Share the love!

Merry Maker Mingle 2023

Get early access to the supply and tool lists for many of our planned projects during the 2023 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 not all links currently work. Please check back later this week!

Day 1: Advent Calendar Village

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to make intricate cuts in cardstock, cut vellum or copy paper, assemble a cardstock project, apply glitter, add tea lights or fairy lights to illuminate a project


PREVIEW of Advent Calendar Village

PREVIEW of Advent Calendar Village

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $2-$10

Make an easy paper advent calendar village that you can use to count down to a big day! The village looks beautiful on a mantel, table, or desk.

Instructions

This tutorial is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/advent-calendar-village/.

Notes

Typeface Used: Wonderful Display Font (for house numbers)

Finished Sizes:
Small Houses: Each piece is approximately 10.5" W x 3.75" H
Large Houses: Each piece is approximately 22" W x 8.5" H

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Gnome Paper Shadow Boxes made from paper with big beards and holiday decorationsDay 2: Gnome Paper Shadow Box

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to make intricate cuts in cardstock, how to layer cardstock to create depth and shadow, how to place layers in a shadowbox


Paper shadow box of a gnome with a big white beard holding two red birds

PREVIEW of Layered Paper Gnome Shadowbox

Yield: 1

Learn how to make a layered paper gnome using various types of paper and materials!

Instructions

This project tutorial is available at https://jennifermaker.com/gnome-beard-layered-shadow-box/

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Make a custom ceramic tile map with sublimation with Jennifer Maker's tutorial! Image description: Three ceramic tile maps sit on a white wood surface, with one held close to the camera to show detail. Maps are of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and feature cute heart icons you can add in Cricut Design Space.Day 3: Ceramic Tile Maps

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to get a map of any area and customize it, how to make a sublimation print, how to sublimate on ceramic tiles with the right pressing times, temperatures, and pressures


Make a custom ceramic tile map with sublimation with Jennifer Maker's tutorial! Image description: Three ceramic tile maps sit on a white wood surface, with one held close to the camera to show detail. Maps are of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and feature cute heart icons you can add in Cricut Design Space.

PREVIEW of Ceramic Tile Map

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 27 minutes
Active Time: 40 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 7 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $2-$10

Learn how to create a custom ceramic tile map using sublimation!

Instructions

This tutorial is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/ceramic-tile-map.

Notes

Image file types that can be used: PNG, JPG, SVG 

Typeface:

Puerto Vintage , Free Alternative: Nexa

Map Sources:

Deposit Photos  

Google Maps

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Day 4: Crepe Paper Garland

Amazon Shopping List
Learn how to cut crepe paper with your Cricut to make a beautiful paper floral garland with poinsettias, holly leaves, and pine branches. I’ll teach you how to use the rotary tool on the Maker, but you can also cut by hand.


Learn to make a crepe paper floral garland with JenniferMaker's tutorial! A crepe paper garland of poinsettias, holly, and pine sprigs lays displayed across a painted white wooden surface.

PREVIEW: Paper Floral Garland

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Cost: $15 - $20

Learn how to cut crepe paper with your Cricut to make a beautiful paper floral garland with poinsettias, holly leaves, and pine branches.

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/paper-floral-garland/.

Notes

Finished Sizes:

Garland: Approximately 6' Long

Single Poinsettia: Approximately 8" W x 8" D x 11" H

Single Holly Stem: Approximately 6" W x 6" D x 4" H

Single Pine Branch: Approximately 1.5" W x 1.5" D x 9" H

Make a custom family sign post with JenniferMaker's tutorial! Three sets of custom signposts stand against a snowy background.Day 5: Custom Family Sign Post

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Make a custom family sign post to honor special people and places! Great for the holidays, too! You’ll learn how to paint, apply vinyl, and affix to a signpost.


Make a custom family sign post with JenniferMaker's tutorial! Three sets of custom signposts stand against a snowy background.

PREVIEW: Custom Family Sign Post

Yield: 1

Learn how to make a custom family sign post!

Instructions

This project tutorial is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/custom-family-sign-post/.

Notes

These Custom Family Sign posts stand 36” tall and are about 12” wide with the arrows attached.

Typefaces:
JM Sweet
Goldie Rainbow / Free Alternative: Goldie Rainbow
Farm Dream / Free Alternative: Skinny Flower

Make a gift bag with Jennifer's tutorialDay 6: Fold-Top Gift Bag

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: You’ll learn how to cut, crease, layer, and adhere cardstocks to make a sturdy gift bag held shut by a decorated pick.

