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Looking for free November 2021 computer backgrounds? I put together 21 backgrounds for you to choose from with lots of different options from festive to muted. Instant download. Enjoy!

21 free November 2021 computer backgrounds for instant download

Alrighty folks, I am back at it with a big ol’ roundup of free desktop wallpapers to choose from! For my free November 2021 computer backgrounds, I decided to go big like I did last year. Instead of doing just one or two plant-themed backgrounds like I’ve done the last few months, I put together 21 fall-themed options.

Yes, 21. I got a bit carried away. The images are just so gorgeous! I love fall imagery. For these backgrounds, I tried to get a good mix of photos with traditional fall colors with more muted, neutral palettes. I’m a neutrals gal, but I have to say that some of these splashes of color are tempting!

I have previews of almost all of them in this post so you can see what you’ll be getting. Have a little scroll through and see.

Computer backgrounds for instant download

So since I did so many backgrounds for this month, I didn’t do any phone backgrounds. Just desktop/laptop computer backgrounds. But for each of the backgrounds, I have two different sizes: 2400 x 1350 and 1920 x 1080.

The larger option is perfect for my big desktop monitor, and the image still looks really crisp! The smaller size is plenty for smaller monitors and most laptops. When you sign up for the backgrounds, you’ll get all of them and can figure out which size works best for you.

Like these? Check out more of my freebies like my 7 free spread love not germs free printables and 5 free spread joy not germs printables. I also have free printable to do lists and free printable planner pages!

Download all of the free November 2021 backgrounds here!

Download the options below by submitting your email. Once you confirm it’s really you, you’ll be directed to my Dropbox folder with all of the files. Enjoy and come back next month!!

Like these backgrounds? Pin them!

This content may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure here.

Learn how to make a DIY kids apron using a cheap apron from the craft store and your Cricut! The file is available in Cricut’s Design Space to make today.

“Maker in training” DIY kids apron made with Cricut

Hey guys! I recently did a post on how to turn a JPG or a PNG file into an SVG, and I used my logo as an example. Well I ended up putting that logo onto a plain white apron for myself, and while I was at the store, I couldn’t help but pick up a toddler-sized apron.

I previously shared some kids aprons I made for my friend’s daughters. R was still too young for an apron, so I made some cute dyed and personalized aprons for her girls instead. They turned out great and were really fun. But now it’s R’s turn!

Instead of torturing R by making her wear my logo around, I decided instead to put together a cute little “maker in training” apron. It’s perfect for her to wear when she’s coloring, painting, or helping in the kitchen (mostly with Mike—you know I don’t cook).

This tutorial also layers iron-on vinyl, so if you’ve never done that before, make sure to check out my tutorial on how to layer iron-on vinyl to create more dimensional projects. Some of the smaller parts of this image were also perfect for smaller pieces of scrap vinyl I had in a little baggie. Just waiting for the perfect project!

Here’s what I used:

And here’s how I made my “maker in training” DIY kids apron.

Step 1: Cut the design pieces

You can access the project in Cricut’s Design Space here (make sure you’re logged in!) and customize if you’d like to. I cut mine in a few different parts. First I cut out the bottom paint splatter in black everyday iron-on.

Then I cut the rest of the design in 4 separate cuts: the big “MAKER” in purple glitter, the smaller “in training” in purple glitter, the top row of the little images in gold glitter, and the bottom row of images in gold glitter.

You can cut the little images in one cut, but you’ll waste a lot of iron-on weeding out the center where the text goes. Since I was using little iron-on scraps, I just did it in two separate cuts.

Step 2: Apply the base layer

To apply the base layer, I used my EasyPress to apply heat for about 3–5 seconds. Use the Cricut Heat Guide for the temperature you need. Only a few seconds seems short, but all you’re really doing is melting the adhesive enough so that the image stays in place.

You don’t want to totally set it yet. Let it cool for a few seconds and then slowly and carefully peel off the liner. But don’t throw the liner away!! You’ll need it for the next step too!

Learn how to convert any into into an .SVG, how to use holographic mosaic iron-on material, how to cut DIY wall decals, and how to slice text and objects in Cricut’s Design Space!

Step 3: Add the little images and text to the apron

Next add the images and text to the apron. Cut the liners away so that they aren’t overlapping in too many places. Then, before applying heat, add the liner from the base layer over top of everything. I’ve already done that in the photo below—it’s just hard to see.

You have to do this because if your EasyPress’s heat plate touches the base layer of vinyl directly, it will scorch it and leave marks. The liner helps protect it.

