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!

Cricut rewards - Carts with missing rewards certificate

If you purchased an eligible* Cricut Cartridge that was missing a rewards certificate here's what you need to do to receive one.

* Go to http://www.cricutrewards.com/t-earnPoints.aspx to see a list of eligible carts.


Login to your Cricut Rewards a/c at www.cricutrewards.com

Click on "Enter Cricut Rewards" (just under where it shows how many points you have)

Click on "Click here for a sample certificate"

You will see: 

Click on that web address (circled above) - (You can click the X in the top of this box now to close it).

You'll see this page:

Click on "I purchased a cartridge released this year but did not receive a Cricut Rewards certificate"

You'll see this screen:

Insert the serial number from the sticker on the top of the box and press Continue

Follow the instructions from there. 

You will need to remove the bar code sticker from the top of the box and attach it to the form you will be asked to print out.



The address on the form is INCORRECT. Send the completed form to:

Cricut Rewards Program
151 East 3450 North
Suite 600
Spanish Fork, UT 84660

Thanks to MamasScrappin from the Cricut messageboard for the correct address!

Still waiting for the DS update

1/24/2011: The update for the January Hello Thursday carts hasn't been posted yet.
1/25/2011: The carts are now in the update!

I'll keep checking and post as soon as I see it.

Once I have the update I'll be able to update the Font Carts list.  I think there are at least 3 carts with fonts this month!!

Stay tuned! :)

Hello Thursday - January 2011

10 new carts this month. Seven for the Cricut and three for the Imagine.

DS update available here: http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx
Ignore the fact that the update page lists Nov 09 as the latest font pack update. The new carts HAVE been added.
Gypsy update also availably through Cricut Sync.

There are SIX carts retiring this month:

• Celebrations
• Serenade
• Speaking of School
• Speaking of Winter
• Word Builders 2 - A Garden of Words
• Word Builders 3 - An Ocean of Words

Here's the seven new Cricut carts...

All Sports
Available January

Baby Steps
Available February - exclusive to Jo-anns 

Campin' Critters
Available January

 

Florals Embellished

Available January

 

 

Formal Occasion

Available January

 

Kate's ABC's

Available February - exclusive to Jo-anns 

 

Martha Stewart Birthday Cake Art 

Available February

 

And the three Imagine carts...

All Wrapped Up

Available April

 

Bubblegum Stripes

Available April

Bucaneer
Available April

DS font pack download is messed up!

UPDATE: IT'S FIXED!!!! December & January carts are now available to download. (It still says November though....)

For some reason the December Font Pack has been overwritten with the November Font Pack.

So if you're looking for the December carts at http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx you're out of luck.

HOWEVER....... I DO have the December Font Pack saved to my media fire account. Here's the link: http://www.mediafire.com/?09torkgy8ima2a9

Only use this link if you are missing carts from December 2010 which were:

April Showers
Spring Holiday Cards
Mothers Day Bouquet
Best of Pixar
Disney Classics
Nate's ABC's
Groovy Times
Pack your bags
Life is a Party
Cricut Everyday (Circle)



It WON'T include the January carts that were released today!!

Oops! And a very late apology

So it appears that there's more than one GirlfromOz out there..... (Go figure - I thought how original I was being by using a spin off of the Hugh Jackman musical the Boy From Oz!)

A couple of weeks ago I got an email from another girlfromoz who asked me to stop using her email address....

I thought "Say what??? "

I didn't give it much more thought till I received an email from a friend who sent it to my hotmail a/c and to my home email address. That's when the penny dropped. I noticed that the hotmail address was wrong. Instead of girlfromoz2009 at hotmail dot com it was addressed to girlfromoz at hotmail.com! (I did try to get that address originally but it was taken... obviously.... which is why I added the 2009)

To cut an already far too long story short..... I emailed her to let her know what must have happened. She replied and very nicely forwarded me a stack of emails that had gone to her by mistake.

So....... if you sent me an email any time from 24th March 2009 and you didn't get a reply....... SORRY!!!!! It went to the wrong address!!!!

I have found a few blog posts where I had typed the wrong address and have fixed those, and I'll keep looking to make sure there's no more!

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 ♥

Get the Adobe PDF reader here

If you're having trouble opening the Cricut fonts file make sure you have a PDF reader installed.

Here's the link to the Adobe Reader:

http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/?promoid=BUIGO

If you don't want McAfee Security Scan Plus software to download, make sure you deselect that option before you click the Download Now button.