Author name: Carina Gardner Team

When Carina’s friends Nicki and Natali, two accomplished CEOs, came to town for the weekend, she wanted to make their visit memorable. To celebrate, Carina hosted a Spirited Away Dinner Party inspired by the beloved Studio Ghibli classic. Since neither of her guests had seen the film, the evening became an extra-special way to introduce them to its magic while sharing an immersive food experience.

Why a Spirited Away Dinner Party Works

Many people have organized themed dinner-and-movie nights for favorites like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. Carina wanted to bring that same kind of creative energy to Spirited Away. With its whimsical food scenes and detailed storytelling, the film is the perfect choice for this kind of gathering. The format is simple: while the movie plays, courses are served to match what’s happening on screen. This unique approach turns a movie night into an interactive and memorable event.

Planning the Spirited Away Dinner Courses

Carina began the evening with a salad inspired by the “green fields while Dad was driving.” While it required a little creative interpretation, it set a fresh and light tone for the meal.

Each following course aligned with key moments in the film:

• The lavish feast when Chihiro’s parents indulge
  
• Kamaji’s comforting shrimp and rice dinner
  
• Chihiro’s bean bun scene, adapted into pork buns
  
• Baby Boh’s dessert plate, featuring Japanese candy Carina had recently purchased, along with Korean and Chinese sweets

Mixing Tradition with Creativity

The fun of this Spirited Away Dinner Party came from blending authentic Japanese touches with Carina’s own improvisations. While she leaned into Japanese-inspired flavors, she also added Korean and Chinese dishes for variety. The result was a colorful spread that mirrored the whimsy of the film itself.

Because Nicki and Natali had never seen Spirited Away before, each course sparked laughter and surprise. Serving food in sync with the movie deepened the atmosphere and helped everyone connect more fully with the story.

How to Host Your Own Spirited Away Dinner Party

For anyone interested in hosting a themed dinner, the process is more approachable than it seems. Choose a movie with vivid food imagery, then create courses inspired by key moments. Improvisation is encouraged, as it brings personality to the meal. The goal is to build a magical, immersive experience where storytelling and food work together.

#SpiritedAwayDinner #MovieInspiredMeals #StudioGhibliNight #DinnerAndAMovie

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Are you looking for the perfect Halloween art project? Then join Carina for a Haunted Mansion Watercolor Art tutorial that beautifully combines spooky charm with easy, beginner-friendly techniques. During this step-by-step YouTube Live, you’ll first learn how to sketch your design and then discover how to create eerie shadows, glowing windows, and haunting details that ultimately bring your haunted mansion painting to life.

Create a Spooky Haunted Mansion with Watercolor

In this Halloween watercolor painting tutorial, Carina walks you through each stage of building your haunted mansion scene—from the first pencil sketch to the final watercolor details.

She starts by sketching the outline of the haunted mansion with a light pencil, focusing on the structure and shapes that give it a mysterious, aged look. After finishing the sketch, she begins painting and layers washes of color to build depth and atmosphere. As she adds shadows, highlights, and blending, the haunted mansion transforms into a glowing, ghostly scene.

This project is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little spooky flair to their watercolor collection.

What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial

Here’s what you’ll discover in this haunted mansion painting lesson:

• How to lightly sketch your haunted mansion with a pencil before painting
  
• How to create eerie shadows using watercolor layers
  
• Techniques for painting glowing windows and lighting effects
  
• Tips for adding atmospheric elements like fog, trees, and moonlight
  
• Ways to make your haunted mansion feel alive with haunting details

Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking for spooky painting ideas to inspire your next project, this class is filled with helpful techniques and seasonal inspiration.

Perfect for Beginners and Halloween Art Lovers

This Haunted Mansion Watercolor Art project is designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced painter, you’ll find it easy to follow along. In fact, if you’ve ever wanted to capture the spirit of Halloween through art, this tutorial provides a simple yet exciting way to experiment with color, light, and mood. As a result, you’ll gain both confidence and inspiration while creating your own spooky masterpiece.