Once this was done, I did about 15 seconds of firm pressure with my EasyPress to adhere the little images and text, as well as set the base layer. Then I flipped the apron over and did about 15 more seconds of firm pressure from the back to further set the entire design.

I used a balled up paper towel to burnish the design…which basically just means that I repeatedly went over the liner while the design was still hot to help encourage a strong adhesion while the transfer was cooling. Then I carefully peeled all of the liners off.

And that’s it! I love how it turned out. Mo asked me if she could make cookies when she put it on…at 7:15 AM on a Thursday before school. 🙂

Pin my DIY kids apron project!

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Learn how to sew a camera strap cover. It’s an easy beginner’s sewing project and the perfect project for fabric scraps!

How to sew a camera strap cover using scrap fabric

Over the past few weeks, I’ve written about my 2015 New Year’s Resolution–to sew more. So far, I’ve sewn a re-usable shopping/tote bag and striped throw pillow covers for my living room pillows. Since I’ve only completed two sewing projects, you know for sure that this “sew a camera strap cover” project is easy.

A nice camera strap is awesome whether you’re lugging around a big or small camera. But a nice camera strap is also expensive, so sometimes it’s hard to commit to one design or color. My current strap is a gray/white combination, which is actually one of my favorite color combinations, but it’s nice to be able to switch it up every once in a while with a camera strap cover.

With a camera strap cover, you can cosmetically transform your high-quality strap in to something that jives with your mood du jour. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy! In fact, this tutorial is the easiest, most basic camera strap cover you can make.

You can easily customize the steps I outline in this post by selecting your favorite fabric and altering the measurements to fit your current camera strap. For this tutorial, I used the Nikon strap that my camera came with as my template and some remnant fabric I had from my tote bag project.

Like easy sewing projects? Have a look at my easy fabric scrap cat toys, my DIY sewing machine cover, my super simple circle skirt, and my DIY wrap shawl!

Here are the supplies I used:

• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape and scissors
• Iron and ironing board/pad

And here’s how to sew a camera strap cover.

Step 1: Measure your fabric

My piece of fabric was 7in x 27in. You’ll want to add an inch to the total length you’d like your strap cover to be (I wanted my final camera strap cover to be 26in). The extra inch you add will allot for about 1/2in on each side of the length for hemming.

For the width measurement, you want to multiple your desired strap width by three. This is to account for the seam allowance, wiggle room to insert your strap into the cover, and the fact that you’ll eventually be folding your strap in half lengthwise to finish it off.

Step 2: Hem the short ends

Hem the short ends of your fabric. To make it easier, I ironed down the area I wanted to hem (below, top left photo). Then, I sewed a straight seam (below, bottom left photo). Trim the excess from the seam and fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing one another (below, right photo).

Step 3: Fold fabric lengthwise and press

After you’ve folded your fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing one another, give the fold a quick press.

Step 4: Sew a “tube” for the strap

Sew a straight seam up each of the long sides (yes, even the folded edge!). But make sure you don’t sew the short edges shut. You’ve now created a “tube” of fabric.

Step 5: Turn inside out and press

Turn your fabric tube inside out and gently press the seams to flatten it. You don’t want to make it completely flat. Slide your camera strap through. You’re done! Go take some pictures. Or, have someone take a picture of you:

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Looking for free April 2022 computer backgrounds? I put together 21 backgrounds for you to choose from with lots of different options. Instant download, enjoy!

21 gorgeous free April 2022 computer backgrounds

Hi everyone! Wow…this is the first post I’ve published all month. We’re going to be moving soon, and blogging just hasn’t been at the top of the list. So much to do…and although we’ve moved many times, we’ve never done it with a little kid.

And man does that complicate things! But luckily I had already put together my April backgrounds a few months ago knowing that things would probably be crazy busy right now. So I have them ready to go for you all. Here’s a peek—

The backgrounds…

For these backgrounds, I tried to strike a nice balance of cheery spring pastels with more neutral options. I’m generally a neutrals gal myself, but I know that many people appreciate a bit of color.

Today I am certainly one of those people, because as I write this 2 days away from April, it is 23 degrees Fahrenheit outside. After it was in the 50s and 60s last week, this feels brutal!

Like these freebies? Check out my 25 Free Printable Thank You Tags, my Plant-Themed Printable Daily Planner Page, and my 15 Free Printable Savings Trackers!

Download the backgrounds here!

If you want to download the backgrounds, type your email in the form below. After you click submit, you’ll receive a note to your email asking you to confirm it’s really you. Once you click confirm, you’ll be directed automatically to my Dropbox folder with all of the files!

