Showing posts with label Christmas DIY and Craft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas DIY and Craft. Show all posts

October 23, 2026

From Tissue Box to Christmas Gift Tags: An Upcycling & Paper Scraps Project

There’s something so satisfying about giving forgotten items a new life, especially when they turn into something pretty and useful! For Bee Happy Weeklies Week 43, the theme is Upcycled & Scraps, and I’m excited to share how I transformed an old tissue box and some saved paper scraps into festive Christmas gift tags.

Saving a Tissue Box for a Future Project

I saved this tissue box because it was too good to throw away! Unlike a plain cardboard box, it had a lovely embossed detail that I thought would make a beautiful feature on a future craft project. Another thing I loved was that the cardboard was white on both sides, making it perfect for gift tags.

I knew this box would come in handy someday, and I’m so glad I kept it!



Putting My Paper Scraps to Good Use

If there’s one thing I love collecting, it’s paper scraps! No matter how small the pieces are, I always find it difficult to throw them away because I know my trusty die-cutting machine can turn them into something useful.

For this project, I gathered my glitter and foil paper scraps to create pretty poinsettias. I also used black and red paper scraps for the sentiments.



I love how these little leftover pieces came together to create festive details for my Christmas gift tags. It’s a great reminder that we don’t always need brand-new materials to make something beautiful. Sometimes, the perfect supplies are already hiding in our scrap boxes!


January 04, 2026

Card Making Countdown 2025

While decluttering my phone gallery, I realized I have so many craft projects that I never got around to sharing. So this January 2026, I decided it’s finally time to start posting my craft projects and giving them the spotlight they deserve.
 
One of the highlights of 2025 was joining Craft with Sarah’s Card Making Countdown 2025. It was such a fun and creative challenge. Because life got busy, I only managed to finish 4 cards, and I was able to submit 3 out of the 14 card projects in total. Even so, I never expected what happened next…
 
I was fortunate to win 2nd prize (random draw). Yehey!  It was such a wonderful surprise and a big motivation to keep crafting and sharing my work.
 
Here are the card projects I completed for the countdown:
 
Rocker Card


A fun, interactive card that gently rocks back and forth when placed on a flat surface. It’s playful, eye-catching, and perfect for special occasions. I wasn’t sure what to put on my Rocker Card, so I used leftover cut-out designs from my Comic Card.
  
Decorative Border Cards




Cards featuring beautifully detailed borders. These are elegant and great for showcasing intricate cut details. I used only white paper and Distress Mica Stain Spray to color the design. 
 
Z-Fold Card


A creative fold that opens in a zigzag shape, adding dimension and surprise. This style is perfect for layered designs and storytelling layouts. I used a ready-made file because I really liked this Christmas Carolers card. 
 
Faux Stained Glass Card


A card designed to mimic the look of stained glass using layered cuts or colored markers and translucent materials, creating a striking and colorful effect.
 
The Card Making Countdown was already over, but I liked this design so much that I made it anyway. The photo doesn’t do it justice, but I added Broken Glass Phototop on top of the acetate to achieve the stained glass effect.

December 29, 2025

DIY Customized Family Christmas Shirts: Handmade Holiday Gifts with Cricut

Buying gifts for family members or friends who can afford to buy whatever they want can be tricky. It’s hard to find something meaningful when stores are full of options. This year, I decided to go the handmade route and create custom Christmas shirts using iron-on vinyl, my Cricut Maker 3, and the Cricut EasyPress.
 
The design is simple but festive: I used Santa Hat Split Letters A–Z (26 Christmas Monogram Letters) and added each person’s name in the middle using the Happy Heart Font, carefully slicing away any excess lines. Handmade gifts like these aren’t just thoughtful, they’re personalized memories that your loved ones can wear and cherish every holiday season. 

 
Materials and Tools:
 
Cricut Maker 3
Cricut EasyPress 3
Iron-On Vinyl (HTV)- Black, white, and red or patterned
Plain shirts
Weeding tools
Heat-resistant mat
Lint roller
 
How I Made the Shirts
 
1. Designing in Cricut Design Space – I uploaded the Santa Hat Split Letters, arranged the letters, added names, and sliced away excess lines.
 
