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Get early access to the supply and tool lists for many of our planned projects during the 2024 Merry Maker Mingle.

Please note that these projects may change entirely, may be swapped out, or may have their supplies and tools changed or updated, so please use this as a general guide only. When we feel confident about what we’re making each day, the links below leads to an Amazon shopping list and a preview of the project, supplies, and tools so you can see the items we used to create each project. Note that each project’s list can be printed independently if you find that useful — just click the “Print” button on each list! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Note: This page is a work in progress, and will remain so as we progress toward December 25th. Please keep checking back for the latest and greatest!

Merry Maker Mingle 2024 is a FREE event — there is no VIP Pass, the design files do not expire or go on sale later, and all videos remain free to watch forever, just like all previous years of this event. What is different this year, however, is that we now have our new ADVANCE membership program underway, which has extra above-and-beyond exclusive perks for members, including the Merry Maker Mingle 2024 projects. So members DO get extra design workshops, templates, cheatsheets, and early access to these projects, but it’s all on top of our free gifts to the community — our philosophy is to give extra and never take anything away. There is no pressure whatsoever to join ADVANCE, and I will not be trying to get you to join during our live Merry Maker Mingle videos either — this event is all about giving back to the community and making wonderful things for our friends and families.

Day 1: Busted Canvas

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to layer and cut scrapbook paper using a Cricut, printing with Google Docs, glue different kinds of paper, create 3D elements, finish edges with ribbon.


The busted canvas project includes multiple images and cut files.

PREVIEW: Easier Busted Canvas

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $5.00

Learn how to make a busted canvas decoration!

Tools

Instructions

This tutorial is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/busted-canvas.

ADVANCE members, you can access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard at https://advance.jennifermaker.com/projects/custom-busted-canvas/ — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

Finished Size:
10” x 10”

Day 2: Snowman Lantern With Belly Scene

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to cut and shape cardstock, mask glass for negative space in glue and glitter, combine adhesives, and cover them up!


Make a Snowman with Belly Scene lantern with JenniferMaker's tutorial! Two light-up snowman lanterns with see-through bellies with winter scenes inside.

PREVIEW: Snowman With Winter Scene

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 1 day
Active Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 1 day
Total Time: 2 days 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $20

Learn how to make a glittered snowman lantern with a winter scene!

Instructions

This project is now available at htps://jennifermaker.com/660!

ADVANCE members, you can access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard at https://advance.jennifermaker.com/projects/custom-snowman-lantern/ — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

Finished Size

13" x 5" x 5"

Day 3: Santa Purse Gift Bag

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to cut foil and glitter cardstock, reinforce your cardstock, and adhere different materials to each other for results that work!


Large and small red Santa purse gift bags with gold buckles, white fur trim, and holly berry accents.

PREVIEW: Santa Purse Gift Bag

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $7 - $15

Learn how to make a cute Santa purse gift bag out of cardstock and faux fur!

Tools

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/santa-purse-gift-bag !

ADVANCE members, you can access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard at https://advance.jennifermaker.com/projects/custom-gift-bags/ — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

The assembled purse gift bag can hold up to 5 lb. of weight.

Finished Size: 8"W x 13"H x 4"D

Day 4: Vintage Board Game Boxes

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to paint 3D canvas boxes using fabric paint and apply vinyl securely to the surface with practically perfect alignment.


Five finished DIY board game boxes: a blue Scrabble box, a blue Tile Game box, a red Dice Game box, a red Yahtzee box, and a red Playing Cards box

PREVIEW: DIY Board Game Box

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Additional Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 1 hour 35 minutes
Difficulty: Medium to Difficult
Estimated Cost: $18 -$23

Learn how to create a DIY board game box for storing your favorite games on bookshelves!

Materials

Tools

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/diy-board-game-box !

