The Cricut Expression is selling like hot cakes online! What's all the fuss about? Here I will give you a quick list of the most notable features, and help you decide if the Cricut cutter really cuts it!
* The Cricut Expression is a very sophisticated crafting machine, in comparison to Cricut Create and the Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter. The first thing that strikes you is how big this new model is, in terms of its size.
* It has been manufactured by a team of experienced experts with the sole purpose of cutting letters, phrases, and shapes in proper sizes through the usage of the 12 inches x 24 inches cutting mat.
* This wonderful electronic model can do different types of paper cuttings like vellum and even vinyl. Crafters can easily cut paper into small .25 inch pieces, and up to 12 inches x 24 inches.
* Different designs with a wide range of shapes can be made through this sophisticated device.
* It is loaded with different features like Plantin school book font and Accent Essential type cartridges, inclusive of the 12 x 12 mat for cutting purposes.
* Cricut clearly designed Expression with schools and teachers in mind. This machine would be popular installed in the class room, there's no doubt about that!
* The latest model produces an impressively large number of different paper cuts. However, crafters interested in shaping dices measuring less than 51/2 inches can still opt for the Cricut.
* The main drawback may be that some crafters find it tricky to make adequate space for the installation of the cutting machine, due to its bulky casing.
* As well as the core features, you also get welcome bonuses like, Auto Fill, Mix 'n Match, Fit to Page, Flip and Fit to Length etc. This upgraded model is also loaded with the Accent Cartridge which will certainly develop the quality of scrapbook layouts.
* With the neat Flip option, you can monitor the picture or graph changing its directions. This is more fun than it sounds!
* The Center Point system is a real time saver. It assists users to set the blade on the actual center marking of the photo or image, and then trims the specific area on the photo for you - very handy.
* The multi-cut mechanism enables the device to cut thick sized chipboard much deeper than before.
* The Line Return setting helps to fix the blade to the next line when performing deep cuts.
* In addition, the Mat Size system will allow the user to set 12 inches x 24 inches or 12 inches x 12 inches .
* If you do not have a computer at home, Cricut Expression can be used effectively as a stand-alone machine. But if you want to feel its full potential, I suggest investing in the Design Studio software. The machine and the software combined give you a huge pallet of crafting options.
* If you already own a previous model, you'll be glad to know that your "old" cartridges will work with this latest cutter from Cricut.
I highly recommend you give the Cricut Expression a try. It has lifted the quality of my craft projects to a new level, and produces very satisfying results time after time.
To learn more about Cricut Expression, and some great tips for finding discount Cricut supplies, visit Alison's Scrapbook Site today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Jeffers
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Get Unlimited Die Cuts Without Buying Cricut Cartridges
Cricut Cartridges allow you to cut multiple images on many different themes. Unfortunately to get the most from your Cricut die cutter machine you need multiple cartridges. For every new theme you need a new cartridge. To weld images or modify the images on those cartridges you need an additional piece of software called Design Studio.
For the cost of about 1 full price cartridge you can purchase a piece of software that will allow you to cut unlimited images without purchasing additional cartridges. To utilize the software you will need to attach your computer to the cricut machine. To do this you will need a usb cable. These cables are readily available online or retail computer supply outlets or discount stores.. The usb cables are no different than a cable that you might purchase to attach your printer to your computer.
The software can utilize true type fonts and true type dingbats to cut on your cricut software. True type fonts are readily available for free at multiple locations such as FontSpace and Ding Bat Depot. Dingbats are groups of themed images that correspond to letter on your keyboard. You can use the letters on your keyboard to access multiple images very quickly. True type ding bat fonts can be downloaded and installed on your computer very easily.
You can also use many clip art images as inspiration to cut using this software with your cricut machine. You will need anothe piece of free software called Inkscape to slightly modify clipart or dingbat images.
The software also allows you to layout your designs on the screen in wysiwyg format so you use less paper and fewer mistakes on your initial cut. The software will allow you to weld, flip, stretch and modify your images.
Charity is the owner of Adams Acres Scrapin where she teaches people how to use Sure Cuts A Lot software to create unlimited die cuts on the Cricut Electronic Die Cut Machine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charity_Adams
For the cost of about 1 full price cartridge you can purchase a piece of software that will allow you to cut unlimited images without purchasing additional cartridges. To utilize the software you will need to attach your computer to the cricut machine. To do this you will need a usb cable. These cables are readily available online or retail computer supply outlets or discount stores.. The usb cables are no different than a cable that you might purchase to attach your printer to your computer.
The software can utilize true type fonts and true type dingbats to cut on your cricut software. True type fonts are readily available for free at multiple locations such as FontSpace and Ding Bat Depot. Dingbats are groups of themed images that correspond to letter on your keyboard. You can use the letters on your keyboard to access multiple images very quickly. True type ding bat fonts can be downloaded and installed on your computer very easily.
