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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 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

October 07, 2025

Upgrading to the Cricut Maker 3 After 5 Years — Was It Worth It?

After five years of faithful crafting with my original Cricut Maker, I finally took the leap and upgraded to the Cricut Maker 3. I’ll admit, I was both excited and hesitant. My old Maker still worked well, but after so many projects, some wear and tear, and a whole new generation of features from Cricut, I decided it was time for an upgrade.

Actually, I had planned to buy a machine last December, but I couldn’t decide between the Cricut Joy Xtra and the Cricut Maker 3. Then, in February, the Cricut Maker 4 was announced, so I decided to wait a few more months. Unfortunately, there’s still no news about whether this machine will be available in the Philippines.

I checked Amazon, but the additional taxes were too steep, so I changed my mind.

I watched a lot of videos comparing the Cricut Maker 4 and the Cricut Maker 3, and honestly, the only noticeable difference seems to be the speed. I couldn't wait any longer — kasi naman, my wedding anniversary, Mother’s Day, and even my birthday had already passed, and still, no sign of the Maker 4. So I told myself, Cricut Maker 3 na lang.

Sakto, there was a 9.9 Cricut Sale, so I told my husband about it.

I added it to my cart, and when I saw that the price had dropped to ₱19,999, I immediately purchased it. A few minutes later, I realized it was still September 8, and the sale actually started on September 8 at 8 PM. Toink! Hirap talaga pag inaantok pa.

I missed the ₱999 Cricut voucher, but I’m still happy because I got the machine for ₱18,799, thanks to a Shopee voucher. That’s even cheaper than my old Cricut Maker, which I bought for ₱25,000!

It was delivered the next day, but since it arrived in the evening, I waited until the next morning to unbox it.

Here’s what immediately stood out:

1. The Maker 3 is noticeably faster than my old machine.

2. Matless cutting is a game-changer.

3. The loading system feels smoother and quieter.

4. It came with free Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Paper Sticker, and Transfer Tape.

The downside is:

1. It doesn’t come with a cutting mat.

2. Smart materials can be pricier.

3. No additional blade, like a rotary blade.

To test the machine, I searched for Cricut Cuties on Cricut Design Space. For the past five years, I only had one sticker on my old Cricut Maker—but now, just on my first day, puro design na agad!

I’m so happy with my birthday gift, and it was definitely worth the wait. Huge thanks to my husband, who always supports my crafting hobby

Crafting Gnome

June 23, 2025

Jetstar Flight Experience

Just this month, I was surprised to read that Qantas is closing its Singapore-based Jetstar Asia. Wow! A few months ago, my husband and father-in-law flew from Manila to Singapore and back via Jetstar, and the experience was fine. So I thought we had an option for affordable airfare if we traveled to Singapore.

Oh, by the way, I haven't blogged about it yet, pero magsasara na sa July 31. So i-blog ko na nga, we booked a Manila - Singapore - Manila flight during The Great BDO Travel Sale. The ticket includes a bag, a seat, and food.

I pre-selected the meal online: Hainanese Roasted Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak with Fried Fish Patties, and Beef Rendang.The meal includes bottled water, rice, and a pastry. This is a budget airline, but they offer more food compared to our Manila to Ho Chi Minh City flight via Philippine Airlines. So it's sad that we have fewer airline options now.

February 01, 2025

Valentine Coloring Cards

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching so it is time to make cards. Insert card was my favorite project when I started to explore my Cricut Maker. I can no longer count how many insert cards I made over the past few years.

But now, I am into coloring and converting my insert cards into coloring cards. I started doing this last year when I made my Teacher’s Appreciation Cards and Christmas Cards.

Materials and Tools:

Cricut Maker

Cricut Pen Cardstock

Ohuhu Markers

Glue

I am joining the Cricut Philippines Made with Love and Cricut Challenge and submitted the Butterfly and Flower Cards as my entry. Check my IG Reel.

A few years ago, I purchased the Butterfly and Flower Card Bundle but if you have a Cricut Access Subscription, these designs are available on Cricut Design Space. I shared them on my profile, just in case you want to recreate them.

Butterfly and Flower Card Bundle

Valentine Greeting Card

I made the Valentine Insert Greeting Card last year, but now I have changed it into coloring cards.

These two Valentine’s Cards are designed by The Bearded Housewife. It is part of the Made with Love Summit last year. These two are insert cards too but I changed it into coloring cards.

January 21, 2025

Chinese New Year Cupcake Topper

After finishing my 3D Nativity Craft Project, I took a break and told myself, sa February na ko mag-craft. Napagod ako kakagawa ng Christmas craft projects but I spoke too soon, hindi ko pala kaya. hehehe!