ADVANCE members, you can access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard at https://advance.jennifermaker.com/projects/custom-board-game-boxes/ — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

Finished Project Dimensions:

Large Box: 8.75"W x 12"H x 2.75"D
Large Box Cover Design: 7.75" x 11", Spine Design: 2" x 11"
Medium Box: 6.75"W x 9.125"H x 2"D
Medium Box Cover Design: 6" x 8.375", Spine Design: 1.5" x 8.375"
Small Box: 4.375"W x 6.375"H x 1.5"D
Small Box Cover Design: 3.75" x 5.75", Spine Design: 0.875" x 5.75"

Fonts Used:

Playing Cards Design: Corisa Script / Free Alternative: Cabbagetown
Playing Cards: JM Groovy
Dice Game Design: Whimsical Bold / Free Alternative: Grandstander
Tile Game Design: JM Block Caps

Day 5: Paper Snowflake Lantern

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Make intricate cuts in cardstock with your cutting machine, assemble complex slotted designs without glue, and how to safely add LED lights to a paper project.


Learn how to make a Paper Snowflake Lantern with JenniferMaker's tutorial! Five intricate papercut snowflake lanterns hang on a wintery backdrop.

PREVIEW: Paper Snowflake Lantern

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $10

Learn how to make a beautiful paper snowflake lantern!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/paper-snowflake-lantern !

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions earlier in your member dashboard!

Notes

Assembled Size:
Small Snowflakes: Approximately 7” wide
Large Snowflakes: Approximately 10.5” wide

Day 6: Felt Ornaments With Cricut

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Use a Cricut to draw embroidery guides on felt and cut it into cute coaster shapes, then embroider the details by hand!


Assemble and embroider fun felt coasters.

PREVIEW: Felt Coasters with Cricut

Yield: 1 Set of 4 Coasters
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $2.50 - $10.00

Learn how to make this fun set of hand-embroidered Felt Coasters with Cricut!

Materials

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/felt-coasters-with-cricut !

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions earlier in your member dashboard!

Notes

Finished Sizes:
Happy Mug 4.25” x 4”
Smiling Cup 4.25” x 3.75”
Butterfly Cup 4.25” x 3.75”
Ladybug Cup 4.25” x 4”

Thread Measurements for Each Design:

Butterfly

  • 60” DMC 740 Orange Papaya for the outline
  • 60” DMC Blanc White for the liquid
  • 60” DMC 310 Black for the antennas and butterfly pieces
  • 60” DMC 964 Sea Green for the loop
  • 60” DMC 817 Very Dark Coral Red for the border

Happy Mug

  • 60” DMC 307 Lemon for the outline
  • 60” DMC 310 Black for the liquid and face details
  • 60” DMC 817 Very Dark Coral Red for the border

Ladybug

  • 60” DMC 307 Lemon for the outline
  • 60” DMC 740 Orange Papaya for the liquid
  • 60” DMC 310 Black for the antennas and ladybug pieces
  • 60” DMC 964 Sea Green for the loop
  • 60” DMC 817 Very Dark Coral Red for the border

Smiling Cup

  • 60” DMC 307 Lemon for the outline
  • 60” DMC 310 Black for the liquid and face details
  • 60” DMC 964 Sea Green for the border

Care:
Spot clean with a warm, wet cloth and allow to air dry

Day 7: Shaker Ornaments

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to cut cardstock, vinyl, and acetate, secure layers with usable depth between them, add shaker elements and keep them moving with less static.


PREVIEW: Shaker Ornaments

PREVIEW: Shaker Ornaments

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $2-5

Learn how to make shaker ornaments!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/shaker-ornaments!

ADVANCE members, the project, deisgn workshop, and cheat sheet are available in your member area at https://advance.jennifermaker.com/projects/custom-shaker-ornaments/!

Learn to make a spiral betty with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 8: Spiral Betty

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to use the free Spiral Betty tool, get clean cuts in vinyl, and apply delicate vinyl designs (iron-on or adhesive) to a textured surface.


A white canvas with an intricate sunflower cut vinyl design made with Spiral Betty.

PREVIEW: Spiral Betty Tutorial

Yield: 1 Spiral Betty Canvas
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1 - $5

Learn how to make amazing vinyl-on-canvas wall art with my easy Spiral Betty tutorial! 

Instructions

This project is available at https://jennifermaker.com/spiral-betty-tutorial !

