#2 Craft Tip Tuesday

 

✨ Craft Tip: Try One Thing… Then Build From There

If you’re ready to do more than just one project, the key is still focus — not buying everything at once.

Last week we encouraged new crafters to start by choosing one tool and one project (paper, vinyl, beads, sublimation, sewing, etc.) and try at least 1 additional small project using the same tool and supplies. Each project teaches you something new without starting from scratch every time.  Now it's time to take the skills you learned and make something else new.

For example:

• If you made labels → then decals → then a small sign

• If you made a mug → then a journal/notebook → then a tote bag

• If you made greeting cards→ then a fun fold card (Youtube it) → then a card with multiple embellishments

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

By staying in the same craft lane:

• You gain confidence faster

• You waste less money

• Your skills build naturally instead of feeling scattered

Once you feel comfortable, that’s when it makes sense to add a new tool or technique.

Progress doesn’t come from doing everything — it comes from doing one thing a little deeper.

#1Craft Tip Tuesday 2026

 

Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly craft tip that works perfectly for the start of a new year — especially for someone who doesn’t craft much:

✂️ Craft Tip: Start with One Tool + One Project

If you’re new (or rusty) at crafting, don’t buy everything.
Pick one tool and one small project and learn them well before moving on.

For example:

• One paper trimmer  → make greeting cards (paper and glue)

• One cutting machine → simple vinyl labels (I recommend the Explore Series or Cricut Joy Extra)

• One paint pen → decorate mugs or notebooks

Finishing a small project builds confidence, saves money, and helps you discover what kind of crafting you actually enjoy — before your supplies pile up.

Why this works:
✔️ Less overwhelm
✔️ Faster success
✔️ More motivation to keep going

Happy 2026!

I just want to invite you to continue to visit me here at Crafteverly.  You can continue to find crafty tips, current projects, printables in the Etsy shop, and more.  I'd also like to invite you to join our Facebook group.  It is for ALL crafters:  sewing, card-making, scrapbooking, painting, vinyl, sublimating.  I want it to be a completely supportive and positive space for all type of crafters.  Invite your friends as well.  

And last, if you're in need of a free crafty printable, check it out on the right of this blog post.  Feel free to let your crafty friends know, too.

Happy 2026 from 

Crafteverly

Favorite Quick Tip Tuesday 2025

 My favorite quick tip this year was from April 7.  It answered the question of how to choose a craft based on the mood you want to create.  I've included it here for you.

• Relaxing & Meditative: Knitting, crochet, embroidery, watercolor

• Creative & Expressive: Painting, sculpting, mixed media

• Functional & Practical: Sewing, woodworking, leather crafting

• Quick & Satisfying: Paper crafts, candle making, air-dry clay projects

Yes, there are other things to consider such as cost, time investment, and your current skills, but this is a place to start.  Happy crafting!

Merry Christmas

 Happy Christmas!

And hope you have a safe and healthy new year.

Most of all, thank you for being part of my crafty community.  I look forward to growing in 2026 with new, unique, craft-related tips and projects, and new additions to the Etsy shop!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Vinyl Testing

 Following up on last week's quick tip...

Quick Tip: Always Test Vinyl Before the Final Cut

Before cutting into your full sheet of vinyl, take a minute to run a small test cut using the same vinyl, blade, and settings. Even if you’ve used that brand before, don’t skip this step.

For vinyl projects, cut a tiny shape—like a star or your smallest text—to check blade depth and pressure. Then weed it. If it weeds too easily, your cut may be too deep. If corners pull or tear, adjust your settings before committing to the full design.

Vinyl thickness, adhesive strength, temperature, and blade wear all affect results. A 30-second test cut can save an entire sheet of vinyl and a lot of frustration.

Make test cuts part of your routine, and your vinyl projects will look cleaner, sharper, and more professional every time.

Quick Tip Tuesday

 

Quick Tip: Build a “Test Strip” Habit Before Every Project

Before starting any craft project—vinyl, sublimation, resin, paint, ink, or paper crafts—create a small test strip or sample swatch using the exact materials and settings you plan to use. Not just when something is new, but every time.

For paper crafts, this might mean cutting a small shape from the same cardstock to test blade depth, pressure, or score lines before cutting your full design. It can also include testing ink blending, stamping pressure, or adhesive placement on a scrap from the same paper pack to see how it reacts.

Why? Humidity, paper coatings, blade wear, and even paper color can change results. A quick test can prevent tearing, cracking folds, or ink bleeding.

Pros treat test strips as part of the process—not a backup plan. Adopt the habit, and your success rate will jump instantly.