Hello Thursday for April is finally here!

The April Edition of the Hello Thursday email arrived in my inbox this morning.

The handbooks haven't been added to the cartridge library yet.

Here is the link to download the Font Pack: http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx

They have also been added to the Gypsy. If you don't have them make sure you run Cricut Sync to add them. 

The new carts for April are:

Cricut Essentials - available on Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition
Cricut Alphabet (aka American Alphabet) - available on Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition
Just a Note - Cosmo Cricket - exclusive to Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition
Cricut Decals - exclusive to Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition
Paper Lace 2 - available at cricut.com
Bump in the Night (Lite) - available at cricut.com
Beep Beep (Lite) - available at cricut.com
Crocs Rule (Lite) - available at cricut.com
Yee-haw (Lite) - available at cricut.com
Best Images of 2006 - available exclusively on HSN
Best Images of 2007 - available exclusively on HSN
Best Images of 2008 - available at cricut.com
Best Images of 2009 - available at cricut.com
Best Images of 2010 - available at cricut.com

Imagine cartridges:

Vintage Damask - available at cricut.com
Black & White (Teresa Collins) - available soon at cricut.com
Baby Boutique (Teresa Collins) - available soon at cricut.com

Carts retiring this month are:

Car Decals
Doodletype
Ornamental Iron
Printing 101

Here's some sample shots but for more great images from the carts check out the Cricut Blog: http://cricutblog.org/

Cricut Essentials

Cricut Alphabet 

Just a Note

Cricut Decals

Paper Lace 2 

Bump in the Night (Lite)

Beep Beep (Lite)

Crocs Rule (Lite)

Yee-haw (Lite)

Best Images of 2006

  

Best Images of 2007

  

Best Images of 2008

Best Images of 2009

 Best Images of 2010

 

Vintage Damask

Black & White (Teresa Collins)

Baby Boutique (Teresa Collins)

The official Cricut Blog coming soon!

For your chance to win a $150 credit to Cricut.com check out Cindy's blog Royal Things for information on the soon to be released Official Cricut Blog.

Here's the link to the new blog which will launch early tomorrow. http://www.cricutblog.org/

(From looking at the count down clock at the blog it looks like it's going to launch at 4am Utah time.)

Uploading photos to the messageboard

There are two ways to upload your photos to the Cricut messageboard.

1. Attaching them directly from your computer. For your photos to show in the message they must be less than 1mb (1,024kb) in size. If they are larger than 1mb they will show up as an attachment and anyone wanting to see the photo will have to click on the attachment to open it. For information on resizing your photos see this post: http://myfaqcricutds.blogspot.com/2010/12/resizing-pictures-to-upload-to-message.html

2. Uploading them to a photo sharing site (eg. Photobucket) and inserting the link into your post. Photobucket automatically resizes the photos for you using the settings you set when you're uploading them.

METHOD 1 - UPLOADING FROM YOUR COMPUTER

1. Create a new post on the messageboard and type your message in the message box.

2. Place a tick in the "Attach files to this post" box

3. Click the Post button

4. Click the Browse button and select the file you want to upload from your computer. Press Open and you'll be taken back to the above screen.

5. Click the Upload button.

If you want to select more photos repeat steps 4 & 5.

6. Once you have finished adding photos press the Back button.

Your photo will be added to your thread and will be posted to the board.

From this page you can edit your post (Press the Edit button) or you can attach more photos (press the Attach button).

If you want to delete your photo, press the Attach button then press the Delete option for that photo.

Press the OK button

Press the Back button and you'll be back at your post.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

METHOD 2 - UPLOADING FROM PHOTOBUCKET

1. Login to your photobucket account

2. Go to the album that contains your photo

3. Click on the photo you want to share.

4. To the right you will see a box with several links in it. Click inside the box labeled Direct link.

5. The HTML code that's inside the box will be copied to your clipboard.

6. Open your messageboard post (or create a new one.)

7. Click the Insert Image button from the toolbar.

You will see this dialog box:

7. Paste the code from your clipboard over the highlighted text. (Ctrl V or Edit, Paste)

8. Press OK

9. You can leave the next box blank. (Anything you type in this box will show up when someone hovers over your photo). Press OK

The HTML code of your photo will appear in your post. You can type your post text before or after this code.

10. Press the Post button OR if you want to check what your post will look like (eg to make sure the photo isn't too big) press the Preview button then the Post button when you're ready to post.

If you need to make any changes highlight the code and delete it, then repeat the above process again.

No official Hello Thursday announcement yet

As there has not been an official Hello Thursday announcement yet from PC I'm going to hold off posting the new carts. And there's so many this month!

As soon as I get the official OK I'll upload the post.

I can't update the Fonts list either until they are added to Design Studio or Cricut Craft Room so stay tuned for that too.