2. Cutting & Weeding Vinyl – Don’t forget to mirror your design for iron-on vinyl! Carefully weed away the extra vinyl for a clean finish.
 
3. Heat Pressing – Using the Cricut EasyPress:
 
Preheat the shirt for a few seconds to remove moisture
Position the vinyl
Press at the recommended temperature and time
Let it cool slightly, peel, and re-press with a protective sheet for durability
 
I absolutely love how these customized family Christmas shirts turned out. I actually made 10 shirts, including one for my own family. Making something by hand allowed me to give a gift that’s personal, thoughtful, and unique.




For family members or friends who seem to already have everything, handmade gifts like these are a wonderful way to show love and creativity. Each shirt becomes more than just clothing; it’s a memory, a keepsake, and a special part of the holiday tradition.
 
If you have a Cricut and EasyPress at home, I highly recommend trying a project like this. It’s beginner-friendly, fun, and incredibly rewarding to see your loved ones’ faces light up when they receive something made just for them.

December 14, 2025

The Empty Chair at Christmas

A week ago, I came across the Cricut 12.12 Challenge: Last Hurrah for 2025, and the moment I read the mechanics, I already knew exactly what I wanted to create. I just kept delaying it, because I knew this project would bring tears to my eyes. In fact, it’s something that has been on my list since last year.
 
Christmas is meant to be a season of joy, but as the years go by, it becomes harder to ignore how different it feels after losing loved ones. The holidays are never quite the same.
 
So for this year’s challenge, I made a 3D Empty Chair Shadow Box with the message “Christmas isn’t the same without you.” It’s a gift our loved ones will never receive, but I made it to honor them, to acknowledge that since the day they left, there will always be an empty chair at Christmas.
 
They may be gone, but I am forever grateful for the memories we shared, our laughter, our stories, and all the small moments that mean even more now. I believe those memories are God’s gentle reminder that their love is still with me, guiding me through every season.
 
This shadow box has 13 layers, and while cutting, I listened to my comfort song, “Where You Are” by Craig Aven. Here are a few lines that truly capture the heart behind this project:
 
“Although this year, I have a broken heart
It gives me hope and joy as I remember where you are.
You're with the Son of God
You're with the Prince of Peace
You're with the One we're celebrating
And that thought amazes me.
Sometimes I still break down
Grieving that we're apart
But the sweetest gift is knowing where you are
'cause you're with the Son of God.”
 
It took me a long time to cut and assemble this shadow box, but I felt at peace and happy when I finished it, and I immediately displayed it in our living room.




 
If you’re missing someone this Christmas, may you find comfort in knowing that love doesn’t end with goodbye. Even in the quiet moments, God reminds us that those we love are still held in His presence and that hope carries us through every season.
 
The 3D Empty Chair design is from My 3D SVG website. 

December 12, 2025

Holiday Craft Collection: Custom Chip Bags, Boxes & Ornaments

The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative, and this year, I dove into a festive DIY adventure. I’m excited to share my Holiday Craft Collection, featuring handmade Christmas chip bags, printable gable boxes, a playful Summer Santa shadow box, and delicate snowflake ornaments. Each project is a labor of love, designed to bring a personal and festive touch to your celebrations.
 
Whether you’re looking for gift ideas, unique holiday decor, or simply some crafty inspiration, this collection has something for everyone.
 
Custom Christmas Chip Bags




 
When I need to make a lot of gift bags or boxes, my go-to project is chip bags. All I have to do is customize the design for the celebration or occasion, print, and assemble. Since last month, I have made over 60 chip bags, and I’m planning to make even more.
 
I love chip bags because they’re perfect for holiday parties, stocking stuffers, or small gift packaging. They combine fun, festive designs with practicality.
 
