Cricut Hack: DIY Round 3D Sign With Foam Instead of Wood
Hey there, fellow crafting moms! Are you ready to add a touch of rustic charm to your little one’s nursery without the hassle of cutting wood? I’ve got just the hack for you: creating impressive 3D texts using a DIY Round 3D Sign With Foam Instead of Wood!
The Wood Sign Hack: Crafting Magic with Cricut
Imagine achieving the look of carved wood without the need for woodworking skills or heavy machinery. With this ingenious hack, you can transform ordinary foam board into stunning 3D texts that mimic the warmth and texture of wood, all thanks to your trusty Cricut machine.
Materials Needed:
Foam craft sheets (readily available at most craft stores)
Glue
Cricut cutting machine
Printer and paper
Round Wooden Sign (I got mine from Dollar Tree)
Paint or wood stain
Steps to Create 3D Texts:
Design Creation: Begin by designing your sign in your preferred design software. Cricut Design Space offers a user-friendly interface for creating and customizing designs. Choose your font, size, and any additional graphics or elements you wish to include. I chose to do my son’s first and middle name in free fonts Karley and Poke Night.
Material Selection: Select foam board as your material option in Cricut Design Space. Adjust the settings according to the thickness of your foam board to ensure precise cutting.
Wooden Sign: Paint or stain the round wooden sign and completely dry before assembling.
Cutting: Place the foam board on the cutting mat and load it into your Cricut machine. Follow the prompts in the software to initiate the cutting process. The machine will precisely cut out your design, including any intricate details.
Assembly: Carefully remove the cut pieces from the foam board. Apply adhesive or glue to the back of each piece and arrange them according to your design. The lightweight nature of foam makes it easy to handle and position.
Display: Once your sign is complete and dry, it’s ready to be displayed!
Benefits of the Wood Sign Hack with Cricut:
Budget-Friendly: Foam board is an affordable alternative to wood, and with the help of your Cricut machine, you can create professional-looking results without breaking the bank.
User-Friendly: Cricut Design Space makes it easy to design and customize your text, while the Cricut machine ensures precise cutting for flawless results.
Versatility: Foam board comes in various sizes and thicknesses, allowing you to customize your project to suit your needs and preferences.
Family-Friendly: Get the kids involved in the crafting fun! This project is perfect for family crafting sessions and allows everyone to unleash their creativity.
Enjoy!
With this DIY wood sign hack featuring the magic of Cricut, you can create stunning 3D texts that add warmth and character to any space in your home. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this budget-friendly and family-friendly project is sure to be a hit.
In our quest to minimize waste and adopt sustainable practices, we often come across creative ways to repurpose everyday items. One such example is the humble egg carton snack tray. These cleverly designed containers not only provide a convenient way to store and transport snacks but also contribute to reducing environmental impact. I am also giving you a free printable set of egg carton tray labels below!
Reasons to try egg carton snack trays
Repurposing Waste: Egg carton snack trays are an excellent example of upcycling. By repurposing discarded egg cartons, we give them a new lease on life. Instead of ending up in landfills, these containers become useful and functional snack trays. This practice reduces waste and minimizes the need for additional resources to manufacture new products.
Convenient Snack Storage: Egg carton snack trays are designed with convenience in mind. With their individual compartments, these trays provide a perfect solution for organizing and storing snacks. Whether you’re planning a picnic, packing lunch for school, or preparing for a road trip, these trays keep your snacks securely separated and prevent them from getting squished or mixed together.
Portability and On-the-Go Snacking: The lightweight and compact nature of egg carton snack trays make them ideal for on-the-go snacking. Their sturdy construction ensures that your snacks remain intact during transportation, whether it’s to the office, park, or any other outing. The trays can easily fit into lunch bags, backpacks, or even pockets, allowing you to enjoy your favorite treats wherever you are.
Versatile Serving Solution: Egg carton snack trays aren’t just for personal use. They can also be a unique and practical choice for parties, gatherings, or events. These trays can hold an assortment of finger foods, appetizers, or condiments, providing a creative presentation that sparks conversation among guests. Their individual compartments allow for different food options without the need for multiple plates or bowls.
Eco-Friendly Alternative: Choosing egg carton snack trays significantly reduces environmental impact. By using a repurposed material, you contribute to waste reduction and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
Customization and Personalization: Another advantage of egg carton snack trays is their versatility for customization. You can personalize them by adding colorful paper liners, ribbons, or labels to match the theme of your event or to make them more visually appealing. This simple touch can elevate the overall presentation of your snacks and make them more enticing. I am also including a free printable set to use for your egg trays!
Scroll down for egg carton snack tray printable!
Egg carton snack trays offer a practical, eco-friendly, and versatile solution for snack storage, transportation, and serving. By repurposing discarded egg cartons, we contribute to waste reduction and promote sustainable practices. Whether you’re looking for an on-the-go snack companion or a unique serving solution for gatherings, these trays fit the bill. Let’s embrace the versatility and eco-friendliness of egg carton snack trays, and together we can make a positive impact on our environment while enjoying our favorite snacks!
Sautéed sweet potatoes with pan-fried sushi rice and yogurt garlic sauce is a nutritious and delicious dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavors of sushi rice and tangy yogurt garlic sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of textures, flavors, and colors that will leave your taste buds craving for more. The dish is simple and easy to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for those busy weeknights or when you need a quick and nutritious meal. I will take you through the step-by-step process of preparing this flavorful and nutritious dish, as well as discuss the health benefits of its ingredients.
All about the delicious dish
Sautéed sweet potatoes with pan-fried sushi rice and yogurt garlic sauce is a delicious, vegetarian meal that is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet and savory makes this dish a perfect choice for any meal, any time of the day.
Ingredients required for the recipe
Sweet potatoes
– 2 sweet potatoes- 1 tbsp olive oil- Salt and pepper to taste
Sushi rice
– 1 cup sushi rice- 1 ½ cups water- 1 tbsp rice vinegar- 1 tbsp sugar- 1 tsp salt
Yogurt
– 1 cup plain yogurt- 1 clove garlic, minced- 1 tbsp lemon juice- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step method of preparing sautéed sweet potatoes
Prepping the sweet potatoes
1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes.2. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.3. Add the sweet potatoes to the pan and season with salt and pepper.
Sautéing the sweet potatoes
1. Cook the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and browned on the outside.2. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the yogurt garlic sauce (instructions below).
Additions to the sautéed sweet potatoes
1. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, add the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and ginger to the pan.2. Cook for another few minutes, until the sweet potatoes are coated in the sauce.
How to prepare pan-fried sushi rice
Cooking the sushi rice
1. Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear.2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rice, water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.3. Cover the pan and bring to a boil over high heat.4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.5. Remove from heat and let the rice sit for 10-15 minutes.
Pan-frying the sushi rice
1. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat.2. Add the cooked sushi rice to the pan and spread it out in an even layer.3. Cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring, until the rice is crispy and golden brown on the bottom.4. Flip the rice over and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side.Serve the pan-fried sushi rice alongside the sautéed sweet potatoes and the yogurt garlic sauce. This dish can be enjoyed as a complete meal on its own, or alongside other vegetarian dishes. Enjoy!
Preparing the yogurt garlic sauce
Ingredients for the sauce
– 1 cup plain yogurt- 1 clove garlic, minced- 1 tablespoon lemon juice- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation of the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust the seasoning if needed and refrigerate until ready to use.
Serving suggestions and presentation tips
Combining the dish components
To serve, place the sautéed sweet potatoes and pan-fried sushi rice side by side on a plate. Spoon the yogurt garlic sauce over the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, if desired.
Best ways to present the dish
For an elegant presentation, use a ring mold to shape the sweet potatoes and sushi rice into neat stacks. Top with a dollop of the yogurt garlic sauce and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers.
Health benefits of the dish
Nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Health benefits of sushi rice
Sushi rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy for the body. It also contains essential minerals such as iron and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy blood cells and strong bones.
Importance of yogurt garlic sauce in the dish
The yogurt garlic sauce adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dish. It also provides probiotics that promote good gut health and boost the immune system.
Tips on the recipe
Summary of the dish and recipe
Sautéed sweet potatoes with pan-fried sushi rice and yogurt garlic sauce is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrition. The dish can be served as a main course or a side dish and is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips for variations and experimentation with the recipe
For a more filling dish, add some protein such as tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. Try adding cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a spicy kick, or fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.Sautéed sweet potatoes with pan-fried sushi rice and yogurt garlic sauce is a healthy and tasty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a popular recipe among food enthusiasts. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily prepare this dish in the comfort of your home. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead and give it a try, and experience the deliciousness of this amazing dish today!
FAQ
Can I use other types of rice instead of sushi rice?
Yes, you can. However, sushi rice is the recommended type of rice for this recipe due to its sticky texture and ability to hold its shape when pan-fried. If you choose to use other types of rice, you may not get the same texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with other vegetables?
Yes, you can. This recipe is versatile and allows for modifications. You can substitute sweet potatoes with other vegetables such as carrots, butternut squash, or pumpkin. However, keep in mind that the cooking times for these vegetables may vary.
Is the yogurt garlic sauce necessary?
While the yogurt garlic sauce is an essential part of this recipe, it is not necessary. You can omit the sauce or substitute it with other sauces or dressings. However, the yogurt garlic sauce adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the dish, which complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the savory flavors of the sushi rice.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version of this dish, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the sweet potatoes and sushi rice. You can also sprinkle some chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes on top of the dish for an added kick. However, keep in mind that the sweetness of the sweet potatoes may be masked by the spiciness of the added ingredients.
Make pancake mix according to directions from box.
Using a small spoon, scoop pancake mix and dallop dots onto heated griddle.
Once mini pancakes have slightly cooled, melt butter and quickly sauté them in pan making sure all is covered in butter.
Pour mini pancakes in bowl and drizzle maple syrup all over. Top with more butter if you want.
These past few weeks have been crazy, so why not take it out on your breakfast? Nothing makes sense anymore so might as well have some fun with your food!
Mini Pancakes Cereal
Combining two of the best breakfasts into one is a total game changer and will definitely add some excitement to your mornings!
There is one thing we can agree on, all moms are busy. Whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom, diapers need to be changed, kids need to be fed and laundry needs to be done. When we get caught up in the chaos we may often feel alone.
I’ve learned that listening to podcasts are a way to stay connected in today’s modern motherhood world. We hear adult voices and learn things all while we continue being a mom.
They are great to listen to on your commute or while you’re washing dishes while the kids nap.
Here are a few podcasts that I enjoy and think you will too as a modern mom. There are so many podcasts, you are garaunteed to find something that fits your interests.
“On Forever35, LA-based writers and friends Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer dive into the self-care practices that we all text our friends about — from which serums their using right now and whether drugstore mascara is as good as the fancy stuff, to finding a great therapist, navigating the challenges of friendship, and what they’re making for dinner. No topic is off-limits, and Doree and Kate get into it with humor, honesty, and authenticity.”
This podcast is for any girl that has grown up in the 90’s and early 2000’s! It is nostalgia overload while they dissect teen magazines such as YM, Seventeen, Teen People and more!
I can do a whole blog post on true crime podcasts alone, (and who knows, maybe one day I will) but this one is perfect if you want dip your toes into the true crime world.Their stories are fascinating, but also not too gory or gruesome. Plus, they seem like awesome moms I would want to hang out with!
This podcasts is about the power to change diet culture – one voice at a time. In this podcast it features people from all walks of life about their journey to a better wellbeing. From food to family to sex, you never know what will come up in an episode.
“Chrissy Powers is a licensed therapist, photographer, blogger and mother that discusses all things: Marriage, Motherhood, Career, Lifestyle. Sure, Babe is all about relationships, accepting who you are and living the life you are meant to live.”
Love a good mystery? Each episode of this podcast assigns the listener with a new case that’s based on real true crimes. From there, the story unfolds and you’ll have to use your detective skills to solve the case. You’ll interrogate suspects, piece together evidence and scour distinct crime scenes to track down murderers that might be hiding in plain sight. Not gonna lie, it’s a lot of fun to try and solve!
We’ve watched her grow from Laguna Beach to The Hills, so why not get some great advice from Lauren Conrad? She shares tips for all aspects of life—style, beauty, parenting, relationships, entertaining, wellness and more.
With host Leena Lamos, you will get to know amazing mothers who are bravely sharing their motherhood journey, shifting the rhetoric about motherhood, using mindfulness and spirituality as non-negotiables, and showing up every day as their most authentic selves. I have had the pleasure to talk with Leena a few times, and she is just so empowering and inspirational!
This hilarious podcast has everything from celebrity gossip to what you should be watching on TV to news that you can bare to listen to. You’ll also get to hear The Betches give advice to listeners about love, friendship, and more in “Dear Betch”.
Created by one of my favorite young adult authors when I was a teen, I am pleased to share that Hilary Frank now has a parenting podcast. It has stories about the surprises and absurdities of raising other humans—and being raised by them.
This awesome podcasts includes self development, health and wellness, culture, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. What else can you ask for in a podcast?!
“The Motherly Podcast brings honest conversations with some of the world’s most interesting mothers—entrepreneurs, actresses, politicians and authors—straight to you. Get ready to feel inspired, energized, understood and seen like never before. Their podcast guests are redefining motherhood, courageously sharing their diverse experiences and using their voices to uplift and inspire women.”
“The Anxiety Coaches Podcast is a relaxing and inspiring show bringing you lifestyle changes to calm your nervous system and help you heal Anxiety, Panic and PTSD for life!”
“Style Your Mind is a podcast for success-driven women who want to design their thoughts, empower themselves, and build a beautiful life and career. Hosted by bestselling personal development author and entrepreneur Cara Alwill Leyba, this show is for every woman on the edge of change who is ready to reinvent herself, elevate her thinking, and transform her life.”
“The fun podcast covers an array of topics, with each host bringing their own areas of expertise to the conversation – Delanie often provides career and relationship advice, Kelsey is a beauty guru and feng shui advocate, and Taylor is a great resource for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. The hosts are hilariously candid and are often joined by expert guests in their respective fields.”
News flash! Getting your resources from Facebook may not be the best way you obtain news. NPR’s Up First is considered to be unbiased, and is quick so you are not consuming your whole day with it. First Up covers three three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays by 6 a.m. ET
Need some help understanding the news that you are consuming? ‘Skimm This’ breaks down the most important stories of the day and explains why they matter all in about 10-15 minutes. Every Monday-Friday at 5pm ET.
I can go on with my list, but I suggest if you haven’t heard any, take a look for yourself! Literally type in your favorite thing to do and I am sure something will pop up for you!
If you are an avid podcast listener share with me your shows! I am always up for a good listen.
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.
