CRIUT DESIGN STUDIO: The Missing Manual

I blog because I LOVE to share my knowledge and talents with others. I have found that because of my blog, I also GAIN knowledge and talents FROM others.  Today is one of those days...

I received an email from Brandi who has published the "CRICUT DESIGN STUDIO: THE MISSING MANUAL" ebook. 

In case you haven't heard about Cricut Design Studio: The Missing Manual, it is a video-enhanced ebook that is nearly 70 pages. It is packed full of step-by-step tutorials that include screenshots of the actual software. Better still, it has over an hour of video tutorials. It covers the basics of getting started with the Cricut Design Studio software, as well as more complex tasks such as welding and creating shadows - plus a lot more!

I personally reviewed this ebook... all afternoon today... I was totally engrossed.  The first thing that really struck me was the wonder of today's technology!  And Brandi has chosen the absolute best way to present this information!  This book will come to you in a PDF format.  While reading the ebook, you will come across VIDEO BOXES that you will click on and a video of Brandi showing you just what she is talking about in that section will pop up.  Now how many 'books' can do that!  I loved it!  I am such a visual learner as most of my followers are too... so this is the guide for you to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Design Studio.  Check out her manual HERE!  I'm sure you will love it as much as I did!

Cricutingly yours!



Tammy

Live Ustream with Robyn, The PINK STAMPER!

So excited today!  My bff, Angela and I are on our way (look out Thelma & Louise!) up to Oklahoma to 'hang out' with Robyn (My Pink Stamper) and her bff, Karlee!!  Gonna be sooo much fun!



Go to http://www.mypinkstamper.com/ for the link to the ustream tonight (Friday - March 26, 2010) at 8pm CENTRAL TIME!  That means 6pm for you west coast gals and 9pm for you east coast gals!  All you Utah ladies will see us at 7pm your time!  Get it?  lol

Have a wonderful FRIDAY and we will see you tonight!

Scrappingly yours!

Tammy & Angela!

LOVESTRUCK Cricut Cartridge: Faithbooking Page

I lead a FAITHBOOKING group at my church once a month.  Right now we are working our way through the "ABCs of our Faith" and this page was letter "G" for my faithbook (I skipped ahead a little! lol).



"G" for me, means my husband because his name begins with G. 



He has an important role in my faith because he is my soulmate.  When I think of him and our relationship, I think of this scripture...

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it s not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  I Corinthians 13:4-7

That is the scripture that I used for the page...



The flowers are a mixture of flowers cut from my cricut and flowers that were in the design of the patterned cardstock that I used and just cut them out to add to my flower cascade.



Then I used the couple's silhouette from the LOVESTRUCK 2010 cartridge to tie it all together.



When putting together scrapbook layouts, I am definitely a two-page-layout-kinda-girl, and I love finding different ways to display the photos.  In this layout, my photo will be matted on the big central box, but will be cut and actually displayed on the right page of the layout.  I haven't put the photo in yet, because I plan to put a black & white one from our 25th anniversary that is coming up in July! 



My supplies for this layout are:
- Core'dinations cardstock
- My Mind's Eye cardstock
- Cricut Cartridges:  Lovestruck 2010
                               Paisley
                               Mickey Font
- Rhinestones
- White Signo Pen

I have discovered that I no longer buy stickers or chipboard embellishments.  I love the look that my pages have with just the cricut images and a few embellies like rhinestones, ribbon, buttons or brads.  Definitely keeps the cost per page down without sacrificing the design!

We meet again for FAITHBOOKING this weekend.  This month we are working on the letter "C".  Some of the things that "C" could stand for are:

- C is for CHURCH HOME
  "Let us go to the house of the Lord" Psalm 122:1
  "I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells" Psalm 26:8
- C is for CHILDREN
  "I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.  They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams."  Isaiah 44:3b-4
  "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6
- C is for COURAGE
  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

That is just to list a few ideas, and I love all of them, but my own faithbook will have the "C is for CHURCH HOME".  We just love Christ Community Church, and spend quite a bit of time there.  Our whole family is active there and I want to reflect how much a part of our lives our church is in my Faithbook.  I'll show you that page later!

Hope your week is a great one!



Tammy

CREATE A CRITTER: Koala Love Card

Hello Everyone!! Well, this post was actually suppose to go up on Saturday, but my computer decided to start acting out. I think I have worn it out lately and it was protesting ;-). Thankfully, my 'SScrubby' is quite handy with computers and he had mine good as new in time to post today! (thx honey!)