You can also use many clip art images as inspiration to cut using this software with your cricut machine. You will need anothe piece of free software called Inkscape to slightly modify clipart or dingbat images.
The software also allows you to layout your designs on the screen in wysiwyg format so you use less paper and fewer mistakes on your initial cut. The software will allow you to weld, flip, stretch and modify your images.
Charity is the owner of Adams Acres Scrapin where she teaches people how to use Sure Cuts A Lot software to create unlimited die cuts on the Cricut Electronic Die Cut Machine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charity_Adams
Cricut Design Studio by Provo Craft
If you have you already discovered a passion for the Provo Craft Cricut cutting machines, you are going to fall in love all over again when you try the newest addition to the Cricut family - Cricut Design Studio software.
The Cricut Design Studio adds a completely new dimension to your Cricut adventures, whether you own the original little Cricut or the larger Cricut Expression. Just by plugging your Cricut into a USB port on your computer and installing the Design Studio software, you'll enter an exciting new world of design possibilities. One of the best parts is this program is easy to use and understand. It's not necessary to be a computer wiz to figure it out and you can do a multitude of creative effects with the addition of this one piece of software.
How Will Design Studio Help You?
The Cricut Design Studio allows you to mix images from any of the cartridges you own and blend them into one design. You can plan your design before you even put in a cartridge. It's possible to weld letters together, shrink or expand images, put an image on a diagonal, and stretch, rotate, or flip images. You can even stop and save your design before it's complete, then come back later to finish it. When you have the design just the way you want it, just slip in the first cartridge needed and push a single button. When the Cricut reaches the point where it needs a different cartridge, it will alert you so you can exchange the cartridges. When you finish, you can save your design to your computer or flash drive and you'll be able to share it with your friends.
Another benefit of Design Studio is that you can examine every available design in the entire Cricut library, whether you own the cartridge or not. Simply type in keywords to search for a particular image or phrase and you can see exactly how it would look in your projects. This will help you decide if you want to purchase a particular cartridge or not. You can even preplan your design and save it until you get the necessary cartridge or borrow it from a friend.
Are There Disadvantages to the Cricut Design Studio?
One disappointment to some users is that the Cricut Design Studio is not Mac compatible. Currently, you can only use this software with Windows XP or Vista. The only other concern is that you are restricted to using Design Studio at a location where you have access to a computer. If you have a laptop, however, that is a non-issue.
Overall, the Cricut Design Studio is a wonderful addition to your Cricut collection. You are only limited by your imagination.
For more wonderful additions to your Cricut collection come and visit The Cricut Cartridges Guide for the whole line-up of ProvoCraft products including the new Cricut Create For other tips and tricks using your Cricut stop by! -Beverly Kingly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverly_Kingly
The Cricut Design Studio adds a completely new dimension to your Cricut adventures, whether you own the original little Cricut or the larger Cricut Expression. Just by plugging your Cricut into a USB port on your computer and installing the Design Studio software, you'll enter an exciting new world of design possibilities. One of the best parts is this program is easy to use and understand. It's not necessary to be a computer wiz to figure it out and you can do a multitude of creative effects with the addition of this one piece of software.
How Will Design Studio Help You?
The Cricut Design Studio allows you to mix images from any of the cartridges you own and blend them into one design. You can plan your design before you even put in a cartridge. It's possible to weld letters together, shrink or expand images, put an image on a diagonal, and stretch, rotate, or flip images. You can even stop and save your design before it's complete, then come back later to finish it. When you have the design just the way you want it, just slip in the first cartridge needed and push a single button. When the Cricut reaches the point where it needs a different cartridge, it will alert you so you can exchange the cartridges. When you finish, you can save your design to your computer or flash drive and you'll be able to share it with your friends.
Another benefit of Design Studio is that you can examine every available design in the entire Cricut library, whether you own the cartridge or not. Simply type in keywords to search for a particular image or phrase and you can see exactly how it would look in your projects. This will help you decide if you want to purchase a particular cartridge or not. You can even preplan your design and save it until you get the necessary cartridge or borrow it from a friend.
Are There Disadvantages to the Cricut Design Studio?
One disappointment to some users is that the Cricut Design Studio is not Mac compatible. Currently, you can only use this software with Windows XP or Vista. The only other concern is that you are restricted to using Design Studio at a location where you have access to a computer. If you have a laptop, however, that is a non-issue.
Overall, the Cricut Design Studio is a wonderful addition to your Cricut collection. You are only limited by your imagination.
For more wonderful additions to your Cricut collection come and visit The Cricut Cartridges Guide for the whole line-up of ProvoCraft products including the new Cricut Create For other tips and tricks using your Cricut stop by! -Beverly Kingly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverly_Kingly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
