Hello community!
It’s Tuesday again, and the first Talky Tuesday of the new year. Today, let’s chat about some crafting materials that don’t usually come up in conversation.
When you’ve worked with enough supplies, some of them start to blur together.
But every now and then, there’s one you’d pick out of the pile without thinking twice.
Maybe it worked perfectly for a specific project.
Maybe it surprised you in a good way.
Maybe it felt a little strange at first, but you ended up relying on it more than expected.
Or maybe it’s just something you keep reaching for again and again.
So let’s talk about that one: Which material stands out the most from your crafting experience so far? What made it memorable for you?
That’s the kind of material we’re curious about today.
Share your thoughts below.
We’ll randomly pick 3 replies to receive 100 Cheers this week.
My favourite so far has been the Buffalo Plaid HTV. I used it for our Christmas tops and it was just a dream to work with. The cutting, weeding and pressing all went without a problem and the colours all went together so well.
It’s not available on the website now, but I’m liking the new Valentine pack. It might just fall into my basket
Clay is the material that always stands out for me. There’s something magical about being able to sculpt it into anything my imagination decides — no rules, no limits, just pure possibility.
It’s also one of my favorite companions in mixed‑media art. It plays so well with paint, texture, vinyl, and all the little details that bring a piece to life. Every time I use it, it reminds me why I love crafting in the first place: the freedom to shape something meaningful with my own hands.
Curious to see which materials everyone else keeps reaching for — it’s always fun to discover those unexpected favorites.
One material that’s really stood out in my crafting journey is laminating pouches. I never expected to love them so much, but over time they’ve become one of my most dependable, go‑to tools. I use them for all kinds of projects—sublimating on wood, making party favors, protecting certificates, creating stickers, and pretty much anything that needs a clean, durable, professional finish.
What makes them special is their versatility and reliability. No matter the project, they add that final touch of polish that makes it feel complete. They help me achieve that boutique‑quality look I’m after, whether it’s something sentimental for family or a custom piece for a client. It’s amazing how something as simple as a laminating pouch can elevate a project and give it that lasting, high‑quality feel.
They’ve definitely earned a permanent place in my crafting routine.
I love all of the materials. If I have to pick one, I will pick glitter HTV. The sparkle of the material really stands. I love how it looks when paired with the other beautiful materials.
Just go to this post and find the Mini Awards Store graphic. Choose what you want to redeem your points for, then, on the last 3 days of the month, message @Elena and tell her what you’d like to redeem your points for.
I have 3 yards of that stuff sitting in my fabric stash. I’ve used it for making transparent pockets, waterproof totes, and for lining reusable lunch bags.
I have used different types of fabric over the years and have stopped using them in crafts for a couple of years and focused on other crafts… only used them again last year and surprised with the turnout… Felt fabric mainly…
will choose vinyl stickers too coz I love using them in crafts
I’m quite fond of glitter HTV for small details, it just adds the finishing touch. But what I always come back to is yarn, as I both knit and crochet and you can sit and do that while watching something on TV, so it’s not a complete waste of time.
One of the most unconventional materials that truly stands out in my crafting journey is something most people toss in the recycling bin without a second thought: cereal box cardboard. It may not sound glamorous, but it has quietly become one of my go to staples. It is sturdy enough to hold structure, yet thin enough to cut cleanly, which makes it incredibly versatile.
What really surprised me is how well it works with machines like the HTVRONT iCrafter and even the iEngrave. With the right settings, I can cut detailed shapes, backing pieces, inserts, stencils, tags, lightweight embellishments, or even layered elements for shadow boxes. It is also fantastic for prototyping because I don’t feel guilty experimenting with something that would otherwise be thrown away. Plus, the smooth finish makes it easy to paint, wrap in vinyl, or cover in patterned paper for a polished final look.
It’s one of those materials that doesn’t seem exciting at first glance… but once you realize how useful it is, you never look at a cereal box the same way again.
Which material stands out the most from your crafting experience so far?
What made it memorable for you?
Cheers Reward Update
I’ve used it for making transparent pockets, waterproof totes, and for lining reusable lunch bags. 
