Gypsy is here and I like it!!

Just wanted to give a quick update to my blog.  I probably won't have any other posts this week.  I did get my Gypsy last Thursday from HSN.  I didn't get it until late Thurs. night when I got home from DS's MS football game (darn UPS man!!!).  Then our school carnival was Friday so I was at school on Friday for about 15 hours getting it set up, having the carnival, and tearing it down then sitting through our HS major rival football game (we won!!  YEA!!).  That combined with my cervical disk issues rearing its ugly head again last week and well I haven't had too much time to play or create and when I did, I was playing with the Gypsy!!  I think I have a good handle on it now.

 I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND - downloading the user manual from the gypsy's site and reviewing it ALL carefully!!!  You can find it here.

I would also RECOMMEND that you "think before you link".  I have had mine for almost a week now and I have not linked a single cartridge that I own.  I wanted to make sure I loved this tool BEFORE I LINKED. I will probably start linking carts by the weekend at the latest.  Remember, linking your carts makes it not possible to return your Gypsy if you don't like it.

Couple quick notes about using the Gypsy:  **First, the Power button IS NOT the small silver button on the right top side.  It is a black button on the SIDE of the Gypsy on the right! Hold it in briefly. **Second, you don't have to keep "tapping" the screen - you can tap once and hold and it will continue until you untap.  For example:  increasing the size of something, tap and hold on the round size up or down circles will continue to increase or decrease size! ** You don't have to click precisely on a line of an object to select it like in DS. Just click somewhere on the object. ** Finally, you can change the default height of the cursor while nothing else is selected on the screen - this changes the "default" size of the images that you add to your screen.  (See page 28 of the on-line user manual!).  HTH

There are glitches with it, as there always are with the first release of any technical tool like this.  They have given one update to add the copy and paste feature it was missing (couldn't believe that!) BUT you still can't swap DS .cut files to the Gypsy or Gypsy files to DS.  They are suppose to be working on that and hopefully it will be coming soon.  I do believe that PC will keep working to improve this product. I promise to come back soon and share what I have been learning!  Take Care!

ITunes Gift Card Holder - Any size bug - George, Plantin SB, or My World Carts

 Happy Wed!  Plus, Happy, Happy, Happy!!!!  Just a little more then 12 hours before the Gypsy Premier is launched by ProvoCraft on HSN!!  Are you waiting with baited breath?!!  I am, as I have already pre-ordered mine from HSN yesterday and it is SUPPOSE to be delivered to me tomorrow!!!!  Can't wait!!

In the interim, I have had the idea of an "itunes gift card holder" shaped like an ipod dancing around in my head for a while now.  Just hadn't gotten around to it!  The story of my life it seems - getting " around to it!" Well I finally took the time to do one.  I was feeling so good about it once I had it made that I then proceeded to make sure that I have hopefully taken care of most everyone with a Cricut machine!  I have created files for the smaller bugs and the Expression.  I have used George, Plantin Schoolbook, or My World cartridges to create 4 files.  Hopefully, one of them works for you.  If not, you can always use one of my files as your "pattern" and recreate it with a cartridge you do have.  If you don't have George or Plantin Schoolbook, they would be a great "gift" to yourself from the Cricut Rewards site.  So many people use these two cartridges to create a lot of their .cut files that they share.

As always, I don't require a comment to get my files but I do like to get them and even more so, like to see what people do with my files.  It encourages me to keep creating and sharing!

If you have one of the smaller bugs like the Personal (Baby) or Create machine I have created one file using the George cartridge.  You can Download the BabyBug Itunes Gift Card Holder here.

If you have the Expression machine, you can pick between 3 files that I have created. 

The first file was the first one I created using the actual IPod image from the My World cartridge.  You can Download the Expression/My World ITunes Gift Card Holder here.

The second file I have available for the Expression uses the George Cartridge only.  You can Download the Expression/George ITunes Gift Card Holder here.

The third and final file I have available for the Expression uses the Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge only (although the "This Project" will show George and PS! - it's only PS I promise!).  You can Download the Expression/Plantin Schoolbook ITunes Gift Card Holder here.

Note:  This fits the "smaller" size ITunes gift cards that are a little bigger then 2 x 3.  The final completed size of the gift card holder is approximately 2 1/2" x 4".

I just did a couple "quick" mockups to make sure my cut files all worked and to show you what they would look like if you were "playing a song" on the Ipod. I would spend a little more time on my "buttons" and "screen" when I made it to give as a gift. 

They would make great stocking stuffers at Christmas!

The final picture shows you where to score and fold should that not be obvious to you. Have a great day!

"Interactive Card" - .cut file for Expression or Smaller Bugs

Here is an "interactive card" that I made based on information I found on-line with the Paper Crafts Magazine.  The article was from October, 2008 and was entitled "Boo Bats Card".  It can be found on-line at http://www.papercraftsmag.com/articles/Boo_Bats_Card_pc1008.   The Designer is listed as Bonnie Billings. The card has a large round "window" cut out of the front  with "strings" in the window to which you attach an "accent" that will then "spin".  In their card sample, they used bats.  In mine, I used ghosts. 

In the other sample card I'm posting I "messed up" and attached my front cover paper before I had added the string!  Since I was using my Xyron perm. adhesive there was no getting that paper back up to put in the string!  LOL  So, on the "Bewitching" card, I added an "inside" layer to the top of the card to be my "moon" and then added my flying witch cut with SCAL to it so it doesn't actually move on that card.  However, it does show another way to use this card base .cut file!  LOL  If I had remembered to have added my string first, the witch would have been "flying" on the string and the orange "moon" paper would have been the liner on the inside back of the card and you would have "seen" into the card.

The "ghosts" on the Ghost card are from Everyday Paper Dolls I think.  The blue paper had "ghosts" on it but then I stamped more ghosts and the wording onto the front cover and used stickles around the circle edge and paper edging (because I didn't get my paper lined up straight!  LOL) The "flying witch" is a .svg file I created and is available from last Friday's post here on my blog.  Here is the .cut file for the card base:

Download the "Square with Interactive Circle cut  Card Base" .cut file for the Small Bugs here. Note:  the .cut file for the small bugs cuts one 1 card.  Finished card size is 5 1/4" square and will need a square envelope for mailing.  I believe this also requires extra postage when mailing.  :(

Download the "Square with Interative Circle cut Card Base" .cut file for the Expression here. Note: the .cut file for the Expression macine cuts 2 cards.  The finished card size is 5 1/4" square and will need a square envelope for mailing.  I believe this also requires extra postage when mailing.  :(

Notes:  I used a strong light gray embriodery thread for my string.  I would have used fishing line but didn't have any handy!  LOL  They used "elastic cording" in their directions.  Any "string" you have that you like should work just fine.   They used 2 pieces of string and applied 3 bats.  I used 2 and applied 2 ghosts.  You could use only 1 and apply one object or more and apply more. *  You will need to cut 2 of any object that you are applying to the string.  You will "back" them together with the string running between. 

Supplies - paper for card base, paper for outside card "top" and for inside "liner".  String, wire or elastic cording. Die cuts of choice (make sure you have two of each to layer them together with string in between.) Other items as desired to finish decorate card (stamps for wording, etc.).  Envelope for 5 1/4" Square Card.

Flying Witch Silhouette .svg file for SCAL

Yes, I am in "Halloween Mode"! Here is a Flying Witch file for use with SCAL.  As always, I am providing the .svg file as well as the .scut file.  Remember you IMPORT .svg files into SCAL and OPEN an .scut file with SCAL.  Neither .svg or .scut files will work with Design Studio (DS).  The .scut file was created with SCAL 1.

Please show me any projects that you create with this or any of my other files.  I like to see people are getting a use from them.

