Ink Club went through some major changes in 2022. We moved our membership onto an App and began focusing on die cut files. Through it all, the projects have been beautiful (and sometimes magical), and we are grateful for all our Ink Club Members! You guys make this an awesome membership!

 

Are you part of Ink Club? Join our monthly $4.99 bundle + videos at ink-club.passion.io

 

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Do you want to be a designer? Did you know Carina has a new training called 

How to Become a Money-Making, Fulfilled Designer Without Spending Your Time on Things That Do Not Work?

It is available now at carinagardnercourses.com/freetraining.

My new fabric line Ciao Bella is out! Here is my unboxing this new 100% cotton fabric line! Check your local quilt shop for this gorgeous line! 

 

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Do you want to be a designer? Did you know Carina has a new training called 

How to Become a Money-Making, Fulfilled Designer Without Spending Your Time on Things That Do Not Work?

 

It  is available now at carinagardnercourses.com/freetraining.

Our Ink Club Bundle this month is completely inspired by holidays! From paper projects to ornaments, this bundle is a beautiful way to make Christmas even more fun! You will get this entire bundle for only $4.99 through our monthly membership on our Ink Club App for December 2022. After that you can find this bundle for the regular price on carinagardner.com. I hope you enjoy this month’s downloads and the tutorials because it’s always a good day to create!

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available at https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/ for $9.99

Join the App for free here: https://ink-club.passion.io/

 

From paper projects to ornaments, this bundle is a beautiful way to make Christmas even more fun!

You will get this entire bundle for only $4.99 through our monthly membership on our Ink Club App for December 2022. After that you can find this bundle for the regular price on carinagardner.com.

I hope you enjoy this month’s downloads and the tutorials because it’s always a good day to create!

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available at https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/ for $9.99

Join the App for free here: https://ink-club.passion.io/

 

The Accelerated Designer Workshop series concentrates on guided prioritizing, goal-setting, mind set, and strategies that Carina saw her Design Suite members needed to be successful. This workshop series was built for designers who want to DO MORE and BE MORE – that is why these workshops are FOCUSED, POWERFUL, and MOTIVATING!

 

This Workshop Series is only offered this 2022 for Designers who wants to accelerate their Careers and in Building their design Business, the workshop is still available till end of the year for those who are interested to avail. 

 

Learn more here: https://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designerworkshop

Ciao Bella, my new fabric line for Riley Blake was released this month. I’m thrilled to finally be able to show you what you can do with this collection!

Just as a background, I created this collection in the middle of covid. I canceled a family trip to Italy because of travel restrictions and instead created this line….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hence the name! I was inspired by vintage linens and your grandma’s tablecloths. This is the first time I incorporated a marbled fabric into the line! I love it!

All of these patterns shown here are available from different designers!

Erin Zinobile
Erin’s Etsy Shop

Jen Belnap
Alma Quilt Pattern 
Baby Alma Quilt Pattern

Chantelle Bailey
Diamon’s Take Shape Pattern

Kenzy Hogan
Sewing Corals Etsy Shop

I’m lucky that these designers are all part of Design Suite. Loved featuring how amazing they each are!

You can find Ciao Bella at your local quilt shop or online. I hope you have fun with this new fabric!

XOXO,
Carina

 

CraftPro Mug & Tumbler heat press in Pink & Mint was released today at Heat Press Nation! I’m so excited to show you the Mint (It matches my T-Shirt press so I’m excited!).

I’m also using Heat Press Nations White Glitter 20 oz Tumbler. I ended up buying a case for Christmas presents!

 

 

And if you are looking for the design, this is one of my new Premium designs that will be available next month with Saw Grass Ink! Watch for a whole library of designs I’m making exclusively for Sawgrass coming in December!

Click on the link to get the new Mint and Pink Tumbler Press here:  https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1137072&u=3278573&m=77504&urllink=&afftrack=

Just write in “Mint Tumbler” for the new CraftPro Mug and Tumbler Heat Press.

Looking for the tumber? Put in “White Glitter” for the 20 oz. White Glitter Stainless Steel Tumbler I’m using today!

 

Watch it here:

#hpncraftpro, #heatpressnation @heatpressnation @sawgrassink  #sawgrassink #sawgrassprinter #hearpress #tumblrepress #mugpress #minttumblerpress #craftprotumblerpress #hpn #carinagardner

 

I’m so excited to introduce the Ink Club bundle this month! Here’s what we are up to:

1. Christmas Houses Tea Towel Tutorial
Bring some Christmas spirit to your kitchen with this tea towel featuring cute Christmas houses!

2. Big Christmas House Tutorial
Create this Christmas themed house to decorate your mantle or other hard surface in your home!

3. Merry Christmas Heat Transfer T-Shirt Tutorial
Spread some Christmas cheer by creating, and wearing, this adorable Christmas t-shirt!

This month’s bundle includes 101 designs for your Christmas inspired projects!

As always, you can download the ink club app onto your phone from the Google Play or iTunes Apps. Just search “Ink Club.” You can also get it on your computer here: https://ink-club.passion.io/.

