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Crystal Allen is the owner of Hello Creative Family and the author of three craft books published by Skyhorse Publishing:

The Unofficial Book of Handmade Cricut Crafts: Creating Personalized Gifts With Your Electronic Cutting Machine

Cover of The Unofficial Book of Handmade Cricut Crafts by Crystal Allen

From the author of The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts and the creator of Hello Creative Family and Cutting Machine Crafting comes a brand new book, all about making handmade gifts with your Cricut cutting machine! 

Throughout the pages of this book, author Crystal Allen will walk you through thirty new Cricut projects that can be personalized and given as gifts, no matter the occasion. With her easy approach, “pro-crafter tips,” and step-by-step photos, you’ll feel like you’re crafting with your best friend.

Whether you are a skilled crafter or new to DIY, you will find exciting ways to use your Cricut Maker, Explore, and/or Joy.

If you’re new to the Cricut scene, you’ll want to pore over the pages that help you unbox your Cricut, giving you a general understanding of the parts of your machine, as well as tips for using Cricut Design Space and Cricut Access.

If you’re an experienced Cricut crafter, you can skip ahead to the projects, which use the most popular materials your Cricut can cut. These include fabric (cotton, felt, and fleece); basswood and chipboard; leather; vinyl; paper; and heat transfer vinyl. Tips for using infusible ink are also included.

Projects include: 

  • Glitter Cups with Hidden Message
  • Tic-Tac-Toe Board Game with Photo Faces Game Pieces
  • Milestone Baby Blankets
  • Leather tool roll
  • Wood Welcome Sign
  • Magic Sequin Infusible Ink Pillows
  • Hello Doormat 
  • Birth Stats Toddler Stool
  • Wood Veneer Earrings
  • and so much more!

Crystal’s hope is that the techniques learned throughout the book, along with the (free!) included cut files, will inspire you to create designs of your own that you can not only gift, but also sell on creative marketplaces such as Etsy and even at craft fairs.

With your Cricut cutting machine and this book, you’ll always be prepared with a handmade gift idea for any occasion including holidays, birthdays, graduations, baby showers, housewarmings, weddings, and more! Show love and appreciation with personalized, handmade gifts that are easier to make than you ever thought! (Seriously, get ready to hear a lot of “You made this?!”)

The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts: The Ultimate Guide to Your Electric Cutting Machine

Cover of The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts: The Ultimate Guide to Your Electric Cutting Machine By Crystal Allen

The ultimate Cricut how-to book that covers everything you need to know to purchase a Cricut and use it like a pro! 

Are you new to Cricut crafting? Returning after a hiatus and desperate for a refresher? Perhaps you’re an old pro looking for brand-new ideas, tips, and tricks for your crafts? Look no further than The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts.

Throughout the more than 300 pages of this book, author Crystal Allen will not only present you with craft ideas that embrace every awesome element of this popular cutting machine, but, perhaps most importantly, she’ll start you at the very beginning of your Cricut journey with loads of information about the different Cricut machines (Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Joy) so you can determine which is best for you before you buy.

After you unbox your Cricut and have a general understanding of the parts of your machine, Crystal will teach you how to use Cricut Design Space and get images from Cricut Access, and then you’ll be presented with projects that use the most popular materials your Cricut can cut. These include fabric (cotton, felt, and fleece); basswood and chipboard; leather; vinyl; paper; and heat transfer vinyl. Crystal even tackles infusible ink! 

Projects meant to inspire you will include step-by-step instructions and photos. They include:

  • Personalized leather keychains
  • Etched wine glasses
  • Engraved quote bracelets
  • Felt coffee cozies 
  • Paper luminaries
  • Chalkboard signs
  • Inspirational quote pillowcases
  • Sleep masks
  • Photo puzzles
  • Leather headphone keepers
  • Infusible Ink coasters
  • A rag quilt
  • and more!
A few of the craft projects from the book The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts by Crystal Allen from Hello Creative Family

The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts is perfect for the first-time Cricut user, the small business owner who has been using Cricut for years, and everyone in between!

Caticorn Crafts: 25 Purr-fectly Enchanted Projects

Caticorn Crafts: 25 Enchanted Uni-Kitty Projects by Crystal Allen from Hello Creative Family #Caticorn #Unicorn #CaticornCrafts #UnicornCrafts

Get ready for a whole lot of fun with “purr-fectly meowgical” unicorn kitty crafts!

What’s better than a sweet fluffy kitten? A sweet fluffy kitten with a unicorn horn! From the creator of the website Hello Creative Family comes the ultimate book of caticorn crafts.

Projects include:

   ·Smitten Kitten Caticorn Ombre Picture Frames
   ·Cotton Candy Caticorn Bath Bombs
   ·Better Than A Ball of Yarn Rainbow Pom-Pom Pencil Toppers
   ·Sleepy Kitty No-Sew Sleep Masks
   ·Meow‑gical Unicorn Kitty Flair Pins
   ·And much more!

With material lists, templates, step‑by‑step photos, and easy‑to‑follow instructions (along with a whole bunch of glitter, rainbows, and cat puns), this book is filled with magical projects that crafters of all ages and experience levels will enjoy! It’s guaranteed to provide hours of enchanted fun.

Keep your caticorn crafts for yourself or give them as handmade gifts to brighten someone’s day! What are you waiting for? Let’s get crafting!