I have so many Valentine’s craft projects that I wanted to do pero mas mauuna yung Chinese New Year so yesterday, I made these Chinese New Year Cupcake Toppers using glitter, foil, and smooth cardstock.

The SVG files are from the Bearly Art website. At first, I wanted to make a wall decor but I had so many paper scraps so I decided to make a cupcake topper instead.

This was my Lunar New Year entry for Bee Happy Crafts Weeklies 4 and Cricut Philippines Flex It Friday.

December 13, 2024

12 Days of Cricut Christmas Crafting Challenge

It's a wrap. Cricut Philippine's 12 Days of Cricut Christmas Crafting Challenge is over. I will miss my morning routine; checking the challenge, crafting, and submitting my entry for the last 12 days. #makersgonnamake

It was a 12-day challenge, but we only submitted 9 craft projects because on Days 6, 11, and 12, we only needed to submit collage photos of our entries. I am sharing the different craft projects that I finished.

Day 1: Christmas Stamp Stickers

The first-day challenge was Christmas Stickers, so I searched my files and found this Christmas Stamps Bundle. I uploaded all the designs to Cricut Designs Space and cut them. I printed the designs using glossy, holographic, and holographic rainbow sticker paper.

Day 2: Christmas Food Labels

When I saw the second-day challenge, I realized that I don’t have Christmas plans yet and I don’t know if we will stay in the house or I will book somewhere. But one thing is for sure, I won’t cook so if ever we celebrate at our house, I will just order food at Alba’s since my son likes lengua estofado.

I used the Snowman Placement Card design from Dreaming Tree. This is an easy project. I just printed and cut the labels and the rest of the elements. I cut using cardstock.

Day 3: Simbang Gabi Bookmark

The third-day challenge was a bit challenging because I wanted this 3D Silent Night Design but this is for a shadow box so it took me a long time to figure out how to change the design to a rectangle. I checked YouTube for some tutorials pero puro circles lang ang meron.

After so many trials and errors, I was so happy when I finished it because I learned something new.

Day 4: Christmas Gift Tags

Among the 9 craft projects that I finished, this is my favorite. The gift tags look simple, but it took me a long time to finish them because there are so many processes involved. First, I designed my gift tags using Cute Christmas Nativity Clipart and Silent Christmas Watercolor Set. I printed, die-cut, and embossed all the designs.

Next, I die-cut gift tags using cardstock. To match the design, I make my own background using Distress Oxides and Miya Himi Metallic Gouache. Lastly, I assembled the pieces together.

Day 5: Christmas Tree Topper

For the past few years, I have always seen this 3D Angel Tree Topper, but I was scared to try this project because I think the design is too intricate, and I have a love-hate relationship with my white cardstock.

So I'm thankful for this challenge because I finally made this. I used glitter cardstock and white shimmer cardstock. I'm so happy kasi walang nasirang cardstock. hehehe! It is so easy to cut and assemble pala, pinatagal ko pang gawin. The design is from Jennifer Maker.

Day 6: Collage of Craft Projects

Day 7: Christmas Money Envelope

My next favorite is this Christmas Money Envelope because I finally used the embossing folder I ordered last August. The money envelope template is from The Bearded Housewife. Instead of using patterned paper, I cut the template using white cardstock, embossed the paper and colored the pieces using lunar paste.

Day 8: Christmas Mug Decals

When I saw the challenge, I told my husband that I needed to go to the mall tomorrow because I would buy a white mug. I wanted a certain design and I needed a plain white mug. But when I woke up, I changed my mind and convinced myself to use whatever materials and supplies I had at home.

So for my Christmas Mug Decals, I used this Christmas Gnome Clipart I purchased three years ago. I just printed all the designs using a glossy sticker sheet. A simple print-then-cut project.

Day 9: Christmas Cake Topper

Sometimes we get so busy preparing for the holidays that we forget the real reason for this season. Cliche as it may sound we all know that “Jesus is the real reason for this season”. I made this Happy Birthday Jesus cake topper for my Christmas Cake Topper this year.

The Baby Jesus Design is from Craft with Sarah, and I just added the Happy Birthday Phrase. Font is Pretty Summer.

Day 10: Christmas Family Reunion Shirt

I remember last year that I only used stickers for my Christmas shirt entry, but after that challenge, I already purchased Light Fabric Transfer Taper. My material is already one year old, so I was crossing my fingers that I could use it. Fortunately, I was able to make my own Christmas Family Reunion Shirt.

12 Days to go before Christmas, are you ready? Me? I’m Fine, This is Fine, Everything is Fine.

I used Christmas Gnomes Tangled Lights last year so this time, I used Funny Christmas Skeleton Halloween and I’m Fine, This is Fine, Everything is Fine SVG.

Day 11: Collage of Craft Projects