Learn how to use Cricut watercolor markers with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 7: How To Paint Watercolor Plants

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to use the Cricut watercolor markers to make vibrant plant cards!


A notecard with a watercolored painted succulent rests on top of an envelope, on a whitewashed wooden surface with plants nearby. Learn how to paint watercolor plants with a Cricut! With JenniferMaker's tutorial, you can learn how to paint with watercolor and Cricut!

PREVIEW: Paint Watercolor Plants

Yield: 1 Card
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $20-$30

Learn to paint beautiful watercolor plants using your Cricut!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/paint-watercolor-plants/.

Notes

Typeface: SunshineBridge SansPress

Design Sizes:

GROW 5” x 1.3”

Succulent 4.25” x 4.25”

Cactus 4.25” x 6”

Sunflower 4.25” x 4.25”

Learn how to make layered paper shadow box ornaments with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 8: Shadow Box Ornaments

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to cut and assemble a layered paper ornament with lights, and no glue necessary! Plus, learn how to customize your own version!


Learn how to make an angel shadow box ornament with Jennifer Maker's tutorial! Beautiful papercrafted angel shadowbox ornaments hang from a glowing Christmas tree.

PREVIEW: Shadow Box Ornaments

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $2-$4

Learn how to create round shadow box ornaments from just cardstock - no glue or tape required!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/shadow-box-ornaments.

Notes

Finished Size: Approximately 4.5" W x 5.375" H x 1.25" D

Learn how to make pull tab gift tags with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 9: Pull Tab Gift Tags

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to write on different kinds of cardstock with you Cricut and the right cut settings to use to make the shapes, plus, how to glue secret tags to surprise your friends and family!

Day 10: How To Sublimate Hoodies

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to prepare, print, and sublimate designs on polyester hoodies! Covering front, back, and even arm placements, plus which tools are worth it!


Learn how to sublimate hoodies with JenniferMaker's tutorial!

PREVIEW: How To Sublimate Hoodies

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $15

Learn how to sublimate designs onto both sides of a hoodie as well as the sleeve!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/how-to-sublimate-hoodies/.

Learn how to make layered paper stained glass with JenniferMaker's tutorial!Day 11: Layered Paper Stained Glass

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to size a SVG file for any Cricut machine in Cricut Design Space and how to assemble paper layers to resemble stained glass windows!

Make layered paper stained glass windows with Jennifer Maker's tutorial! Image shows four colorful floral stained glass shadowboxes in white frames.

PREVIEW: Layered Paper Stained Glass

Yield: 1
Active Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $15 - $25

Learn how to make faux layered paper stained glass art!

Materials

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/layered-paper-stained-glass.

Notes

Finished size:

11.5” x 11.5” for each design

(12” x 12” in frame)

Day 12: How To Sublimate Coasters

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to prepare designs for different shapes, how to sublimate on neoprene, MDF, Cricut’s square Infusible Ink coasters, and Cricut’s round ceramic Infusible Ink coasters. Plus, how they handle moisture and stains!

Learn how to design side edge cards with Jennifer Maker's tutorial! Four beautiful cards with decorative edges sit on a holiday table. Want to learn how to make this? Design #654 is free at jennifermaker.com/library.Day 13: How To Design Side Edge Cards

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to create your own side edge cards using elements from my templates for perfectly aligned back and front pieces.

Learn How to Sublimate Pens with JenniferMaker's tutorial! Custom sublimated floral pens with names and quotes.Day 14: How to Sublimate Pens

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to add names or custom elements to pen wraps in Cricut Design Space, how to use a helpful tool, and how to sublimate pens in a convection oven or air fryer!

Learn How to Sublimate Pens with JenniferMaker's tutorial! Custom sublimated floral pens with names and quotes.

PREVIEW: How To Sublimate Pens

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1

Learn how to sublimate pens with custom designs!

Instructions

This project tutorial is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/how-to-sublimate-pens/.

Notes

Typefaces:
“Alexa” - Biosha Script  Free Alternative: Bonspire Script
“Smell the Roses” - ZP Gingerbread Cake Free Alternative: Chickens Lovers

Size:
Ink Pen Total Length: 5.5”
Ink Pen Sublimation Area: 4.25” Length x 1.26” Circumference

Care Instructions:
Clean only the barrel of the pen with soapy water after removing the pen mechanism. Allow to air dry.

Day 15: Layer HTV on Canvas

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to cut iron-on vinyl to save scraps, how to layer different colors with perfect alignment, and the differences between pressing vinyl on canvas boards vs stretched canvases with frames.