Grab your paints, pencils, brushes, and a sense of spooky adventure—you’ll be amazed at what you can create

Watch the Full Haunted Mansion Watercolor Tutorial

Don’t miss out on this creative Halloween painting session. Watch the full video here:

#WatercolorArt #HalloweenArt #SpookyPainting #HauntedMansionArt #WatercolorTutorial

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If you love design, travel, and creative inspiration, you’re going to love this new episode of Dishing the Tea with Carina Gardner! In this special chat, Carina sits down with the incredibly talented designer Lori Whitlock to talk all about their trip to Japan for the Silhouette Summit—and they’re spilling all the tea.

Silhouette Summit in Japan

Carina and Lori share stories from their incredible adventure overseas as they discover beautiful stationery, explore Tokyo’s design shops, and visit creative markets. They also give a behind-the-scenes look at the Silhouette Summit in Japan, where top designers and makers from around the world come together to learn, collaborate, and find inspiration.

Creative Journeys and Design Inspiration

This conversation isn’t just about travel—it’s about the creative journey. Carina and Lori also dive deep into how they both got started in the design industry, what keeps them inspired, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re an experienced designer or just starting out, you’ll pick up tips and tricks to grow your creative business and stay motivated.

Tips for Creatives and Entrepreneurs

They also talk about balancing creativity with entrepreneurship, building a brand that reflects your true style, and finding joy in the creative process. Their insights remind us that design isn’t just about making—it’s about storytelling, perseverance, and passio

Watch the Full Conversation

So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join the conversation! You won’t want to miss this fun and inspiring chat between two powerhouse designers.

Watch the full YouTube Live here:

#CarinaGardner #LoriWhitlock #SilhouetteSummit #CreativeInspiration

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There’s something magical about gathering together to talk about books, and that is exactly what happens in Books We Love with Carina & Friends. As part of the Design Suite Maker Conference, Carina is joined by Ashli Montgomery, Julianna Hukill, Randal Smith, and Christine Baldino for a cozy book club–style chat. During the conversation, each guest not only shares their favorite reads but also explains why these books inspire them. In addition, they highlight how stories can spark creativity and bring new ideas into our everyday lives.

A Cozy Book Chat You’ll Love

Grab your favorite drink, settle into a comfy chair, and enjoy a relaxed and inspiring conversation about books. Carina and her friends dive into genres they love, memorable characters, and meaningful takeaways from the stories that have stayed with them. Whether you’re already an avid reader or looking for new recommendations, this session is packed with ideas to add to your own reading list.

Why Books Inspire Creativity

Reading is more than just turning pages—it’s a source of imagination and inspiration. During this chat, Carina and her guests talk about how books influence their creative work, offering fresh perspectives and fueling new ideas. It’s a reminder that storytelling connects us, builds community, and helps us see the world through a different lens.

Watch the Full Live Session

You can watch the entire Books We Love with Carina & Friends live session here

Explore Carina’s Favorite Books

Want to discover some of Carina’s favorite reads? You can find a curated selection in her Amazon storefront: Carina Gardner’s Amazon Store. It’s a great place to pick up your next inspiring book.

Join the Conversation

Books bring people together, and this fun discussion shows just how meaningful reading can be. Whether you’re looking for creative fuel, a relaxing escape, or simply new book suggestions, Books We Love with Carina & Friends is the perfect place to start.

#BookClub #CreativeInspiration #BooksWeLove #DesignSuiteMakerConference

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Fall is in the air, and Halloween is just around the corner. This makes it the perfect time to dive into festive crafting projects. In the Fall & Halloween Craft Chat with Carina + Friends, you’ll explore spooky-cute project ideas and gain creative inspiration. Additionally, you’ll pick up tips to bring your seasonal designs to life. This fun session is part of the Design Suite Maker Conference and features Carina along with three talented guests: Suzy Logan, Stephanie Furr, and Barb Zimmerman.

Meet the Creative Guests

Each guest shares their unique creative journey along with special fall and Halloween projects. Suzy Logan brings her signature whimsical style to autumn designs that are perfect for both beginners and advanced makers. Stephanie Furr highlights projects that blend fun seasonal themes with a touch of elegance, showing how Halloween décor can be both cute and stylish. Barb Zimmerman shares her love of crafting through imaginative projects that make great family activities and thoughtful seasonal gifts. Together, their ideas are sure to spark your own creativity this fall.