For my project, I used a chip bag template and a variety of clipart from Creative Fabrica: 
 
Funny Christmas Santa Clipart
Christmas Teddy Bear Clipart
Christmas Whimsical Snowman Clipart


Next up are Printable Christmas Gable Boxes, which are perfect for small gifts, party favors, or even DIY advent calendars. This is a quick and easy project, and I shared my tutorial on the Printable Cuttable Creatables website. If you have limited time, this is another excellent option, just print, cut, and assemble. 
 
Santa Claus Gable Box
Gingerbread House Gable Box
 
Cheerful Christmas Treat Box


Cheerful Christmas Tree Treat Box. Handmade using a Simply Crafty SVGs, a fun craft project bringing festive charm and holiday joy.

Summer Santa on the Beach Shadow Box


Since there is no snow in the Philippines, this Summer Santa on the Beach Shadow Box is perfect for our warm season. This playful design is part of Craft with Sarah’s Christmas Countdown, and it adds a fun, whimsical touch to holiday decor.
 
Snowflake Ornaments

 
No holiday collection is complete without DIY ornaments. I used a snowflake design from the Craft with Sarah website, paired with holographic and silver cardstock. The effect on our Christmas tree is magical!
 
Handmade ornaments like these bring charm and personality to your holiday decor, making them a joy to display year after year.

Santa Face Gift Bag


 
I found this super cute Santa Face Gift Bag on the Printable Cuttable Creatables website, and I knew I had to make it. I originally planned to do the layered version, but since I was short on time, I printed the file on photo paper. I ended up changing my mind and went with chip bag paper instead because it’s much easier to assemble.
 
Gingerbread Candy Cane Holder


 
I bought a box of candy canes last month and completely forgot that I already had this Gingerbread Candy Cane Holder SVG from Digital Gems. So when I found it, I finally had the chance to make it. This is a pretty easy project using the draw and cut function in Cricut Design Space, but knowing me, I couldn’t resist pulling out my Ohuhu markers and coloring the design.
 
Bring Your Holiday Crafts to Life
 
Working on these projects reminded me that the best part of the holidays is the personal touch you add. Handmade gifts, décor, and packaging show thoughtfulness and care—and they’re a fun way to get into the festive spirit.
 
I hope this Holiday Craft Collection inspires you to create, experiment, and add your own personal flair to this season’s celebrations. Whether it’s chip bags, gable boxes, shadow boxes, or snowflake ornaments, there’s something magical in every handmade detail.
 
Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!

December 08, 2025

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas 2025

Crafting My Way Through the Holidays. One Project at a Time
 
It’s been a while since I last wrote a blog post, and honestly, it’s because most of my time has been spent crafting (no regrets!). Christmas season is officially here, which means two things: my craft table is always messy, and my heart is always full. I’m joining the Cricut 12 Days of Christmas 2025 Challenge for the fourth year, and as always, it’s pushing me to create, experiment, and enjoy the magic of handmade holidays.
 
Here’s a look at what I’ve crafted so far from Days 1 through 5.
 
Day 1: Christmas Ornament Challenge 
Project: Folk Art Christmas Paper Ornaments


The Cricut Christmas Challenge has begun! For Day 1, I created a set of Folk Art Christmas Paper Ornaments using my favorite medium, cardstock. My Cricut Maker 3, white glitter cardstock, silver and red glitter sheets, glue, and gold string were all I needed.
 
This project was estimated to take one hour, but I slowed down and let myself enjoy every moment, choosing colors, arranging pieces, and soaking in that quiet crafting joy. Sometimes we rush through the holidays without truly feeling them, but that moment reminded me to pause and appreciate the tiny things.
 
When I hung the finished ornaments, that familiar spark of Christmas magic appeared. Handmade ornaments are more than décor, they’re memories. And now, these new ones join the collection I’ve made through the years.
 
The SVG file is part of Craft with Sarah’s Christmas Countdown
 
Day 2: Christmas Wearable Item Challenge
Project: Snowman Slippers


One thing about me: if a hotel offers slippers, I’m taking them home (don’t judge me!). I usually save them for guests, but this year I thought, why not make them Christmas-ready?
 
