It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the materials you might need but I'm sharing my tried and true few with you today!

Let me help you save lots of money, time and frustration when you are starting your Cricut stencil and sign making journey.  

Many times, I find that people aren't sure where to start with materials or they've purchased what SHOULD be the right material combinations but they just DO NOT work the way they were intended to.  

It's not your fault.  There are just too many choices!😫 Luckily, less is more and you only need a handful of things to get going right away with beautiful results. 

🤔You might think it's something you're doing wrong but the truth is that it's likely the wrong materials or combo of them that you are using.  Check out the video above to get super clear on what you need and what you don't. 

Trust me...I've taught thousands of crafty people how to do this and they are always amazed what a difference the RIGHT materials make.  

Also, I thought you ...

It's time to make friends with your Cricut machine so you can start creating the signs you've been dreaming about making to give as gifts, hang in your home or even to sell.  

Follow the instructions in my super short video above because it's simpler than you might think. Finally, set it up with confidence in a way that will have you wanting to use it over and over again.  

Step 1. Clear a small space on a table or desk for the machine and your mat

Step 2. Make sure the machine has at least 10" behind for the mat to pull back and forth through the machine

Step 3. Fuzz your mat

Step 4. Learn what the buttons are for...(super simple thankfully!)

 ❤️Reta  

Waiting until you are super confident using your Cricut machine to cut stencils or paint signs is not only an overrated goal but is also holding you back from creating SO many gorgeous signs, porch leaners and door hangers like Babs the Bunny up there ⬆️.  

 That voice telling you that you'll do it when you feel more confident is holding you back because the only thing that gets you closer to feeling more confident is just doing that project, practicing all the steps, rinse & repeat. 

Here's some really good news...You don't have to be a super confident painter or hand lettering expert to be an artist...believe me! I would not consider myself a freehand painter and my shaky hand (neuropathy from chemo) would not behave if I wanted to hand letter something either. Being able to design and use svg stencil designs was a game changer for me! It gives me the shapes to start with and then if I want to add details and layers on top, I can using very simple painting techniques.  

Take my ne...

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 like this one below.  This is on of the "perfect starter projects" inside the DIY Decor Makers membership and it's a great project to learn how to make both vinyl and mylar stencils for.  The size is smaller than a 12" x 12" Cricut mat so that allows for easy sizing and mylar often comes in 12" x 12" sheets whereas vinyl comes in a 12" wide roll of varying lengths.  

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 requ...

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 iron a four-leaf clover, you don’t want ...

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!