Use the same sign in to go back and forth between your computer and phone to watch the new tutorials and download the new bundle each month!

Joining the membership is just $4.99 a month for $50-$100 worth of designs for your Cricut and Silhouette machine. Past bundles can be purchased from our shop. Please note that our BEST price is always to our membership!

Resilience is a key attribute of a design business owner. Learning a new skill takes time, and for new designers it can be hard to be patient.

I remember my early years as a designer. I was impatient when I didn’t get the contract or shop I wanted. “No” was something I got used to hearing.

For new designers who are just getting started, normalize “no.” Continue forward by making your design work better and learning what kinds of designs the marketplace needs.

Your style will develop over time and your designs will be unique to you. Let the process be a teacher for you.

If you are looking for more information on design strategy, come join me in a Design Bootcamp!

To hear more about building resilience as a designer, listen to episode 171 on our podcast here:

Make this Vinyl Dragon Wall Art piece using just a few basic crafting items. This is a simple project but creates quite a fun conversation piece.

Here’s What You Need:

• Silhouette or Cricut Machine (or any other machine you may have like a Cameo)
• Vinyl (I recommend temporary vinyl)
• Cutting mat
• Wizard and Witch zip file (provided)
• Frame
• Cutting tool
• Transfer paper

Get Past Bundles for only 9.99 @carinagardnershop or Subscribe Ink Club Monthly for only $4.99 @InkClub

Watch the tutorial here:

Today, I’m going to cover the eight things you must have to be a designer. These things range from physical tools all the way to mindset.

The 8 Things You MUST Have to Be A Designer

1. A COMPUTER | Clearly, you will need to start with something to design on. Specifically, you need a computer with a lot of memory to run your software. Both PCs and Macs are great for designers.
2. DESIGN SOFTWARE | I recommend the Adobe software since it is the standard for professional designers.
3. DESIGN THEORY | The third thing you need is a basic understanding of design principles. A basic understanding of design principles and how to talk like a designer will move you forward as you talk to clients and create artwork.
4. SALES | It isn’t much of a design business without sales. So find a place to sell your work. Look for physical manufacturers and online venues to sell your products.
5. DESIRE TO BECOME THE BEST | Desiring to become a better designer is a true gift. Things change in the design work often. If you can pivot with the market trends your adaptive business will grow quickly.
6. PRODUCTION | An in-depth knowledge of production is key for a professional designer. If you are not getting your designs to the manufacturer, creative director, or shop in the correct format, your chances of getting more opportunities decreases substantially.
7. THINK LIKE A DESIGNER | You also need the ability to think like a designer. Find the shapes, draw from inspiration, and think the way a designer does.
8. ENDURANCE| Owning a design business requires heart and time. There are a lot of designers, however, the ones that have successful businesses are the ones that endure. They produce everyday. They do the boring everyday things that make their businesses run.

Do you want to learn more about how to increase your skills and earning potential? If so, come join me in  a Design Bootcamp!

Create these Wizard and Witch Heat Transfer pillows for yourself or the wizard or witch  in your life. This easy project can add a fun, comforting touch to a couch, chair, or bed.

Here’s What You Need:

• Silhouette or Cricut Machine
• Vinyl
• A piece of fabric or towel (if need for heat pressing)
• Cutting mat
• Wizard and Witch zip file (provided)
• Pillow
• Iron
• Cutting tool
• Transfer paper

Get Past Bundles for only 9.99 @carinagardnershop or Subscribe Ink Club Monthly for only $4.99 @InkClub

Watch the tutorial here:

Create these Framed Wizard and Witch Vinyl art pieces for the wizard and/or witch fan in your life.  This artwork makes a great addition to living spaces or bedrooms. All of the files can also be used on cards, heat transfer, or in paper.

Here’s What you need:

• Silhouette or Cricut Machine
• Vinyl
• Paper (if needed in addition to the vinyl)
• Cutting mat
• Wizard and Witch Vinyl Art zip file (provided)
• Frame
• Transfer paper
• Cutting tool

Get Past Bundles for only 9.99 @carinagardnershop or Subscribe Ink Club Monthly for only $4.99 @InkClub

Watch the tutorial on YouTube:

Today, I’m going to break down three tacky mistakes surface pattern and craft designers make. Hopefully, this list will help you evaluate your own design work!

Mistake #1 Enlarged Designs

When designs are enlarged, the negative space and shapes are visually different. Since most of my designs fit on an 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper, I am designing for a “letter” size. Once designers enlarge a design, you need to adjust type, shape sizes, and more. Keep an eye on anything that looks inappropriate!

Mistake #2 Oversaturated Colors

Oversaturated colors are an amateur mistake. While bright colors can be appealing, this is more about unintentionally oversaturating colors (think fluorescents). To avoid this, get a second set of eyes on your design work!

Mistake #3 Your Sizing Doesn’t Make Sense

This mistake happens because designers do not test patterns off the computer. A common mistake is overly large designs. Ultimately, these big designs are difficult to use for physical applications. To avoid making this mistake, print off designs to check their size.

I hope discussing these mistakes allows you to evaluate your designs.