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions earlier in your member dashboard!

Notes

Finished Size: 12” W x 12” H

Learn to make a stacked calendar with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 9: Stacked Calendar

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to use your Cricut machine to draw small, legible letters, change Operations, and correctly Attach layers in Cricut Design Space.


Compare vinyls for weather clingsDay 10: Best Vinyl for Window Clings

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Compare several brands of permanent adhesive vinyl to see which one works best for suncatcher window clings.


PREVIEW: Suncatchers: Compare the Best Permanent Vinyl

PREVIEW: Suncatchers: Compare the Best Permanent Vinyl

Yield: 1-7 Window Clings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $3.00

Find out which vinyl makes the best permanent vinyl clings for these adorable winter suncatchers!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/best-permanent-vinyl/ !

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions earlier in your member dashboard!

Notes

Finished Sizes: 4" x 4" to 4" x 6"

All fonts used are hand drawn.

Learn to make a Christmas Tree Advent Calendar with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 11: Pop Up Letter Cards!

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Preparing Score and no-score files for creasing, working with intricate 3D cardstock elements, cleanly gluing cardstock layers.


PREVIEW: Pop Up Letter Card

PREVIEW: Pop Up Letter Card

Yield: 1 Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1 - $5

Learn to make a Pop Up Letter Card with a variety of eye-catching materials and designs!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/pop-up-letter-card/.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes


Finished Size:

Full Design: 7” x 5” Folded, for size A7 envelopes.
Joy Design: 3" x 4.25" Folded, for delivering in person!

Fonts:
JM Block Caps
Hello November, Free Alternative: Justine
Quacker, Free Alternative: Quacker for personal use ONLY

Learn to make a Christmas Tree Advent Calendar with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 12: Photo Gallery Shadow Box

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Working with shadow box frames, printing nice photos, securely layering shadow box design layers.


PREVIEW: Photo Gallery Shadow Box

PREVIEW: Photo Gallery Shadow Box

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $20 - $25

Learn how to create a Photo Gallery Shadow Box with layered cardstock!

Instructions

This project is available at https://jennifermaker.com/photo-gallery-shadow-box.

ADVANCE members, you can access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard at https://advance.jennifermaker.com/projects/custom-photo-shadow-box/ — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

Typefaces Used:
Tingler Script (Butterfly Design), Free Alternative: Timberly
Wonderful Display (Paw Design), Free Alternative: Norch

Care Instructions: Carefully clean the glass with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

Finished Size: 12” x 12”

Learn to make vinyl phone case designs with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 13: Custom Phone Case

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Measure different cases, adjust SVGs in Cricut Design Space, cut adhesive vinyl, layer vinyl designs.


How To Make Phone Cases: Custom Designs With Vinyl by JenniferMaker

PREVIEW: Phone Cases

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $10-$25

Learn how to make phone cases of any size by layering vinyl!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/how-to-make-phone-cases.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

Finished Case Sizes:
iPhone 14 Pro: 3” x 6”
iPhone 14 Pro Max: 3.25” x 6.5”

Fonts Used: Cooper BT, Apricots (Free Canva Fonts)

Care Instructions: Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.

Learn to use AI tools ethically with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 14: Craft Ethically With AI

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Learn about ethics and artificial intelligence and machine learning, art generators, and how to generate decorative letters.


PREVIEW: Custom & Ethical AI Art Tumblers

PREVIEW: Custom & Ethical AI Art Tumblers

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $10 - $20

Learn how to create AI Art tumblers with our done-for-you glitter letter designs, and then learn how to create your own AI Art ethically using Adobe Firefly

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/craft-ethically-with-ai/.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Learn to make a winter village lantern with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 15: Winter Village Lantern

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Measure a protective dome, adjust a 3D file in Cricut Design Space, make intricate cuts, work with curved paper elements


Winter village lantern on display with glass dome and without

PREVIEW: Winter Village Lantern

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $5 - $35

Make a paper cut winter village lantern to display under a glass dome for the holidays.

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/winter-village-lantern/.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

Be careful when moving the dome, as the glass is not attached to the wooden base and can slide around easily.

Finished Size (in dome): 7” wide x 10.2” tall

Finished Size (without dome): 5.7” wide x 9.7” tall

Day 16: Cricut Value Vinyl Mirrors

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Compare Cricut Value Permanent Vinyl with Premium Vinyl, tell materials apart, use transfer tape, move vinyl decals to a hard surface.


PREVIEW: Cricut Value Vinyl Mirrors

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1 - $2

Compare Cricut Value Vinyl with Cricut Premium Adhesive vinyl and decorate mirrors!

Instructions

This project is available at https://jennifermaker.com/cricut-value-vinyl.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

FONTS: Margin / Free Alternative: Margin
CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
FINISHED SIZES: Mirrors are 9” x 8”. Decals are all 3” wide and 1”-2” tall.

Day 17: Snowflake Candy Holders

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Make intricate cuts in plain and glitter cardstock, adhere different materials, secure a paper item around a gift.


Learn how to make snowflake candy holder with JenniferMaker's new tutorial! Four snowflake candy holders, including two lollipops, one ornament, and one freestanding holder, all with wrapped candy in the center against a wintery blue background.

PREVIEW: Snowflake Candy Holder

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1 - $5

Learn to make unique snowflake-shaped ornaments and lollipop holders that can hold your favorite round chocolates or lollipops using a variety of eye-catching cardstock materials.

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/snowflake-candy-holder.

ADVANCE members, you can access the tutorial video early in your dashboard — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only Q&A for this project.

Notes

Finished Sizes:
Stand Up Holder: 4.21" x 3.66"
Snowflake with Stars: 3.93" x 3.52"
Snowflake with Hearts: 3.64" x 3.72"

Day 18: Sublimate Bookmarks Without A Printer

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Use sublimation Infusible Ink transfer sheets, pens, markers, paints, and stamping inks to get vibrant, permanent results without printer.


Creat sublimation bookmarks without a printer with JenniferMaker

PREVIEW: Sublimate Without A Printer

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $1-$15

Learn how to sublimate a bookmark without a printer in several different ways!

Instructions

Instructions for this project are now available at https://jennifermaker.com/sublimate-without-a-printer.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the project early in your member area along with an exclusive design workshop and cheat sheet!

Notes

Fonts Used: JM Groovy (Era Design), JM Tall (Bookshelf Design), Splash (#Booknerd Design)
Free Alternatives: Copy Duck (#Booknerd Design)

Finished Bookmark Size:  1.25” x 4.75”

Print Size: 1.5” x 5”

Care instructions: Wipe Clean with a lint free cloth, using rubbing alcohol if needed.

Day 19: Tower Gift Box

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: How to use a cutting machine to perfectly place cuts, creases, and patterns for a complex 3D project with moving pieces.


Learn to make a Tower Gift Box the easy way with your Cricut!

PREVIEW: Tower Gift Box

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $5.00

Learn how to make this adorable Tower Gift Box with patterned cardstock accents!

Instructions

This project's instructions are now available at https://jennifermaker.com/tower-gift-box.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions early in your dashboard — this also gives you access to your exclusive, member-only design workshop for this project.

Notes

Finished Size:
Closed Box:
2.875" w x 2.875" d x 5.75" h
Open Box: 11.5" w x 2.875" d x 5.75" t

Joy Size Closed: 2.25" w x 2.25" d x 4.25" t
Joy Size Open: 8.188" w x 2.25" d x 4.25" t

Day 20: Infusible Ink Tote Bags

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: How to use different kinds of Infusible Ink transfer sheets on the same project, trimming carrier sheets precisely, and avoiding mistakes.


Can You Layer Infusible Ink? Learn how with JenniferMaker's tutorial! Three cute tote bags with Infusible Ink designs lay on a white shiplap surface.

PREVIEW: Layered Infusible Ink Totes

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $10

Can you layer Infusible Ink? Let’s learn how with an Infusible Ink Tote Bag!

Instructions

This project's instructions are now available at https://jennifermaker.com/692.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the tutorial instructions earlier in your member dashboard!

