Posts Tagged ‘Design Studio’

Yesterday the long awaited update came out for the Gypsy and Design Studio.  I am so excited and played with my Gypsy more then I should have today.  I just connected my Gypsy and it syncd with no trouble.  No SCAL trouble interference either.  If you need to download the Cricut Gypsy Sync Software, click here. Cricut Design Studio has also been update to allow converting files from .cut to .gypsy or .gypys to .cut.  To download the update click here. My 2 favorite things on the Gypsy right now are the flip and weld feature and the new multi-page options.  I took a word book and converted it to the .gypsy and it was sooooo smooth.  I can say that the Gypsy and Design Studio together now exceed any expectations I have had for them.  I will be spending some time getting files together for a friend.  Several months ago I talked her into buying a cricut expression.  She loves it, she is not into computers or electronics but when I told her about the Gypsy she LOVES it as well.  I update her Gypsy for her since she does not have an Internet connection.  I got her to bring her notebook over so I could install the Design Studio trial for her.  She has not tried it out yet but I am hoping she likes it.

Here is the news on the update…copied from the e-mail that Provocraft sent out.

Cricut App Version 1.2 Build 0142
Added Features:

• You can now share files between Cricut DesignStudio and the Cricut App on your Gypsy.
• The Cricut App now supports multi-page design.
• By holding down the Zoom button and selecting an image on the keypad, Gypsy will now display a full screen preview of the image so that you can see the details of the image without having to go to the mat screen.
• The name of the cartridge displayed on the keypad window now shows in non-bolded red text if you do not own the cartridge.  If you own the cartridge it shows in bolded dark green.
• On the keypad screen, if you tap and hold an image in the image queue, the cartridge name to which that image belongs will be displayed.  Clicking the cartridge name switches the keypad to that cartridge.

Enhancements:

• Welding preview is now faster and shows a progress bar.
• Welding preview no longer has to be redrawn when you zoom in or out (you can now enter preview mode and zoom without having to wait each time you zoom). Dragging large groups on your mat is now faster.
• Load and Unload button on the cutting menu is now smart.  If you have a mat loaded in the Cricut machine the Cricut App will only display the “Unload Mat” button.  If you do not have a mat loaded it will only display the “Load Mat” button.
• Updated keyword database.
• Updated the warranty to expand the warranty coverage form 6 months to 12 months (please read the warranty for details).
• New firmware for the Cricut machine that enables some of the features above and improves the reliability of cutting.
• You can now use the zoom and pan buttons to scroll up and down through your file lists when opening and deleting files.

Fixes:

• Reported welding issues have been fixed.
• Selection boxes that appear around images and groups have been improved so that the show correctly even when they spill over the edge of the mat.  The boxes display while they are being dragged.  They do not show when at rest.
• The Cricut machine remembers if you are in mm or inches after you shutdown and then restart.
• Designs that contain templates, where the template contains images you don’t have the rights to cut, can now be cut*.

I fell in love with the I-top custom brad maker after watching the video from youtube.  I told my husband that I wanted it for Christmas and he said to just order it.  When www.ohmycrafts.com had a 20% off coupon come out I ordered it from them.  I can not tell you how much I love this tool.  I made this video last week but unfortunately I was not able to get it posted to youtube until today.

Ohmycrafts has a bundle pack where you get the I-top tool and large brad carriage, case, 3 different brad sizes and 3 size paper punches.  I ended up not going with that bundle.  I think I paid $7.00 more then the bundle to get the same items in the bundle and the pink i-tool.  I had e-mailed and asked if they could swap the pink I-Top tool for the black in the bundle and they replied nicely, no.  I signed up for there e-mails and they have a new 20% coupon code (BLACK) good for 20% off any order over $20.00.  Expires 11-03-2009.  (I have no affiliation with ohmycrafts.com I am just sharing the savings that I took advantage of.)

**updated** They have there I-top bundles on special right now, the lowest bundle is $29.99 and you can use the 20% off code on top of the sale price.  Click here to see all the imaginisce products on sale at ohmycrafts.  I also received a new 20% off coupon code (NEW20) for 20% off any order over $20.00.  Expires 11-03-09

Here is what I got.  First, the case is so cute!

The tool, packages of brads, the large carriage fit perfect in the case.  It also has extra room to store the brads that I have already made.

The three paper punches make cutting your custom size paper pieces a snap.

An alternative to the paper punches are templates.  You just trace the template and cut.  

There is also a Cricut Design Studio cut file for the templates that was made using the Accent Essentials cricut cartridge or the George and Basic Shapes cricut cartridge.  The 2 cut files can be downloaded from the blog, Imagine That.  It is an awesome blog with lots of other scrapbooking and cricut information. Click here for the link.

Sorry the picture is a little blurry of the finished brads, I could not get the focus and flash setting just right.  They look so much better in person.

Here is the video.  Sorry if my hands get in the way a bit.  I am left handed and my camera has to be on the right.

I downloaded the Gypsy update before it was pulled from the web.  It was pulled because a lot of people are having issues cutting with there cricut after the update.  You can still create and cut the files on your Gypsy but if you import a file to cut on your Gypsy it will not cut.  The same happens if I weld and flip an image.  My Gypsy goes through the motion and acts like it is cutting but it is not.  I think that we are soooo close to what we have been asking for. 

 For those of you who did not get the update before it was pulled.  Here is a video of the Gypsy Sync in action.  We can now change .cut files into .gypsy and and import our .gypsy files into Design Studio and change them if need be to .cut files.  ***The update requires that the cricut be updated***I did the update and used SCAL and had no troubles*** hopefully it stays that way.

