Provo Craft

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Posted by Jackie on May 08, 2008 | Comments (1) | post comment

May 01, 2008

National Scrapbooking Day!

Saturday, May 3 is National Scrapbooking Day. How are you going to celebrate?!

I haven't scrapbooked for a bit now (forgive me! perhaps I'll repent on Saturday?), but the last scrapbook I completed was a gift for my parents. It was a baby album that included a page for each member of my immediate family—my parents, my sisters and I, our husbands, and our nieces and nephews. I gathered a baby picture for each of us and persuaded all the moms to share with me the story of each child’s birth, his or her stats, and what he or she was like as a baby.

I loved the process almost as much as the giving! I adored comparing birth weights and laughing at family resemblances. I appreciated the help of my sisters’ mothers-in-law because they told stories I’d never heard before. I felt really moved as I put a page together for our little nephew who passed away last year. When I finally passed on the scrapbook to my mom and dad, it’s safe to say it was a hit.

We all scrapbook for different reasons. Some want to capture memories, some do it for a creative outlet, and some use it to celebrate life. Whatever your reasons may be, take some time on Saturday—with friends at a crop, at your favorite scrapbook store, or flying solo in your PJs at home—to celebrate this addiction we call scrapbooking. You won’t regret it!

If you are a Utahn, Idahoan, or you'll be in the area, local Roberts Arts and Crafts stores will have awesome make-n-takes and sales this Saturday. Check it out!

Posted by Jackie on May 01, 2008 | Comments (5) | post comment

April 22, 2008

Check out these Common Cuttlebug Questions!

We have a lot of Cuttlebug fans out there, and we thought it was high time we reviewed some of our most commonly asked Cuttlebug questions:

Q: Can I use Cuttlekids dies in my Cuttlebug machine?
A: Yes! Build the following sandwich stack (from top to bottom): A pad, B pad, Cuttlekids dies (foam side up), Cardstock, C pad

Q: Can I use Cuttlebug dies in my Cuttlekids machine?
A: Not at this time.

Q: How can I use brass embossing stencils in my Cuttlebug machine?
A: Build the following sandwich stack (from top to bottom): A pad, B pad, mouse pad (cut to size, rubber side up), Cardstock, Brass stencil, B pad *Sandwich may need to pass through several times depending on cardstock thickness

Q: What materials can I cut using the Cuttlebug machine and dies?
A: We’ve had success cutting paper, cardstock, vinyl, chipboard, transparencies, craft foam, felt, fabric, and vellum. What else have you had fun cutting??

Q: Can I use other brands of dies or stencils in my Cuttlebug machine?
A: Yes! The Cuttlebug machine is designed to be used with many different brands of dies and embossing folders/stencils. Some are too thick or too large to work properly in the machine, but you’ll be delighted with how many of the leading brands work just fine. To learn how to use different brands of dies with the Cuttlebug machine, see our sandwich stack chart on the Cuttlebug page under the download link.
Note: When experimenting with new sandwich stacks, we recommend always erring on the thin side at first. You can always add a shim (made of cardstock or chipboard) if the stack is not quite thick enough.

Q: In what sizes are the Cuttlebug dies and embossing folders available in?
A: The Cuttlebug dies are available in 2" x 2", 3" x 3", and 2" x 6" sizes. The embossing folders are available in 2" x 2.75" and A2 sizes.

Q: Why is the Cuttlebug machine so awesome?
A: It just is! The portability of the machine, the amazing embossing, and the crisp cuts make it a remarkable system. Words can hardly express the awesomeness, don’t you think?

These are some of the most common questions, but let us know if you have any other Cuttlebug questions, comments, or concerns!

Posted by Jackie on April 22, 2008 | Comments (12) | post comment

April 08, 2008

Cricut Solutions vs. Classic Cricut cartridges

**The minimized packaging was one factor that helped us make the suggested retail price of the Cricut Solutions cartridges $40 less than the Classic Cricut cartridges. Classic cartridges will still include the storage binder and the detailed handbook. However, we are developing a storage system for the Cricut cartridges, including a great option for all 8 of the Cricut Solutions cartridges. Stay tuned!!**

Cricut Solutions cartridges are starting to appear in stores, and we’re thrilled that many of you are adding them to your Cricut collections! There have been some concerns about packaging, so we want to clarify the difference between Classic Cricut cartridges and Cricut Solutions cartridges:

Classic Cricut Cartridges

- type of cartridges you’re all familiar with
- contain 100 designs and 6 creative features
- latest additions include the Pooh and Friends and Pooh Font Set cartridges, and we will continue to create more must-have Classic Cricut cartridges
- suggested retail price is $89.99 (or $99.99 for Disney cartridges)
- come packaged in a storage box that includes the cartridge, keypad overlay, and handbook

Cricut Solutions Cartridges

- new style of Cricut cartridges
- contain an average of 50 designs and 2 creative features (mostly Shadow and Blackout/Shadow Blackout)
- themed cartridges that contain Cricut designs tailored to meet specific project needs
- eight total: 6 shape cartridges (Baseball, Soccer, Wedding, Camp Out, Home Accents, and Indie Art) and 2 font cartridges (Stone Script and Street Sign).
- suggested retail price is $49.99
- come packaged in a plastic shell (blister packaging) that includes the cartridge, keypad overlay, and fold-out card (minimizing the packaging contents was one factor to help us lower the cost)

**The minimized packaging was one factor that helped us lower the cost of the Cricut Solutions cartridges. However, we are developing a storage system for the Cricut cartridges, including a great option for all 8 of the Cricut Solutions cartridges. Stay tuned!!**

Posted by Jackie on April 08, 2008 | Comments (27) | post comment