New Playlist on My YouTube Channel – T R A V E L !

I’ve been traveling so much and thought I would start videotaping my trips! Soooo, I started posting my trips on my youtube channel. Basically it’s a sneak peek into what I do when I’m not working, lol. There are two videos up so far — Weekend Girls’ Trip to San Diego and Hawaii with Kids Part 1. I’ve tried to get into a routine of putting up videos on WEDNESDAY. 

So if you are looking for them, Wednesday is your day to check the channel 😜.

Some weeks there will be silhouette tutorials and some weeks sewing tutorials, but I’m pretty excited to add the addition of my Travel Diaries!

Want to never miss a new video? Subscribe to my channel! 

XOXO-Carina

 

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

New Playlist on My YouTube Channel – T R A V E L ! Read More »

June Block of the Month – Half Square Triangles

June Block of the Month is up!

Download all the quilt instructions from my shop for here:

https://carinagardner.com/store/?model_number=bom2018

You can also subscribe to my channel so you never miss a video!
https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=carinagardner

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

June Block of the Month – Half Square Triangles Read More »

May Block of the Month – Nine Patch Quilt Block

May Block of the Month is up!

Download all the quilt instructions from my shop for here:

https://carinagardner.com/store/?model_number=bom2018

You can also subscribe to my channel so you never miss a video!
https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=carinagardner

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

May Block of the Month – Nine Patch Quilt Block Read More »

Succulent Inspired Bridal Shower Made with the Silhouette Cameo

This last weekend I hosted a bridal shower for my sister-in-law. It was a fun get together and I spent the week getting together some fun pieces for the shower!

All of the paper pieces can be found in my Silhouette Shop. There are a lot of different party pieces here so I hope you are inspired by the table scapes and decor!

Clearly, I was inspired by succulents for this party. The actual starting point though was the taco bar. Because there was a Mexican theme in the food, I wanted to carry through a bit of “desert” into the decor.

(The taco bar included copycat recipes from Cafe Rio for their shredded chicken, black beans, and rice. I also included guacamole, cilantro, limes, chips, tortillas, and salsa.)

I stuck to bottled drinks and water to keep things simple.

I have instructions on how to put together my basic succulent in a video at the end of this post. You can also go directly to my youtube channel for it.  You can subscribe directly to the channel by clicking here.

One of my favorite projects was this Succulent Wreath! I show you the wire wreath base and an in progress shot in the tutorial video below.

I also love how the topiaries turned out!

Below: Lacy Favor Cards for the gift!

Inspired to watch the video to see how to make these? I also included a few shots from the event as it was going on! I hope you are inspired for your next party!

XOXO, Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Succulent Inspired Bridal Shower Made with the Silhouette Cameo Read More »

March Block of the Month 2018 – Easy Beginner Quilt!

March Block of the Month is up! This quilt is coming along! Hope you are having a chance to make it with me!

 

Download all the quilt instructions from my shop for here:

https://carinagardner.com/store/?model_number=bom2018

You can also subscribe to my channel so you never miss a video!
https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=carinagardner

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

March Block of the Month 2018 – Easy Beginner Quilt! Read More »

February Block of the Month 2018

I’m excited to post my February Block of the Month! Hooray! It looks awesome in it’s own quilt or with the blocks I’ve paired here! It is SOOOO simple. That’s probably why I love it so much! I love a block that makes a quick quilt!

 

Download all the quilt instructions from my shop for here:

https://carinagardner.com/store/?model_number=bom2018

You can also subscribe to my channel so you never miss a video! https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=carinagardner

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

February Block of the Month 2018 Read More »

2018 Block of the Month Quilt!

Block of the Month for 2018 is all about beginner blocks! All of the pieces are quilted with a 1/4 inch seam allowance and use simple cuts and sewing techniques to make this baby quilt! This is a 10 month project but ALL of your instructions and fabric requirements can be found in my store for free:
https://carinagardner.com/store/?model_number=bom2018

I have a fun intro video for you so you can see the finished top of the quilt! More pictures of it fully quilted can be found on my instagram feed.

And guess what? I have January’s block up already for you!

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

2018 Block of the Month Quilt! Read More »

Instructions for Christmas Silhouette Projects from Merry Christmas eBook

I’m excited to announce the release of my newest eBook Merry Christmas Paper Crafts! This book includes 10 christmas and winter related projects for the crafters with a digital die cutting machine. Every set of instructions included detailed photos and instructions on how to put each project together!

It is available in my store for $9.99 and available in the Silhouette store for $12.99. If you purchase it from my store, you will receive a PDF book and SVG downloads for your machine to all the projects. If you purchase if from the Silhouette store, you get the PDF book and Studio files that will go directly into your silhouette software! Pretty cool, right? Be sure to watch for discounts on BOTH of these books!

I am also offering the projects INDIVIDUALLY in the Silhouette store with my normal releases. These will be priced from .99 to $2.99. Sufficient to say, if you buy the book, you will definitely be getting a deal! 

If you bought an individual item, I have limited instructions below for each of the projects. They should help you put together the projects with ease. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS HOUSE ORNAMENT

MATERIALS | Pop dots + Hot glue & glue gun or/and glue stick + Ribbon or string to hang the ornament + Papers – assortment of browns, green, white, red, blue, and purple

STEP 1 Begin by cutting out all the pieces in your studio or svg file from your software. Note: The main house piece is best cut on a 12″ x 12″ paper, however, the entire project can be sized down to fit on 8.5″ x 11″ paper by selecting all the pieces and holding the SHIFT key while making smaller.

STEP 2 Glue together the white candy cane pieces to the top of the red candy cane pieces. Make sure you have half facing right and half facing left. Next, glue the peppermint tops to the round circles.

STEP 3 Next, fold all the score lines of the main house piece. On the INSIDE of the house, glue the white rectangle and house pieces to the main house.

STEP 4 Next glue the dark brown “cottage cut outs” to the outside of the house. Add the red windows and doors. Match the windows and doors up to the holes already cut out of the house.

STEP 5 Place a pop dot on the back of each gumdrop. Add the gumdrops along the bottom sections of the house. Place a pop dot on the back of the peppermints. Place the peppermints to the top area of the house. Glue the candy canes to the house where ever you would like.

STEP 6 Next, layer the white roof piece above the red roof piece. Glue together.

STEP 7 Put together the house by gluing the tabs to the sides of the house. Place glue on the tabs of the roof. Glue into place. There may be a hole in the top. This will be covered by the red and white roof piece. Hot glue the entire roof area of the house. Place the red and white roof on it.

STEP 8 Then fold back the tabs of the “Merry Christmas” sign. Glue the “Merry Christmas” sign into place on the top of the roof using the tabs.

STEP 9 Glue together the circles of the two round tabs. Fold out the bottom tabs. Glue this piece to the CENTER of the roof. Place one tab on one side of the roof and the other tab on the opposite side of the roof. Glue into place. Finally, add a ribbon or string to hang.

MERRY & BRIGHT CARD

MATERIALS | Pop dots + Hot glue & glue gun or/and glue stick + Papers – assortment of blue, green, white, red, yellow, and black

STEP 1 Begin by cutting out all the pieces in your studio or svg file from your software. Glue the phrase “Merry & Bright” to the white cut out.

STEP 2 Next, place pop dots on the back. Place on the center of the blue bracket shape. Then, put pop dots on the back of the blue bracket. Place the pieces in the front center of the folded white card.

STEP 3 Make the leaves 3D by placing a little glue on the center of each leaf. Then pull the center opening together in the leaf. Hold until the glue has dried. The finished leaf will curve in.

STEP 4 Place all leaves under the blue bracket shape. Glue into place. Fill in the blue and red filler pieces.

STEP 5 Finally, add the three yellow stars to the center bracket. Use pop dots to make them stand out.

SANTA SLEIGH CENTERPIECE

MATERIALS | Hot glue & glue gun or/and glue stick + Papers – assortment of black, yellow, green, and red

STEP 1 Begin by cutting out all the pieces in your studio or svg file from your software. Note: The long pieces are best cut on 12″ x 12″ paper, however, the entire project can be sized down to fit on 8.5″ x 11″ paper by selecting all the pieces and holding the SHIFT key while making smaller. You can also simply cut a little extra of the long piece and glue them together.

STEP 2 Create the evergreen trees by folding on the scores lines. Glue together two pieces on one side of the tree. Continue to add pieces to create a 3D tree. Glue a total of five pieces per tree. Finish off the tree by gluing the first and fifth piece together. Glue a star to the center of each evergreen tree on every side.

STEP 3 Next fold down the tabs of the black cityscape pieces. Glue the tabs down to the underside of the circle. Glue all the way around until the cityscape ends. Repeat with the second cityscape by gluing a small piece of the sides of the cityscapes together. Then finish gluing the tabs under the circle.

STEP 4 Glue together the two light green pieces. Glue the light green piece to the bottom 1/8th of the cityscape. Follow along the edge until it is completely glued into place. Finish by gluing the ends of the light green pieces together.

STEP 5 Add the red scallop to the top of the light green piece. Glue all the way around to create a pretty border for the city.

STEP 6 Next glue the santa sleigh to the two black cityscapes that are left. Glue the tabs about 1/4th to 1/3rd inch from the outside edge of the circle. Repeat with the other piece until the inside cityscape with Santa is complete.

STEP 21 Finally, glue the largest tree to the center of the circle. Add the remaining trees to the center of the circle.

POINSETTIA WREATH

MATERIALS | 10 to 12 inch wreath + Hot glue & glue gun or/and glue stick + Gold spray paint + Papers – assortment of yellows, white, red, and green

STEP 1 Begin by cutting out all the pieces in your studio or svg file from your software. Spray paint your wreath gold. Let dry.

STEP 2 Next, finger press all your flower pieces. Glue together two of the large red pieces. Make sure the petals do not overlap. Glue a smaller dark red piece to the center of the red flower pieces. Next, glue a white flower piece to the center of the red pieces.

STEP 3 Next, place a yellow center to the middle of the poinsettia. Add a second yellow center to the flower to finish it.

STEP 4 Finger press all the leaves. Glue the flowers to the wreath. Finger press the flowers together to make a tight arrangement. Add green leaves around the edges.

STEP 5 Finish by placing all the flowers and leaves on the wreath.

HANGING MISTLETOE

MATERIALS | Hot glue & glue gun or/and glue stick + Ribbon or string + Papers – assortment of greens and red

STEP 1 Begin by cutting out all the pieces in your studio or svg file from your software.

STEP 2 Glue together the darkest leaf color (largest leaf) to the matching medium green leaf. Repeat for the second leaf. Next, glue together the medium leaf color (smaller leaf) to the matching light green leaf. Repeat for the second and third leaves. Next, place a dot of glue on the end of the leaf center and glue together so that the center portion is connected. Repeat with all the leaves.

STEP 3 Next, build the berries. There are five berries to create a single 3D berry. Fold the berry in half along the score line. Then glue together one side of the berry to another berry. Repeat this until there are five berries connected. Finally, glue the first berry to the fifth berry to finish. Repeat with all three berries.

STEP 4 Place the berries in a triangle as shown. Glue together the first two triangles. Hold them together as the glue dries. Glue the third berry to complete the trio. Hold together to secure into place. Add some glue to the center of the berries.

STEP 5 Next glue together a leaf to the berries. Continue gluing leaves to create a bundle of leaves with the berries at the bottom. Hold the leaves in place to make sure the group is glued securely. Finish adding leaves to the set (or only use 3 leaves if you would like).

STEP 6 Place the hanging tab to the top center leaf. Glue into place. Place ribbon through the hanging tab to finish.

SNOWFLAKE WREATH

MATERIALS | 10 to 12 inch wreath + Hot glue & glue gun or/and glue stick + White spray paint + Papers – assortment of blues, whites, and creams + Gems and pearls

STEP 1 Begin by cutting out all the pieces in your studio or svg file from your software. Spray paint your wreath white. Let dry.

STEP 2 Next, finger press all your flower pieces. I use an all-over pattern for my wreath but you can keep all your objects to one side (like the poinsettia wreath). Begin by gluing a large snowflake to the wreath. Leave big snowflakes all alone or layer them with flower pieces or smaller snowflakes. Add a small accessory like a pearl or gem to the center.

STEP 3 Finish covering the entire wreath mixing the snowflakes and flowers. Add the swirls to the wreath to finish.

 

ADVENT CALENDAR

MATERIALS | Pop dots + Hot glue & glue gun or/and glue stick + STRONG Magnets + Printout of calendar and santa + A 12 in. x 12 in. shadow box frame + Optional – Laminator

STEP 1 Print all of your pieces (Santa and advent calendar) either on your printer or local printer.

STEP 2 Cut out all the advent calendar in your studio or svg file from your software. If you are using a shadow box, pull out the multiple layers. You will be placing your calendar on the layer closest to the glass front. If you do not have multiple layers, just make sure your final artwork will be as close to the front as possible.

STEP 3 Take off all the pieces from your cutting mat. On your number pieces, place pop dots and hot glue a magnet to the back side of the number. Use a 12 in. x 12 in. piece of paper as your background. Then place the “negative” or “throwaway” piece on TOP of the white background paper to use as your guide on placing all the pieces. Place the “number 1” box into the first spot using the template as your guide.

STEP 4 Repeat with every number piece. Make sure all of your magnets are the same side up (all +’s or all -’s). Once all the numbers are glued down, pull off the template carefully. The finished advent calendar will be 3D and easy to place in the shadow box frame. Place the advent calendar in the frame and close.

STEP 5 Finally, cut out the santa. To line this up, use a test piece of paper to cut out the Santa shape. Then without moving the paper from the mat, pull the cut out area away and place the printed Santa behind the mat. Pull away the test piece of paper and cut out the Santa printout. Optional: Laminating your Santa will give it more durability. If you don’t have or want to laminate your santa, skip this step and simply glue a magnet to the back and you are done! Optional: If you laminate your Santa, trim away the excess lamination paper.

STEP 6 Hot glue a magnet to the back of the Santa.

 

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Instructions for Christmas Silhouette Projects from Merry Christmas eBook Read More »

How to Make a Paper Pieced Skull Quilt Block

I’m so excited to share with you how to make a paper pieced skull with my friend Alicia with my newest fabric collection Eek Boo Shriek! I have a video below (or you can visit my youtube channel) on how to make this! I haven’t done a lot of paper piecing and it was a treat to have Alicia show me how she does it! Stay tuned at the end for bloopers!

Full instructions are available (along with her download) on her blog: http://www.sewwhatalicia.com/skull-quilt-block-paper-piecing-pattern/. Make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss a single fabulous fabric video! (Psst: You should also check out my kids channel and subscribe at youtube.com/miniloukids!)

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

How to Make a Paper Pieced Skull Quilt Block Read More »

Eek Boo Shriek eBook Now Available!

I’m thrilled, chilled, and hauntingly happy to announce my newest eBook Eek Boo Shriek™ is now available in PDF forma in my shop! It should be available on Amazon in the future but for now, enjoy 60% off the release in the next week!

This book features my recent fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs™ also named Eek Boo Shriek! You are going to love the 8 quilt blocks, stand quilts, triangle quilt, table runners, and mini quilt instructions in this book!

I LOVE all the projects in this book and I wanted to make sure and make it available for those of you who want to make in September and decorate in October! I know my house is going to get a spooky makeover in the coming months!

You can grab this fabulous book (normally $9.99) in my shop here.

(Psst, for this release I decided to also put Sweetly Stitched Quilts on sales so be sure to check that out as well!)

Happy Haunting!
Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Eek Boo Shriek eBook Now Available! Read More »

Eek Boo Shriek Blog Tour THIS WEEK!

I’m thrilled to announce the Eek Boo Shriek Blog Tour going on this week! Drop by each of these blogs to see all the fabulous things they are doing with my latest fabric line! What’s more is that on FRIDAY, you should drop back here for fun new announcement! 

 

Check out these blogs this week:

Monday,  July 31 http://thats-sew-kari.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 1 https://materialgirlquilts.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, August 2 http://redgeraniumcottage.typepad.com/daisycottagequilting/

Thursday, August 3 http://www.orchidowlquilts.com 

Friday, August 4 Back here at https://carinagardner.com/ AND

http://shequiltsalot.com/

(photo from That’s Sew Kari! It’s her big girl dress so gorgeous?!)

XOXO,

Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Eek Boo Shriek Blog Tour THIS WEEK! Read More »

How to Put Together a Big Paper Flower with Your Silhouette Cameo

I have a new tutorial up on my youtube channel for putting together my new favor bags for Silhouette! You can find all of these styles in my store at: https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/artists/252689

You can automatically subscribe to the channel here for the latest tutorials!

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

How to Put Together a Big Paper Flower with Your Silhouette Cameo Read More »

How to Put Together Carina Gardner’s 4 Tiered Wedding Cake for Silhouette Cameo

I have a new tutorial up on my youtube channel for putting together my new favor bags for Silhouette! You can find all of these styles in my store at: https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/artists/252689

You can automatically subscribe to the channel here for the latest tutorials!

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

How to Put Together Carina Gardner’s 4 Tiered Wedding Cake for Silhouette Cameo Read More »

June Block of the Month 2017 Now Available!

This is the last Block of the Month video this year so make sure and grab the download and finish up your quilt! The download for June measurements are available here:
https://carinagardner.com/store/?model_number=2017bomjune

Sad that Block of the Month is ending? Make sure and check back on the youtube channel EVERY THURSDAY for a fabric video!

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

June Block of the Month 2017 Now Available! Read More »

Introduction to Eek Boo Shriek – Video with Carina!

Hey you! Did you know that starting last week, I’m uploading a fabric related video EVERY week on Thursdays to my Youtube Channel. You can subscribe by just clicking on THIS LINK.

Last week, I showed you guys how to put together my Eek Boo Shriek 18 inch doll panel. This week I’m introducing you to the rest of the line. Take a look!

XOXO- Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Introduction to Eek Boo Shriek – Video with Carina! Read More »

4.25 in. x 5.5 in. Card Tutorial for the Silhouette Cameo

4.25 in. x 5.5 in. Card Tutorial for the Silhouette Cameo Read More »

Eek Boo Shriek’s 18 inch Doll Panel Instructions for Riley Blake Designs

My new fabric line has started shipping, and I’ve gotten requests for the downloadable instructions (with illustrations) for the new 18 inch doll panel. So here it is!

DOWNLOAD THE 18 INCH WITCH DOLL PANEL

I also decided to make a video of this one because I wanted to walk you through how I make this panel. I hope you enjoy! Make sure and subscribe to my youtube channel for more great sewing projects!

Happy sewing!
Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Eek Boo Shriek’s 18 inch Doll Panel Instructions for Riley Blake Designs Read More »

Round up of 5 Springtime Silhouette Cameo Cuttables!

Sometimes I forget to tell you about projects I’m doing or have loved that are amazing! So here’s a ROUND UP of some favorite SPRINGTIME projects that you can get from my Silhouette Shop.

1. ​​Accordion Number Album Design ID #75919 https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/view-shape/75919

2. 3 Stacked Skinny Square Boxes Design ID #76544 https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/view-shape/76544

3. Butterfly Perched on a Flower Pillowbox Design ID #76289 https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/view-shape/76289

4. Layered tulip gift card Tag Design ID #77394 https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/view-shape/77394

5. 4 x6 Window Photo Pocket Album Design ID #77713 https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/view-shape/77713


​Hope you have some fun with these! I also have a fun bonus for you! Use coupon code SPRINGTIME30 for 30% off diecuts from my shop through May 1st!

XOXO- Carina

 

 

 

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Round up of 5 Springtime Silhouette Cameo Cuttables! Read More »

Embroidery Folded Card for Silhouette

I’m so excited to show you these amazing Embroidery Folded Cards I’m releasing with MiniLou this week! Links will be added to this post once the cards are up on Silhouette (You can find the Carina Gardner Store here and the MiniLou store here).

I have a great video showing you how I straight stitch, knot my thread, end the floss, and make a french knot! Check it out below!

I hope you have a chance to check out all of these designs! There are so many cool ways to work with these designs and they are AMAZING for kid projects!


Happy Crafting!
Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Embroidery Folded Card for Silhouette Read More »

Flat Folding 3D Boxes Tutorial

I’m loving anything that folds down flat (so I can actually keep it!) these days. These foldable boxes are easy to put together. You can find them in my Silhouette SHop here: https://www.silhouettedesignstore.com/artists/252689

Instructions:
1. Cut out all pieces in your file.
2. If you have layered accent pieces, glue these together first ( for example, a bunny overlay on a white background).
3. Then fold up all the edges of the box. Glue together the inside flap to create the main body of the box.
4. Glue on the accent pieces.
5. Fold the box top and bottom up and slide into place. You do NOT have to glue the top and bottom on.

Happy Crafting!
Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Flat Folding 3D Boxes Tutorial Read More »

2.25 in. x 3.25 in. Layered Cards and Envelopes on Silhouette

This week my Silhouette release continues with 2.25 in. x 3.25 in. cards. I’m really loving this size! This week the cards are “layered.” I cover a lot of different themes—wedding, baby, spring to name a few.  These Layered Cards are the same size as my Accordion Shadow Box Cards that were released last week. Because of this, I also have envelopes that match up to these cards.

I also have two videos below that will help you make these cards and envelopes. Please subscribe to the youtube channel if you are interested in these tutorials. Many times I am putting up these videos the week before the products are released so you can see what is coming out (your very own sneak peek!)

 

If you get one of each (layered card or accordion card + an envelope), you will find that it’s a very nice tight fit. Don’t use pop dots because the card will not fit. I may have an envelope come out that allows for a thicker card (tell me on instagram @carinagardnerpapercrafts if you want something like that!).

Happy Crafting!

Carina

 

 

 

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

2.25 in. x 3.25 in. Layered Cards and Envelopes on Silhouette Read More »

Sweetie Pie Quilt Along Blog Tour – Blueberry

It’s a double blogpost kind of day because I have both sewing and paper on the mind (see new tutorial for SVGS in the post below). Today I get to show you my quilt block from Lori Holt’s Sweetie Pie Quilt!

Riley Blake has teamed up with fellow designer Lori Holt to give you two free video tutorials on this quilt along with all the instructions for free. I had a blast putting together the blueberry block in my Posy Garden™ fabrics.

Because I had a little extra time at church (yes, I was doing the embroidery at church), I filled in the branches in a thick brown thread. I also had to pull the green from my very first line for Riley Blake Dainty Blossoms™.

Have you been making this quilt? What kinds of fabrics are you using?

Happy Sewing!
Carina

Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores

Sweetie Pie Quilt Along Blog Tour – Blueberry Read More »