settings

B~ Canvas

I prefer no grid, but this is where you choose whichever work for you.

C~ Load Type

I've never messed with these, the machine will prompt you  from the make screen.

D~ Notifications

Didn't even know this existed, it only notifies you in DS so having them on doesn't bother me.

13) Legal

The fun stuff: https://cricut.com/legal

14) What's New

The latest update notes.

15-17)

Country, choose yours.

Help, quick link to phone number

Sign Out 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

File- New Window, Quit

I never use this quit, I just X out.

You can run more than one DS project at a time with multiple windows open, but I rarely do this. If  I have a large project I tend to weed the first bit while the second is cutting, so I can't be designing too.

View- Reload, Full Screen

If DS is acting up I just close it and restart rather than reload, I've never had reload actually work for me.

I just use the windows button, and leave DS full screen always.

Help- Help, Contact Member Care, Videos, About

Never used any of these from this menu. 

Help: https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us

Videos: Cricut - YouTube

About:

Attempted to bring up another DS window, and froze~

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bell Icon~ Notifications

My Stuff~ All your saved projects, projects you've bookmarked. Images you've bookmarked, uploaded, and purchased. Your collections (5 available for non access members, unlimited with access).

Optimize Experience For...

This allows you to see images, and projects that are tailored to your machine. 

New Project~

Opens a new canvas. Will prompt you if you have an open unsaved project.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Android App:

The app on the play store~

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cricut.designspace

Again, DS App is free, if it's trying to charge you it's not the Cricut application.

Once you've got it downloaded:

Things look a little different on the Home Screen, but the functionally at this point is the same.

 The home button, and my projects are at the bottom of the screen, notifications are on the left, canvas on the far right, and you can only work on one project at a time. All other options from here function almost identical to the PC version.

The big differences come in when we get on canvas, and start working within that.

What are you most eager to learn in Design Space? Let me know in the comment section below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

4th Of JULY!

 Hey Y'all,

We'll share more after, on other social media:

https://linktr.ee/craftinwife

https://linktr.ee/outlandadventures

The campground is crazy busy this weekend! So many check-ins! It'll be all hands on deck most of the time.

Chris' sister & her family are coming to stay, and visit today through Monday, there's fireworks later, a golf cart parade, and ice cream on Saturday, and swimming on Sunday.

I'll try to post pictures on Facebook each day.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Continuing the Beauty Tag 126-150

 Hey Y'all!

Here's the next part of this Beauty Tag. I hope you're all enjoying these, they are fun to fill out... 

The numbers are all messed up, I've not figured out how/why it does that. These are questions 126-150.

101. Have you ever used artificial tanning spray? I've use the Jergen's Lotion before, and I liked it, but don't care to appear tan enough to spend money on it.
102. How confident are you about your skin complexion? It's pretty good.
103. Would you ever use Castor Oil on your eyelash? For what? No thanks.
104. Who are your favorite beauty gurus? I'm subscribed to a few, but I don't watch every video from anyone. 
105. How many types of products do you use on an average day? Anywhere between 0 and 10 is pretty average.
106. Have you ever applied conditioner before applying shampoo? No.
107. What’s your staple skin care product? Y'all know I'm in love with that Dior Eye Serum.
108. Which hair care product is your favorite? I'm using Oribe Mousse now! Yay for hair long enough to style! It's a nice lightweight mousse that isn't "crunchy" but still holds well.
109. Have you ever joined any makeup class? Does Cosmetology School count? Or Hair Shows? 
110. Which supplement or vitamin tablets do you take to manage your beautiful mane? Just a daily vitamin.
111. Have you ever fallen in love with a particular product so much that you kept the product in your kit even when it was finished? No, that just silly. Re-purchase it, or move on.
112. What’s the most vibrant color in your closet?  Like clothing? Probably neon pink.. same for makeup actually, neon shades.
113. Do you wear matching lipstick with your attire? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Depends on the outfit, and the rest of the makeup look.
114. How do you choose eyeshadow colors? I can only carry so much with me, and I switch them out every 3mo. I try to keep a little bit of everything, color wise. I've been really into pinks and golds lately. I usually just pick from one or 2 palettes for each look.
115. In which way, do you love to wash your makeup brushes? I have a brush cleanser from Ulta, and one of those silicone mats (mine's from TJ Maxx). I try to do it biweekly.
116. What’s your favorite beauty app? I don't know that I have one...
117. Which primer is your favorite? Porefessional is the one I use most often, or something drug store- no holy grail product. Suggestions?
118. Is there any ingredient in cosmetics that you usually avoid? Formaldehyde. 
119. What’s your monthly budget for cosmetics? I don't have one. I don't buy them monthly, and I don't need every collection out there. I also never pay full price.
120. Do you support PETA friendly brands? Do some digging on PETA, and ingredients, testing, etc. I support being cruelty free, but will admit not all my products are.
121. In the past few years, is there any brand that you stopped using? Nope (unless they went out of business). 
122. Three products that you always contain in your bag? Lip Balm (no specific brand). Which ever lip gloss/stick I'm wearing that day, I don't know why I rarely ever reapply. Lastly, oil blotting paper, the current one I'm using is clinique.
123. Are you a natural soap lover? Meh. It's ok, but not something I use often.
124. Which brand of soap do you usually use? Bath and Body Works, or Dove.
125. Are you dealing with dark circles? Nope.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife