Paper Flowers Book Review 2 Cricut Maker Version

 Have you ever wanted to make a pretty bouquet of flowers that will last forever or at least a super long time? Are you allergic to flowers, but love to look at them?  Then maybe, you would like to try your hand at crafting some pretty paper posies!

This is NOT a financially sponsored Post, and all opinions are my own. All Products used in the project were given to me by Leisure Arts, and Cricut.

***affiliate links that remunerate me are included in this post***

I was given a copy of  Paper Flowers  10 Do-It-Yourself blossoms to brighten your world by  Jennifer Maker from Leisure Arts to review, and I had fun making projects from the book. See first blog post here: https://annmakes.blogspot.com/2018/04/pretty-paper-flowers-with-leisure-arts.html.  At that time I had not yet received the Cricut Maker.

Paper Flowers is easy to read and follow, and includes a bonus!  There are six downloadable SVG files for projects in the book that can be used with a Cricut Maker.  Now, I was able to download and use the files on a Cricut Explore Air 2, AND, a Cricut Maker.   I did not notice any difference in using either machine for the cutting process. However, all the projects can be created without any Electronic die cutting machine.  All you need are paper and scissors!

Above are some of the flowers I made following the instructions in the book.  

Before my New Cricut Maker arrived I made some of the flowers using my Cricut Explore Air2.

My New Cricut Maker  cut the flowers as well and quickly as the Cricut Explore Air2.

I did try cutting some flowers by hand, and boy that took way more time than using the machines! LOL!

There are a total of ten projects in this book, that guide you into making an Anemone, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Giant Daisy, Rose, Poppy, Dandelion, Orchid, Peony, and a Giant Tea Rose.  Create your very own garden without any digging!

In any case, this book makes flower making really fun.  Check it out for yourself at Leisure Arts. Get a Digital or Paper Copy.

***All products used for this project were given to me.***

Knitting Loom Review

*The Leisure Arts® Oval Knitting Loom was given to me to try by the Leisure Arts® company.  Given that I am a lover of handmade, all things crafty, and just plain creative I was game.  Now, mind you I would not proclaim myself to be the world's greatest knitter or crocheter.  However, I do know the fundamental basics of both, and I have done many projects.  I also own other looms which I have either learned to like or not like so much!  I can honestly report that I do like the Oval Looms by Leisure Arts.  It is easier to knit on this model of a loom.  The oval shape for some reason is just simpler to hold and manipulate.  I cannot explain the ergonomics behind this, but I just know  I like it, I like it!

The Ultimate Oval Loom Kit(sku# 47833) comes with two looms, a stitching tool (pick), and a book.  It's a 48-page book, not a booklet by the way!  It is full of well written and explained instructions with many clear photographs, and includes links to videos on the company's sites.

I have to admit that my first attempt at creating a project on the larger oval loom was a fail.  In pictures, it looks beautiful.  In real life, though. Well, let's just say I have yet to find the giant with the enormous head that would wear my hat!  LOL.  Full disclosure:  I either knit too tightly or too loose,  95% of the projects I attempt usually require a start over and many gauge samples.

The oval loom is a breeze and a joy to use, once I mastered proper tension.  If you are like me and have weakness in your hands or wrists, this is the tool for you.  My hands tend to cramp up during long knitting sessions with regular needles.  Using the oval loom has helped me to enjoy my hobby for a longer time.

A work in progress.

                                                               Knitting is complete.

                                                   Gathering up the stitches to close the hat.
                                                         

                                                             All the stitches are secure.

                                                            Time to pull that opening close.

Thank you for visiting.  Please leave me a comment, and any questions below.  Remember: "Creativity is contagious.  Pass it on." (Albert Einstein  said that)

Making with Mod Podge

Not too long ago I was asked to review a book about projects that can be made with Mod Podge®, from LeisureArts®. You can read the review by going here.

I made a couple of projects and of course added my own twist to the projects.  Here is one of those project.

To make this I repurposed an old wooden frame which I covered with gold tissue paper using Mod Podge®.  I also painted the inside and outside edges with some gold acrylic paint.

I measured some golden brown colored cardstock to size to adhere to a white based thin cardboard.

Using my Cricut Explore Air™ I designed the letters I wanted in the Cricut Design space™ and cut out the letters for the sign.  I had drawn out the design I wanted by hand on the green cardstock and used a craft knife to cut out the logo.  I found this quicker than trying to design this on the Cricut®.

To adhere each letter I decide to use a repositionable adhesive and my good old Xyron® Sticker maker.

Once I had the letters in place I then used the Paper Mod Podge® to secure everything in place.  After everything was dry and glued down I covered the entire sign with a coat of the Mod Podge®.

I deviated slightly from the instructions in  the book, just to make this my own.

I hope that you enjoy learning about Decoupage.  I would love to read your comments and please follow me by subscribing to the Google group in the left-hand bar.

Thank you for stopping by.

Mod Podge® Book Review

Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing  a Leisure Arts ® publication titled:  Mod Podge® Family Activities Easy projects to craft together.  A soft cover 32 glossy pages book,  a lot of photographs, and well-written instructions to make 12 projects or more.  The authors also provide a good explanation of exactly what Mod Podge® is,  all the varieties available, how best to use the products, and some basics of how to do Decoupage.

Mod Podge® is a product made by the Plaid® company, for use in adhering paper and/ or fabric to most surfaces.  The products work as a glue, a sealer, and a finish.  There are different types of Mod Podge® sold, and a chart indicating which products are for which application is provided on page 4.

The projects presented include;  "Personalized Birthday Plates, a Book Birdhouse, Craft Stick bracelets, Jar Lid Bigs, A Monogram Frame, Tin Pail, Photo Blocks, Collage Letters, Picture Plaques, Pillowcase, Glow-in-The-Dark Mummy Pumpkin, and a Family forever Wreath."  Patterns are included as well.

Lil' Bug I made.

The instructions are clear and easy to understand, and there are lots of tips included.  Each project provides a "Shopping List" of recommended products and tools.  All of the recommended products are usually found in major craft supply stores and Department stores that sell arts and crafts materials.

                                                                       Sign I made.


I read through the entire book and found it to be well written and presented.  I tried making a few of the projects from the book too.  I found all of the steps well explained, and the instructions clear.
I find this to be an excellent crafting activity book to be used as part of a family's activities, a group of children in a club or school setting, and it is a good book to initiate adults to the art of Decoupage.



The book was given to me free of charge by Leisure Arts®.  The Plaid® products that I used were also given to me by Plaid®.  The rest of the supplies and tools used in the making of my projects came from my own collection.  I have not been financially compensated for this review.

Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate your comments, questions, and suggestions.