“Wait, did you make this?”

Reader, my heart sank as my friend beamed at the blanket I had just handed her. I shifted uncomfortably and mumbled, “Nope…” while glancing down at my scuffed shoes. You see, she knew I had recently got a cutting machine and loved making things, so naturally, she wanted to recognize my efforts.

The truth was, I had intended to make her a beautiful, personalized gift. But instead? It was store-bought (cue Santa’s elves gasping in shock). 🧝🫢

I had imagined the perfect handmade present—a cozy blanket with her initials in gold iron-on vinyl. But as a total beginner, I naively thought I could whip it up in an hour. Spoiler alert: I could not. The design didn’t stick, my HTV wrinkled, and before I knew it, I was out of time (and vinyl).

But my friend, ever the gracious soul, said, “I love it! I bet you could totally make this yourself.”

And she was right. I could have. I just didn’t know what I was doing and thought I could whip it up with no problem (that was my beginner’s arrogance). This story happened seven Christmases ago, but the memory still sticks with me.

Fast-forward to today, and I’m here to make sure you don’t have to experience that awkward moment of “It was supposed to be handmade,” even if you only know it yourself.

Tell me, have you ever…

• Started a DIY project only to run out of time?
• Scrambled for a backup gift when your craft didn’t turn out right?
• Had to piece together half a dozen online searches just to figure out how to make something?

As crafters, making a DIY card or handmade present with a personalized touch is a cornerstone of our holiday season, but handmade with love also means handmade with time, mistakes, and a few choice words (Santa, stop judging me). 🎅

So, I wanted to set you up for success this year. I will be live this Saturday at 12:30 pm ET, sharing “6 Trending Personalized Gifts You Can Make With Your Cutting Machine When You Have No Time.”

I carefully curated these ideas to be fast, beginner-friendly, and affordable (even if you need to batch). Oh, and did I mention we will be making one together LIVE?

​Find out what project we are making and save your spot in one click!​

No last-minute trips to Target. No scrambling for gift cards. No trying to pay the overnight 2.99 from Amazon to get that gift here before the clock strikes twelve. ⏰

To handmade without the headache! Hear, hear!

Abbi

P.S. The quick version: I’ll be live this Saturday, November 23rd, for a free workshop on the trendiest DIY gifts you can make with your cutting machine this Christmas, and you will get to make one live with me. Click here and register to find out what we will be making! And yes, I will provide a replay and the templates for you!