Looking for Gypsy videos?

If you're looking for videos on how to use your Gypsy, don't forget to visit Provocraft's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/provocraft

Hello Thursday - February 2011

I just got back from a five day scrapping holiday so I'm a bit behind on my blog! (Also behind on my sleep, so I may nod off while I'm typing...!)

Here's the new Hello Thursday information for February.

There are five carts retiring this month. Get them while you can:

Animal Kingdom
Camp Out
Home Accents
Home Decor
Wedding

Three new carts this month - one Cricut cart and two Imagine carts.

Creative Memories Storks Delivery

Available from a Creative Memories Consultant by March 2011

Imagine - Heirloom Papers

Available March 2011

Imagine - Vintage Papers

Available March 2011

Cricut Expression2

As I mentioned in an earlier post the Expression2 was recently announced at CHA.

It will be launched on HSN on April 26. I can't wait! Even though HSN doesn't ship to Australia you can bet that one of those bad boys will be finding it's way to my house via the USA!

I believe the HSN edition will be a limited "Anniversary" edition to celebrate Cricuts 5 year anniversary.

Here's a video with some info about the new Expression2.

Two carts missing from Font Pack

Thanks to Kellan from the messageboard having a problem finding Once Upon a Princess in DS we've discovered that it has been removed from the most recent Font Pack download.

I went through all the carts to see if any others were missing and found that Nursery Rhymes has also been removed.

If you downloaded the previous Font Pack (from December 2010) you'll have those carts. But if you haven't updated your carts for ages and have just downloaded the January Font Pack, you may be missing those two carts.

Until PC add them back into the next Font Pack you can download the December 2010 Font Pack from my MediaFire a/c. It shouldn't remove any of the more recent carts, but if it does you can then just reinstall the January Font Pack. Clear as mud????

Here's the link: December 2010 Font Pack

Cricut CraftRoom - the NEW Design Studio

By now you might have heard about the new Cricut products that were announced at CHA last week, Cricut CraftRoom and the Expression2.

CraftRoom is Cricut's new design software. From the limited information that is available so far, it appears it can do everything that Design Studio and the Gypsy can do.. and more!

And the best part???? It's FREE! And... PC are going to continue adding the new carts to Design Studio for now.

Here's a video to whet you appetite:

If you're a Facebook user you can read all the Q&A's that have been posted so far. If you don't use Facebook here's what's been posted so far. (Thanks to everyone that posted their question on Facebook and a big thanks for PC for their answers:

Q: What is Cricut Craft Room?

A: Cricut Craft Room is a free online design tool

Q: How is it different from Cricut Design Studio and Gypsy?
A: While offering similar features to both CDS and Gypsy, Cricut Craft Room requires an internet connection (CDS does not) and requires you to be on a computer (not mobile like Gypsy)

Q: How much is Cricut Craft Room?
A: FREE

Q: When will Cricut Craft Room be available?
A: We are planning to launch this software in April, 2011

Q: Does Cricut Craft Room work with PC and MAC?
A: Yes, upon launch Cricut Craft Room will work on both a PC and a MAC.

Q: How do I access Cricut Craft Room?
A: When it is released, you'll be able to access Cricut Craft Room through your cricut.com account.

Q: How do I link my cartridges to Cricut Craft Room?
A: You can either link your Gypsy to CCR to update your account, or if you do not have a Gypsy you can connect your Cricut machine to your computer (using the same cable you use to perform firmware updates) and link your cartridges to your account through your Cricut.

Q: Can CCR cut with multiple cartridges at one time like Gypsy?
A: Yes, you will not have to connect each individual cartridge when cutting unless you are using a cartridge that has not been synced to your account.

Q: Can I use CCR offline? Do I need an internet connection?
A: Yes, CCR required that you have an internet connection in order to access your account.

Q: What does Beta mean?
A: When we say CCR is in Beta we just mean it's in a testing phase where we have selected individuals testing the software for us.

Q: Can I be a part of the beta test?
A: We have already selected those who will participate in our beta program.

Q: Do I have to use cartridges with CCR or can I make my own images and cut true type fonts?
A: You must use cartridges with CCR. CCR does not allow you to access true type fonts on your computer and cut them using Cricut.

Q: How will you manage the site so it doesn't get bogged down with so many people using it at one time?
A: That is what we are testing with our beta program. Will will continue to test our software and the capacities we anticipate it will need to provide a good user experience.

Q: Are my CCR files available to anyone but me through my account?
A: No, the only way anyone can access your files is if they are logged into your account. 

Q: Are you going to sell cartridges our individual images as downloads from CCR?
A: We don't sell anything from CCR

Q: Can I use images from cartridges I don't own and cut them out?
A: No. You can design with any image, but you must own the cartridge in order to cut it.

Q: Can I share my cut files via email?
A: Yes. You can share cut files with friends by emailing them.

Q: Can I save my cut files/designs on my computer hard drive?
A: Yes, You can save your cut files in your account AND on your hard drive as back up.

Q: Can I use CCR and cut out shapes if I don't sync my cartridges?
A: Yes. You will have to plug each cartridge into your Cricut machine if you choose not to sync the cartridges to your CCR account.

Q: Can I sync my cartridges to my CCR account and my Gypsy both?
A: Yes, you can. But your cartridges can only be synced to one CCR account and one Gypsy.

Q: Can I transfer Gypsy files to CCR and CCR files to Gypsy?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I print from CCR to my home printer?
A: No.

Q: Will CCR be compatible with iPad?
A: Not at this time. CCR is flash based and iPad doesn't support flash.

Q: Can I access my account from ANY computer?
A: Yes, you can access and design in your account from any computer but you can only print from 2 computers. This would prevent individuals from sharing their username/passwords with large groups of people because you can only cut from 2 separate computers.

Q: Can I access my Gypsy files and color them with CCR?
A: Yes, you can. This is a good idea if you just want to see what your project will look like before you cut anything.

Q: Are you still planning to update CDS and Gypsy?
A: Yes.