One of the other things that I noticed that I hope gets fixed it when you import a wordbook that has multiple pages into your Gypsy.  All pages are on one mat in the Gypsy so it is just a mess.  I asked on the Cricut MB Gyspy Tech Support if we were going to have to save each page into its own file to import into the Gypsy.  I will post the answer when I get it. 

You can download the new Design Studio Update here. 

New cartridges have been added to Design Studio and the Gypsy.

Here are the new cricut cartridges added.

1. Destinations.

2.  Designer’s Calendar

3.  When It’s Cold Outside

4.  Snow Friends

5.  Very Merry Tags

6.  Dinosaur Tracks

7.  Pagoda

8.  Old West

9.  Elmo Party

To update Design Studio you have to download the current font pack here.

To update your Gypsy you have to connect it to your computer and sync it.  People on the cricut.com message board state that they are having trouble syncing it and had to uninstall the Gypsy Sync software and then download and install it again.  The Gypsy then syncs fine.  If you also have trouble you may want to try that as well.  I updated my Gypsy and my friends and did not have any trouble.

If you missed the Gypsy on HSN you can sign up for a special notice.   You can sign up by clicking here.

I wanted to make this cute ghost card for Halloween.  I cut it out in white card stock.  I used the ghost from the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge.  I welded the card in Design Studio.  Ran it through the Xyron Machine and then poured Martha Stewart Crystal Fine on it.  I rubbed and pressed it into the card and then shook off the excess.  I wanted the eyes to stand out a bit so I used a Fantastix stick and dipped it in black ink and gently went around the inside of the eyes.  The ghost sparkles but the Crystal Fine does not come off.  I have some orange and black crystals and Halloween ribbon that I thought that I would use to embellish the card a bit.  I decided not to because I think that he looks pretty good just like he is.  Sometimes a ghost, is just a ghost.  I took a few pictures and they did not really show the card well so I thought that I see if it would turn out better in a little video.

I finally got to play a little bit with the Winter Woodland cricut cartridge.  I made this 3d Christmas Tree.  When you select the tree from the key pad it automatically selects and cuts both pieces.

I cut it in green cardstock and then ran it through the Xyron Machine.  Sprinkled Martha Stewart Peridot Glitter on it.  Ran the other side through the Xyron machine and then sprinkled glitter on it so that both sides of the tree sparkle.  I cut the tree at 5 inches.  The 3d cuts that are on this cartridge make it so much fun to play with.

The tree acutally does look much nicer in person.  I think that it would be nice to cut them larger and decorate them for centerpieces during the holiday season.  I am also trying to add some liquid applique to it to see if I can get it to look like snow at the top of the tree.  I have to let it dry over night before I can use the heat tool on it.  I will update later if it works.

Here is the picture of my “snow”  It puffed up with the heat tool and looks aswesome.  Sorry my picture did not show up so well

I am so excited. Yesterday I was able to get a pink cricut expression machine from Michael’s. I am even more thrilled because in less then 5 hours after buying my pink one I sold my other one. I had asked Kim from the cricut lovers yahoo group if it would be okay to post an ad and she did give me permission. I was working on it when a friend stopped bye for a visit and bought it from me. She did not realize you could cut fabric, vinyl and do other things with the cricut. When I showed her the things I have made, she was amazed.

Since I am giving away vinyl on my blog I really wanted to do a video demonstration but I can’t figure out how to hook up the video camera to record it and me not be in the way. My work area is about 6×6 and I don’t have a lot of room. My husband said he would help me figure something out so maybe I will have something soon. My first cut on my new pink cricut machine was from the Pink Journey cricut cartridge. I cut it out in pink vinyl and it cut perfectly.

I am including the cut file if you are interested in downloading it.  I also included a picture guide on what parts to hide the contour on.  Design studio does not allow that feature to be saved in the cut file so you will have to do it manually if you decide to cut this.

I have been going through the responses for my wordbook survey.  I appreciate all the suggestions.  Here is one that was requested.  USMC wordbook.  It was created with the Base Camp cricut cartridge only.  I truly appreciate your ideas and suggestions, so please keep them coming!

When do you know when you are seriously addicted to your cricut and scrapbooking?  When you tell your 2 year old that you are going shopping and she jumps up and down excitedly yelling that we are going to Micheal’s and Joann’s.  When I pull into the parking lot of Micheal’s I get a serious….momma.. I hold hand… I want to go to Micheal’s.  If someone were to hear her say it, it would sound like she wants to go see her friend Michael and Joann.  It is so funny and cute and the same time.  I guess I do have to admit I am an addicted.  Yesterday we went to Michaels and they had A Child’s Year cricut cartridge in stock.  They also had Ashlyn’s Alphabet.  It is the first time I have seen them there and they have all cartridges on sale this week $39.99.  I was only going to buy one but don’t you know… I ended up with both.

I love the A Child’s Year Cricut Cartridge.  It has the cutest little fairy.  Here is a picture of one of them.

I thought that font included in this cartridge was really cute as well.  So I played around a little bit in Design Studio tonight and came up with a school word book.  It made it intending to hide the contour on both of the O’s.  DS does not allow me to save the cut file that way so If you don’t want the center of the O’s cut out you will have to hide the contour before you cut the pages.  Also the A Child’s Year cartridge does not have a rectangle on it so I have to use the Plantin Schoolbooks cricut cartridge for the rectangle part.  If you don’t have the Plantin Schoolbooks cartridge and have another cartridge with a rectangle on it I can update the cut file for you.  Just let me know the cartridge that you have.  You can send me an e-mail using the “contact me” form on the right.