Lots to do today... (1) announce winners of the TAGS, BAGS, BOXES & MORE and EASTER 2010 cartridges (CLICK HERE!), (2) explore the CREATE A CRITTER cartridge and (3) make ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Go to my WINNER'S PAGE by clicking HERE. This page can always be accessed to see WHAT I'm giving away and WHO is winning and WHAT they won!

Next... let's talk about the new CREATE A CRITTER cricut cartridge!  LOVE IT!  Not just for the name but for the whole thing!  Provocraft's cartridges just seem to keep getting better and better (thank you PC!) and this cartridge is a great example of that.

I've made several cards with it already and am working on an adorable layout for later. There are 50 critters and each critter has a 'buddy', accessories and coordinating phrase. Here is the KOALA bear..



The "Mom" is from GYPSY FONT. My papers are CORE'DINATIONS and BOBUNNY... perfect for this card. While I love the front of the card, I love the inside of the card even more!



The balloon is considered the 'Buddy' and the 'IheartU' is the phrase. The accessory for the KOALA is the dress and flower on the front. The cartouche background for the 'IheartU' is actually the phrase feature for the RACOON critter on this same cartidge.

Seriously, this cartridge is great... even greater than you know, because Provocraft has really improved the layering features... watch this little video to see how.



Click HERE if you can't see the video above.

Now for my ANNOUNCEMENTS!  Just a few things that I am excited about and wanted to share with you!

1)  I've been invited to join Robyn, My Pink Stamper and her BFF, Karlee for a live USTREAM this Friday (March 26th) night.  I will post a link to her Ustream channel on Friday so you will be able to find it.  She has some great giveaways and as the guest... I'm gonna surprise her with a few of my own!

2)  I've just gotten word from Megan at ABOVE RUBIES STUDIO that the GYPSY A-Z DVD has just entered it's next stage of production and we are still on target for an APRIL 15th release date!  WOOT WOOT!  I will keep you all updated as it gets closer.  In the meantime... if you haven't signed up on the wait list CLICK here to do it!  Megan is also working hard on her CLUB RUBY, so check her blog out and see what all the hub-bub is about!

3)  For all my local followers, CRICUT CLASSES resume on April 5th!  Go to http://www.creativecritter.com/ to see the class schedules and the Cricut Retreat schedules!
Cricutingly yours,

Tammy

NURSERY RHYMES: Special Delivery Gift & Card

Happy Friday!  Or is it TGIF?  Not for me... I've had a great time this week and have probably been more productive this week than I have in awhile.  Got lots of crafting done, but also had some great family time, saw a couple of movies and even got some spring cleaning done on the house!  Still, have lots to share with you though, so let's get started!

NURSERY RHYMES Cricut Cartridge... if you loved the A CHILD'S YEAR, you will love NURSERY RHYMES.  Great for children's scrapbook layouts and as you will see today, great for cards and gifts too.  The decorating ideas are endless.  Fifty base images and all but two are actual nursery rhymes.  Two of the keys focus on baby...



Base image: STORK 3" with shadow
Phrase: SPECIAL DELIVERY 2.5" with blackout/shadow



I used Provocraft's brown & white vinyl to decorate the gift box and Core'dinations cardstock for the card.

This cartridge also offers a really nice font with a shadow feature.  The name HANK was done in all uppercase, but lowercase is also available along with a framed monogram feature.

Here the stork & shadow were cut in vinyl at 5".


Closer look at the card... it is a standard A2 size with 5 layers.  I used the coordinating stork for the front...



But chose the WELCOME BABY phrase for the inside.  It was cut at 2" along with a shadow/blackout.



All the phrases on this cartridge had a shadow/blackout feature similar to this.  So, its like its all shadowed, but only parts are blacked out.  I like it.



There it all is together...  ready for a certain daughter of mine to get in gear and give me grandchildren (lol!).  No... no announcements yet and unfortunately, Hank is the name of her new yorkie puppy.  But, hey... I can dream, right?!



I also featured a cute little easter pail made with this cartridge and the EASTER 2010 cartridge over at the HALLMARK SCRAPBOOK blog.

Since the details on cricut.com do not include the phrases, I have listed them for you here.  Now remember that each one is welded into one piece and most (not all) feature a small coordinating image attached.

- Baa Baa Black Sheehp
- Cat & the Fiddle
- Over the Moon
- Dish & Spoon
- I Had A Little Pony
- Four & 20 Black Birds
- Georgy Porgy
- Goosey Goosey Gander
- Round & Round
- Hickory Dickory Dock
- My Black Hen
- Humpty Dumpty
- Jack Be Nimble
- Jack & Jill
- Jack Sprat
- Give a Dog a Bone
- Ladybug Lady Bug
- Little Bo Peep
- Little Boy Blue
- What a Good Boy Am I
- Little Miss Muffet
- Mary Had a Little Lamb
- Mary Mary
- Old King Cole
- Old Mother Hubbard
- Buckle My Shoe
- Pat A Cake
- Pease Porridge
- Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater
- Pied Piper
- The Queen of Hearts
- Rain Rain Go Away
- Banbury Cross
- Ring Around The Rosies
- Rock a Bye Baby
- See Saw Margery Daw
- Sew a Fine Seam
- Simple Simon
- Special Delivery
- Welcome Baby
- Tea for 2
- This Little Piggy
- Cock A Doodle Doo
- Pussy Cat Where Have You Been   (that one is for all those wishing for a cat cartridge! lol!)
- 3 Blind Mice
- Three Little Mittens
- 3 Little Pigs
- Tom Tom the Pipers Son
- Twinkle Twinkle
- Wee Willie Winkie

There you go... the digital handbook was not available at the time of this post which is why I listed the phrases out.  Last, but definitely not least... you can see more projects done with this cartridge and all the new releases over at MY PINK STAMPER, COURTNEY LANE DESIGNS and OBSESSED WITH SCRAPBOOKING, those ladies have been working hard and have produced some inspiring layouts and cards... not to mention the giveaways they have going on right now.  Whew!  You gotta love that!

Tomorrow, I have a cute layout from the CREATE A CRITTER cartridge along with another card.  Don't forget that I am giving away the TAGS, BAGS, BOXES & MORE cartridge and EASTER 2010 cartridge on Monday, so leave a comment to be eligible to win! 

Craftingly yours,

HELLO THURSDAY for March 2010!

Hello Thursday!!  What does that mean in the cricut world... well, the third Thursday of each month is when Provocraft announces new cartridges, updates and more!  So, Hello Thursday!!

I have the privilege of previewing two of the 10 cartridges being released today.  First... here are the TEN NEW CRICUT CARTRIDGES (click on the titles to see all the details about each cartridge!):

Full Cricut Cartridges
Nursery Rhyme
Create-A-Critter
Robotz

Seasonal Mini Cartridges
Independence Day
Cricut Summer Vacation
Summer in Paris

Specialty Cricut Cake Cartridges (yes, they can be used with all machines!)
Cricut Cake
Elegant Cakes
Holiday Cakes
Cricut Birthday Cakes

Of course, my favorite would be the CREATE A CRITTER!  Duh!  Click on the title so you can see all the different critters it has!!  So so so cute!! But the best part is all the phrases and accessories that each critter has!!  Totally awesome for cardmakers AND scrapbookers!  Take a look at my "Nuts About U" card...







LOVE the phrase!  Just too cute!




Here are some of the phrases...

The FROG has "Prince Charming"

The MONKEY says "Let's Hang Out"

There is a POODLE who says "Merci"

A TURKEY that says "Gobble"

and a CAT that says "Purrfect"

50 Critters and 50 phrases and/or journal boxes and accessories!!  Gotta love that!

Now onto my second cartridge... NURSERY RHYMES.  If you were a fan of the A CHILD'S YEAR, then you are gonna flip over NURSERY RHYMES!  Designed for children, it features all the old fashioned nursery rhymes (hence the name, lol), but think a little outside the box and you will get something cute for a teenager (or for my own scrapbook room, lol!) like this lamp...










So, fifty nursery rhymes all on one cartridge!  A few of them are:

- Baa Baa Black Sheep
- Cat &  the Fiddle
- Over the Moon
- Dish & Spoon
- I Had A Little Pony
- Four & 20 Black Birds
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
- 3 Blind Mice
... and more!

Check back tomorrow for more NURSERY RHYMES projects and I will list all the rhymes included on this cartridge.  I've dedicated tomorrow to this cartridge alone.  Saturday will be all about the CREATE A CRITTER cartridge and just let me say "CUTE!"... lol!

Don't forget to leave a comment because I am giving away TAGS, BAGS, BOXES & MORE and EASTER 2010 on Monday, Mar 22nd.  They brand new in the box from my own personal stash and some of my favorites!  See you tomorrow!

