Creatively Crafty Alexa Blog

From Sewing to Cricut: My Favorite Craft Influencers

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:56:21 GMT

Hey there, crafters! Are you feeling stuck in a crafting rut and searching for some fresh inspiration? Or perhaps you're just starting out on your crafting journey and need a guiding hand? Well, look no further! Today, I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite craft influencers who have been a huge source of inspiration and guidance for me.

Before we dive in, I want to make it clear that I'm not affiliated with any of these influencers. I'm simply sharing my personal experiences and recommendations based on my own crafting adventures.

The Sewing Room Channel

If you're into sewing, whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete novice, The Sewing Channel on YouTube is a must-follow. Led by the talented Sherrill, this channel offers a treasure trove of project ideas, tutorials, and invaluable sewing tips and tricks. Sherrill's clear instructions make it easy to follow along, no matter your skill level. From beginner-friendly projects to more advanced endeavors, there's something here for everyone.

My love for sewing has recently been reignited, and personally, I've found myself hooked on Sherrill's tutorials, especially her candy bags, mini tissue holders, zipper pouches with wristlets, and wine bottle bags. These projects are not only fun to make but also practical and customizable to suit any occasion. Plus, they're perfect for using up those fabric scraps you've been hoarding! I’ve linked tutorials below.

DIY Christmas Candy Bags | Scrap Buster | The Sewing Room Channel

DIY Mini Tissue Holder | The Sewing Room Channel

Zipper Pouch with Wristlet | The Sewing Room Channel

How to Sew a Wine Bottle Gift Bag | The Sewing Room Channel

SewHayleyJane

Another gem in the world of sewing tutorials is SewHayleyJane . Whether you're looking for simple yet thoughtful gift ideas or just eager to hone your sewing skills, this channel has got you covered. I stumbled upon SewHayleyJane while searching for Christmas gift inspiration last year, and I've been a fan ever since. Their easy-to-follow tutorials, coupled with a vibrant blog, make it a breeze to create beautiful projects for your loved ones.

And let's not forget about SewHayleyJane's monthly subscription boxes , offering a delightful assortment of fabrics and goodies delivered right to your doorstep. It's a fantastic way to treat yourself or a fellow crafter to a monthly dose of inspiration and creativity. Note, SewHayleyJane is based in the UK so keep that in mind when you order - international shipping rates and shipping times will apply.

One of my favorite projects from SewHayleyJane that I have made is their book cover and bookmark. It is an easy project and great for using up any fat quarters you may have in your fabric stash. The book cover and bookmark is a great gift for family or friends that enjoy reading especially if they are traveling, they can keep their book protected! I will link the video to their YouTube tutorial below.

Book Sleeve Sewing Tutorial (Super easy fat quarter project)

Sweet Red Poppy

If you're like me and enjoy dabbling in various crafts, then Sweet Red Poppy is the perfect destination for you. From sewing and crafting to Cricut projects galore, Kim at Sweet Red Poppy is a true creative powerhouse. Her website and YouTube channel are brimming with tutorials and ideas to fuel your crafting adventures.

Personally, Sweet Red Poppy played a significant role in reigniting my passion for sewing. Kim's easy-to-follow tutorials, like the crayon/color pencil roll-ups and aprons, have become staples in my crafting repertoire. I’ve linked the tutorial pages and YouTube videos below.

Her expertise in all things Cricut-related has been invaluable on my crafting journey. When I received my Cricut in 2019, Sweet Red Poppy was the first set of tutorials I came across on YouTube and after that, I was hooked to her channel and Instagram. In addition to Youtube and resources of their website, Sweet Red Poppy has also created a Cricut guide that explains everything Cricut. I found this especially helpful for knowing what tools are compatible with my machine and what temperature to turn my easy press on to iron on vinyl. If you are new to Cricut or are experienced and want additional insight, I recommend purchasing the guide. I still refer to it frequently, especially when I’m in doubt about the materials I am using.

Free Apron Sewing Pattern

YouTube Video: Easy FREE Apron Sewing Pattern

Pencil Roll Sewing Pattern for Colored Pencils or Crayons

YouTube Video: Pencil Roll

Another reason I love Sweet Red Poppy so much is because it is the reason I got the inkling to start sewing again and purchased a sewing machine in 2022. I watched and followed a few of her tutorials to make gifts that I still make when I can. My favorite projects are the crayon/color pencil roll up and apron - I will link them below. The online tutorials are so easy to follow and the patterns are easy for subscribers to access, print, cut and piece together. Thank you Sweet Red Poppy, I will forever be a fan and follower!

Jennifer Maker

For all my fellow Cricut enthusiasts out there, Jennifer Maker is an absolute godsend. Jennifer's comprehensive tutorials and expert guidance have been instrumental in my Cricut journey, especially when I was just starting out. Whether you're looking to master the art of glass etching or delve into the world of acrylic keychain engraving, Jennifer's got you covered.

One thing I truly appreciate about Jennifer Maker is her meticulous attention to detail in her tutorials on YouTube . She breaks down each step with clarity, making even the most complex projects, like etching glass and engraving acrylic keychains, seem manageable. I will link her glass etching and keychain engraving videos below if you want to branch out and try glass etching.

YouTube Video: How to Etch Glass the Easy Way (Armour Etch and Vinyl Decals!)

YouTube Video: Engraved Acrylic Keychains with Cricut

Thanks to her guidance, I was able to seamlessly transition from my Explore Air to the Cricut Maker 3, unlocking a world of creative possibilities.

Amy Makes That

Last but certainly not least, Amy Makes Tha t is a treasure trove of Cricut wisdom and entrepreneurial insights. I stumbled upon Amy's YouTube channel while searching for ways to elevate my wedding invitations, and I'm so glad I did. Her tutorial on printing addresses on envelopes saved the day and added a touch of elegance to my invites. See tutorial linked below.

DIY Wedding Envelopes // How to Print on Envelopes At Home

What sets Amy apart is her knack for not only teaching you how to use your Cricut machine but also how to turn your crafting passion into a profitable venture. Her e-book on selling Cricut projects online is a must-read for anyone looking to monetize their creativity while navigating the intricacies of the crafting business.

In conclusion, I hope this roundup of craft influencers sparks some creativity and inspiration in your crafting journey. Whether you're sewing, crafting, or Cricut-ing, these influencers have something for everyone. Happy crafting, and remember to spread the crafting love! If you enjoyed this blog post or have any suggestions for future topics, be sure to drop a comment below. Until next time, keep creating!

Embrace Imperfection: The Beauty of Crafting

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 13:19:18 GMT

Hey there, fellow crafters! Have you ever looked at your latest project and felt a pang of disappointment, thinking, "Why isn't it perfect?" or "It's not as good as I hoped"? Trust me, you're not alone. Throughout my crafting journey, I've wrestled with these same thoughts. But here's the truth I've come to realize: perfection doesn't exist in crafting, and that's perfectly okay.

We all have our own unique style and perspective that we bring to our projects. While it's natural to aspire to the level of other crafters, comparing ourselves to them only leads to unnecessary self-criticism. Your work may not look identical to someone else's, but it carries your personal touch, making it uniquely yours.

Consider this: when you come across a tutorial or a DIY video, you're inspired to create something similar, but with your own twist. You choose different materials, colors, and techniques, tailoring the project to reflect your creativity. And yes, there will be times when things don't go as planned. Trust me; I've had my fair share of crafting mishaps.

Take, for instance, my attempt to make acrylic gift tags for Valentine's Day. Armed with glitter, Mod Podge, and a vision, I was ready to dazzle. However, reality hit hard when my glitter experiment turned into a glitter catastrophe. But did I give up? No way! I pivoted to painting the hearts, embracing a different approach that still captured the essence of my vision.

The key to crafting success? Trial and error. Stock up on supplies, embrace the learning process, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. After all, every mishap is a lesson in disguise. While tutorials can be helpful guides, don't be afraid to deviate and explore your own methods.

In the world of creativity, there's no such thing as perfect or right. Your creativity is yours to mold and shape as you see fit. So, embrace the imperfections, trust in your abilities, and let your creativity soar. Remember, the beauty of crafting lies in its unique and personal touch.

Keep creating, keep experimenting, and most importantly, believe in yourself!

Welcome to Creatively Crafty Alexa

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 01:26:43 GMT

The home of all my crafting products and stories.

Hello, everyone! I'm Alexa, a creator, crafter, and now, a blogger hailing from California. As this is my inaugural blog post, I'm excited to dive into the world of blogging, and I hope you enjoy the journey with me!

For my debut, I decided to delve into the theme of Valentine’s Day, given its imminent arrival and the plethora of adorable things associated with it. Being a fan of all things pink, Valentine’s Day offers the perfect excuse to revel in the joy of this delightful color!

View all my crafting posts!

Dollar Tree Valentine’s Day

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:17:07 GMT

Let's Get Started!

Photo Buckets

These buckets are perfect for filling with candy or cute Galentine’s Day items like nail polish and gift cards. They're also ideal for kids' classroom Valentine’s or teachers could use them to fill with candy, crayons, or other grade-related goodies.

Grab your photo buckets here !

Gift Bags

Since I don’t have kids, I use these gift bags to create Valentine’s Day goodie bags for my friends. I usually fill them with candy and homemade sugar cookies. It might not be much, but my friends seem to enjoy them! These bags can be used for any treats or as gift bags.

Get these bags here!

Heart LED String Lights

I adore these lights – they are incredibly cute! I discovered them thanks to Kim at Sweet Red Poppy, who featured them on her Instagram story for making Valentine’s gifts. Click here to check out her Instagram profile. Use these lights for personal home decor by hanging them in your house or room, or place them in a jar or vase. Note that they don't have timers like some craft lights from Michaels, so keep that in mind. You could even incorporate them into one of the plastic buckets mentioned earlier for a unique gift presentation.

Find these lights here!

Heart Garlands

I didn’t notice these at first, but once I did, I knew I had to buy a couple! These would be fantastic for decorating your house or placed in a jar or container to add a little sparkle without resorting to glitter. They're versatile and can be used for various craft projects.

Get heart garlands here!

Valentine’s Day Themed Tissue Paper

I love how festive this tissue paper is, so I always grab some when I find it! I tend to use it when I make goodie bags for friends using the cute Valentine gift bags, but you can use it for anything your heart desires!

Grab your tissue paper here!

Tin Pails

Similar to the buckets and gift bags, these are great for candy and other gifts. You could even use these for flowers instead of a traditional vase. While they say not to use them for food, I've found success by lining them with parchment paper for extra protection.

Get these pails here!

Popcorn Buckets

These popcorn buckets are pretty self-explanatory based on the name, but you can also use them for gifts. For a unique Galentine’s gift, fill them halfway with paper shreds and a small bottle of prosecco, along with a wine glass or champagne flute. If you prefer a kid-friendly version, replace the prosecco with a small bottle of Martinelli’s Apple Cider and an acrylic or plastic champagne flute or wine glass.

Find popcorn buckets here!

Gnome Picks

I spotted these gnome picks and thought they were really cute! They can be used as a centerpiece in a bouquet of flowers, a candy bouquet, or as home decor. If you're particularly festive and have a Valentine’s Day tree, you could even stick these throughout the branches.

Get these cute gnome picks here!

Valentine’s Day Themed Candy

Candy, candy, candy! The Dollar Tree is a fantastic place to buy candy for any Valentine’s Day gift. They offer a wide variety, and the packaging is always so festive. I’m planning to use the candy boxes to create a square box and fill the inside with other candy. If that sounds too complicated, simply throw any of this candy into the gift bags, buckets, or tins, and you're good to go!

Get candy here!

Napkins

I bought these napkins to use for dinner, but you could also use them as tissue paper instead of parchment paper. I often line cookie tins or boxes with festive napkins when I don’t have or want to use plain parchment paper.

Grab them here!

Heart Wooden Sticks

I'm unsure what exactly I'm going to do with these yet, but they can be used for anything. Stick them in styrofoam, flowers, or use them for larger appetizers if you're having a Valentine's Day party.

Get heart sticks here!

Valentine’s Glass Container with Heart Lid

I spotted this while waiting in the checkout line and had to pick one up! I initially thought of using it for a gift, but now I'm considering placing it in the center of our dining room table and filling it with candy. It would also be fun to fill this with goodies and give it to your best friend for Valentine’s Day.

Grab this adorable jar here!

So there you have it, my Dollar Tree finds! Of course, there is much more, especially if you order online or have a larger Dollar Tree in your local area. Ours is on the smaller side, but they do stock well for the holidays!

Comment here if you enjoyed this blog and be sure to follow my Instagram and YouTube channel! Talk to you soon, fellow crafters! XOXO