Notes

Fonts Used: Wonderful (“Snacks” design), Transcity (“Coffee” design), Cakepop (“Coffee” and “Crafty” designs), Farm Dream (“Crafty” Design)
Free Alternatives: Thanks, Transcity, Loverine, Roundo

Finished Tote Bag Size: 14” x 14.5” plus handles (tote bag shrank slightly when pressed)

Print Size:
“Snacks” design: 9” x 3.57”
“Coffee” design: 9” x 9.59”
“Crafty” design: 9” x 6.98”

Care instructions: Use a household iron to remove wrinkles around the seams of the bag -- be careful not to iron over the design. Machine wash on delicate setting with cold water. Air dry or tumble dry low heat.

Day 21: Candle Gift Boxes

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: How to create a curved look from flat paper, combining different cardstocks, and using magnets to attach pieces.


Learn to make paper Candle Gift Boxes with JenniferMaker's tutorial! A menorah arrangement is displayed on a wintry background.

PREVIEW: Candle Gift Boxes

Yield: 1 menorah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Learn how to make candle boxes with cardstock and use magnets to attach the flames!

Tools

Instructions

Instructions for this project are now available at https://jennifermaker.com/candle-gift-boxes/..

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the project early in your member area along with an exclusive design workshop and cheat sheet!

Notes

Finished Sizes:

Tall Candle without flame 2.75" x 7"
Short Candle without flame 2.75" x 5"
Joy Tall without flame 1.5" x 4.5"
Joy Short without flame 1.5" x 3.25"
Short Flame: 1.75" Tall
Tall Flame: 2" Tall
Assembled Base: 26" Wide x 1" Tall x 3.75" Deep

Day 22: Sublimate Color Tumblers

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: How to predict whether a sublimation design will look ok on an appropriate surface with colors, sublimating a tumbler with shaped ends


PREVIEW: Sublimate on Colored Tumblers

PREVIEW: Sublimate on Colored Tumblers

Yield: 1

Learn how to sublimate on colored tumblers!

Instructions

Instructions for this project are now available at https://jennifermaker.com/sublimation-on-colored-tumblers/.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the project early in your member area along with an exclusive design workshop and cheat sheet!

Notes

Finished Size
Print Size: 9" W x 6.25" H
Tumbler Size: 3" W x 8" H
Fonts Used
Shoelace Scrawl / Free Alternative: Optional
Falling Leaves Print / Free Alternative: Delight Winter

Day 23: Paper Banner

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: How to make paper flowers, layer cardstock designs, string and space banner panels to fill your space nicely


PREVIEW: Paper Bunting Banner

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Learn how to make a paper bunting banner!

Instructions

Instructions for this project will be available on December 23 as part of Merry Maker Mingle 2024.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the project early in your member area along with an exclusive design workshop and cheat sheet!

Notes

Fonts Used:
JM Block Caps (“Happy Birthday” banner design)
Crafty Crafty Font (“Congrats” banner design), Free Alternative: Moderniz


Finished Banner Panel Size:
“Happy Birthday” panels: 4.22” x 5.65” each
“Congrats” panels: 4” x 5” (plus flower embellishments)

Finished Banner Size (strung): When the panels are spaced 1/4" to 1/2" apart, the finished banners measure approximately:

“Happy”: 31"
“Birthday”: 44"
“Congrats”: 35"

Care instructions: Store flat in a zippered plastic storage bag.

Day 24: Shadow Box With Floating Elements

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: How to add the illusion of more depth to a shadow box, use adhesive vinyl on acetate.


Four finished shadow boxes with floating pieces: one winter, one spring, one summer, and one fall design

PREVIEW: Shadow Box With Floating Elements

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $18 - $20

Learn how to make a detailed farm house shadow box with floating elements using cardstock, acetate, and permanent vinyl!

Materials

Instructions

Instructions for this project will be available on December 24 as part of Merry Maker Mingle 2024.

ADVANCE members, you will be able to access the project early in your member area along with an exclusive design workshop and cheat sheet!

Notes

Finished Size
Design Layers: 10” x 10”
In Shadow Box: 11" x 11" x 1.75"

Day 25: Farmhouse Side Edge Card

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Intricate cardsock cuts, aligning layers, adhering shaped edge card pieces.


Two colorful cardstock cards of different sizes depicting a farmhouse roof and porch by JenniferMaker.

Farmhouse Side Edge Cards

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1.50 - $3

Learn to make shaped edge cards with design cutouts!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE SIDE EDGE CARDS DESIGNS

First, download my Farmhouse Side Edge Cards designs from my library – look for Design #701. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.In the SVG folder, you’ll find two designs: A rocking chair card and a dog card. Each design has a no-score version that uses dashed cut lines to create the foldable creases, and a score version that uses a scoring tool to create the creases.There is also a folder for Joy users that contains Cricut Joy-sized versions of each of the three designs, with dashed cut lines to create the foldable creases. Also, there is a DXF folder with cut files, and a PDF folder with versions you can print and cut by hand.In this tutorial, I will show you how to prepare and assemble the full-size no-score version with a Cricut Maker 3, and the Joy-size version using a Cricut Joy.If you want to make the score version of the designs, follow the steps from my score tool tutorial to adjust your file.

OPTION 1: FULL-SIZE SIDE EDGE CARD

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR FULL-SIZE SHAPED EDGE CARD DESIGN

  1. Open Cricut Design Space and click “New Project.”
  2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
  3. Click “Browse.”
  4. Select the SVG file of your choice. I’ll use the Flower SVG with “noscore” in the name from the main SVG folder.TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.
  5. On the Prepare to Upload screen, it will say “Cut Image” with the design preview.
  6. Click “Upload.”
  7. Find the design in Recent Uploads and add it to the Canvas. This is what the Flower Shaped Edge Card design looks like on the Canvas.
  8. Ungroup the design.
  9. If you’d like to change the color of the pieces to match your cardstock, ungroup them and do that now.
  10. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
  11. Click “Make.”
  12. If prompted, click “On Mat,” choose your mat size, and click “Confirm.”
  13. On the Prepare screen, make sure the correct Material Size is selected for your materials.
  14. Select the first mat again and click “Continue.”
  15. On the Make screen, your mats will be in rainbow order. Set the Base Material for your mats. I used the following settings:“Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” setting with “More” Pressure for the 65 lb cardstock pieces.
  16. Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the correct clamp.
  17. Place your first mat’s cardstock pretty side up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
  18. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
  19. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
  20. Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
  21. When it has finished cutting, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the material.TIP: Use a spatula to carefully remove any intricate parts and a weeding tool to pop out any small pieces. If you have trouble with any of your cuts, check out my Cricut Tips & Tricks for Cleaner Cuts.
  22. Repeat steps 17-21 for each additional mat.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR FULL-SIZE SIDE EDGE CARD

I’ll demonstrate with a full-size Flower card design, but these instructions are similar for the other two full-size designs. I’ll use the no-score version of the design, but if you want to make the score version, follow the steps from my score tool tutorial to adjust your file.

  1. Gather your Farmhouse Card pieces. There is one large base card piece and one smaller liner piece.
  2. Place the base on your work surface, pretty side down if you’re using one-sided cardstock, with the flower shapes on the left.
  3. Fold the top side over at the crease.
  4. Use a scraper tool to sharpen the crease.
  5. Grab your liner piece and match up its edges with the edges of the base card’s right side. Check that all of the outlines match up. If they don’t, flip it over and try the other way.
  6. Apply craft glue to the inside of the card base on the side with the cut outs. Be sure to apply glue all around the edges and in the center as well.
  7. Push the liner squarely into the crease and carefully close the card to adhere the front to the liner.
  8. Make sure the edges are flush along the top, bottom, and side and adjust the liner if needed before the glue dries.
  9. If any excess glue seeps out from inside the flowers, use a paper towel to dab it away.
  10. Open the card to make sure no excess glue seeped out onto the bottom layer.
  11. This is what my finished Farmhouse Card looks like!

Two colorful cardstock cards of different sizes depicting a farmhouse roof and porch by JenniferMaker.

