the terribly crafty story.
terribly, creatively, crafty.
Hello there, fellow makers, mess-makers, and curious clickers!
Welcome to terribly crafty — my happy little corner of the internet where glue sticks, vinyl scraps, and wayward weeding tools reign supreme. If you’re here for perfect projects and colour-coded craft rooms… you might be terribly lost. But if you’re here for real talk, real fun, and real craftiness (with a splash of imperfection), then you’ve absolutely found your people.
This blog started the way many great crafting stories do — with a Christmas surprise. Back in 2021, my husband gifted me a Cricut Maker 3, probably unaware that he was unleashing a whole new identity in the household (and possibly a minor adhesive crisis). At the time, I didn’t really do hobbies — academia, parenting, and adulting had left very little space for glitter and creative experiments. But that little machine nudged me into a world I didn’t know I was missing.
Since then, I’ve been cutting, sticking, pressing, weeding, and occasionally swearing my way through countless projects. Some turned out beautifully. Others… well, let’s call them “learning moments.” And now, I’m here to share the journey — the wins, the wobbles, the workarounds — because crafting should be fun, not flawless.
So what can you expect from terribly crafty? Think tutorials that don’t take themselves too seriously, honest reviews, messy middle moments, and creative inspiration that feels doable — even on a Tuesday night with three loads of washing waiting. If you’ve got a Cricut (or you’re Cricut-curious), a sense of humour, and a soft spot for handmade chaos, you’re in the right place.
Let’s make some stuff — terribly, creatively, crafty.
ZJ
the terribly crafty team.
what we do.
vinyl
Vinyl is an adhesive material used by crafters to create long-lasting designs on smooth surfaces like glass, plastic, metal, and wood. It’s ideal for projects like labels, decals, mugs, and signs, as it sticks securely and is water- and weather-resistant. Once applied, it can last for years without peeling or fading provided it is cared for correctly.
htv
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is a type of vinyl used to apply designs to fabric using heat and pressure, typically with a heat press or iron. Crafters use HTV to customise t-shirts, tote bags, hats, and other textiles. It comes in a range of colours and finishes, and once applied, it bonds to the fabric for a smooth, long-lasting design.
Sublimation
Sublimation is a printing technique used by crafters to transfer full-colour designs onto specially coated surfaces like mugs, T-shirts, and keyrings. The process uses heat to turn solid ink into gas, which then bonds with the material for a vibrant, permanent finish. Unlike vinyl, sublimation becomes part of the surface itself, making it smooth to the touch and highly durable.
3D printing
3D printing is a crafting technique that creates three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer using materials like plastic filament. Crafters use 3D printing to make custom tools, embellishments, stencils, and decorative items. It’s ideal for projects that require precision or unique shapes, offering endless possibilities for personalisation and creativity.
UV printing
UV printing is a digital printing method that uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure ink as it’s printed onto a surface. Crafters use UV printing to create high-quality, full-colour designs on items like acrylic, wood, glass, and metal. It’s perfect for detailed, durable designs that don’t peel or fade, and adds a professional finish to customised projects.
laser cutting
Laser cutting and engraving is a crafting technique that uses a focused laser beam to cut through or etch designs onto materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and paper. Crafters use tools like the xTool to create precise shapes, detailed patterns, personalised gifts, and decorative items. It is ideal for projects that require accuracy and clean finishes, making it easy to produce intricate designs and customised pieces with professional-quality results.