You can download the Flying Witch .svg file here.

You can download the Flying Witch .scut file here.

PC continues to Celebrate their 100th Cartridge Release

Don't forget, PC is continuing to celebrate their 100th Cartridge Release, Winter Woodland, by giving free cartridges away.  For details, see the Cricut Messageboard at www.cricut.com/messageboard.   To see all 100 of their cartridges you can go to their products section at http://www.cricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=361&s=1&sc=2.  If you are new to the Cricut, go back to the beginning and see some of the first released carts, many of those are "can't live without".

Pyramid Favor Box for SCAL Users

I found this instruction sheet for a Pyramid Favor Box at Jo-Ann's some time ago.    It notes that it is courtesy of Inkadinkado (I think because the project sheet has you stamping on your project after you have it cut out but before you put it together.) I finally got around to tracing the pattern off the back, scanned it in, pulled it into Inkscape and made an .svg pattern with it for use with SCAL.  I had to handtrace the original since it is printed lightly on the back with the written instructions over the top of it. (Hate when they do that - makes it hard to use!)

I usually use the red liner tape available at Walmart or any craft store to put my boxes and or bags together so that I know that they will "stay" together once I have put treats in them.

Special Notes: * the "sides" where you do the folds seem to be a little longer (taller) then the front and back sides (maybe it's just my folding). Once you fold them in and glue the "sides" to the front and back trim off any extra length by hand.  It's just a quick snip. *  Also, you'll need to "pinch in" the sides of the box to allow for the front closure flap to pull over the top correctly. * see the attached photo that shows you where to score and fold (basically you score on the triangle sides and the middle square). Click on picture to see it better and in larger size.

Here are two sample boxes that I made to try the pattern out. 

Notice in the last  picture posted here how I have "pinched" in the sides of the box to allow for the top flap to come over and down properly.

You can download the Pyramid Box .svg file here.

You can download the Pyramid Box .scut file here.

Remember, you IMPORT an .svg file into SCAL.  You OPEN a .scut file with SCAL.  Neither .svg nor .scut files can be used with Design Studio (DS). 

Thanks for looking.  As always, I'd love to see any projects that you create with this file.

Approximate finished size of the project is 3" x 3 1/2" x 1 1/2"

My Rolling Yudu Cart designed and made for me by my DH Jeff

Just wanted to share a photo of my new cart that my DH Jeff designed and made for me for my Yudu machine. 

It is on wheels so that I can roll it to where I want it for use or storage.  The wheels then lock down so that it won't move while actually using it.  It has a drawer for storage of paints and other supplies as well as the bottom shelf for more storage. 

The only thing he has left to do is add "hooks" to the ends for holding the plantins while they are drying or for storage.  We haven't found the hooks we want to use.  He's thinking about making those as well. 

Thanks for looking.  I just love my new cart and my DH for his hard work in making it!

Eyeore Card with DS and Any Cricut - Pooh & Friends Cartridge & George

Here is an Eyeore card that I made back around the end of March for my sister's birthday.  I love the Mouse.  She loves Eyeore.  We were out of town (at Disney I believe!) on her birthday so we "missed" it.  I made this as a birthday card for her and on the inside I put - "we missed your birthday - hope it was happy" or something like that. 

Well, I've had the .cut file since then but forgot to take a picture of the card to share with all of you.  I finally got around to cutting a new one so I could take a picture!  I've left the inside blank at the moment so I could "adapt" it to any need like another missed birthday, an illness, an apology, etc. 

I have files for both the smaller bugs and the Expression.  You will need the Pooh and Friends cartridge and George.  The rectangle used to join Eyeore's head for the base and the bottom of the card are from George but could easily be replaced by ones from another cartridge if you don't have our friend George.  I used the Pooh Font for the words "oh bother" so you could easily redo that with another font you had. I used the shadow of Eyeore to make the card base, then cut the full head and then the "pieces" and layered them.  See your Pooh & Friends handbook if needed in figuring out the layering.