Scrappingly yours,




Tammy

Gee... I LOVE my GYPSY!

Hello Everyone!

First, let me apologize for the HUGE photos in my posts yesterday!  Whew!  I upgraded to photobucket pro and in the process changed all my settings... but have no fear... I went back and swapped out all the photos so it would not bog your computers down!

So much technology!  Keeps you on your toes!  And you gotta LOVE it!  Seriously... have you gotten the IPhone yet?  I love mine!  Don't know how I did everything before I got one.  Want to know what else I love?  Maybe even more than my IPhone...?  Yep, you guessed it... I LOVE my GYPSY!  And here are a few reasons why!...



Hope you liked my video!  Sure was sweet of my hubby to make an appearance... and no that was not scripted!  He REALLY had no idea how many cartridges that I had!!  LOL! 

Make sure to hop over to HALLMARK SCRAPBOOK'S blog HALLMARK LADYBUGS to see this cute Easter layout that I made using the EASTER 2010 and GYPSY FONT cartridges.


Oh and don't forget to leave a comment so that you will be eligible to win either the EASTER 2010 or TAGS, BAGS, BOXES & MORE cartridges!  I'll be giving them away on Monday!  Have a great day!

Craftingly yours,

Creative Critter Tammy

Easter mode on TUESDAY TREATS and HALLMARK SCRAPBOOK

Hello Everyone!  Yep... I'm gearing up for Easter!  Check out the cute little Easter 'Sailor Chick' card that I made for Hallmark Scrapbook's blog HALLMARK LADYBUGS....



And some really cute (even if I do say so myself!) Easter Favor Boxes for the TUESDAY TREATS blog...







I'm not a huge jelly bean fan, but the artist in me sure loves the colors... don't you?







Oops... I was distracted by the pretty colors (squirrel!)... you want to see what I put these colorful jelly beans in?  Well, you're gonna have to click HERE to see them!  But, before you leave, make sure to leave a comment so you can be eligible to win either an EASTER 2010 cartridge or a TAGS, BAGS, BOXES & MORE cartridge.  I will be drawing for the winner on Monday, Mar 22nd.

Craftingly yours,

Tammy

EASTER 2010 Cricut Cartridge

Happy Monday Everyone!

I am guest designer for http://www.hallmarkscrapbook.com/ blog HALLMARK LADYBUGS this week and will be really exploring the seasonal EASTER 2010 cricut cartridge.  Hop on over and take a peek!  While you are there, you might want to go ahead and order the cartridge if you don't have it, because you can purchase it for only $18.99 HERE.



This is going to be a crazy busy, but totally fun week for me!  See if you can keep up... because, not only am I guest designer for Hallmark Scrapbook, but I am also guest designer for TUESDAY TREATS tomorrow!  I think you are gonna love the cute boxes that I made using the TAGS, BAGS, BOXES & MORE cricut cartridge and my GYPSY! 

Then, Thursday is Provocraft's HELLO THURSDAY!  They announce new cartridges on the third Thursday of every month and several designers (My Pink Stamper, Obsessed With Scrapbooking, Courtney Lane Designs and me!) will feature projects made with those cartridges so that you get a better idea of what's on them!  See... told ya that it was a crazy busy week!  LOL!

In honor of everything going on this week, I'm giving away both the EASTER 2010 and the TAGS, BAGS, BOXES & MORE cartridges!  All you have to do is leave a comment between today and Sunday night (Mar 21st @ midnight) to be eligible to win.  You can leave one every day this week, to give you more chances to win.  OH!  And I will also count the comments left on both HALLMARK LADYBUGS and TUESDAY TREATS!

Hope your week is great!  For those of you on spring break like we are... stay safe & have fun, and if you don't have time to scrapbook... at least take pictures of why, so you can crop them later!  LOL!

Craftingly yours,

Tammy

Using the Cricut & YourStory to make nametags

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to share with you how to cut laminate material with your cricut to use in Provocraft's YourStory machine...



Click HERE if you cannot see the video above.

The YOUR STORY retails for $99.00, but you can order one from HALLMARK SCRAPBOOK.COM for only $29.99!!!  What a bargain!

As you can see in the post below... I attached the nametags to the goodie bags that I made for everyone at my LUCK O' THE IRISH cricut retreat.  I also made some "Lucky Green Popcorn" for everyone to snack on...