OPTION 2: JOY-SIZE SIDE EDGE CARD

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR JOY-SIZE SIDE EDGE CARD DESIGN

  1. Open Cricut Design Space and click “New Project.”
  2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
  3. Click “Browse.”
  4. Select the SVG file of your choice from the “For Joy Users” folder. I’ll use the Tree SVG.TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.
  5. On the Prepare to Upload screen, it will say “Cut Image” with the design preview.
  6. Click “Upload.”
  7. Find the design in Recent Uploads and add it to the Canvas.
  8. Ungroup the design.
  9. If you’d like to change the color of the pieces to match your cardstock, ungroup them and do that now.
  10. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
  11. Click “Make.”
  12. If prompted, click “On Mat,” choose your mat size, and click “Confirm.”
  13. On the Prepare screen, make sure the correct Material Size is selected for your materials.
  14. Select the first mat again and click “Continue.”
  15. On the Make screen, your mats will be in rainbow order. Set the Base Material for your mats. I used the following settings:“Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” setting with “More” Pressure for the 65 lb cardstock pieces.
  16. Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the correct clamp.
  17. Place your first mat’s cardstock face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
  18. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
  19. When the light is flashing, load your mat.
  20. Click the “Go” button to begin cutting.
  21. When it has finished cutting, click “Unload” to unload the mat.
  22. Flip the mat over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the cardstock. TIP: Use a spatula to carefully remove any intricate parts and a weeding tool to pop out any small pieces. If you have trouble with any of your cuts, check out my Cricut Tips & Tricks for Cleaner Cuts.
  23. Repeat steps 17-22 for each additional mat.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR JOY-SIZE SHAPED EDGE CARD

I’ll demonstrate with a Joy-size card design, but these instructions are similar for the other Joy-size design.

  1. Gather your Joy-size card pieces. The base pieces are the same color – one is a solid white piece, and one is a front piece with the full porch cutout. There are also four liner pieces in a variety of colors.
  2. Place the base piece with the porch cutout on your work surface with the porch pointing to the left – or pretty side down if you’re using one-sided cardstock.
  3. Apply craft glue to the back of the cutout base piece, but avoid the tab along the right side. Be sure to apply glue along the edges and between most of the cut outs.
  4. Grab the first liner piece, and hold it over the glued base piece. Line up the edges and cutouts. NOTE: The cutout liner is slightly smaller than the base layer, so there will be a thin edge of the base layer showing around the liner when the layers are correctly aligned.
  5. With the two layers aligned, press them together to adhere them.
  6. Slide the liner to make any adjustments if needed before the glue dries.
  7. Use a paper towel to dab away any glue that may have seeped out onto the back of the card, the work surface, or the front of the card.
  8. Set the assembled layers face down on the work surface.
  9. Apply craft glue to the back of the cutout liner piece, still avoiding the base layer’s tab along the right side. Be sure to apply glue along the edges and between most of the leaves.
  10. Continue like this until all liner pieces are glued. Press them together to adhere them.
  11. Slide the liner to make any adjustments if needed before the glue dries.
  12. Use a paper towel to dab away any glue that may have seeped out onto the back of the card, the work surface, or the front of the card.
  13. When the assembled layers are fully dry, fold the tab up along the crease line.
  14. Use your scraper to get a sharp crease.
  15. Apply glue to the outside of the tab.
  16. Place the back base piece on your work surface, face down, with the long straight edge on the left.
  17. Slide the straight side of the back base piece up against the crease on the front base piece.
  18. Press the glued tab down onto the back base piece.TIP: To cover the tab, duplicate the solid liner piece in Cricut Design Space, cut it out, then glue it inside.

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

Here are what my finished shaped edge cards look like!

Two colorful cardstock cards of different sizes depicting a farmhouse roof and porch by JenniferMaker.

Prepare, cut, and assemble your own envelope, then mail or gift it to someone special!Be sure to make the right sized envelope for your card! The larger 5” x 7” card will best fit into a size A7 envelope, and the 4” x 6” Joy-sized card works best with a size A6 envelope.

Notes

Full-size Cards: 5" x 7" when folded

Joy-size Cards: 4" x 6" when folded