Download the Eyeore Card .cut file for the Smaller bugs here.

Download the Eyeore Card .cut file for the Expression here.

Dachshund Silhouette - (Weiner Dog) for SCAL

Seems like I am on a SCAL role.  LOL  I'm sorry to my DS only friends.  I'm not ignoring it but these images are just so much easier to recreate with my scanner, Inkscape and SCAL!  I wish it were as easy with DS and we had no need for SCAL but until that day comes, I will continue to use both.

Here is a silhouette of a dachshund.  My BIL and his wife have always owned dachshunds.  I wanted to be able to have a cut of one to use to make them a card or other things.  The .svg file will need to be IMPORTED into any version of SCAL.  The .scut file is one I created with SCAL 1.  You open it with SCAL.  Neither of these files can be used with DS.

Download the dachshund .svg file here.
Download the dachshund .scut file here.

DS File by GJ now available for Witche's Shoe Card Previously Posted

Hello.  Just a quick note to let you know that I was contacted by GJ on the Cricut MB asking if it was okay for her to remake the Witch's shoe card that I had made as .svg and .scut files and previously posted.  I said sure, I would love for her to do that for our DS using friends.  So she did and has kindly agreed to let me post it here on my blog for those who wish to download it.  Both GJ and I have cut the file and it works great.  Here is a picture of GJ's card.

You can follow this link to see my original post and to find GJ's DS .cut file that she has kindly shared.  Thanks GJ!

http://meflickcricutandmore.blogspot.com/2009/08/happy-halloween-witchy-footwear-card.html

NOTE:  On GJ's card she has used the "hide contour feature".  Her first page with the card tells you what should be "hidden".  Make sure these are "hidden" before you go to cut the file.  You will probably have to "hide" them again in the file.  I did.  Nothing GJ did wrong - just one of those "bugs" in the software - a hidden contour doesn't always stay hidden!

Broken Picket Fence - SCAL

Here is a Broken Picket Fence file for use with your Cricut and SCAL.  I have created the .scut file using SCAL 1.  As always, this is easily done by scanning the image into my computer, importing it into Inkscape, doing a few simple steps and saving it as an .svg file.  You then IMPORT the .svg fle into any version of SCAL.  The .scut file is the file created after the image has been pulled into SCAL and saved.  You OPEN a .scut file with SCAL.  Note:  .svg and .scut files CANNOT be used with DS (Design Studio)

Note: I don't cover the steps of creating the .svg file in Inkscape here on my blog as there are several places with great tutorials on doing that and, as I've said before, I try not to reinvent the wheel.  This means that if I know something already exists out there in the online world as it relates to Cricuts, DS, SCAL and Inkscape I won't cover it myself.  That doesn't mean that sometimes you won't find something here that others have - it simply means that I was unaware of it already being done!  LOL

Download the Broken Picket Fence .svg file here.  Download the Broken Picket Fence .scut file here.

Treat Bag - SCAL file

I love magazines with patterns!  I had picked up the Sept/Oct 2009 edition of the Paper Crafts magazine.  It has several cute ideas in it for Halloween.  One idea was a "Haunted House Treat Box" designed by Daniela Dobson on page 44 of the magazine.   The pattern for the "Treat Bag" was available to download from their website, http://www.papercraftsmag.com/index.html. It is really just a simple little bag who's finished size is about 3 1/4" x 5 1/4" x 1 3/4".  The "Haunted House" part was just decorative paper added as a "wrap" to the bag.

I downloaded the pattern, scanned it into my computer, imported it into Inkscape and converted it into an .svg file to import into SCAL.  I have also created a .scut file with SCAL 1.  The .scut file is sized to approximately the same size as the bag in the magazine therefore it will require the Expression to cut it.

