Hello community!
It’s Tuesday again, so let’s chat a bit about our crafting year.
Every year we end up trying something new without even planning it.
Maybe it’s a new material you finally picked up, a machine you were curious about, or a technique you didn’t think you’d ever try until one random afternoon when you just went for it.
Sometimes it’s something small, like trying puff vinyl for the first time.
Sometimes it’s a bigger leap, like learning how to use a heat press, testing out DTF printing, or trying a tricky layering technique you used to avoid.
And sometimes it’s just discovering a tool that makes you wonder how you ever crafted without it lol.
So I’m curious: What new crafting things did you try this year? A new material? A new machine? A new technique or style? Or even a new way of planning your projects?
Share your little “firsts” of the year below.
We’ll randomly pick 3 replies to receive 100 Cheers this week.
It was in October of last year that I got my LOKLiK crafter. Until that point I had always been a fabric crafter, either sewing or embroidery. Hence my user name. It’s always been about material.
I bought some HTV and started playing and practicing, then I treated myself to a hand held heat press.
Then, earlier this year I was lucky enough to win a manual heat press on here as a prize for one of my makes. That was a real game changer and that make is now featured on HTVront’s webpage!
So, this whole year has been a real learning curve for me and I have to say, I’m still learning and loving it.
This year, I had a few crafting firsts. I tried polymer clay for the first time, which I totally fell in love with. I incorporated the clay into my paintings to create some pretty awesome 3D effects in my art, and made some beautiful earrings, to which I added permanent vinyl to make them even better! I also used HTV in my paintings for the first time, as well, which brought even more joy to me. And, as mentioned above, I did try puff vinyl for the first time, and now I have many more puff vinyl projects I want to do. As a mixed media artist, I’m always looking for new mediums to try, so, I’m looking forward to seeing what crafting firsts happen in 2026.
I’ve done sublimation on shirts, bags, and even glass cutting boards, but I had never tried it on wood before—especially using HTVRONT Sublimation HTVs designed for fabrics. This was my very first attempt, and I’m proud to say it turned out to be a success!
To celebrate, I created a set of Christmas wood ornaments, each showcasing different types of substrates or finishes. Every piece has its own unique texture and character, making the collection extra special.
Now the fun part will be seeing how the colors and quality hold up over the next year. I can’t wait to compare and reflect on the results when the holiday season rolls around again!
The Laser engraver was my new big craft this year. I also learned hand embroidery I was nit super good at that but it was fun to learn something I had not tried in the past. I had actually out to learn a new craft on my things for the year so I was excited I got to learn more then one thing and I know theirs more I can learn with each.
The new machines and crafts I got to try this year were The Ipaint and The phone case press
Ioved the Ipaint and how it draws and gives possibilities to show and grow painting skills.
As for the Phone heat press it is very cool machine I didn’t get to explore it much but I’ve Learned somethings I am planning to try ASAP.
The new technique that I learned was how to make a beautiful seem line when sublimating Tumblers
Definitely my laser engraver. I really love engraving on slate. The contrast is stunning and it is such a clean and crisp way to add images or words to so many different materials but using my imagination to come up with different uses for projects has been a lot of fun. I’ll see something on Etsy or at a craft show and rethink the use to appeal to a broader range of people.
I’ve already expanded into new materials like wood, acrylic, and resin, as well as new machines including an engraver, heat press, hat press, Loklik cutter, sublimation printer, and soon DTF. I’ve experimented with hybrid printing—using sublimation for vibrant base designs, then layering vinyl or DTF for added texture. I also engrave wood or acrylic and hand-paint the details for a luxury streetwear feel. To keep ideas flowing, I maintain a wall or digital board of theme prompts like faith, family, and legacy.
One of the most exciting discoveries from my early experiences with my new 3D printing machine this year has been realizing just how easily it integrates with my existing design workflow. I learned that I can take the same SVG cut files I normally use for my layered shadowboxes and drop them directly onto the print bed to create fully dimensional printed layers. This opened up an entirely new world of possibilities almost instantly.
Being able to 3D print these layers means I can experiment with depth, texture, and translucency in ways that traditional paper or wood simply cannot achieve. It sparked the idea of creating shadowboxes with a stained glass inspired look using translucent filaments. With the right lighting, especially LED strips mounted behind the layers, the designs could glow from within and produce a stunning illuminated effect. It is a direction I have never been able to explore before, and now I cannot wait to start testing colors, materials, and light diffusion to see how far I can push the concept.
This simple discovery has completely energized my creative plans for the year, and I am excited to see how these printed layers can elevate and transform the style of my shadowboxes.
I got to try out the new iPaint machine and it really took me back to my childhood. I forgot how fun painting is. What I really want to do in the new year is start live streaming. Then I can answer questions right then and there. I suffer from anxiety so it’s been a hurdle for me to even do my video tutorials, but with the support from this community I think I can do it. I think it’s the next logical step forward for my business. I have my cameras set up now and got better lighting. But the kids will be home over Christmas so I will have to wait till they head back to school next year.
3D printers are so fun. I’m jealous you’re in that honeymoon phase of 3D printing when everything is a new adventure. Wish you all the success with it
What new crafting things did you try this year?
A new material?
A new machine?
A new technique or style?
Or even a new way of planning your projects?
Cheers Reward Update
To celebrate, I created a set of 
Now the fun part will be seeing how the colors and quality hold up over the next year. I can’t wait to compare and reflect on the results when the holiday season rolls around again!
