From the Editor: Why I Wrote 'Cricut Weddings' (And What I Learned Along the Way)

Hi, readers! I'm Chelsea Barton, and for nearly 20 years, the wedding industry has been my home. And for 13 of them, Tidewater and Tulle has been my heartbeat. Over the last decade, we’ve grown into a go-to resource for Cricut wedding ideas and education, consistently ranking for those terms not by accident, but because I’ve spent years obsessing over what you – the couples planning your most meaningful days – are actually searching for.

Our Guide to Cricut Wedding Fonts, chic DIY tutorials, and Cricut Wedding Signage Guide have helped hundreds of thousands of you. But I realized that while a website article is great for a single project or topic, there was a need for a cohesive, physical companion that walks you through the entire wedding DIY planning process. That’s where Cricut Weddings comes in.

Today, I'm finally pulling back the curtain on my biggest project yet and properly introducing you to my first wedding DIY book, Cricut Weddings.

Cricut Weddings book by Chelsea Barton

Bridging the Gap Between Inspo and Making it Happen

In my years as a wedding editor, I noticed a pattern. There is no shortage of gorgeous wedding inspiration out there. But when it comes to actually making it, the path forward often feels like a choice between complicated technical tutorials or projects that just don't fit a modern wedding aesthetic. It can be overwhelming to couples new to crafting and to Cricut who are starting at ground zero.

I realized there was room at the table to bridge a wedding professional’s eye for detail with a beginner’s need for a clear, doable process. I wanted to create a roadmap that made high-end, personalized decor with a touch of romantic whimsy feel possible for everyone – no matter skill set, budget, or time available.

Chelsea Barton author of Cricut Weddings

The Journey from Red Ink to Author

Building a bridge for beginners requires more than just craftiness. Which is why this part might not surprise you: I’m a trained writer, artist, and teacher. It’s what I studied in both my undergrad and postgrad days and sets the scene for when I entered the wedding world.

But in my late teens and twenties, I was all over the shop (as most writers are while growing). For years, my creative stories and essays came back covered in my professors' bright red ink.

And though a bruise to the confidence most days, it was necessary. That paper carnage (combined with my undiagnosed-at-the-time ADHD hyperfixation!) was exactly what made me a better teacher.

It taught me how to:
➤ Explain things clearly.
➤ Cut the fluff (still working on that — I love words!).
➤ Actually teach.

I took that foundation and gave it to this book. Cricut Weddings became the ultimate DIY project. I didn’t just write the words; I photographed and designed all 22 projects featured in the book, too! Even the exclusive SVG files that accompany the book with the help of Cricut Contributing Artist, Cat Madeira, who took my sketches and turned them into polished templates so you could make with ease.

My publisher's editorial team even graciously let me stick my nose in their business and be involved in the book layout design process. (Thanks, Tom and Ellie!)

Fabric wedding bar menu sign from the Cricut Weddings book

Team wedding tshirt from the Cricut Weddings book

A 'Rising from the Ashes' Era

On a personal note, this book was written during a season of change and transformation. Not too long before, I had moved across the world for love, leaving behind a version of my career and even the name everyone once knew me by. I struggled with immigration and identity. I had mental and physical health crises that forced me to fade into the background to heal and get better.

"Sometimes when you're in a dark place, you think you've been buried, but you've actually been planted." - Christine Caine


Now for the first time ever, my life felt aligned. I finally had the safe space and support to create from a place of joy and peace. (Largely in part to my dearest Mr. B, my number one cheerleader, soulmate, and best friend. You'll see him on the cover!)

This book is a candid reflection of my 'rising from the ashes' era. So I didn't waste it. I poured nine nonstop months into something that could genuinely help couples create weddings that feel and look like them.

Rolled flowers made out of coffee basket filters from the Cricut Weddings book

Round wedding welcome mirror sign from the Cricut Weddings book

Why Cricut Weddings?

This book doesn’t just exist to give you ideas or a list of to-dos. (Though that part is fun!)

It really exists for:
Personal Storytelling: A bit from my own life and to help you with using your machine to share your own.
Creativity & Education: Learning the how-to so you can feel confident in the result.
Joy in the Making: Turning the "stress" of wedding DIY into a thoughtful creative moment.

It's here for those who need the essentials on what they have to know while balancing all of the other busy parts of wedding planning. DIY is just one thing on a timeline, so let's make it meaningful.

I do too wedding pet bandana from the Cricut Weddings book

Intricate cut peony invitation jacket from the Cricut Weddings book

A Thank You to You

So really, this book is a giant thank you to you, the Tidewater and Tulle community. You have trusted me to be your go-to for Cricut wedding DIY for over ten years. You were the inspiration and the catalyst behind every page, behind every search, behind every design.

And now Cricut Weddings is out in the world, and I can't wait for you to hold it in your hands and start creating!

To learn more and find your preferred bookshop to order your copy today, head over to the dedicated website: www.cricutweddings.com.

Cricut Weddings book by wedding DIY expert author Chelsea Barton

Exclusive Reader Offer

As a great way to celebrate the big launch day, my publisher GMC Publications has kindly given us exclusive promo codes for our Tidewater and Tulle readers.

For our UK friends, you can buy Cricut Weddings from Gifts to Me for only £13.50 (+ shipping)! Visit giftstome.co.uk and use promo code: R6108

For our U.S. friends, you can purchase Cricut Weddings from Indie Pubs for only $21.50 (+ shipping)! Visit IndiePubs.com and use promo code: IPA4040

Both offers end July 21, 2026.

Disclaimer: Cricut Weddings is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Cricut™. The book is written by a Cricut expert, occasional partner, and lover of weddings!

WRITTEN BY

Chelsea Barton

Founder & Wedding DIY Expert

A former wedding photographer, the founder of Tidewater and Tulle, and author of Cricut Weddings, Chelsea Barton has been helping couples bring their dream weddings to life through creative, approachable ideas since 2009. Her insight and work have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Living, and other top publications around the world. She combines editorial expertise and real-world insight to inspire meaningful celebrations.




VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Chelsea Barton | Author Photo: Kelsie Scully Photography | Venue: Buxted Park Hotel | Production: Tidewater and Tulle | Florals: The Floral Hire | Styling: Ambience Venue Styling Kent West | Wedding Content Creation: Han Picked Memories | Makeup: Leanna Codd Makeup | Hair: Hair By Eloise | Bride's Attire: BRIDE By Aster | Bridesmaid Attire: TH&TH Bridesmaids | Catering: Rose Petal Cake Company | Mobile Bar: Southdowns Bar Co. | Cake: Bubba's Bakes | Details & Signage: Make with Chelsea | Models: Nishaa & Chloe


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