If you want to learn more techniques for becoming a successful designer, join my upcoming Design Bootcamp!

To delve a bit deeper into the three tacky design mistakes, please listen to episode 169 on our podcast here:

Create this Autumn themed window card for someone you love! I love creating cards like this with my scraps of cardstock to cut out all of the tiny little details. This unique card design will impress anyone who receives it and it’s so much fun to put together. This project is great for all levels of crafters.

 

Here’s What You Need:

• Silhouette or Cricut Machine
• Silhouette or Cricut Cutting Mat
• Assorted Cardstock or Cardstock Scraps
• Gluestick
• 3D Adhesive Tape
• Autumn Card SVG Cut File (provided)

Get Past Bundles for only 9.99 @carinagardnershop or Subscribe Ink Club Monthly for only $4.99 @InkClub

 

Watch our YouTube video for the tutorial!

Are you interested in becoming a brand ambassador for Carina Gardner? We are super excited to announce that we have started our brand ambassador program!

What’s a Brand Ambassador?

Our Brand Ambassador is a program that allows anyone to have an affiliate link to share with others to join our Design Bootcamps!  You earn a 70% commission for each person that signs up for a Design Bootcamp using your unique link.

If a Design Bootcamp participant then signs up for Design Suite, we give our Brand Ambassadors the following:

• Design Suite University: A $200 bonus after 90 days and the Rose Badge
• Design Suite Mastermind: A $500 bonus after 90 days and the Rose Badge
• Design Suite Elite: A $1000 bonus after 90 days and the Rose Badge

Where Can You Share Your Link?

You have several options to share. These include:

• Direct email or text message to a design friend
• An Instagram post
• An Instagram story
• Blog post on why you joined Design Bootcamp or Design Suite
• Facebook

Authenticity really speaks to people, so we recommend sharing your experience in Design Bootcamp. Be open about your design journey, why you got started, and how the bootcamp or Design Suite program has benefited you.

Are You Ready to Sign Up?

Please go to https://www.carinagardnercourses.com/ambassador to sign up and get your unique link. Thank you for helping us build the best designers in the industry!

 

Have you joined our Cricut and Silhouette bundle membership? $4.99 for our gorgeous set of files all inspired by the wonderful Autumn season!

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available @carinagardnershop for $9.99

Join the App for free here:: https://ink-club.passion.io/

 

We can’t wait to see what you make!

 

 

Today I am unboxing at HeatPressNation CraftPro 15″ x 15″ Crafting Transfer Machine in Mint, HPN Signature Series 2-in-1 Automated Sublimation Mug and Tumbler Press, and accessories!

Here’s where to purchase all of these items (copy and paste the title into the search bar when you click here): https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1137072&u=3278573&m=77504&urllink=&afftrack=

• HPN Signature Series 2-in-1 Automated Sublimation Mug and Tumbler Press
• HeatPressNation CraftPro 15″ x 15″ Crafting Transfer Machine
• SubliCraft by HeatPressNation 16 oz. Stainless Steel Sublimation Skinny Tumbler
• SubliCraft by HeatPressNation 16 oz. Stainless Steel Sublimation Skinny Tumbler
• SubliCraft by HeatPressNation 20 oz. Stainless Steel Sublimation Skinny Tumbler with Straw – Glitter Silver
• SubliCraft by HeatPressNation 20 oz. Stainless Steel Sublimation Skinny Tumbler with Straw – Glitter White
• Pro Grade Non-Stick Parchment Paper for Apparel – 15″ Roll
• Heat Tape for Sublimation Mugs and Tiles
• Twincore Tape Dispenser

I have some great craft videos coming up with sublimation that I’m so excited to share! I’m making some fun things for friends, Halloween, and Christmas!

XOXO,

Carina

Some links on this site may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product using the link I may receive a small commission. I will only link to products I support and/or use personally. All opinions are truthful and my own.

The “R” word always makes people stressed out. And technically, with two quarters in an economic turn, we ARE in a recession.

Instead of worrying about what the economy looks like or the price of gas, I focus on what I can control and what skills will keep me relevant.

Over the last 14 year of owning my business, I have seen many ups and downs. Through it all this one little skill – DESIGN – has gotten me through it.

That is why I believe that being an excellent designer is a way to be recession proof and bring stability to your finances.

When the pandemic started in 2020, I wondered if my design business would come out okay. I remember writing a list of things I could do to supplement my income if earnings fell. Great design skills (and the ones I teach in Design Suite) can help me in ALL realms of design…not just paper and fabric as I am known for.

That’s why it’s not a leap to see one of my designers take a corporate job in design even if they are trained to become a surface pattern designer (and yeah, I have had this happen).

In fact, in Design Suite I created a Freelance Design Course so my designers have the skills and knowledge to pivot when needed and also be recession proof.

I can’t explain just how important becoming a designer has been to be creative and financially secure.

If you have wanted to create additional design skills, learn how to earn money, and you need a first step, enroll in one my Design Bootcamps to learn strategies I used to get started.

To learn more about why I believe that design is recession proof, listen to episode 168 on our podcast here: