Hello to my 1002 followers...

Way back in December 2007 when I created this blog, Design Studio had just been released. I started writing tutorials for DS in an attempt to help my fellow Cricut Lovers get to know and love this design program.

I celebrated each and every new follower to my blog. My first 100, then 200, then 500.....

Come forward to today and I have finally cracked 1000!!!

Sad thing is, I no longer update this blog as I've created a new blog called The Non-Crafty Crafter....

So..... would you be so kind as to come over to my new home and follow me there? I promise I'll still help you with your DS problems if you have any!!!! Just click the big green button. :)

The end of Design Studio updates...

Provocraft have announced that they will no longer be releasing updates to Design Studio. This includes both program updates and Content (cartridge) updates. Here's their announcement:

"In order to focus our attention and resources on creating and improving the Cricut® experience, we will not be providing further updates to the Cricut DesignStudio® software. In addition, any cartridges released after April 11, 2013 will not be updated to appear in the Cricut DesignStudio® software. We will still offer support, but there will be no additional content updates for the Cricut DesignStudio® software."

The final content update (v130401) was released early April 2013. That update contained the following cartridges:


Animal Antics
Boho Graphics Iron On
Brooklyn Iron On 
Creative Cards
Creative Memories Tiny Treasures
Folk Art Festival
Outdoor Man
Southwest
Simple Cards
Something to Remember
Teresa Collins December 25th.

Any cartridges released after the above won't be added to DS.

You can download the above update from: http://www.cricut.com/home/support/cricut-designstudio-reg-support/

(Select Cartridge Update 2.)

Any previous cartridges will be found in the Program Update (cartridges released up to Nov 2009) and Cartridge Update 1 (cartridges released after Nov 2009.)

Latest version numbers of Cricut machines and software

You'll find all the latest version numbers over on my new blog.....

http://thenon-craftycrafter.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/cricut-latest-versions-numbers-machines.html

For updates feel free to follow/subscribe over there! :)

Hello Thursday July 2012

Back again with the July Hello Thursday cartridge release.

Three carts were announced this month - Fontopia (a font cartridge plus some cool looking card bases), A Frighful Affair (Halloween) and Close to My Heart's new cartridge collection called Artiste. Like the previous CTMH collection the cartridge comes with co-ordinating stamp sets and chipboard sheets.

All three have already been added to Design Studio. You can download the new Cartridge Content from here: http://www.cricut.com/cds/Update.aspx

As usual, go check out the Cricut Blog to see more fantastic work from the Cricut Design team.

Provocraft have done something quite different with the release of Fontopia. Not only have they released the full cart that includes a monogram font set, crests and cards, they have also released for sale digitally just the monogram font set, just the crests and cards set and all the monogram letters individually.

However...only the full cartridge is available on Design Studio. But if you use Cricut Craft Room or a Gypsy you can make use of the digital downloads.

Cricut Craft Room has everything available to purchase separately as listed above.

The Gypsy contains the full cartridge, the Monogram set and the Crests & Cards set. The individual monograms aren't available.

I think it's a great idea that PC are now going to be offering individual images for sale!

Fontopia

A Frightful Affair

CTMH - Artiste

 

DS for Newbies manual

Back when Design Studio was first released I started putting a beginners guide together. For some reason I never got around to posting it on the blog. Instead I concentrated on putting individual tutorials together.

Well, a month or so ago I dragged the guide out, dusted it off and finished it!

So, if you're new to DS or just want a refresher on what the program can actually do, here it is! Just click the link below to download the PDF.

=> Cricut Lovers Guide to Design Studio <= 

If you find the guide useful I'd appreciate it if you could become a follower (if you're not already).

If you wish to share the guide with your friends - great! However, I'd love it if you could direct them to this blog rather than just share the link to the file.

Till next time!

Comparison chart CCR vs DS vs Gypsy

This post has been moved to my new blog - here:

http://thenon-craftycrafter.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/cricut-comparison-chart-ccr-vs-ds-vs.html

Please come follow me there!  ♥

DS cartridge content update

The January 2012 carts have been added to the DS Cartridge Content Update. You can download it from here:

Carts added were:
Baby Shower
Bridal Shower
Elmo & Friends Holiday
Fun in the Sun
Giant Flowers
Letter Envy
My Quiet Book
Ole
Type Candy

For some reason the two December carts (CM This & That and Victorian Romance) haven't been added. I have advised PC.

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. 

Design Studio Errors

This tutorial has been moved to my new blog, here:

http://thenon-craftycrafter.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/cricut-design-studio-errors.html

Please follow me over there! 

Narelle ♥

Renaming pages

This tutorial has been moved to my new blog.   

Please follow me over there! 

http://thenon-craftycrafter.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/cricut-design-studio-renaming-pages.html

Narelle ♥

What is Real Dial Size?

This tutorial has been moved to my new blog. Please come follow me over there!

http://thenon-craftycrafter.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/cricut-design-studio-what-is-real-dial.html

Narelle ♥

Searching in Design Studio

     Here's how the search function in Design Studio works:

• Select View "Keywords" from the drop down box in the Cartridge Library

• Type your search word in the box. In this example I've used "flower".

     As you're typing you'll notice the Key 1 box will drop down and start filling with results.

• Click on the result you want to search or highlight it and press Enter

     You'll see a list of carts that contain that object.

• Click on the double right arrow next to the View Keywords box.

     The DS keypad will change to that cartridge and the key that contains that object will be highlighted
     in green. 

• Press the arrow key again and the next cart and/or image will be highlighted.

     Any feature keys will also be highlighted.

• Continue pressing the arrow key to go through all the search results.

     If you can't find what you're looking for you can also try http://www.cricutsearch.com/.

Problem with drivers in Windows 7

If you have Windows 7 you may get an error when you're trying to use your Cricut with Design Studio.

This should fix your problem:

• Close Design Studio
• Connect your Cricut to your computer but leave the Cricut switched off.
• On your computer select Start --> Control Panel --> Devices & Printers

You should see something like this:

• Now power on your Cricut

• A new device should appear under the Unspecified heading. It should be called USB <--> Serial

• Right click the new device and select Troubleshoot

• The troubleshooter will start and it will look for problems with your device.

• Follow the instructions the troubleshooter gives you.

• After you have finished try using your Cricut in DS again.

Speeding up Design Studio load time

This tutorial has been moved to my new blog - here:

http://thenon-craftycrafter.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/cricut-design-studio-speeding-up-ds.html

Please come follow me over there! ♥

Pennant Garland cut file

I haven't shared a cut file for ages! So I thought it was time I did something about it...

Celeste from the Cricut.com message board was looking for a DS cut file for the pennant garland she found at this blog: http://www.oncewed.com

It's a great design. Thanks Anna  from Once Wed for sharing the directions and template!

I love a challenge (and I was avoiding the ironing....) so I jumped right in.

Here's what I came up with. It uses George & Basic Shapes and fits on the 12x12 mat.

I've added the red lines to indicate where to fold.

Here's the DS file: Pennant DS file
Here's the Gypsy file: Pennant Gypsy file

Enjoy! I'd love to see pics if you use the file.

Another new font update

Check out the update page http://www.cricut.com/cds/Update.aspx for new fonts. Some of these fonts haven't even been released for sale yet. Kudos to PC for letting us play with them before they're available.

Fonts in this update are:

A Childs Year
Everyday Paper Dolls
From My Kitchen
Picturesque
Serenade
Sweethearts
Winter Woodland
Hannah Montana
Jubilee
Life Is a Beach
Lyrical Letters
Simply Sweet
Spongebob Squarepants
Stand & Salute
Daisy Chain

My son REALLY wants me to get the Spongebob cart. He's already created a scene using DS and wants to cover his school books in these pics. (He's 10 and he TOTALLY know how to use DS. The mind boggles how they pick these things up so quickly).