PREVIEW: How to Layer HTV on Canvas

PREVIEW: How to Layer HTV on Canvas

Yield: 1 Canvas
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Medium to Difficult
Estimated Cost: $15-$30

Learn how to layer HTV on canvas to make wall art.

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/htv-on-canvas.

Notes

Typeface used:

Quacker

Quacker for personal use ONLY

Day 16: Reminder Stickers For Cricut Beginners

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to customize PNGs in Cricut Design Space, make kiss cut stickers, and pick up good Cricut habits along the way.

PREVIEW: Cricut for Beginners Reminder Stickers

PREVIEW: Cricut for Beginners Reminder Stickers

Yield: 1 sticker sheet
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1 - $5

Learn how to make cute reminder stickers!

Instructions

This tutorial is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/cricut-beginner-mistakes.

Notes

Typeface: Forever Grateful

Day 17: Personalized Snowflake Ornaments

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to design a custom name snowflake in Cricut Design Space, cut intricate designs, and layer paper for sturdy results.

Day 18: How to Draw with Cricut

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to draw with Cricut pens and markers to make cards, posters, and Infusible Ink mugs using the many different options available.

PREVIEW: How to Draw With Cricut

PREVIEW: How to Draw With Cricut

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $5 - $10

Learn how to draw with Cricut pens and markers while creating note cards, sublimation mugs, and large-scale posters! 

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/how-to-draw-with-cricut

Notes

Card Finished Size: 4.75” x 6.625” when folded

Poster Finished Size: 24” x 28”

Mug Finished Size: 3.25” x 7.75” print

Typefaces are all hand-drawn

Day 19: Custom Family Name Ornaments

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: Learn how to design a custom name tree or round ornament in Cricut Design Space, cut intricate designs, and layer paper for sturdy results.

Day 20: Faux Leather Bracelets

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to size a design for your wrist, cutting faux leather, pressing iron-on vinyl on leather, how to add snap closures to leather.

Day 21: Metallic Puff Iron-On Vinyl

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: How to use the right preparation, heat, and pressing steps to get consistent results using metallic puff iron-on vinyl.

Learn how to use Metallic Puff Iron-On Vinyl with Jennifer Maker's tutorial!

PREVIEW: How To Use Metallic Puff Vinyl

Yield: 1 shirt
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Cost: $15 - $20

Learn how to make shirts with metallic puff iron on vinyl!

Tools

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/metallic-puff-iron-on-vinyl.

Notes

Typeface used: Point Panther, The Bold Font (free alternative)

Learn how to make layered paper lanterns with lights with Jennifer Maker's tutorial! Three illuminated paper lanterns with a fox, bear, and deer glow against a starry background.Day 22: Layered Paper Lantern

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to cut vellum and cardstock, selecting a font that will remain legible when cut from paper.

Learn how to sublimate onto glass cans.Day 23: How To Sublimate Glass Cans

Amazon Shopping List
Techniques: How to size and print a sublimation design to fit a round blank, how to sublimate a design on clear or frosted glass projects.

Day 24: HTV Mistakes To Avoid

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Learn lots of tips and ideas to avoid heat transfer vinyl mistakes while making cute foodie T-shirts!

Learn how to avoid (and fix) HTV mistakes with Jennifer Maker's tutorial!

PREVIEW: HTV Mistakes

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

Learn how to avoid some of the most common HTV mistakes when making these cute and fun food-themed shirts!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/htv-mistakes.

Notes

Care:
Let the vinyl sit for at least 24 hours. Then, wash your shirt inside out and do not use any bleach.

Typefaces Used: 
JM Lemonade
JM Groovy
JM Sweet
Beachwood

Finished Sizes: 
Taco: 10” x 6.927”
Pizza: 9.997” x 6.736”
Coffee: 10.002” x 8.673”

Get Jennifer Maker's top Cricut tips in her new tutorial!Day 25: Top Cricut Tips

Amazon Shopping List

Techniques: Lots of my best tips, plus instructions on how to get my new font, JM Merry, and prepare to use it in Cricut Design Space.

Get Jennifer Maker's top Cricut tips in her new tutorial!

PREVIEW: Top Cricut Tips of 2023: Upload A New Font to Cricut Design Space

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 1 minute
Active Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $0

Learn my Top 10 Cricut TIps 2023 for better Cricut crafting!

Instructions

This project is now available at https://jennifermaker.com/cricut-tips-top-10.

Notes

Fonts used: JM Merry

Get notified when all of these projects become available by filling out the form below: