Rolling Resin Supply Cart

It may look a little chaotic, but every tool has a purpose. Below are just a few of the supplies I used to create a recent bezel bookmark. Even a small project like this can take a couple of hours from start to finish once everything is gathered, organized, and ready to use. Preparation is an important part of the creative process, and having the right supplies within reach makes each step much smoother. That’s why I always lay everything out before I mix the resin.

Now, let's take a closer look at the process through a few short videos. I decided to leave these videos unedited so you can see the process unfold in real time. My hope is that it gives you a more authentic behind-the-scenes look at what creating with UV resin is really like. The first video demonstrates how I secure the bookmark bezel to UV resin tape. This specialized tape plays an important role throughout the project. It holds the bezel firmly in place, creates a seal that keeps the liquid resin from leaking, and allows the UV light to pass through the bottom so the resin cures properly.

Next, I put on a pair of disposable gloves, pour the UV resin into a silicone mixing cup, add a few drops of liquid resin dye, and stir everything together. You may notice my safety glasses sitting on the table instead of on my face where they definitely should have been! 🌞Don’t worry; I made sure to put them on afterward.

By the way, creating colored resin myself is a new technique that I’m excited to keep exploring and share with you as I gain more experience. The liquid dye I’m using in this video produces beautiful transparent colors. Since this was my first attempt at mixing my own resin colors, I took a conservative approach with the amount of dye I added. I’m also looking forward to experimenting with translucent color techniques in the future. Not only do these methods open the door to endless color possibilities, but they’re also much more economical than purchasing pre-colored UV resin.

Finally, my colored UV resin is ready to use, and I begin filling a few sections of the bookmark bezel. Once those areas are in place, I use my UV light to cure the resin before moving on to the next step. For this project, I applied the resin with a fine-tip silicone brush, which worked well for filling the larger sections of the sunflower design. When working with intricate bezels, however, I also keep a 3/0 fine-detail artist's brush nearby. Its tiny bristles make it much easier to apply resin accurately in small, delicate spaces.

Once the smaller sections have been filled, the remaining resin can simply be poured directly from the mixing cup into the larger open area of the bookmark. This makes filling the main section both quick and easy while creating a smooth, even finish.

Below is the video showing the first sections of the bookmark after the resin has been cured. In a future Making Joy post, I'll share a complete start-to-finish video that walks you through the entire pouring process for a bezel project and silicone molds. I can't wait to share more of this creative journey with you!

Sunflowers always seem to face the light, reminding me to keep looking for the good even on difficult days. That's the feeling I hoped to capture in this little bookmark.

I hope you find a little time this week to make something that brings you joy. Whether it's a craft, a garden, a recipe, or simply a quiet moment, remember that joy is often found in the making.

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you: What are you making, growing, baking, or dreaming about this week that brings you joy? 🌸

Keep making joy,

Patricia

Celebrate the Joy in Everyday Living.

As someone who struggles with ADHD symptoms, working with my hands gives me a chance to slow down. Sewing has become a quiet place where my mind can settle. Instead of racing from one thought to another, I focus on choosing fabrics, matching colors, and watching each stitch come together. What begins as a collection of fabric scraps slowly transforms into something beautiful—something that can be cherished in someone else’s home.

There is something special about nature-inspired fabrics. Delicate butterflies, buzzing bees, cheerful ladybugs, dragonflies dancing across a pond, wildflowers blooming in every color, and leafy greens all have a way of bringing a little peace indoors. Even if you don’t have a garden outside your window, these prints can add a touch of nature to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

One of my favorite projects to make is the humble mug rug. It’s larger than a coaster but smaller than a placemat—just enough room for your favorite drink and a small treat or snack. They may be small, but they have a way of making an everyday moment feel a little more intentional.

Herb Mug Rugs

Butterfly Mug Rugs

I also love creating table toppers, quilts, and seasonal pieces using these same nature-inspired fabrics. Every project is a little different because every fabric tells its own story. Some remind me of a walk through a wildflower meadow, while others bring back memories of butterflies drifting through my grandmother’s garden.