I know, I know... green popcorn!? But, it was really good! Alot like caramel corn, just green. Hehee You be the judge though, here is the recipe:

LUCKY GREEN POPCORN
Ingredients
• 4 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 8 to 10 drops green food coloring


Directions
• Place popcorn in a large roasting pan; keep warm in a 250° oven. Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugars, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 250° (hard-ball stage).
• Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Stir in food coloring. Drizzle over warm popcorn and toss to coat. Place back into warm oven for about 15 minutes. Cool. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 6 quarts.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 139 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 138 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.

It's a great recipe for St.Patrick's Day!  Give it a try this weekend and enjoy!

craftingly yours,

Tammy

Cricut Classes & Retreats - FRISCO, TEXAS

I'm back!  Just finished hosting my third cricut retreat of 2010 (Luck O' the Irish Retreat) and boy was it fun!  What a GREAT group of ladies.  These are the goodie bags that I made for everyone... their nametags are clipped to the front to show everyone where they are sitting.

Like both the January & February retreats, this one sold out.  And now the April retreat is sold out too.  So, I am so happy to announce that I have scheduled and posted CRICUT RETREATS for the rest of the year!  Yep!  That's one per month (except July) for 2010.  Here are the dates:

April 16-18, 2010: WILD ABOUT U Cricut Retreat
April 30-May 2, 2010:  WALK IN MY GARDEN Cricut Retreat
June 4-6, 2010:  LIFE IS A BEACH Cricut Retreat
August 6-8, 2010:  LOCKER TALK Cricut Retreat
September 17-19: SPORTS MANIA Cricut Retreat
October 1-3, 2010:  SPOOKY PAPER DOLLS Cricut Retreat
November 5-7, 2010:  FROM MY KITCHEN Cricut Retreat
December 3-5, 2010:  CHRISTMAS CHEER Cricut Retreat

You can get more information and register for these retreats at http://www.creativecritter.com/ or by clicking HERE. 

My Cricut Retreats are specifically taylored for the cricut user.  Everyone gets a 6' table with a small side table just for their cricut, that is ready with electrical access for your bug, gypsy, ott light or laptop.  The hotel provides free wi-fi for those who bring their laptops.  I offer CRICUT BASIC & GYPSY BASIC classes on Friday night to get the weekend started and continue with demos and classes all through the weekend.  I even through a little Martha Stewart Punch-Around-The-Page and COPIC Markers in there, too!

Your hotel room for two nights and all your meals & snacks except lunches are included in the package prices.  I offer various packages that depend on room occupancy and even have DAYCROPPER packages for those who can't get a 'kitchen pass' for the weekend... lol.  Click HERE to see the package prices.

Don't worry... you don't have to be a local to attend my retreats.  I also offer transportation from both LOVE FIELD and DFW International Airport for only $20.  Southwest flies into LOVE FIELD and always offers great ticket prices.

There are CRICUT CLASSES on the schedule now too.  Every month on the first & third Monday nights, I will offer a CRICUT BASIC ($15) and CRICUT EXPLORATION ($35) class.  Each exploration class features a different cartridge so no two classes will be the same.  Those classes can be viewed HERE.

So, come join me sometime for some cricuting fun!  I love to pamper my friends!

Scrappingly yours,

Tammy

INDIE ART & WILD CARD Cricut Cartridges - Lucky Day

Just a cute little ST PATRICK'S DAY card made with the 'doily card' from WILD CARD and the 'Lucky' from INDIE ART...

I started by cutting the envelope in green (envie as some would call it) FIT TO PAGE. It cut at 5".

Then I cut the liner for the envie in white at the same size. Each envelope on this cartridge comes with a liner option, they are not required, but add an extra touch to the envelope.

The scalloped card was cut at 5" too. I chose not to use the liner for the card and cut the word LUCKY from INDIE ART at 2".

The wording is stamped on and then I stickled the word LUCKY to make it shine.

One of my Creative Critter students, Deeann liked this card too and decided to make her own version...

I love how it turned out!

And I always think it is a compliment when someone uses something I made as inspiration! If you like this card and make one, too... please post a picture or link here... I'd love to see it.  I have lots more St Patrick's Day ideas to share with you next week... get you ready for the holiday.  I am half Irish... grandparents were the McCraws & McClellans... so St Patty's day is one of my faves.  How do you celebrate the holiday?  Share with me in the comments... I'd love to hear it!

Scrappingly yours,

Tammy