The Twenty Twenty Crafting High Home Stretch

2020 is actually drawing to a close. It was a slow year, for sure. Yet somehow, as we see the New Year in sight suddenly a home run seems possible.

If however you're not feeling that home run I recommend taking time out from your troubles by giving yourself permission to rest, sleep, read, write, draw, craft, or anything you want. You can do it, and it will refresh your brain. Even if you think there's no time, give yourself five minutes. Just five minutes out of your day will make a lot of difference.

I've been whittling away the days producing some end of year projects, and exploring such products as the Cricut Joy and Bostik. In my field of work/play - play/work there is seriously a lot of cutting and gluing. Which, you know, I'm not complaining about, because this is what I do. But I can honestly say it's the sweetest pleasure when I get to operate tools and use materials that make the work process faster and more comfortable. #workingsmarter Am I right?

Making Christmas cards: with Cricut Joy and Bostik glue

This week I experimented with making two very different Christmas cards, using the above mentioned Cricut Joy and Bostik tools and materials. The content is available on Youtube, in which I share my process, and some of my insights.

• Make a Cricut Joy Christmas card (with Bostik)
• Make a Summery Cricut Joy Christmas card (with Bostik)

If you wish to see more of my journey with the Cricut Joy, I have a dedicated page with links to my Youtube videos on the topic.

Plus, I've a bundle of festive, end of year craft projects for you to have a look at over at My Poppet, Kidspot.

My Poppet: Candy Cane Earrings

Kidspot: Santa Tree Cone

Kidspot: Teacher's Gift Box

My Poppet: Orange Pomander Balls

Kidspot: Drink Glass Charms

Kidspot: Bauble Wreath

Kidspot: Confetti Bowl

Secret Messages, Illusions + the Buffy Dilemma

The word is: Go! Go! Go! Kids are back in school. People are back on the streets. I've got projects galore. Let's check out my latest spate of projects that are all crafty and some that are science based.

Kidspot: Water Illusion

Kidspot: Lemon Juice Secret Messages

As for the something more crafty but no less magical you can try making your own kaleidoscope.

Kidspot: DIY Kaleidoscope

I continue to document my journey as I teach myself how to use the Cricut Joy. My latest addition to the Cricut Joy library is now available to watch on YouTube.

For a bit of context, I am letting the kids watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the spin-off series Angel. We watch the shows sporadically and are prone to lose track of which show we are up to. When this happens there's a lot of backtracking with the DVDs. It's a dull mess really. I resolved the situation by creating a Buffy/Angel fridge magnet that can be flipped after we finish watching an episode. For this project I up-cycled an old fridge magnet. I scraped off the original advertising sticker from the magnet before applying the new Cricut Joy stickers.

Cricut Joy: The Buffy/Angel Fridge Magnet

Cricut Book Art + Yarn Rainbows

Living DIY means working with what's available. It's not always easy, and there are mistakes to be made but it is a worthwhile process because you discover just how capable you really are.

Sometimes the DIY way can be really hard work. So while I celebrate DIY ability, it also gives me an appreciation for the tools that are created to make life easier. More than a year ago I began creating video content. I learnt on the job – making classic rookie mistakes, and from those experiences I gradually developed better time management, and work aroundlighting techniques. I am a crafter and designer who has been applying those make-do DIY insights to my videography. Simply put I have used ankle weights to balance a leaning tripod for birds-eye-view content, as well as filming in the great, shady outdoors to capture the best possible natural light.

Those DIY video tricks I've learnt have helped me to become a better videographer. And now, in wanting to create better quality work, I am so very ready and relieved to finally head toward equipment upgrades. No more filming in bitter winds, and near-precariously angled tripods with ankle weights.

On the topic of tools that make life easier: One of my many creative passions is for paper art. As it has been with the videography, so it is with creating paper art, only with aching hands. Since the beginning of 2020 I have dreamt of working with Cricut products. So when opportunity to work with a Cricut Joy came knocking I answered the door. I quite enjoy working with my little Cricut Joy. It gives me more time, and saves my hands from the aches and the occasional blade cut. And I must say, when the Cricut Joy is operating I enjoy watching the little robot perform it's ballet, cutting and drawing across material.

{YouTube: Cricut Joy Book Cover Decoration}

As I embark on my journey with the Cricut Joy I have been documenting some of what I am making and learning. Part of living in lockdown means having sometimes limited access to materials. As a result I have discovered painters tape to be a very happy alternative to using contact when lifting and moving highly detailed Cricut stickers. 

Head over to my Cricut Joy page to see more of my related projects.

{Kidspot: DIY Yarn Rainbow}

If you're in need of a non tech based craft project I've got something for you. Head on over to Kidspot and check out my video content for weaving a rainbow. You'll be amazed at how simple this project is, while managing to keep you engaged for a few hours. Consider this project a gateway to loom weaving.