Top Cricut Products That Should Be on Every DIYer's Gift Wish List This Holiday

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by To & Fro on behalf of Cricut, and contains affiliate links. All opinions are that of To & Fro. 

Earlier this year, I received one of my favourite crafting tools of all time - a Cricut Joy. If you have one, you know what I mean. And if you don't, you're missing out AND I highly suggest you add it and these other Cricut products to you gift wish list this holiday season.

With my Cricut Joy, I have made custom family t-shirts, vegetable garden markers, a personalized porch sign, toddler alphabet flashcards, decaled wine tumblers and the list goes on. With a Cricut smart-cutting machine, the DIY crafting and gifting possibilities are endless. 

Today I'm rounding up a fun list of Cricut items that are some of my favourite, and that should be on every DIYer's gift wish list this holiday season!

Top Cricut Products That Should Be on Every DIYer's Gift Wish List This Holiday

Cricut Joy™

Unlike other Cricut machines, the Cricut Joy is a compact cutting machine, less than half the size of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker—making it perfect for people without a dedicated crafting area (like me)! From customized pillows, to personalized glassware and welcome signs, the possibilities are nearly endless with this fun tool. The Cricut Joy cuts 50+ materials, including iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, paper, and Smart Materials™ – super-easy, super-long cuts without a cutting mat. Designs are easily created in the Design Space app, which is connected to the machine via bluetooth. 

Cricut EasyPress™ 2, 9" x 9"

Your every day iron on essential - a no stress heat press. Cricut EasyPress 2 gives you fast, effortless results that really last, even after repeated washes. Also compatible with Infusible Ink products and most major brands of iron on materials. The 9" x 9" size is ideal for basic T-shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and more. 

Cricut Joy™ Transfer Tape

Transfer tape is a must for any vinyl project. The tape allows you to easily transfer vinyl cuts to a variety of surfaces. This specially designed Transfer Tape is made for most types of Cricut Smart Vinyl™, including Patterned, Holographic, Holographic Sparkle, Metallic, and Matte Metallic. Use it to create custom decals, labels, decor, and so much more. 

Cricut Joy™ Smart Vinyl™ – Removable
Removable vinyl can be used in an temporary project, such as wall decals or stickers. Like the permanent vinyl, it comes in a variety of roll lengths and different colours. Removes without residue.

Cricut Infusible Ink™ Markers 1.0

With a variety of different colours to choose from, these Infusible Ink markers produce vibrant, pro-quality transfers that last a lifetime. Transferred inks won't flake, peel, fade, crack, or wrinkle. Requires compatible Infusible Ink blank such as tote bags, t-shirts or coasters (sold separately) and Cricut EasyPress or heat press that reaches 400°F (205°C).

Cricut Joy™ Smart Iron-On

Smart iron on materials are great for apparel, accessories & home decor! This clever crafting material works without a cutting mat, so you can just load and go. Smart Iron-On works fabulously on a wide variety of materials and outlasts 50+ washes! For effortless application, use Cricut EasyPress, or apply with household iron.

Cricut Joy™ Starter Tool Set

This 3-piece set includes the tools you need for Cricut Joy projects. Use the Spatula to carefully lift delicate materials like paper from your cutting mat. Turn to the Weeder when you need to remove unwanted vinyl & iron-on pieces from your design. You'll use the Scraper to apply vinyl decals or clean material remnants from your mat. It is a must-have companion for Cricut Joy - perfect for a wide variety of projects, including vinyl decals, custom cards and labels.

Cricut Joy™ Smart Vinyl™ – Permanent
Permanent vinyl is necessary if you plan to do any outdoor project, such as vegetable garden markers or a porch welcome sign. Comes in a variety of roll lengths and different colours, including flat and shimmer. Permanent adhesive lasts up to 3 years.

Cricut Joy™ Infusible Ink™ Transfer Sheets

Use these ready-to-cut sheets in fun patterns with your Cricut Joy cutting machine to infuse any compatible Infusible Ink blank with your custom art – a name, a logo, an inside joke, or a favorite quote! Infusible Ink transfer sheets produce. vibrant, pro-quality transfers that last a lifetime. Requires compatible Infusible Ink blanks such as tote bags, coasters and t-shirts (sold separately) and Cricut EasyPress. For use with the Cricut Joy and Cricut EasyPress. Comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

Cricut Joy™ StandardGrip Mat, 4.5" x 12''

The standard grip mat helps you make fun and functional projects like gift tags, T-shirts, coasters, and so much more. Secure medium-weight materials, including Adhesive-Backed Deluxe Paper, Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets and even materials you may have at home like heavy cardstock for cutting and writing with your Cricut Joy™ machine. 

Of course, this list is just my personal favourite that I use regularly when crafting with Cricut AND it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possibilities with the Cricut Joy. You can make iron-on clothing decals, greeting cards, etc. Like I said, the possibilities are endless. But together, the Cricut items above make the ultimate holiday bundle that any DIYer in your family is sure to appreciate. 

For a limited time, ALL Cricut materials and accessories are 50% OFF. The Cricut Joy is also the best deal of the year, at just $169.99 USD! 

See more of my past projects made with the Cricut Joy, here:

• Custom Family T-Shirts
• 5 Fun & Easy Summer Projects
• Toddler Alphabet Flashcards
• Wooden Welcome Sign

Do you have a Cricut machine? What do you make with it? I'd love to hear your projects, ideas, and inspiration!

Toddler-Friendly Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial

Are you looking for a toddler-friendly Christmas tree alternative? This Toddler-Friendly Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial will add a festive flair to your home this holiday season, while creating a learning opportunity for your little one.

Holiday decorating is upon us, and today, I'm flashing back to the 2016 holiday season with this simple and festive DIY for your little one. 

I originally created this felt Christmas tree tutorial when my husband, 8 month old daughter and I were living in a teeny tiny one bedroom apartment as we awaited the completion of our first home. We were so excited to celebrate baby's first holiday season, but since, at the time, she was starting to become quite the mover, we were worried about her safety around the Christmas decorations in the small space. 

We usually opt for a real tree, complete with all of the fancy decorations, but because of our little mover, that year we decided to try something a little different. We had a small tree tucked out of the way for mom and dad, but also added this felt Christmas tree to the living room wall, just for the babe.

This simple-to-make felt Christmas tree is baby/toddler-safe, maintenance-free and decorated with lots of brightly coloured ornaments that your little one can easily rip off and put back on.  It added a festive flair to our teeny tiny abode, while creating a great learning opportunity for little miss Morley. 

Why not make one for your little one this holiday season?

Toddler-Friendly Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial

Materials

• 1m green felt
• Several squares of felt, assorted colours
• Square of yellow felt
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks 
• Fabric scissors
• Soft tape measure (normal measuring tape will also work fine)
• String
• Marker
• 1 adhesive wall hook, medium

Directions

I purchased the felt from my local fabric store. They sell small individual squares in a variety of colours (for making the ornaments) as well as felt by the length, which I used to make the tree. You can also find a package of assorted colours, here. 

First, make the star for the top of your tree using the yellow felt. I started with the star because I had a limited amount of yellow felt and the size of the star would determine the size of the tree. 

Next, make the tree body. Lay your tree fabric (green felt) on the floor and fold in half, vertically. Using a marker, draw the outline of your tree. Cut along the line, through both layers of green felt. Open the fabric back up to reveal your bare tree. Attach the star to the top with hot glue.

Next step is to make the ornaments. I used a cup as my stencil to make circles on the felt. I made circular ornaments for my tree because they are easy for my daughter to grab. Get creative - you can make any size or shape you desire! Use the scrap felt to spruce up the ornaments.

When it comes time to sticking the ornaments on the tree, you won't need any additional material. Thanks to a little science and the power of static electricity, felt sticks to felt like magic.

Don't worry about making it perfect - your babe is not going to judge you if the tree is not symmetrical or the colours of your ornaments don't match. They are going to love it either way!

Now it's time to hang your tree. Using the glue gun, add a loop of string to the top of the star/tree. This will be how you hang the tree on the wall. Make sure that the wall you hang the tree on is a smooth surface. With the tape measure, measure the height of your tree on the wall. Following the directions on the package, affix the Command™Clear Medium Hook to the wall. 

Hang the tree on the hook. Since our apartment is so dry, the felt automatically clings to the wall. However, you can repeat the above steps with a few more hooks to support the branches, if needed. Ensure the weight of the tree is evenly distributed across the hooks. 

The great thing about using these hooks for this tree is that if you don't like the placement, or need to move it for any reason, you can do so without the fear of holes or damage!

The possibilities with this tree are endless. You can add as many different colours and shapes of ornaments as you wish! If you are feeling especially creative, you can even make presents to go "under the tree" or even a stocking to hang beside (like I did in the photo above). 

To incorporate a learning experience into your felt Christmas tree, make ornaments of different shapes, sizes and colours. Add numbers and letters to the ornaments to take it to the next level.

Now it's time to let your little one play and have some fun with their new tree! But please remember, do not leave your child unattended while doing this activity.

For more baby-friendly activities, check out this recipe for baby-safe paint.

What are some of your tips and tricks for decorating your indoor spaces around the holidays? I'd love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Christmas is just "12 sleeps" away! You better believe my toddler and preschooler have made their lists, and have checked them (more than) twice...

If you're looking for some Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Toddler and Preschooler, look no further! Keep scrolling to see the round up some of our favourite gift ideas for the littlest ones in your life.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

For the Toddler

To see more of our list for toddlers, hop on over to To & Fro's Amazon page, found HERE. 

Books

Books are a BIG hit in our house with our 16 month old. She especially like books with flaps and movable parts, like "I Thought I Saw a Bear". This series also has an elephant, dinosaur and monkey.

Eating

Some of our favourite products for toddler and preschooler feeding come from Munchkin Canada. Specifically these Silicone Mats (also good for playdoh, other messy activities and airplane travel) and the Colour Me Hungry eating set, which comes with a plate, bowl, cup, utensils AND a box that they can colour. 

Fun & Games

This list could go on and on, but I've just narrowed it down to a few favourite toys. We like toys they are fun, but that also encourage problem solving, using imagination and independence, to name a few.

Some of our favourite includes - Duplo blocks, these magnetic building tiles, play-doh (don't forget to use the Munchkin Silicone Mats with this), Mr Potato Head, anything from Leapfrog (including this Step and Learn Scout), Melissa & Doug puzzles and these no-mess colouring pads. 

Bath 

Again, Munchkin has some great bath time fun for little ones, including these bath numbers and letters that stick to the side when they are wet. 

Check out the rest of our list, HERE. 

For the Preschooler

To see more of our list for preschoolers, hop on over to To & Fro's Amazon page, found HERE.

Books

Right now, we're all about talking about emotions with our preschooler and find that books really help - In My Heart and The Color Monster are two great examples.

Some of our other favourites include The Wonky Donkey, The Big Bed, Disney Collection of Stories, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and anything Fancy Nancy.

Fun & Games

Play-doh is a great gift idea because it's not age specific and can be used by both toddlers and preschoolers (and maybe even mom and dad).

At the age of four, Morley is also starting to get into games including Classic Jenga (she's quite the pro), Guess Who and Connect Four, to name a few.

Arts & Crafts

Our preschool is just starting to get into arts and crafts where you must follow instructions, including this friendship bracelet making kit. They're still a little difficult for her to do on her own, but with a little bit of help she's able to design her own fancy jewellery.

Dolls

If you're like us, Frozen fever is running through the house. It's Frozen all day, every day. Our preschooler also LOVE playing with dolls, so we combine the best of both with these Anna and Elsa dolls. And don't forget the dress up gear to turn your preschooler into Anna or Elsa themselves!

Barbie has so many options and play sets. We love the dream house because it creates hours of endless fun, and encourages our preschooler to make believe. In honour of Barbie's 60th, Mattel released a line of career dolls, including the Barbie firefighter.

Check out the rest of our list, HERE. 


*It is important to note, this is a list of the things our girls (age 16 months and almost 4 years) love and play with on a regular basis. Please ensure they are age appropriate before purchasing. 

What's on your kids' Christmas lists this year? I'd love to hear!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Did You Know? Fun Facts about Reindeer

When people think of reindeer, they often visualize Rudolph and his team of friends flying through the midnight sky pulling the big man's sleigh. But, there is so much more to these fascinating Arctic creatures than stories have told. 

How much do you really know about this northernmost deer species? 

Here are 10 Fun Facts About Reindeer to impress your family and friends this holiday season.

In North America, reindeer found in the wild are actually called caribou. The word reindeer is only used to describe those that have become domesticated, or live close to people (such as Santa). However, in Europe they are all reindeer regardless of living in the wild or captivity.

Caribou are the northernmost deer species, found in the Arctic tundra and northern forests of North America, Europe, Asia and Russia.

Male caribou are called bulls, and as an adult average 350-400 pounds. Mature females, called cows, are smaller and average 175-225 pounds.

Caribou have the longest documented migration of any terrestrial animal. Like most herd animals, they must move to find adequate food, often traveling up to 3,000 miles or 5,000 km between summer and winter ranges in a single year. 

Caribou are a members of the deer family (which also contains elk, deer and moose). However, unlike other members of the deer family, both male and female caribou grow antlers. Antlers are made of bone, and when they are growing have a fuzzy covering, called velvet, which contains blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients for bone growth. When the velvet dies, the blood supply to the bone is cut off, causing the antlers to shed. This happens yearly. (As opposed to animals with horns, which grow with the animal throughout their entire life.) 

Caribou shed their antlers at different points in the year based on their sex and age. Adult bulls generally shed their antlers in late fall, early winter, after they have mated. Adult females and younger caribou carry their antlers much longer, often throughout the winter. Females' antlers don't fall off until after Christmas, which means Santa's reindeer are most likely all female. 

Caribou are built for the cold. They have a short, stocky body that helps conserve heat, and long legs to help move through the deep snow. Their winter coat contains hollow hair which traps air and provides insulation from the cold. 

Caribou are ungulates, which mean they are cloven-hoofed and chew cud. Their feet are built for walking in deep snow, as they have large, concave hooves that spread widely to help support them in snow and soft tundra. Their feet also function as paddles when they swim and as a scoop when looking for other lichens and plants in the snow.

Their scientific name is Rangifer tarandus, which comes from the Old French rangier, meaning “reindeer” and ferus ¸which is Latin for “wild and untamed”. The name "caribou" is French, and comes from the words "Mi'kmaq qualipu" meaning “snow shoveler,” referring to its habit of pawing through the snow for food.

Caribou are traditionally vital to indigenous northern people throughout much of their range. They are often hunted for subsistence and provide a rich source of red meat, a high protein food supply, and materials for the manufacture of handicrafts and artwork. Their hides are also uses for warmth, and often made into blankets and various articles of clothing.

Did you learn something new about reindeer? I'd love to hear your favourite fact!

*All photos property of To & Fro.

 

A Visit to the Christmas Tree Farm

Growing up, one of our favourite family traditions to kick off the holiday season was to spend a day at a local Christmas tree farm picking out the perfect tree. We ALWAYS had a real Christmas tree. Even the mere mention of a fake tree in our house was a huge no no. It just didn't happen. 

Fast forward many years, I can't tell you the last time we visited the Christmas tree farm as a family. But what I can tell you, is that it is still the same Christmas tree farm that we remember growing up. Our visit last weekend brought back many good childhood memories, and introduced a third generation to our real Christmas tree family tradition.

A little snow on the ground would have been preferred, (yes, I said the word) but we really couldn't have asked for better weather for our tree farm adventure. Check it out for yourself...

While Morley loved checking out (also known as touching) each and every one of the trees we passed, we actually didn't end up getting our own tree this year. I know, how dare we. To be honest, I don't think we could physically fit one in our teeny tiny apartment. But, we did have fun helping Grandma, Poppa, Funcle Taylor and Auntie Meighan pick out theirs. The day also made us even more excited for Christmas 2017 (fingers crossed) in our new house, when we too will be able to find that perfect tree.

After finding the perfect trees, we assumed Morley would like to go for a horse and wagon ride. What kid would not like to ride behind a pair of giant horses? Well, we couldn't have been more wrong. Instead, she decided to be "that kid" on the wagon while everyone else sang Christmas carols. Ok, there wasn't any singing, but the point is everyone had a better time than cranky-saurus rex. 

After the horse and wagon ride debacle, it was clearly time for lunch. The farm has several mini campfires scattered throughout the forested area, so we got to sit around our own personal family campfire to warm up and have lunch. We had our go-to hot dogs over the fire, but it was pretty impressive to see what other campfires were cooking up. You could tell there were some serious pros that have been doing this for years. We will need to step up our game for next year.

After a long day of fun old-fashioned family Christmas activities, the experience ended a little something like the photo below. Comfy and cozy, around the fire, with a bottle in her hand. If only I could fit in that wagon with her.

And although we didn't end up bringing home a tree of our own, we did bring home were some great memories, and some pretty cute photos of my little family.

We frequently are asked about the wagon Morley is riding in in the above photos. I've made a lot of unnecessary purchases at Costco over the years, but this was not one of them. We have gotten so much use out of this foldable wagon, from doing laundry to transporting things to and from the car at our apartment. Morley is also a big fan (if you can't tell by how comfy she is) and loves going for rides.  Sadly, I haven't seen it at Costco since we bought it in early June, but found a similar one here.

If you live in southwestern Ontario and are still in search of that perfect (and real) Christmas tree, I recommend checking out Sloan's Village. Located in Bothwell, ON, Sloan's is truly a Christmas wonderland for all ages. Prepare for a full day of activities - after you are done cutting down your tree, warm up with lunch around your own family fire pit, try your hand at decorating the perfect sugar cookie, get lost in the tree maze, go for a horse and wagon ride, and more!

Where we went:
Sloan's Christmas Tree Village & U-Cut
29876 Zone Rd. 7 Bothwell ON
Hours: November 19th to December 23rd, 2016 / Weekends 9:00-4:45pm / Weekdays 10:00-5:00pm
Admission: Age 3+ $14 / Senior $10 / 2 & Under Free
Check their website for more information. 



More festive family traditions: Apple Orchard  //  Pumpkin Patch  //  Ugly Christmas Sweaters

What holiday traditions do you have with your family? Real or fake Christmas tree? I'd love to hear!

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**GIVEAWAY REMINDER**

Visiting Toronto this winter? Escape the cold with a visit to my family's favourite indoor destination, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada! Enter for your chance to WIN one of two Family Passes to check out the Aquarium for yourself! ENTER HERE.

Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial - Perfect for Baby!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DamageFreeHoliday #CBias #CollectiveBias

Are you looking for a baby-safe Christmas tree alternative? This baby-friendly felt Christmas tree tutorial will add a festive flair to your home this holiday season, while creating a learning opportunity for your little one.

My husband, 8 month old daughter and I are currently living in a teeny tiny one bedroom apartment as we await the completion of our first home. We are so excited to celebrate baby's first holiday season, but since she is starting to become quite the mover, we are worried about her safety around the Christmas decorations in our small space. 

We usually opt for a real tree complete with all of the fancy decorations, but this year we are trying something a little different. While we still have a small tree tucked out of the way for mom and dad, we have also added this felt Christmas tree to the living room wall, just for baby. 

The simple to make felt Christmas tree is baby-safe, maintenance-free and decorated with lots of brightly coloured ornaments that baby can easily rip off and put back on. It adds a festive flair to our teeny tiny abode, while creating a great learning opportunity for little miss Morley. 

Why not make one for your little one this holiday season?

Baby Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial

Materials

• 1 metre green felt
• Several squares of felt, assorted colours
• Square of yellow felt
• Glue gun and glue
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• String
• Marker
• One Command™Clear Medium Hook 

Directions

I purchased the felt from my local fabric store. They sell small individual squares in a variety of colours, for making the ornaments, as well as felt by the length, which I used to make the tree.

First, make the star for the top of your tree using the yellow felt. I started with the star because I had a limited amount of yellow felt and the size I made it would determine the size of the tree. 

Lay your tree fabric on the floor and fold in half vertically. Using a marker, draw the outline of your tree. Cut along the line, through both layers of green felt. Open the fabric back up to reveal your bare tree. Attach the star to the top with hot glue.

Next step is to make the ornaments. I made circular ornaments for my tree because they are easy for my daughter to grab. Get creative - you can make any size or shape you desire! Use the scrap felt to spruce up the ornaments. You won't need anything to help hang these ornaments on the tree because felt sticks to felt like magic.

The possibilities with this tree are endless. You can add as many different colours and shapes of ornaments as you wish! If you are feeling especially creative, you can even make presents to go "under the tree".

Don't worry about making it perfect - your baby is not going to judge you if the tree is not symmetrical or the colours of your ornaments don't match. They are going to love it either way!

Now it's time to hang your tree. Using the glue gun, add a loop of string to the top of the star/tree. This will be how you hang the tree on the wall.

Make sure that the wall you hang the tree on is a smooth surface. With the tape measure, measure the height of your tree on the wall. Following the directions on the package, affix the Command™Clear Medium Hook to the wall. 

Hang the tree on the Command™Clear Medium Hook. Since our apartment is so dry, the felt automatically clings to the wall. However, you can repeat the above steps with a few more Command™Clear Medium Hooks to support the branches, if needed. Ensure the weight of the tree is evenly distributed across the hooks. 

The great thing about using Command™Brand products for this tree is that if you don't like the placement, or need to move it for any reason, you can do so without the fear of holes or damage!

Using leftover felt, hot glue, string and glitter paint, I also created a small stocking and affixed it to the wall beside the tree using a Command™Small Wire Hook. 

Now it's time to let baby play and have some fun with their new tree! But please remember, do not leave your child unattended while doing this activity.

Command™ Brand products provide an easy transition throughout the holidays, removing cleanly from the walls. At the end of the holiday season, simply remove the hook from the wall, fold up the felt ornaments and tree and store in your Christmas bin for another year!

Since we've never had a permanent space to call our own, we've always used Command™Brand products in our indoor decorating, instead of having to patch holes and touch up paint. They’re easy-to-use, come off clean, and can handle any decorating task I put them up to, including hanging photos on the walls to personalize our space. The ability to remove hooks without a scratch and paint touch-ups makes them a win for those in a temporary space. 

Command™ Brand products, including the Command™ Clear Medium Hook and Command™ Small Wire Hook used in this tutorial, can be found in the holiday section at your local Walmart. Make sure to stock up for all of your decorating needs this holiday!

For more baby-friendly activities, check out this recipe for baby-safe paint.

What are some of your tips and tricks for decorating your indoor spaces around the holidays? I'd love to hear!