Behind the Scenes with Carina

Carina guides the conversation, exploring how each designer approaches the season and what inspires them most during this cozy and creative time of year. From spooky details to charming fall accents, this chat celebrates how different creative voices come together to make the crafting community thrive.

Why You Should Watch

Whether you’re looking for fresh project ideas, wanting to learn more about the creative process, or simply love connecting with fellow makers, this chat is full of inspiration.

You can watch the full live session here:

Get ready to be inspired, discover new project ideas, and add some spooky-cute fun to your fall crafting lineup!

#FallCrafts #HalloweenCrafts #CreativeInspiration #DesignSuiteMakerConference

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Make your creative world even more inspiring with a deep dive into design! In this YouTube Live, Amazing Design Moments in Netflix’s Wednesday and K-Pop Demon Hunters, Carina and Aja not only explore the fascinating design elements from these two shows, but also explain why they stand out. Throughout the session—part of the Design Suite Maker Conference—you’ll discover practical insights, creative inspiration, and fresh ideas on how entertainment design can influence and elevate your own projects.

Design Lessons from Netflix’s Wednesday

Netflix’s Wednesday quickly became a fan favorite because of its unique gothic aesthetic. First, from the moody set designs to Wednesday’s signature black-and-white wardrobe, every detail was carefully crafted to reflect her iconic personality. In addition, Carina and Aja highlight how the creative direction leaned into gothic sensibilities while also adding modern twists. As a result, the show feels both timeless and relatable to today’s audience.

The Stylish World of K-Pop Demon Hunters

In contrast, K-Pop Demon Hunters bursts with vibrant color, energy, and style. The costumes and stage-inspired aesthetics pull from the fast-paced world of K-pop, blending fantasy elements with cutting-edge fashion. It’s a fresh reminder that design isn’t limited to traditional forms—it thrives in music, performance, and pop culture.

Creative Takeaways for Designers

Whether you’re a crafter, surface designer, or digital artist, there are lessons to be learned from both shows:

• Bold contrasts can define a visual identity.
  
• Fashion and music are powerful sources of design inspiration.
  
• Storytelling through design makes a lasting impact

Why This Matters for Creatives

Carina and Aja remind us that inspiration is everywhere. By analyzing shows like Wednesday and K-Pop Demon Hunters, we can see how design choices in popular culture influence broader trends in fashion, art, and crafting.

Watch the Replay

Catch the full YouTube Live replay to see the conversation and dive deeper into these amazing design details:

The world of design is vast—and by looking at entertainment through a creative lens, you’ll discover endless inspiration for your own projects.

 #DesignInspiration #NetflixWednesday #KPopDemonHunters #DesignSuiteMakerConference

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It’s the most wonderful (and creative) time of the year—because Black Friday week is finally here! Starting on November 1–7, 2025, we’re kicking off the celebration with seven exciting days of exclusive Black Friday deals. Plus, each day brings bonus freebies and incredible savings on your favorite Carina Gardner classes and programs.

Each day, we’ll release a brand-new deal on our special Black Friday landing page, featuring a workshop, course, or creative pass at a limited-time price. We’ve designed every offer to help you grow your creative skills and spark fresh inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting your creative journey, now’s the perfect time to grab the tools, training, and motivation you need to design your best year ever.

Where to Find the Daily Deals

Visit our official Black Friday Deals Page here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/blackfriday. There, you’ll find all the latest offers and surprise bonuses released throughout the week.

How to Join the Fun

Every morning starting at 8am MT from November 1–7, be sure to visit our Black Friday landing page to discover that day’s exciting new deal and special pricing. As the week unfolds, each offer will bring something fresh and inspiring to explore. However, each deal will only be available for 24 hours, so act quickly and grab your favorites before they’re gone.

So, whether you’re looking to grow your creative skills or simply try something new, it’s truly the perfect time to invest in your creativity, explore fresh ideas, and take advantage of these incredible Black Friday savings.

Mark your calendar, and then get ready for a full week of creativity, freebies, and fun. After all, this Black Friday celebration was made for designers like you!

Check out the Daily Deals here:  https://www.designsuitecourses.com/blackfriday.

#BlackFridayDeals #CreativeSavingsWeek #DesignWithCarina #DailyDealsAndFreebies

Subscribe to Carina’s Youtube for more crafty fun every week: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=carinagardner

Yes, you read that right—bread art is officially a thing, and we had the best time turning it into a masterpiece during the Design Suite Maker Conference.

In our live YouTube session, Bready or Not: Painting Bread with Carina & Sarah,  Carina and guest Sarah dove into the deliciously quirky world of painting on artisan bread. The result? A fun mix of creativity, laughter, and some seriously gorgeous loaves that looked almost too good to eat.

Why Bread Art?

Sometimes the best creativity happens when you try something unexpected. Bread becomes the canvas, and with a few brushes, food-safe colors, and a lot of imagination, you can transform a simple loaf into a true work of art.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for something fun and whimsical, bread art is a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere—even your kitchen counter.

Watch the Replay

If you missed the live session, don’t worry. You can catch the full replay here:

Trust us—it’s part tutorial, part comedy, and 100% inspiring.

Try Bread Art Yourself

Want to give it a go? We’ve made it super easy to grab everything you need. Carina has curated all the supplies for bread art in her Amazon shop. From brushes to edible paints, you’ll be ready to create your own bread masterpiece.

Shop the Bread Art Supplies on Amazon

Creativity Without Limits

This session was just one of the many highlights from the Design Suite Maker Conference—a 3-day virtual event filled with 35+ presentations, YouTube lives, and so many creative freebies. It’s proof that creativity has no rules, and sometimes the most unexpected projects spark the biggest smiles.

If you’d like to enjoy every class, tutorial, and creative resource, you can still grab the All Access Pass. With it, you’ll have lifetime access to every single presentation from the conference.

Get the All Access Pass for the Design Suite Maker Conference 2025

So the next time you’re looking for a new project, grab a loaf of artisan bread, some paintbrushes, and let your imagination run wild. Who knows—you might just create the most beautiful (and tasty) art yet.

#BreadArt #CreativeFun #DesignSuiteMakerConference #CarinaGardner

The Design Suite Maker Conference 2025 has officially wrapped up, and what an incredible three days it was! Makers, crafters, and designers from all over the world joined together for a virtual experience packed with creativity, inspiration, and hands-on learning.

With over 35+ presentations, 6 live YouTube sessions, and tons of freebies, this year’s conference was bigger and better than ever. Whether you’re passionate about crafting, sewing, card making, or creating holiday décor, there was truly something for everyone.

What We Covered at the Conference

Attendees had access to a wide variety of step-by-step tutorials and expert-led presentations, including:

• Crafting projects to spark your creativity and bring new techniques into your work.
  
• Sewing and fabric classes that were perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike.
  
• Card making workshops filled with clever designs for every occasion.
  
• DIY home décor tutorials to transform spaces with handmade charm.
  
• Holiday projects that helped attendees prepare for the most magical season of the year.
  

Every presentation was designed to be beginner-friendly, fun, and packed with value, giving participants the confidence to create something amazing.

Community and Creativity

One of the best parts of the Design Suite Maker Conference is the community that comes together. From chatting in the Event Community to cheering each other on during the live sessions, the energy and encouragement were contagious. Many attendees mentioned how much they loved not just the classes, but also the opportunity to connect with other creatives who share the same passion.

Did You Miss the Conference?

If you weren’t able to join us live, don’t worry—you can still be part of the magic! All the presentations, replays, and freebies are available through the Design Suite Maker Conference 2025 All Access Pass.

👉 Get your All Access Pass here.

The pass gives you lifetime access to every presentation, all six YouTube lives, and every single bonus freebie. That means you can watch, learn, and create at your own pace, anytime you want.

Why You’ll Love the All Access Pass

• Learn from 35+ expert presenters.
  
• Enjoy projects in crafting, sewing, card making, and home décor.
  
• Gain access to exclusive freebies you won’t find anywhere else.
  
• Rewatch tutorials as often as you like.
  
• Get inspired for every season and holiday.
  

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this creative experience. Whether you’re looking to level up your skills, find fresh inspiration, or just carve out some creative time for yourself, the All Access Pass is the perfect way to make it happen.

👉 Grab your All Access Pass today.

We can’t wait to see what you create!