Handmade items carry something that mass-produced products simply can’t. They hold time, patience, and care. Every seam is sewn by a real person who hoped the finished piece would brighten someone’s day.

If you’ve ever wondered why makers spend hours creating something that could be purchased in a factory for less, that’s the reason. We aren’t just making fabric items; we’re creating comfort, beauty, and little moments of joy.

So, the next time you set your coffee mug down on a handmade mug rug covered with bees, butterflies, or blooming flowers, I hope it reminds you to pause for just a moment. Enjoy the warmth of your drink, admire the tiny details, and appreciate the beauty that can be found in both nature and the hands that create.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the creative world. I’m so glad you’re here.

What nature-inspired prints make you smile the most? Butterflies, bees, birds, dragonflies, wildflowers, mushrooms, or something else? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments.

I used “You are my Sunshine” text when I created my step-by-step images, then happened to think that it actually makes more sense to tell people to “Sprinkle a Little Sunshine” instead. What do you think?

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Let’s get started!

1. I open Canva and click on Custom Size at the top of the page.

   

2. Then I input the correct print size and click on Create New Design.

3. Next, I click the text icon “T” on the left side of my Canva Dashboard, then click the Add Text button.

   

   4. I add text to the text box that comes up in the design area, then change the font and text styles with the left dropdown box. Next, I change the text color and size at the top of the page. Color choices appear on the left side of the page once the color option is selected as shown in number 5.

   

   5. Then I move the text to the preferred location by left clicking inside the box and dragging it.

   

   6. And I change the shape or other components with Effects at the top of the page. After clicking on Effects, the options appear on the left side of the page. I use the sliding scale under the Curve option to curve the text.

   

   7. To select and add a graphic, I click on Elements then Graphics on the left side of the page.

   

   8. Then I type in a general description of a graphic I’m looking for, then select from the dropdown menu.

   

   9. After that, I select one of the graphics that is generated from my selection.

   

   10. I resize the graphic until I’m satisfied with the size. To change the entire graphic box size at once, I left click on one of the circles in the corner and drag. To change the width only, I left click and move one of the side rectangles left or right. To change the length only, I left click and move the top or bottom rectangle up or down.

   

   11. I center the text by highlighting the text box with one left click and release, then click on Position at the top of the page and choose Center in the box on the left side of the screen. That centers it between the left and right side of the page.

   

   12. Now, I center the graphic the same way, making sure I’m happy with the spacing between the text and graphic.

   

   13. Then I group the text and graphic together by left clicking at a top corner of the white design page and dragging to the opposite lower corner of the design page. Both boxes will be highlighted once this is done. Then I click on Group in a selection of options that pops up on the page above the design.

   

   14. I click on Position again at the top of the page. This time, I select Middle on the left side of the page to center the grouped image from top to bottom and make sure it is still centered from left to right. The word Center should be greyed out; if it isn’t, I click on it to center the newly grouped design.

   

   15. I name or rename the design at the top, right side of the page.

   

   16. Then I click the home button (shaped like a house) at the top left side of the Canva page.

   

   17. I click the ellipse (…) in the design box, then click Download from the dropdown menu.

   

   18. Next, I select PNG, Size 1, Transparent background in the pop-up box. Then click Download.

   

   19. Now, I open Printify. Once open, I click on Catalog on the left side of the page and select a Category. I selected Women for this tutorial.

   

   20. From there, I select the next category, which is T-shirts.

   

   21. Next, I select which t-shirt (Gildan 5000) to design on.

   

22. And click on Start Designing inside the green box.

    

    23. I select Upload, then click on My Device or Dropbox location where my design is being stored.

    

    24. After selecting, the image will open up on the t-shirt mockup. The image should be 300 dpi (high resolution) since the exact graphic size (3915 x 4919 pixels) was created on Canva. A high-resolution image is required for printable merchandise on Printify.

    

    25. The design is automatically added to My Library on the left side of the page.

    

    26. Click Select Variants button on the right side of the page.

    

27. Now, I select the color(s) of t-shirts that I think look best with my design.

28. Click the Preview button at the top of the page to view the color selections on or off of the models; save product color(s) that look best.

    

    29. I Save Selection on the bottom right of the next page.

    

    30. After the selection is saved, I click on My Products on the left side of the page that comes up next. The t-shirt will be on the right side of the page. Then I can click on the item to make any changes I want to make to the description, Etsy tags, title, etc. before publishing.

    

    That’s the process I use to design a t-shirt. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share this project with you. I hope you find it helpful knowing how I create my designs. The process may take 2-3 hours to complete. Sometimes longer, but never less. I have uploaded Sprinkle a Little Sunshine images below on an 11 oz. mug, a women’s t-shirt, and a kids’ t-shirts to show you the many ways these graphics can be resized and used.

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This is what the design looks like on one side of an orange Accent mug.

And on the other side of an orange Accent mug.

11 oz. mugs are available in orange, black, and yellow accents

Buy 11 oz. mug

On a kid’s Gildan 5000B t-shirt

Babies’, toddlers’, and kids’ shirts are not available in this design yet. Please let me know if you’re interested in buying for these categories. Also let me know if you would like to see this design on a sweatshirt.

On a woman - unisex Gildan 5000 t-shirt S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL
Available in Black and White

Buy the adult t-shirt

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Hi everyone! It’s Patricia (Trish)!

I’ve been talking about “starting over” for quite a while now, and I finally made the time to start this adventure for women who are looking for fun conversations, shared experiences, and a little inspiration along the way.

I hope you don’t mind that I added your name to this mailing list; Substack actually recommended doing that! I promise I’m not going to flood your inbox. The nice thing is that I can write a post and send it out as a newsletter all in one convenient place.

Unlike Mailchimp, which recently reduced the number of free subscribers allowed, Substack has no subscriber limits for creators. And unlike Blogger, Substack was built specifically for this kind of community and newsletter experience, so there’s no worrying about losing subscribers like I did with my Simply Making Life blog. I’ll still be posting there too, but going forward, this will be the main newsletter hub for both sites.

Substack also offers the option to create a private community/forum for paid subscribers. If that’s something you’d be interested in down the road, let me know! I’ll keep the cost affordable, and I’ll even offer Etsy shop discounts to help make it worthwhile.

And if you happened to stumble across this through the Substack feed, feel free to click that “Subscribe Now” button above and join the fun! 💕

I’m Interested in your interests

While the posts on Pink Polkadot Butterfly will still offer encouragement and helpful content, this space will be a little different from Simply Making Life. Since it also ties into my new Etsy shop adventure, I’d love to share some behind-the-scenes looks at how I create my products, the creative process behind them, and maybe even develop new items based on your ideas and needs.

I’d also love your feedback on the products I make. Because honestly, creating things is so much more fun when it feels like a community effort!

And of course, we won’t just talk about handmade products and other creative projects. We’ll also chat about all the things that make life enjoyable — gardening, Bible studies, books, movies, hobbies, and whatever else inspires us along the way.

Because that’s what makes this fun! 🌞

What to expect from your subscription

Even though I’m starting this new adventure, I’m still the same crafter, mom, wife, daughter, gardener, and writer I’ve always been. And yes… I still have laundry to fold, dishes to wash, meals to cook, and all the everyday life stuff in between!

So realistically, you can expect posts from me about once a week… give or take a little life happening here and there. 😊

Free subscribers will receive all updates directly by email, and you’ll also be able to leave comments on posts. I truly welcome your thoughts and feedback because they help me better understand your interests, your needs, and the kinds of things you’d enjoy seeing more of here.

What Paid Subscribers Can Expect:

For those who choose to become paid subscribers down the road, I’d love to make it feel worthwhile and fun! Here are a few perks I plan to offer:

• Access to the private community/forum once it’s created: a cozy little space for conversations, ideas, encouragement, and sharing interests together.

• A brand-new coupon code each month for 15% off purchases from my Etsy shop, so you can treat yourself whenever inspiration strikes. 💕

• Extra little surprises and perks here and there — whatever feels reasonable, helpful, and fun enough to help offset the cost of the subscription. I want this to feel more like a community than just another membership.

Honestly, I’m still building and growing this adventure as I go, and I’d love for you to help shape it along the way!