You can then download all of the backgrounds in two different sizes to use. Enjoy!

Pin my 21 free April 2022 computer backgrounds!

This post shares all about how to mix and match multiple Infusible Ink transfer sheets. Have you used Cricut’s Infusible Ink before and now you’re ready to step up your skills by doing something a little more complicated? Try creating designs using different patterns and colors.

How to Mix and Match Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets

Hey guys! I’m back with some more Infusible Ink content—this time talking all about how to mix and match multiple Infusible Ink transfer sheets. If you’re brand new to Cricut’s Infusible Ink, make sure you check out the first two posts I did on the material: how to use Cricut Infusible Ink on coasters and how to create a personalized reusable tote bag using Infusible Ink.

Both posts are very detailed and include just about everything you need to get started working with Infusible Ink. They also include some tips and pictures of the most likely issues you might encounter working with this material—and how to avoid them.

Recap: What is Cricut’s Infusible Ink?

A quick recap for those of you who missed the first two posts. Wondering what Infusible Ink actually is? In a nutshell, it’s an ink-based heat transfer product. The ink comes in a solid state on a transfer sheet (in lots of beautiful colors and patterns). You then transfer it to a blank material (a shirt, for example) using heat. 

The heat turns the solid-state ink into a gas and infuses it into the material. So, unlike iron-on or heat transfer vinyl, which sits on top of a material using adhesive, Infusible Ink becomes part of the base material. This process creates professional-looking, permanent, and extremely vibrant designs.

Impressed? Me too! I love this stuff. It’s fun to work with, and I’ve really been enjoying working with the different blanks and transfer sheets. Cricut recently released a bunch of new colors and patterns, and each one I’ve tried is stunning. So let’s chat about how to mix and match multiple Infusible Ink transfer sheets to create beautiful one-of-a-kind designs on a kids t-shirt. 

And here’s how to mix and match Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets.

Note: When working with Infusible Ink, it’s best to use the Cricut-brand blanks. (See my post on some of the blanks!) However, if you’d like to experiment with other types of blanks, just make sure they are polymer or polyester-based blanks. This is the material required to create a permanent bond between the ink and the fibers. Don’t use 100% cotton.

Step 1: Prep your design and cut your transfer sheets

First I created my design and decided what patterns and colors I wanted to use for each part. I decided to use a dark galaxy-themed pattern from this sampler for the text and the rocket ship. For the stars and the fire part of the rocket, I used parts of the bright pink/yellow/orange gradient transfer sheet in this sampler.

To minimize transfer sheet waste, I cut pieces as closely as possible to the size I needed. You don’t want to waste this stuff—it’s pricey! Then I positioned the elements on the mockup design space mat accordingly.

Before you begin cutting, make sure you mirror all of your designs. The transfer paper material should also be positioned on the cutting mat with the liner side facing down. The side that looks and feels like paper should be facing up. 

Note: If you’re on an Explore machine like I am, make sure to turn your machine’s dial to “custom” first. Then select Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet in Design Space. If you’re on a Maker, proceed as usual with selecting your material.

Weeding the transfer sheets is pretty easy. I don’t really even use the weeding too because the negative material comes off so easily. I do, however, use tweezers.

Learn more about the different machines in my detailed machine overview post that looks at the Cricut Joy, the Cricut Explore Air 2, and the Cricut Maker.

Step 2: Prep blank kids shirt

To prep the blank youth t-shirt, heat your EasyPress up to the temperature outlined in Cricut’s Heat Guide. For this project, it was 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Then put your shirt on the EasyPress mat and preheat the entire application area.

This step is critical because it removes wrinkles and moisture that may be in the garment. Both can interfere with the ink transfer process. Then let the shirt cool completely. While it’s cooling, you can slide your cardstock sheet into the shirt (I actually used a piece of paper because I didn’t have any cardstock).

You can also use a lint roller to clean off the application area on the shirt. Even if you don’t see any lint, you still want to do this. Lint can also interfere with the transfer process because it can take colors differently. 

Step 3: Position design, prep butcher paper, and transfer

Because starting this step, make sure your t-shirt has cooled completely. If it hasn’t, the ink could begin transferring while you are positioning it, resulting in a yucky “ghosting” effect. Once cool, position the different pieces of you design and press down firmly to keep them in place. You can use heat-resistant tape if you need to.

Cut a piece of butcher paper that is larger than the EasyPress’s heat plate. Butcher paper comes with the transfer sheets. Then place to paper over the design. I like to mark the edges of the design on the butcher paper with a pen—especially if it’s about the same size as the heat plate.

This is because I want to make sure I do not miss any part of the design and so I don’t shift the EasyPress at all after I set it down. This can cause ghosting or smudge the design. I transferred the design for 40 seconds using light pressure at 385 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Note: Keep things as still as possible while making your transfer. Moving during the transfer process will likely mess up your design. Apply pressure from above and don’t move a muscle!

Learn all about how to use the Cricut EasyPress and the EasyPress mini, as well as the different projects you can make with the Cricut Joy machine!

Step 4: Reveal the “girls can do anything” design

Slowly lift your EasyPress. The butcher paper will probably come off when you do this, but let your design chill for a few. Once it’s cool, use tweezers to reveal the different pieces of your design.

I really love how the different colors and patterns turns out. Much more interesting than just using one transfer sheet, no matter how pretty they are!

Care tip: To care for the shirt, wash inside out. You can tumble dry these as well. Avoid fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and bleach.

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This post shares a bundle of five free plant lady svg cut files. These cut files include sayings like “plant mom,” “plant whisperer,” “plant lady,” and more. This svg bundle is perfect for the crafty plant lover! These files are for personal use only. These files are for personal use only.

Free Bundle of Plant Lady SVG Cut Files

Hey hey, it’s time for another Offbeat Cut File Friday! And today’s bundle is about plants. Obviously. Because why haven’t I done that already? This bundle of five free plant lady SVG cut files is perfect for all of the plant-loving crafters out there. And I know there is a lot of overlap between crafters and planter lovers/gardeners :)conv

I have some really cute files in this bundle, including an eyelashes SVG that can be used on just about anything (though it’s designed for something cute like a planter or a coffee cup), an I heart by plants SVG, a plant mom SVG, a #plantlady SVG, and a Plant Whisperer SVG. All of them are adorable.

For more fun Cricut posts, check out my post on how to use the Cricut EasyPress 2 to create professional heat press designs at home, and my posts with everything you need to know about using the Cricut Maker’s knife blade, and how to slice text on your Cricut.

Some are obviously for the ladies, but everyone can use some of them. Though they are a bit feminine. I can’t deny it. These files are an instant download, and they work with all major cutting machines. Or, do whatever you want with them. As long as it’s for personal use. 🙂 Grab them by signing up below!

Like fab free cut files? Check out my bundles of little DIYer cut files, PRIDE cut files, I love my moms/dads cut files, feminist cut files, and more! If you’re considering buying a Cricut machine, you’ll also want to check out my post “Why Cricut Should I Buy,” which outlines the differences between the Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Joy.

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Looking for free March 2022 computer backgrounds? I put together 19 backgrounds for you to choose from with lots of different options. There’s something for everyone, instant download. Enjoy!

19 free March 2022 computer backgrounds!

Hi all! We’re nearing March, and that means that—at least where I’m at—the end of winter is on the horizon. Don’t get me wrong, we can still get a ton of snow into March here. But the second half of March usually means we’re in the clear.

It might not be warm, but temperatures are eeking above freezing. And the snow and ice are all slowly melting. It means April is right after the corner! And for a plant-lover like me, that is the BEST time of year!

Here are some of the backgrounds…

For the March backgrounds, I tried to strike a good balance of cold, snow, and flowers. Because that’s what March feels like to me. Two different months: the first half and the second half. In March, you might start to see the first hydrangea buds.

So I tried to capture that feeling for these backgrounds. I think you’ll find something you like for your computer no matter what the climate is where you live, though!

Like these freebies? Check out my 25 Free Printable Thank You Tags, my Plant-Themed Printable Daily Planner Page, and my 15 Free Printable Savings Trackers!

Download the backgrounds here!

If you want to download the backgrounds, drop your email in the signup form below. After you click submit, you’ll receive a note to your email asking you to confirm it’s really you. Once you click confirm, you’ll be directed automatically to my Dropbox folder with all of the files.

You can then download one or all of the backgrounds to use! There are two different sizes for big and small monitors as well. Enjoy!

Pin my 19 free March 2022 computer backgrounds!

This content may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure here.

Looking for free December 2021 computer backgrounds? I put together 35 backgrounds for you to choose from with lots of different options. There’s something for everyone, instant download. Enjoy!

35 gorgeous and totally free December 2021 computer backgrounds

Hey all, happy holidays! We’re deep into the swing of the holidays over here. The beginning of November kicks off a chain of celebrations in our house: my birthday, U.S. Thanksgiving, my daughter’s birthday, my husband’s birthday, Christmas, our anniversary, and finally New Year’s.

Phew, it’s a busy time of year. But it’s my favorite time of year. So I went a little overboard with the backgrounds this month and put together 35. Woo hoo! I will spotlight almost all of them in this post to give you an idea of what you’ll be getting.

Some of them are really traditional neutral holiday-themed backgrounds with presents, baking, snowy scenes, and more. Here are a few of those…

Feminine December 2021 computer backgrounds

I also noticed a but of a pattern in a lot of the images I was pulling—some pinks and softer more feminine-looking tones. This is kind of a surprise to me because I usually don’t pull a lot of color in.

But aren’t they gorgeous? I love how they don’t scream red-and-green Christmas from the top of their lungs.

For more holiday-themed freebies, check out my 7 free spread love not germs free printables and 5 free spread joy not germs printables. I also have free printable to do lists and free printable planner pages!

Holiday computer backgrounds

But if the traditional red-and-green holidays thing is your thing, I have those for you, too! Here are a few shots of those. Presents, candy canes, pinecones, and more.

Download all of the free December 2021 backgrounds here!

But for each of the backgrounds, I have two different sizes: 2400 x 1350 and 1920 x 1080. You can access all options by submitting your email in the form below. Once you confirm it’s really you, you’ll be directed to my Dropbox folder with all of the files. Enjoy and come back next month!!

This content may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure here.

Looking for free January 2022 computer backgrounds? I put together 23 backgrounds for you to choose from with lots of different options. There’s something for everyone, instant download. Enjoy!

23 free January 2022 computer backgrounds for instant download!

Hey all—back again for the free January 2022 computer backgrounds, and this time I have 23 of them to choose from! Down a bit from December…I told you I went a little bonkers with the holiday imagery for December 🙂

January was a bit harder to choose imagery for, so I ended up going with a lot of winter scenes, celebration/confetti scenes, and some clean/minimal scenes. I think all of those set a nice tone for the new year! And 22 is my lucky number…so I have a feeling 2022 is going to be a good one (but the bar is low, so…).

Like these freebies? Check out my 25 Free Printable Thank You Tags, my Plant-Themed Printable Daily Planner Page, and my 15 Free Printable Savings Trackers!

Have a peek at the backgrounds…

As usual, you can have a look at all of the computer backgrounds in this post. Surely there is something for everyone—and as with past months, I have two sizes available for download: one for smaller monitors, and one for larger monitors.

I have a massive desktop monitor with a retina display, and the larger size is still crystal clear! The smaller size is perfect for smaller desktop monitors and laptop screens.

Want to download the backgrounds?

If you want to download the backgrounds, simply drop your email in the signup form below. Click submit; you’ll receive a note within a few minutes to your email asking you to confirm it’s really you. Once you click confirm, you’ll be directed automatically to my Dropbox folder with all of the files.

You can then access all of the backgrounds there and download whichever ones you want. Enjoy!

Pin my 23 free January 2022 computer backgrounds!

This content may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure here.

Looking for free February 2022 computer backgrounds? I put together 25 backgrounds for you to choose from with lots of different options. There’s something for everyone, instant download. Enjoy!

25 free February 2022 computer backgrounds for instant download!

Hi all! I’m a bit early for my backgrounds this month, but it’s better to be early than it is to be late, right? Figured I’d knock them out while I had some time. And this month I have 25 free February 2022 computer backgrounds for instant download.

February…it’s my least favorite month of the year. At least where I live, by February winter has seemed to drag along forever. And there isn’t any end in sight until the end of March. The days are short and the weather is garbage. So why not brighten up your computer a bit? It’s the little things.

Have a nosy at the backgrounds…

If you’d like to have a look at what’s up for grabs, continue scrolling through this post. A lot of the imagery is very feminine-looking or love/heart-themed. But I also tried to do some more neutral cozy backgrounds and some general plant-themed stuff.

Houseplants are one of the ways I get myself through winter when I can’t be growing things outside, so my background on my own computer usually has some sort of plants or flowers!

Like these freebies? Check out my 7 Spread Love Not Germs Free Printables, my 21 Free Rainbow Printables, my Plant-Themed Printable Daily Planner Pages, and my 25 Free Printable Thank You Tags!

Want to download the backgrounds?

If you want to download the backgrounds, drop your email in the signup form below. Then click “SIGN ME UP!” You’ll receive a note within a few minutes to your email asking you to confirm it’s really you.

Once you click confirm, you’ll be directed automatically to my Dropbox folder with all of the files. You have to click to confirm, first! (I get emails asking this a lot.) You can then access all of the backgrounds there and download whichever ones you want. Enjoy!

Pin my 25 free February 2022 computer backgrounds!