Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a design for a vinyl (one time use) stencil vs. a mylar (multi-use) stencil?  

Whether you are using a Cricut or another type of cutting machine, those two materials are different and they require different types of designs in order for them to be cut and used successfully for your gorgeous DIY signs! (Sign up HERE for the "Hive Sweet Hive Sign Challenge where I'll walk you through step by step how to create this sign before doors close!)

I'll keep it super simple and so you know how to spot a vinyl stencil design versus a mylar material stencil design from a mile away and won't ever feel unsure again.  

Mylar- plastic type material that is a reusable material that does not stick to the surface and requires no transfer tape. I like the five mil thickness because it's easier to cut especially for beginners. 

In the Mylar Design, you can see inside the h, v, e, and the bumblebee there are these...

Are you trying to create beautiful signs with your Cricut but keep getting bleeding under your stencils? You are not alone! There’s nothing more frustrating than working really hard on a sign project using vinyl, stencil vinyl, or mylar, and then getting finished and seeing that you have lots of bleeding and touch ups to do. Today I’m sharing the four main reasons that you’re getting bleeding under your stencils and what you can do to prevent it!

1. The surface is too bumpy. 

If you are just starting out with sign making and want to be successful right out of the gate, it’s really important that you start with a piece of wood that is pretty smooth in general. If you do find yourself creating a sign on a slightly bumpy surface, keep reading to learn how you can still avoid the bleeding.

2. You’re using the wrong type of vinyl. 

A common mistake beginners make is choosing Cricut stencil vinyl because they think, “I have a Cricut, and I...

25 Sayings to Use for Your St. Patrick’s Day Cricut Projects 

Feeling happy-go-lucky? St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and today I’m sharing 25 sayings and quotes to inspire your next cricut project. Add one of these sayings to a Cricut sign with some Irish green paint and shamrock stencils for instant DIY St. Patrick’s Day decor!

psst...If you are a member of the diy decor makers membership, you can find that "oh so lucky Clover Patch" svg in our svg library

SHORT ST. PATRICK’S DAY SAYINGS

• Happy Go Lucky
• Oh, so lucky-clover patch-pick your own
• Let the Shenanigans begin!
• This home is built on love and shenanigans.
• Irish wishes and shamrock kisses
• Let the shenanigans begin!
• May the luck of the Irish always be with you.
• Kiss me, I’m Irish!
• This house runs on shenanigans and malarkey.
• Wishin’ you a pot o’gold and all the love your heart can hold.
• Shake your shamrocks!
• May you find gold at the end of the rainbow.
• Never...

After you get the basics down on how to create a stencil for a small sign or door hanger, with a Cricut or cutting machine, chances are you'll be tempted to give a porch leaner a try! These are loads of fun to make for all seasons but they can be intimidating because of the size.  My typical porch leaners are about 10" wide x 4 feet tall. 

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and what better way to welcome guests into your home during this season of love than with this adorable porch leaner? This is definitely a project you can tackle with a little bit of patience and some gentle guidance. I love creating beautiful stenciled signs with my Cricut and sharing helpful tips so that other women can do the same.  

PSST...If you are a DIY Decor Maker member, this full tutorial is inside your member site

MATERIALS LIST

Pine Board 1" x 10" x 48"

Sanding Block

VINYL STENCIL MATERIAL

• Vinyl Large roll 12” x 150 ft-long-https://amzn.to/2VJ43p1
• Vinyl Ease...

Sign Making Made Simple with Your Cricut 

Click HERE to sign up for the FULL FREE mini class

So you finally got that Cricut you had been eyeing for Christmas, but it’s been over a month and it’s still in the box. You’ve perfectly curated a Pinterest board full of Cricut project ideas you’re dying to try, but you have a major case of analysis paralysis that has prevented you from getting started. What’s the deal?

Not to worry friend, you are not alone. Since starting Picked and Polished and The DIY Decor Makers Group, I have worked with hundreds of ladies who started right where you are now. The key is that they started. They let go of the belief that making signs and home decor with Cricut has to be hard or frustrating and they dove in head first. Now they’re making beautiful signs with confidence and some have even started their own businesses selling their work!    

If you’re ready to dive in and...

Check out my quick tips for picking the perfect Cricut Starter Stencil Project. When you pick a simple project to start with, you'll have immediate success and that will help you start crossing off those pretty pinned projects you have on your list! Let me know if you'd love to make this bunny bun project too!

Sign up for my complimentary Signs Making Made Simple with a Cricut mini class HERE

You can create this beautiful Rainbow finish on a dresser, wall, or your home decor by following my tips, techniques and videos on this blog post.
Whoa...can you believe how drab and sad this ugly duckling used to be?

I was willing to take a $25 risk on this beast because I was desperate to get my 6 year old daughter's hot mess of a room more organized. She had big dreams of a dresser bursting with color and glitz. The design she had created in her mind, matched her sparkling personality so I knew I had to at least try to make her vision come to life.

Here's the laundry list of products I used for this rainbow finish.

Dixie Belle White Lightning Cleaner

Dixie Belle Slick Stick

Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint Colors in 8 oz. sizes and you'll have plenty left over for other projects

• Pink Champagne 
• Soft Pink
• Peony 
• Apricot
• Flamingo
• Lemonade
• Daisy
• Mint Julep
• Kudzu
• The Gulf
• Peacock
• Lucky Lavender
• Plum Crazy
• Aubergine
• Aubergine mixed with fluff
• Silver Metallic Custom mixed...