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.
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
- Wood
- Wood Stain (optional)
- My Happy Harvest Cut File
- Some Pretty Paper
- Mod Podge
- A Foam Brush
How to Make
1. Clean your wood and apply the wood stain, following the directions on the can.
2. While the stain is drying, cut your design.
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.
Beautiful!
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?
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Mandee is a professional graphic designer, amateur bird watcher, and rollercoaster enthusiast. She is a wife to hardworking high school teacher and mommy to three adorable little humans. She fell in love with graphic design when she started working on a comedy website with a guy she met her freshman year of college. Design wasn’t the only thing she fell in love with, and they were married a year and a half later. She created Designs By Miss Mandee to be a place where she could merge her passion for design with her lifelong love of crafting. 8 Comments on Happy Harvest DIY & My First Cricut Project
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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!
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. 🙂
Valerie
October 14, 2015 at 11:09 am (8 years ago)I love this it looks so good and love the design!
Mandee
October 14, 2015 at 3:07 pm (8 years ago)Thanks Valerie!!
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.
Mandee
October 19, 2015 at 9:30 am (8 years ago)Thanks Becky!
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.
Mandee
October 19, 2015 at 9:31 am (8 years ago)Thank you Liz! ^_^