#DesignSuiteMakerConference2025 #CraftingCommunity #DIYHolidayProjects #VirtualCraftConference

Make Santa’s Workshop for Your Christmas Village in this festive tutorial with Carina. Using her Silhouette cutting machine, Carina will show you step by step how to build Santa’s Workshop, one of the most magical pieces in her Christmas Village collection. This 3D paper craft is a fun and creative project that will instantly bring holiday cheer to your home.

Whether you’re crafting a full Christmas village or just want one special piece for your décor, Santa’s Workshop is a project that captures the magic of the season.

Why Make a Christmas Village?

Christmas villages have long been a favorite holiday tradition, and now you can design your own using paper and your cutting machine. These projects are:

• Easy to cut and assemble with your Silhouette machine
  
• Beginner-friendly, with step-by-step guidance in the tutorial
  
• A wonderful way to create lasting holiday décor you’ll use year after year
  
• Perfect for families, crafters, and anyone who loves holiday magic
  

Santa’s Workshop is one of the highlights of the Christmas Village collection—it’s festive, fun, and makes your display come alive.

Bring the Magic of the Season to Life

Whether you build one piece or the entire collection, Carina’s Christmas Village is a creative way to make the holidays feel even more special. Imagine setting up a glowing village on your mantle, table, or under the Christmas tree.

With your Silhouette machine, paper, and a little time, you can create décor that feels handmade, magical, and totally unique.

Watch the Tutorial

Carina shared the entire process during a live session. You can watch it anytime here:

This video will give you all the tips and tricks you need to make your workshop look magical.

Get the Files to Make Santa’s Workshop

Ready to make your own? You can purchase the digital file for Santa’s Workshop here:
Santa’s Workshop Digital Download

Or, if you want to go all-in and create the entire magical village, you can grab the complete set here:
Full Christmas Village Digital Download

#ChristmasVillage #HolidayCrafts #SantaWorkshop #PaperCraft

Build a Magical Christmas Village Clock Tower with Carina Gardner! There’s nothing quite like crafting your own holiday décor to make Christmas feel extra magical. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a festive Christmas Village that truly sparkles, you’ll love this Christmas Village Clock Tower project! In this Make With Me YouTube Live, designer Carina Gardner walks you step by step through cutting, assembling, and decorating this stunning 3D piece using her Silhouette cutting machine.

Whether you’re brand new to 3D paper crafts or a seasoned maker, this beginner-friendly tutorial is a perfect way to bring the holiday spirit into your home

What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial

In this YouTube Live, Carina shows you exactly how to:

• Cut the Clock Tower design using your Silhouette machine
  
• Assemble the 3D structure with simple, clear steps
  
• Add decorative touches to make it uniquely yours
  
• Create a piece that’s sturdy, beautiful, and ready to display
  

By the end, you’ll have a 3D Christmas Village Clock Tower that looks like it came straight out of a holiday storybook.

How to Use Your 3D Clock Tower

This magical project can be used in so many festive ways, including:

• Christmas Village Display – Add it to your holiday village collection for a whimsical new centerpiece.
  
• Festive Table Décor – Place it on your dining table or mantel for instant holiday cheer.
  
• Handmade Gift – Surprise a loved one with a custom-made Clock Tower that’s both heartfelt and unique.
  

This is more than just a craft—it’s a keepsake that will become part of your holiday traditions for years to come.

Bring Holiday Magic to Your Home

Crafting a Christmas Village Clock Tower is more than just a project—it’s an experience that brings joy, creativity, and holiday spirit to your season. With Carina’s guidance, you’ll create something that not only looks beautiful but also carries the warmth of being handmade.

So grab your Silhouette cutting machine, gather your supplies, and let’s build holiday magic together.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to make your own Christmas Village Clock Tower? Watch Carina’s full YouTube Live tutorial for step-by-step instructions and tips here:

Don’t forget to subscribe to Carina’s channel for more holiday crafting ideas, 3D paper projects, and festive inspiration!

#ChristmasCrafts #SilhouetteCameoProjects #HolidayDIY #PaperCrafting

Looking to stop leaving money on the table and negotiate like a pro? In Negotiation Secrets Every Designer Needs, Carina Gardner is joined by negotiation expert Susie Tomenchuk to reveal how designers can negotiate with confidence, protect their value, and land better deals. Whether you’re discussing contracts, licensing, or client rates, the strategies shared in this session will empower you to approach every negotiation with clarity and skill. Additionally, these tips are designed to help you build stronger client relationships while maximizing your income.

Key Takeaways from Carina Gardner and Susie Tomenchuk

During this insightful video, Carina and Susie cover essential negotiation techniques that every creative professional should know. Specifically, you’ll learn the #1 mindset shift for confident negotiation, as well as how to handle pricing pushback without losing a client, and practical, real-world scripts to use during high-stakes conversations. Moreover, these tips are not just about money—they’re also about respecting your work, asserting your value, and ultimately building sustainable creative careers.

Negotiation Is a Creative Skill You Can Master

One key takeaway from this session is that negotiation is a creative skill you can master. Just like your design work, negotiation requires consistent practice, thoughtful strategy, and confidence. Furthermore, by applying the tips shared by Carina and Susie, surface pattern designers, illustrators, and other creatives can transform challenging discussions into valuable opportunities to grow their business and, ultimately, increase their income.

How Designers Can Apply These Strategies

This video is perfect for designers at any stage who want to:

• Communicate their worth effectively to clients
  
• Approach contracts and licensing deals with confidence
  
• Implement proven strategies to handle pushback without stress
  
• Build long-term relationships while maintaining strong pricing

Resources to Help You Grow Your Creative Business

 For more resources to grow your creative business, check out:

• Design Bootcamp
  
• University of Arts & Design

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn negotiation secrets from the experts. Watch Carina Gardner and Susie Tomenchuk reveal the strategies that can transform the way you work with clients, protect your creative value, and achieve better deals every time.You can watch the video here:

 #DesignerNegotiationTips #CreativeBusiness #CarinaGardner #SusieTomenchuk

Looking for the perfect Halloween craft to light up your spooky season? Haunted Glow: Easy DIY Halloween Candle Wraps is just the project you need! Join designer Carina Gardner and guest Aja, for a frightfully fun DIY candle wrap project. In this live session, Carina and Aja share how to create Haunted House, Cemetery, and Pumpkin Patch candle wraps that will give your home decor a ghostly glow!

These Halloween candle wraps are simple, beginner-friendly, and can be cut with your Silhouette, Cricut or Siser cutting machines—making them a versatile project for every crafter. Whether you’re decorating for a haunted house party or just want to add a touch of spooky charm to your living room, these glowing wraps are the perfect seasonal project.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Halloween Craft

• Beginner-friendly – no advanced crafting skills required.
  
• Use your cutting machine  – works with Silhouette, Cricut or Siser.
  
• Three fun designs – Haunted House, Cemetery, and Pumpkin Patch.
• Budget-friendly decor – transform simple candles into glowing Halloween magic.
  

Imagine lining your walkway with glowing pumpkin candles or setting a haunted house candle on your mantle. These wraps create a cozy yet spooky atmosphere that’s sure to impress your trick-or-treaters and Halloween party guests.

How to Make Your Halloween Candle Wraps

Carina and Aja will walk you step-by-step through the process during her YouTube Live. You’ll see how easy it is to assemble each wrap, get tips for cutting on different machines, and learn how to layer your wraps for the best glowing effect.

This project is the perfect way to bring handmade magic into your seasonal decor while keeping things simple, creative, and fun.

Watch the replay of Haunted Glow: Easy DIY Halloween Candle Wraps on Carina’s YouTube channel here:

You can purchase the Candle Wraps here: https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/search?q=candle+wraps

#HalloweenDIY #CandleWraps #CarinaGardner #HalloweenCrafts

What really makes a design good—or bad? That’s the big question behind our latest YouTube Live: Trash or Treasure: Rating AI Designs Live. In this session, Carina dives into the world of AI-generated artwork and puts designs to the test. Are they creative masterpieces… or total design flops?  Joined by two of her amazing Design Suite coaches, Aja and Julie, this live discussion turned into a hilarious and insightful deep dive into design, creativity, and the growing influence of AI in the design world.

With AI tools making it easier than ever to generate art, many creatives and makers are left wondering: how do you know if the design is truly good? During the live video, Carina shares her expertise as a professional designer to break down what works, what doesn’t, and why design fundamentals still matter in a world of artificial intelligence.

Why This Live Was So Fun

One of the highlights of the live session was seeing AI’s unexpected “mistakes.” From oddly-shaped objects to funny design flops, the livestream was packed with laughs as Carina pointed out where AI designs miss the mark. But beyond the humor, she explained how even flawed designs can help us learn more about what makes a project visually strong.

Viewers got to see real examples of design principles in action—like balance, composition, and color. Carina compared what AI creates with what an experienced designer knows instinctively, showing the difference between designs that are simply “eye-catching” and those that are truly effective.

What You’ll Learn from Watching

Whether you’re a crafter, digital designer, or just curious about the future of design, this live is a must-watch. You’ll learn:

• How to spot the difference between a solid design and a weak one.
  
• Why AI often misses the details that matter most.
  
• Tips on what to look for when evaluating your own projects.
  
• How to use design “fails” as inspiration for better work.

AI might be smart, but it still doesn’t replace the human touch that makes art meaningful. If you’ve ever questioned whether a design is a keeper or a dud, this session is full of insight and inspiration.

Watch the full video here:

If you’ve ever wondered whether an AI design is a trash flop or a treasure find, this is the live you don’t want to miss!

#AIDesign #CreativeProcess #DesignTips #TrashOrTreasure

When Crafting Takes a Fishy Turn

Have you ever looked at your craft table and thought, “You know what’s missing? A fish”?
No? Me neither.

But that’s exactly where today’s crafting adventure, Something’s Fishy in the Craft Room, begins. Carina stumbled across a jaw-dropping video online where someone used a live fish to make a paint imprint. Naturally, her first thought was: Is this real? And does it actually work?

And so, for the sake of art (and curiosity), she decided to try it herself.

The Strange Inspiration

In the original video, the crafter gently pressed a painted live fish onto paper to create a colorful imprint. It looked… bizarrely beautiful. But could this be done without scaring the fish or creating a giant mess?

Carina’s rules for the experiment:

• The fish had to be safe at all times.
  
• No harmful paints or chemicals.
  
• Everything had to be reversible and washable.

Step-by-Step: The “Live Fish” Craft Project

Carina’s version of this quirky craft idea involved a little creativity:

1. Choose the fish – She picked a calm, wiggly companion.
   
2. Non-toxic paint – Only safe, washable craft paints made the cut.
   
3. The imprint moment – With gentle handling, the fish “posed” for its art debut.
   

The result was… surprisingly beautiful. Nature makes the best patterns

The Verdict

While this was one of the funniest crafting experiments Carina has ever done, she admits it’s not a project she’ll be repeating often. Still, it’s proof that sometimes the most unexpected ideas lead to the most interesting results.

Watch the Full Fishy Craft Experiment

If you think I’m exaggerating, you have to see it for yourself.

Over to You

What’s the weirdest, most unexpected craft you’ve ever tried? Share it in the comments—we might just feature your idea in a future video. And if you enjoyed this wild crafting adventure, don’t miss watching Something’s Fishy in the Craft Room—because sometimes, the best projects are the ones you never saw coming.

#QuirkyCraftIdeas #FishCraftProject #FunnyCraftExperiment #UnexpectedDIY

Looking for a playful and creative paper project that works with your Cricut, Siser or Silhouette machine? We’ve got the perfect one for you: an adorable DIY Rainbow Roller Skate Card!

In this Make With Me YouTube Live, Carina Gardner is joined by guest designer Analeah Williams, who walks us through how to make this nostalgic and colorful card—perfect for happy mail, birthday greetings, or just-for-fun crafting.

What We Made: A Retro-Inspired Roller Skate Card

This sweet rainbow-themed card has all the charm of the ’80s and ’90s—with modern crafting flair. With layered cardstock, a rolling wheel cutout, and a pop of color, it’s the kind of project that brings a smile (and a little disco vibe) to your craft table.

Whether you’re a Cricut or Siser user or a Silhouette fan, this project works with all cutting machines and is easy to follow along.

What You’ll Need

• A Cricut, Siser or Silhouette cutting machine
  
• Rainbow-colored cardstock
  
• Glue or tape runner
  
• Optional: foam tape for layering
  
• The Rainbow Roller Skate Card SVG file (see below)

Where to Get the SVG File

You can purchase the Rainbow Roller Skate Card SVG directly from Analeah’s shops:

• Etsy Store: AnaleahMarieDesigns.etsy.com
• Silhouette Design Store: Rainbow Roller Skate Card ID-1264104
  

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to get crafting? Analeah shares tips for assembling the card, adjusting cut settings, and making it extra special with your own twist You can watch the full live tutorial and follow along here:

Don’t Miss More Craft-Alongs

This tutorial is part of our Make With Me series, where Carina invites fellow designers to create live and share their process. Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel for more card projects, SVG tutorials, and creative die-cutting fun.

👉 Subscribe to Carina Gardner on YouTube

#CricutCardMaking #SilhouetteProjects #SVGCardDesign #RainbowRollerSkateCraft

Join Carina and guest Sarah for a festive Christmas in July craft along. Learn how to Create a Magical Christmas Village using Cricut, Silhouette, or Siser machines.

Looking for a fun and festive way to get a jump on your holiday crafting?

In our special Christmas in July YouTube Live Craft Along, Carina and guest event coordinator Sarah teamed up to help you get a head start on the holidays with one of our favorite seasonal projects: Carina’s Christmas Village.

Using your favorite die-cutting machine—Cricut, Silhouette, Siser, or another—you’ll follow along step-by-step to build a magical paper village perfect for your holiday décor or gifting.

What We Made: Carina’s Christmas Village

This DIY Christmas Village is simple to cut and assemble, making it perfect for crafters of all levels. You’ll learn tips for cutting clean pieces, layering cardstock, and even lighting up your village if you’d like.

What You’ll Need:

• Die-cutting machine (Silhouette, Cricut, Siser, etc.)
  
• Holiday-themed cardstock
  
• Glue, tape runner, or glue dots
  
• Access to Carina’s Christmas Village cut files
  
• Optional: battery-operated lights

Why Craft for Christmas in July?

The holidays come fast—and there’s no better time to start than the middle of summer. If you Create a Magical Christmas Village in July will allow you to enjoy the creativity and calm of holiday making before the rush begins. This project is a great way to kick off your seasonal crafting.

Watch the Replay

If you missed the live event, don’t worry—you can still watch the full replay on our YouTube channel. Follow along with Sarah and Carina and create your own village at your own pace.

 #ChristmasInJulyCrafts #DieCutChristmasVillage #HolidayCrafting #CricutAndSilhouetteIdeas

Get the full Christmas Village here: https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/products/christmas-village-digital-download?_pos=3&_sid=df89..

It’s never too early to bring a little autumn magic to your table—especially when you’re crafting with your Silhouette or Cricut. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to our Thanksgiving in July Celebration, hosted by Carina Gardner.

Whether you’re planning ahead for cozy fall gatherings or just want an excuse to break out the pumpkins and paper, this festive live will help you create the most beautiful Thanksgiving place settings ever.

Why We’re Celebrating Thanksgiving in July

Why wait until November to start planning your dream Thanksgiving table? July is the perfect time to gather your favorite materials, get inspired, and try out those DIY fall ideas while there’s still time to perfect them.

Carina and guest Julie are bringing you a creative live full of gorgeous pumpkin crafts and elegant table decor. These are perfect for early holiday prep or even a harvest-themed party any time of year.

What You’ll Learn at This Fall Crafting Event

During this fun and festive live, you’ll learn how to:

• Craft adorable pumpkins using dried flowers
  
• Design stunning place settings that will make your guests feel extra special with your Cricut, Silhouette Siser or favorite die-cutting machine
  
• Add seasonal flair to your home with easy-to-make decorations
  
• Use cut files and materials in new ways to elevate your DIY designs

These projects can turn simple supplies into impressive results.

Perfect for Crafting, Hosting, and Holiday Prep

This Thanksgiving in July Celebration YouTube Live is a great way to get ahead of the holiday rush, impress your guests, and maybe even create a few handmade gifts along the way.

With Carina and Julie guiding you step-by-step, you’ll come away with skills and inspiration to use again and again—for Thanksgiving and beyond.

Ready to craft your perfect fall table? Watch the full YouTube Live here:

#ThanksgivingCrafts #CricutProjects #SilhouetteDesign #HolidayDIY