Wrapping Up the Final Learning Project

Making T-Shirts & The Easy Press Purchase

I know that Curtis was really looking forward to an apron this semester, and Leigh would probably agree that it would complete the look, but it has been something that I have been putting off. Why you might ask? Well, I know how to make the vinyl and I have watched a ton of videos on how to do the heat press transfer, but I don’t have a regular old iron and I was waiting for a Black Friday sale to find a good deal on an Easy Press 9×9. Now the problem is really, what colour do I get? And there is a $15-$20 difference between Raspberry ($141.29), Mint ($156.76), and Daybreak ($169.97). So, now all of the choices to make! The sale is running all Black Friday weekend, so it gives me some time to make a choice. I think I’m going towards the mint one, as it’s right down the middle in terms of pricing, and I know it won’t get dirty as fast as the white one. (UPDATE: I got the mint one. I went to see the Daybreak one in person, and although I love it, I couldn’t justify the price when the Raspberry one was so much cheaper. Therefore, I went down the middle and got the Mint one.) I’m not in love with the Raspberry red, but I do like the price. Maybe one day if I really stick to this and get better at it, the Easy Press Mini would be a good idea to have too. Time will only tell on that one.

Anyways, to make sure that I got one of the projects done that I said that I would work towards doing this semester, I printed out one of the JL Roofing logos and practiced on an old shirt. Once I got the hang of that, I bought a little t-shirt to make a final piece. Why did I get a small toddler shirt instead of an adult one? Well, two reasons. Firstly, kids always look cuter wearing things than an adult usually, and two, it was a smaller design and easier to place, iron, and finish for my first real attempt. Of course, I can’t seem to get a good enough picture of the shirt right now, so come back soon to check it out!

Still on the Table & Going Forward

Although there were many things that I wanted to get accomplished with this project, there are still a few things that I wanted to try that I didn’t get around to doing. What a letdown, right? Well, not really. That means that I have a few projects to keep me going forward on my learning project, far past the time restrictions of the course. Therefore, when you think about it, what a successful project indeed. Isn’t that the goal we have for all of our students? To learn something new, and not shelf it after we move along to other subjects, ideas, or courses.

So, moving forward, I have a lot planned. When my plate seems to balance out a bit more over here, I plan to use my new learned skills to complete the stickers, and keychains that I had discussed here, as well as but definitely not limited to:

• Create SVG files of my very own,
• Label all of the things,
• Starbuck cups,
• Cute wood signs,
• Decorate plant pots,
• Use design space better,
• Learn about how to make more intricate designs

QUESTION! Those of you that have just joined the CricutCraze like me, or those that have been a part of this world forever, what would you add to this list or like to see added to this list? Or, what’s your favourite project of all time? I’m sure Durston has a few up his sleeve!

Moving Along & Final Thoughts

I have to say, in a lot of my university experiences where we have had to embark on new projects, I have completed them in the course and then haven’t looked back at them since. But to be 100% real right now, this isn’t a project that I am ready to shelf, or but under the stairs. I am excited that I have finally been able to push past the initial thoughts and feelings I had towards this fancy card maker, and realize the endless potential it has for me to create, learn and move forward. Maybe sending Chris my old knitting needles from one of the projects under the stairs, gave me the push I needed to realize that some things are better geared for us than others, and some things we try we won’t like or find therapeutic. That’s okay. We don’t all have to like or do the same things, and more of a variety is great.

I would love to hear some of your final thoughts. Like always, feel free to answer one or more of my guiding questions, leave your own comment, or press the like button. It’s up to you! Thanks for stopping in, and hopefully we will cross paths again soon.

1. Tell me about your favourite part of the learning project.
   
2. What would you change or do differently if you had to do it again?
   
3. Do you have any advice for a future student embarking on their learning project?
   
4. What do you wish was different about the assignment itself?
   
5. Would you attempt to do this with your students in your classroom? Why or why not?
   
6. Going forward, do you plan on continuing to use your new skill or learning? Why or why not?