While being furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic, I have used the time at home to become more proficient with my Cricut Maker.
About 2 years ago, I had a Cricut Explore Air 2 and made a handful of simple things with it. I was afraid of messing up the machine or not understanding the software. So, it sat in a box for two years after we moved into our current house.
Several months ago, I leaned that the Cricut Maker could cut wood and make dollhouse furniture. Wait…What?! We just started rehabbing a dollhouse I started in 1993 and never finished. This would be such a big help! So, we sold the Cricut Explore Air 2 and saved up for the Maker.
A few months ago, we purchased the Maker. I have not cut wood with it yet…I’m still afraid. Lol! But I have cut a lot of vinyl and cardstock. I have learned to roll flowers, fold flowers, and use heat transfer vinyl! It’s been an exciting time and I have learned so much. I’ve made a lot of decor.
This is where one of my favorite projects comes into play. I love filling tutorials from Jennifer Maker. If you are not familiar with her, you should be. You can find her here: JenniferMaker.com. My favorite project of hers is the lady with the flower dress. I must confess, I have made one in every color now. I use heat transfer vinyl on canvas. I love the look of reverse canvas and have used that method for this project.
Once the canvases are prepped, I cut the design out on the Cricut. I then, iron on the design. Right now, I just use a regular iron until I get an Easy Press. After the vinyl is applied, I use a staple gun to reattach the canvas to the back of the stained frame. I find this make the nicest back and hold the canvas on tightly.
Now, there are a lot of little flowers to but cut and folded. The Cricut Maker makes this so much easier by cutting all the flowers. I do four sheets on graduating colors. I am grateful that my husband helps me fold all the little flowers. This can be tedious.
After the tiny flowers are creased and folded, they are ready to be applied. I like to use a tacky glue to apply the flowers to the dress portion of the vinyl.
Once the flowers are attached, let it dry. I like to attach a sawtooth hanger to the back for hanging.
Each one I do seems to have its own personality. It’s fun to pick out the colors for each project. For the entire tutorial, visit Jennifer’s tutorial: Paper Flower Dress Canvas. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!