Dream in green!

Fantastic samples using the E2

Head on over to Cindy Royal's blog to see some great ideas using the E2.

Cindy does beautiful work. Be prepared to be enabled!!!

http://royalthings.blogspot.com/

Provocraft have given Cindy the Imagine cart Lori's Garden and a set of Imagine ink cartridges to give away so make sure you leave a comment telling Cindy which of the four carts on the E2 is your favourite!

Good luck!

Some new videos!

If you want more info on Cricut Craft Room and the new Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition check out this link:

http://www.cricut.com/movies/videov3.aspx

You better believe that one of those E2's has my name on it!
 

Hello Thursday - March 2011

There are seven new cartridges this month, three of them seasonal carts.

Fathers Day (Seasonal)
Happy Graduation (Seasonal)
Luau (Seasonal)
Elegant Edges
Everyday Pop-Up Cards
Damask Decor
Pop-Up Neighborhood (Circle exclusive for the next quarter which starts in May)

The Hello Thursday email says that they'll all be available in April.

Updates are available for both Design Studio and the Gypsy. It still says November on the DS update page but the download has been updated. http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx

Fathers Day

Handbook here

Happy Graduation

Handbook here

Luau

Handbook here

 

Elegant Edges

Handbook here

Everyday Pop-Up Cards

Handbook here

Damask Decor

Handbook here

Pop-Up Neighborhood

Handbook here

The carts being retired this month are:

Joys of the Season
50 States
Learning Curve
Stamping
Word Builders 1 - A Word Party

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. 

List of Seasonal cartridges

Looking to purchase a Seasonal cart and can't find it anywhere? It could be that it's sold out. Remember, limited copies of these carts are produced and once they're gone... they're gone!!

I've scoured the Hello Thursday emails and Cricut Chirps and come up with this list of seasonal carts and their approximate release date:

OCT 2009
Snow Friends
Very Merry Tags
When It's Cold Outside

DECEMBER 2009
Easter 2010
Mother's Day 2010
Love Struck 2010

MARCH 2010
Summer in Paris
Summer Vacation
Independence Day

JULY 2010
H2O
Pumpkin Carving
October 31st

AUGUST 2010
Thanksgiving
Christmas Village
Christmas Cards

OCTOBER 2010
Gingerbread
Trim the Tree
Winter Lace

JANUARY 2011
Spring Holiday Cards
Mothers Day Bouquet
April Showers

MARCH 2011
Fathers Day
Happy Graduation
Luau

JULY 2011
Simply Scarecrow

AUGUST 2011
Chic & Scary

OCTOBER 2011
Scandinavian Christmas Cards

NOVEMBER 2011
Snow Day

DECEMBER 2011
Victorian Romance

Downloading files from MediaFire

So many people share Cricut files these days. A great many of us use MediaFire to store and share the file. Follow these steps and you shouldn't end up downloading any nasties...

(Always make sure your virus software is up to date)

Click on the link that the person sharing their file has given you.

You'll be taken to Mediafire and should see this screen:

After a little while it will change to this:

Click on the "Click here to start download..." button.      

DON'T click on anything else!  

Once it starts the download you will see:

Once it 's ready to download you'll see this box asking you whether you want to Open the file or Save the File.

If you just want to print it out and not save it, select Open with Adobe Reader and click OK. The file will open (assuming you have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader) and you can print it out.

If you DO want to save it to your computer select Save File and click OK

 

 Select where you want to save your file and click the Save button.

The file will commence downloading to your computer. If you use Firefox and you have "Show the Downloads window when downloading a file" selected (Tools, Options, General tab) you'll see this window.

When it has fully downloaded double click on the file name in the download box and your file will open ready for you to print.

Version 2 of Carts with Fonts list is ready for download!

I just finished uploading the new version of the Cricut Carts with Fonts list.

I made a few changes to it. There is now a column for you to tick if you own the cart, plus there is another column which notes whether the font has a shadow. Here's a sneak peak:

There are about double the number of pages now, BUT the way I have done it will mean that in future you won't have to print out all the pages again. I'll let you know which pages have a change on them! Hope you find that feature useful.

There are now two versions of the PDF you can download. One uses the US letter size paper and the other the A4 size paper.

Here's the two links:

US letter version: http://www.mediafire.com/?zqjvqagaen75vek

A4 version: http://www.mediafire.com/?jfxp92kx6rknbry

When downloading the file, make sure you don't click on anything other than the "Click here to start download...." button. That way you won't download any nasties.

I'll be uploading a tutorial on downloading files from Media Fire later today!

Enjoy! Again, let me know if there's any changes you would like.

Narelle

January Carts are on DS

The January carts are now available to download from http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx

Even though the list hasn't been updated and still shows November, the download is actually version 110110.

Enjoy!