Here in my sample file I created, I added the witch brewing in her caldrun .svg file that was posted yesterday to the middle of the bag to cut out the image.  I then added a piece of acetate or clear plastic to the inside of the bag over the "hole" left by the witch cut out. This allows you to "see" into the bag.  I then used my MS drippy goo punch to punch out a strip that I added to the top of my bag.  I then cut a larger "wrap" to add to the bottom and stamped "Boo to You" and wrapped it around the bag.  I then added some stickles to the drippy goo and the "boo to you".

You can download the .svg "treat bag" file here.  You can download the .scut "treat bag" file here.  Note that this .scut file was created with SCAL 1.  It also has the witch brewing in her caldrun included on the bag to cut out.  If you don't want the witch to cut out, simply delete it from the file or replace it with a different object, a cupcake with a candle, ballons, a snowman, etc.  Anything that would fit your "theme".

Have fun and let me see what you create with the file.  The score lines are not marked.  Again, I think that they are "obvious" but if not, you can find the original pattern with the score marks online at Paper Crafts magazine's website listed above.  However, it is missing one scoreline on the bottom flap.  In addition, the way this pattern is layed out and cuts, you will need to hand cut a little more the two side "flaps" up to the score line to fold properly.  Please let me know if you have any questions or problems!  Thanks for "popping in".

ProvoCraft Celebrates their 100th Cartridge Release

Hello.  Just a quick note to say Congratulations to ProvoCraft for their 100th Cricut Cartridge Release. Winter Woodland is their 100th cartridge! They are celebrating by giving away 100 cartridges over the next few weeks.  How exciting!  The good news for me (and PC) is that I have almost all of those 100 and am eagerly awaiting the next 100!  LOL  Of course, having purchased the original baby bug right after it was first released I have had over 3 1/2 years to amass my collection!!  LOL

To see all 100 of the cartridges presently available you can go to the Cricut Product page here:
http://www.cricut.com/shopping/productList.aspx?sc=2

What is your favorite?  I don't have one favorite - I love them all!!!

Halloween is "Brewing" - SCAL file

Here is an image of a witch brewing her potions in her caldrun.  You will need SCAL to IMPORT the .svg file  for cutting with your cricut or you can OPEN the .scut file directly with SCAL.  I used SCAL 1 to create the .scut file.

You can download the .svg file of the witch and caldrun here.  You can download the .scut file of the witch and caldrun here.

Note:  .svg and .scut files will not work with DS.  You must have SCAL 1 or 2 to work with these files.  Any size bug can be used to cut it out.

"Pencil Box" created with Design Studio, Plantin Schoolbook and Expression Machine

Okay, I admit it. I like to create "boxes". This "Pencil Box" was created after unloading some pencils from a box bottom. There was only the bottom, not a top. I thought, ooh - that would make a cute box and would be so easy to do! So, here it is. Due to its size, you will need the Expression Machine which is why I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to create it. Even with the 12x12 mat, I had to alter the design from the orginal box a little. They had "extra" end flaps on the ends that folded back over for extra support. I have not marked or "ticked' the score lines, I think that is obvious. If you have problems with it, let me know.

It would make a great "pencil box", treat box, or simply a little rectangular gift box. You decide what to use it for. If you download the file and use it, please send me a picture(s) of what you did with it. I'll even post your pics to show off your work! I like seeing my work put into "action" by others! Of course, I think many of you are more like me, a "collector" of other people's .cut, .scut and .svg files for that "just in case" moment in the future. LOL - its okay to admit it - I have!! LOL

You can download the Pencil Box .cut file here.

Note that the file contains two pages for the "top" of the box. One Top page is a solid top, simply cut and assemble. The second Top page has an oval cut out so you can "see" into the box. Just choose which Box Top you want to use and cut 1. If you use the Oval cut out, the 3rd page has the oval enlarged to cut from transparency (or contrasting or coordinating paper) so that you can adhere it inside the box top easily. You could always find a different shape and replace the oval with one you like - the sky's the limit - or maybe that should be your designs on your cartridges are your only limits! LOL

Note: this file is a .cut file created with DS.  It will not work with SCAL.  It requires Plantin Schoolbook and the Expression. Thanks for stopping by!

Some Simple and Quick Birthday Cards

My DD and I made a lot of simple cards that we gave to my mother-in-law at Christmas for her to use to send out to friends and family. She recently mentioned that she needed "more" birthday ones as she had sent out the last one! LOL So, I went to work making some quick and simple cards. I used card bases that I had previously purchased. Some were plain white, others had a design already on the front that I "added" to. Here are a few samples of some of those cards.

The first card used a plain white base, cut a piece of "dotted paper" to fit and applied to the front of the card. Then added a cupcake cut from A Child's Year to it and used stickles on the cupcake and around the edge of the dotted paper. Inside it says "Happy Birthday Cupcake."

The second card also used a plain white base, cut a piece of paper with different types of ice cream (including a popcicle on it, used a marker to "outline" the edges (Be careful when you do this - I used one that "bled" through to the inside top of the card and so I then used an inside liner paper to cover that up!). The popcicle cut was cut from the Doodlecharms cartridge (I think!). I added some marker around its edges and some stickles to it. The small blue oval was cut out for the "saying" I wanted on the front which is "how old would you be if you didn't know how old you were." I lked that as most of us remember having popcicles as children. Inside it simply says Happy Birthday.

The third card had "birthday" grettings all over the front of the card already. So, I simply added the silhouette cut of 3 children playing together from A Child's Year cartridge to the front of the card and inside again used the stamp that said "how old would you be if you didn't know how old you were."

3 simple but quick birthday cards. Hope someone likes them! I do these "simple" because I figure they are "looked at" and then tossed so I don't put a lot of work into them!

Halloween Cards

Here are a couple of Halloween cards. Both of them used the A Child's Year cartridge to cut out the base and the "topper" (the orange piece with the border edge). On one, I used the Frankenstein head I created as an .svg file from a scroll saw pattern and the "Happy Halloween" is one of the $1 stamps. I added "wiggly" eyes. See Frankenstein post below for the .svg or .scut file for Frankenstein's head. Remember, you must have SCAL to use .svg files and you must IMPORT them into SCAL not OPEN. DS (Design Studio) cannot use .svg files or .scut files.

The First card says "Have a Mice Halloween" and has 3 House Mouse. The saying and all 3 Mice in Costume came from a set of clear stamps I found on clearance at HL! I used my Copic Markers to color them in. I wish I had "popped" them off the card with pop dots to add some dimension. These were just some simple cards that I did "playing" around with my new cartridge A Child's Year, the Frankenstein Head .svg file I created, some House Mouse stamps and my Copic Markers.

Remember, you can click on the photos to see a larger image!

Halloween - Frankenstein Head .svg file to share

Here is an .svg file of a Frankenstein head. This is one of the images that I found in the scroll saw magazine that I thought would make a cute cricut die cut! I again scanned the image into my computer from the "pattern" provided in the magazine and saved it in an appropriate format like .jpeg, .tiff, or gif. I then imported it into Inkscape and converted it into an .svg file and "broke apart" the different parts for cutting in different colors with the cricut.



Here on this sample I have added in the "whites" of the eyes with a white pen and drawn in the stitch line on his forehead and his mouth. You can Download the Frankenstein .svg file here. You can Download the Frankenstein .scut file for SCAL 1 here. You can Download the Frankenstein .scut file for SCAL 2 here.



Remember, you IMPORT an .svg file into SCAL. You simply open a .scut file in either SCAL 1 or SCAL 2 as created in. You cannot use an .svg file or .scut file with Design Studio (DS). I apologize to all my DS using friends but it is just so much easier to recreate an image in SCAL then in DS at this time! Thanks for stopping by!