For Day 2, I transformed basic white hotel slippers into a festive wearable item using iron-on vinyl and my Cricut Maker 3. A cute snowman face made them fun, warm, and welcoming. This is such a beginner-friendly Cricut project, quick, simple, and perfect for personalizing things you already have.
 
The Snowman Face SVG File is from Creative Fabrica 
 
Day 3: Christmas Treat Boxes 
Projects: Santa & Reindeer Belly Treat Boxes


These treat boxes have been sitting on my “Things to Craft” list since last year, and FINALLY I checked them off! I started with Santa Claus and Reindeer designs, and although I only made two, it still took me more than two hours, thanks to the usual crafter dilemmas: Should I ink the edges? Add embossing? Add snow to the shoes? The internal debate was real.
 
I also made a small mistake; Santa ended up on the wrong side, but I owned it. Crafting magic saved the day!
 
The SVG files are from Digital Gems
 
Santa Belly Treat Box 
Reindeer Belly Treat Box 
 
Day 3: Christmas Treat Boxes
Projects: Penguin, Polar Bear, and Snowman Treat Boxes


 
Still in the crafting mood, I continued my lineup and added three more designs: Penguin, Polar Bear, and Snowman. They now join Santa, Elf, and Reindeer, six boxes total, each with its own charm and personality.
 
I mixed different cardstock textures: textured, smooth, glitter, and foil, and the Cricut Maker 3 handled all the writing, scoring, and cutting effortlessly. I used glue and Velcro dots to assemble them, and yes… I also filmed a video (priorities!).
 
The SVG files are from Crafty Blog Stalker
 
Day 4: Christmas Card Challenge 
Project: Elf Arrival Door Card

 
In our family, handmade cards aren’t just crafts, they’re keepsakes filled with meaning. So for Day 4, I created an Elf Arrival Door card, complete with an elf head and legs for that mischievous holiday charm.
 
I added a tiny poem to bring the design to life:
 
“Through the tiny door, I’ve popped.
My Christmas journey never stops!
I'm here to watch and sprinkle cheer.
Let’s make it a merry, magical year.”


This simple card instantly put a smile on my face, and I hope it brings joy to whoever receives it.
 
The Elf Door Arrival Card is from Craft with Sarah’s Christmas Countdown and the Elf Head and Legs SVG files are from Printable Cuttable Creatables.
 
Day 5: Christmas Table Decoration 
Project: Gingerbread Felt Utensil Holder


For Day 5, I created a felt utensil holder inspired by a gingerbread gift tag I made last year. I tweaked the design, used a few basic shapes, and suddenly, hello, Gingerbread Utensil Holder!
 
This was supposed to be an easy project… until I randomly decided to sew it. Spoiler: I’m not good at sewing. But the sewing machine deserved some action, so I stitched the edges anyway. The stitches weren’t perfect, but the result was worth it: cute, festive, and handmade with love.
 
The Gingerbread Utensil Holder is inspired by Printable Cuttable Creatables Gingerbread Gift Tag. 
 

Day 5: Christmas Table Decoration
Project: Mini Christmas Tree Treat Box Display


I couldn’t resist adding a second project for Day 5, this time a mini Christmas Tree Treat Box that fits perfectly on my small crafting table. Even with limited space, I still love having a little holiday sparkle close by, and this tiny tree was exactly what I needed.

I cut the design using my Cricut Maker 3, added texture with a Christmas Lights embossing folder, and used an Ohuhu glitter marker to highlight the tiny lights. Those small touches of embossing and shimmer truly brought the piece to life.

It’s a simple, 30-minute project that added so much festive cheer to my workspace. Sometimes the smallest decorations make the biggest difference, and this little tree instantly brightened my day!

The Christmas Tree Treat Box is from Digital Gems.

