Happy Harvest DIY & My First Cricut Project

I took a big step in my life recently (no, not marriage—checked that one off the list already): I bought a Cricut! I’ve never owned a paper-cutting machine before, but when I heard that the new generation of machines allow you to program and cut your own custom designs, I was sold! After reading reviews and doing some research, I decided to go with the Cricut Explore Air. My new toy showed up in the mail this week, and I just couldn’t wait to take it for a test drive! For my first project: this happy harvest DIY sign.

Happy Harvest DIY

Download

When I was trying to decide what to do first, I almost went into full-on hyperventilation mode. There are just so many ideas I have, and the more I learn about what this thing can do, the more things I am dying to try. I wanted to keep it simple for the first one, but then I thought, “No, let’s really test the limits and see what this thing can do—go big or go home.” I probably should have stuck with my first instinct…

I laid out this text design and created lots of thin, delicate, branches and flowers. After running it through the Cricut, I was absolutely amazed that it was able to see that it was able to cut out all this fine lines. One thing I didn’t consider—the challenge of scraping it off the sticky mat without completely destroying it. After that, I realized that I needed to thicken up my lines if I wanted my design to hold its shape.

I am really excited about how my project turned out, despite all the new challenges! Here is how you can make your own harvest decor piece.

Materials Needed

Happy Harvest DIY

 

How to Make

1. Clean your wood and apply the wood stain, following the directions on the can.

Happy Harvest DIY

 

2. While the stain is drying, cut your design.

Happy Harvest DIY

 

3. After the stain is dry, coat a thin layer of mod podge over the surface using your foam brush. Then, lay the paper cut on top, press down all the edges, and lather on some more mod podge.

Happy Harvest DIY

 

Beautiful!

Happy Harvest DIY

Like I said, this project had a lot of firsts for me: first time designing an svg cut file, first time using a Cricut, and honestly, it was even my first time staining wood (I was really nervous about this, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was, and how nice it turned out). Despite all those things, I’m quite pleased with the end result, and I think it makes a perfect addition to my fall decor!

If you don’t have a Cricut or Silhouette, don’t you worry, I’ve included a sleek printable version of my happy harvest design that’s included in the download as well!

Are you a Cricut user yourself? Have any tips for a newbie like me?

Miss Mandee Signature

 

 

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8 Comments

8 Comments on Happy Harvest DIY & My First Cricut Project

  1. Kate
    October 13, 2015 at 9:06 am (8 years ago)

    This is beautiful! Hard to believe this was a first for you, it looks store bought! My mom has a Cricut that I just might have to borrow so I can make my own!

    Reply
    • Mandee
      October 13, 2015 at 11:42 am (8 years ago)

      Thanks Kate! That’s so nice of you to say!! Yeah, I was surprised at how easy the Cricut was to set up and use. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Valerie
    October 14, 2015 at 11:09 am (8 years ago)

    I love this it looks so good and love the design!

    Reply
    • Mandee
      October 14, 2015 at 3:07 pm (8 years ago)

      Thanks Valerie!!

      Reply
  3. Becky @dempsterlogbook
    October 18, 2015 at 5:01 pm (8 years ago)

    What a beautiful project! Thanks for sharing with us on The Creative Corner.

    Reply
    • Mandee
      October 19, 2015 at 9:30 am (8 years ago)

      Thanks Becky!

      Reply
  4. liz
    October 19, 2015 at 12:15 am (8 years ago)

    Love your project! Excellent work for a newbie! 😉 Thank you much for sharing your design.

    Reply
    • Mandee
      October 19, 2015 at 9:31 am (8 years ago)

      Thank you Liz! ^_^

      Reply

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