Day 7: Christmas Banner or Garland Challenge
Project: Stylish Sweater Garland

 
I can finally feel the cold December weather settling in, so for Day 7, I created this super cute Stylish Sweater Garland that brings all the cozy holiday vibes. Think festive sweaters—but make them chic, charming, and definitely not ugly-sweater energy.
 
I used the Print Then Cut feature in Cricut Design Space, which made this project fun and beginner-friendly. That said, I definitely had a moment when I clicked Make It and Cricut only loaded two sweaters per page.
 
And of course, me being me, I wanted to maximize my photo paper. So I added extra festive designs, resized a few pieces, and basically played Cricut Tetris to fill every empty space before printing. It took a little longer, but it was completely worth it.
 
Once everything was printed and cut, I added a bit of dimension using foam tape on a few sweaters and clipped them onto a jute string for that perfect Christmas look. Now I have the cutest festive garland ready to hang on our wall.
 
The Stylish Sweater Garland SVG is from Bearly Art.
 
Day 8: Christmas Village Challenge
Project: Gingerbread Village

 
I spotted this adorable design last month and immediately added it to my “to-make” list. There was just something so charming about the tiny houses and layered details, and Day 8 felt like the perfect time to finally bring this Gingerbread Village to life.
 
This project encouraged me to slow down and truly enjoy the process. With 30 layers, it took almost two hours to cut and assemble, but watching each layer stack and add dimension was so satisfying. Once the glitter and foil cardstock caught the light, it felt like pure Christmas magic.
 
I’m so happy with how this little village turned out, festive, sparkly, and absolutely worth the time and patience it required.
 
The SVG file is part of Craft with Sarah’s Christmas Countdown 2025

Day 10 of 12 Days of Christmas Challenge
Project: Merry Christmas Wall Sign
 
For Day 10, I took on a project that pushed me completely outside my comfort zone — a 19.5-inch Merry Christmas wall sign. I started cutting and assembling the pieces yesterday and continued again this morning, spending a total of almost six hours to bring everything together.

 
This project required 17 cutting mats and 12 different types of cardstock, which alone tested my patience and focus. Cutting was smooth using my Cricut Maker 3, but assembling a project this large was honestly nerve-wracking. Every step had to be slow and precise because there was absolutely no room for mistakes.
 
To make things more challenging, the materials I used were just enough. The Cricut Foil Cardstock is no longer available here in the Philippines, so I had to be extra careful. I even upcycled a cake box for the back support — bawal talaga magkamali, or else baka mapabili ako ng cake nang wala sa oras!
 
There were moments of doubt when I questioned if I could actually finish it, but I pushed through the fear and completed the project. Seeing it now hanging on our wall brings such a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. This project reminded me that stepping outside my comfort zone is always worth it.

The SVG file is from Craft with Sarah.
 
Day 11 of 12 Days of Christmas Challenge
Project: 3D Mantle with Stockings Shadow Box
 
When my son was still a kid, he had one serious concern:
 
Son: Mommy, we don’t have a chimney. How will Santa Claus get inside the house?
Me: We don’t need a chimney.
Son: No. You buy chimney.
 
Fast forward to today — we still don’t have a chimney, but thanks to Cricut, I can finally make one.
 
When I saw this 3D Mantle with Stockings shadow box design, I couldn’t help but think, baka ito na ang kasagutan sa pangarap ng anak ko. Hehehe! He may not believe in Santa Claus anymore, but I absolutely love this project, especially because I was able to personalize each stocking using a Cricut Pen.

 
This shadow box has 12 layers, so cutting and assembling took a little over an hour, but it was completely worth it. It turned out so charming and festive, and I already know this will be our go-to shadow box display every ber-month.

The SVG file is from My 3D SVG.
 
Wrapping Up the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge
 
I’m happy to say that I’ve already completed all 12 days of the Christmas Challenge. Days 6, 9, and 12 were dedicated to collage-style projects, bringing together several creations into one festive showcase.
 
This challenge has been such a joyful and inspiring experience, allowing me to slow down, create intentionally, and truly enjoy the holiday season. Every project, whether intricate or simple, reminded me why I love crafting with Cricut, one thoughtful creation at a time.
 
Thank you for following along and sharing in the Christmas magic with me

November 26, 2025

Printable Cuttable Creatables Blog Hop | Christmas Inspiration + Free SVG + $25 Giveaway!

Welcome, crafters!

I’m so excited to be part of the Printable Cuttable Creatables Blog Hop, where a group of amazing creators is sharing festive craft project ideas.

As you “hop” from blog to blog, you’ll find tons of project inspiration. Don’t forget to grab the free SVG and have fun crafting.

Plus, you have the chance to win a $25 Virtual Wallet to spend in the Printable Cuttable Creatables shop!

And that’s not all — get ready for the huge Black Friday + Cyber Monday Sale with 50% OFF all designs and commercial licenses! 

Keep reading to find out how to download your free SVG, enter the giveaway, and save big this holiday season.

My Project: Christmas Gift Card Holders

The holidays are all about giving, but sometimes finding the perfect gift can be tricky. That’s where gift cards come in: they’re practical, versatile, and let your loved ones choose exactly what they want. But let’s be honest, handing over a plain card in an envelope can feel a little… underwhelming. 

Enter Christmas Gift Card Holders! They’re a simple, creative way to turn a gift card into something special. Handmade holders add a personal touch, show that you care, and make even a small gift feel thoughtful and festive. Plus, they’re perfect for family, friends, teachers, coworkers, or anyone who loves a little holiday cheer.

This Christmas Gift Card Holder is so easy to make with the help of my Cricut Maker 3. With just a few materials and tools, you can whip up these charming holders in no time. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Digital Paper and SVG Files: 

Materials and Tools: 

Cricut Maker 3
Cricut Scoring Stylus or Scoring Wheel
Canon G4010 Printer
White Pearlescent Cardstock
Foam Tape
Adhesive
Gold Metallic Cord

How to Make the Christmas Gift Card Holders 

1. Upload your files – Add the SVGs and digital patterns to Cricut Design Space. 

2. Prepare the gift card holder – Select the Christmas Tag Gift Card Holder SVG, set the first layer to Score and the second layer to Print, then Cut. Choose a pattern by clicking the color box, then use Edit Pattern to scale, rotate, flip, or change the design orientation. Finally, click Attach. 

3. Customize your characters – Resize the Cute Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus SVGs, add an offset, and flatten the images. 

4. Cut your designs – Click Make It and let your Cricut do its magic. 

5. Assemble the holders – Start putting your gift card holders together. 

6. Add dimension – Use foam tape to attach the Santa and Mrs. Claus images for a fun 3D effect. 

7. Finishing touch – Tie everything together with a shiny gold metallic cord. 

These little holders are simple, festive, and make even a small gift feel extra special. They’re a perfect combination of thoughtful and practical—a gift card that’s wrapped up in holiday cheer!

Grab Your Free SVG File

One of the hop posts is hiding a SECRET CODE - find it to unlock today's exclusive freebie. This Happy Santa design will be available for a limited time only, so be sure to grab it while you can. 


Continue the Blog Hop

Ready for more holiday inspiration? Hop on over to the next talented crafter’s blog.

Dorlene
Michi (You are here)

Giveaway Time!

Before you go, don’t forget to enter the $25 Virtual Wallet Giveaway! 

To be eligible to win the virtual wallet prize, you must view and leave a comment on the main hop post, and share about your favorite post from the hop. The Blog Hop is open until Nov 29th. Good luck and happy crafting!

Black Friday + Cyber Monday Sale! 

Mark your calendars! From November 28th – December 1st, Printable Cuttable Creatables is hosting a huge Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale.

  • 50% OFF all designs and commercial licenses
  • 12 Days of Christmas Event – a new bonus deal revealed each day during Cyber Week!
  • (PCC Rewards Members will earn 2x pts throughout the sale, plus early access starting Nov 25th).

Don’t miss out — it’s the perfect time to stock up on your favorite designs and licenses.

Klook.com