Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Flatten A Cut Image to Print Then Cut with Design Space iPad App

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

I posted a few weeks ago about the update to the Cricut Design Space App with Print Then Cut now available to use with the App.  I didn't have a printer set up in my craft room but I found one on sale at Best Buy with AirPrint and have it all set up now.  




The cheapest printer I could find - on sale for $30.



I needed some tags when I was wrapping gifts so I chose the Holiday Gift Tags from the Make It Now section in Design Space.  These tags were set as cut files in the software but I was able to change them to print - a great feature when you want to make something fast.   I didn't want to have to glue all those layers together.




So here I have opened the layers panel so you can see how each tag has the images grouped together.  I've also selected the Actions icon at the bottom and just above it shows the different actions I can do to my selected image.  I love that you can highlight the image just by dragging your finger around the image. 






In this screen shot, I have highlighted the Flatten Icon - you can see to the right in the layers panel that the image layers are highlighted in grey and show the scissors beside it for the original cut file.






Here is my screen right after I touched the Flatten icon.  

You can see in the upper right corner that all the different layers have been flattened into one image with a printer icon beside.  My image is now ready to Print Then Cut.






All three tags are ready to Print - I just have to tap the Send to Mat icon at the bottom right.








Here is my Mat screen and I've set the number of images that I want at the top left.  

I just have to tap the Print icon to send the image on the mat to my printer.





Printer options screen - you need an AirPrint printer to work with your iPad or iPhone.






Here I've selected my printer and picked the number of copies I want.

I print out the tag sheet then hit the Go icon.





Ready to cut - I've loaded my mat into the machine, the Cricut Explore will read the registration marks 
and then cut each tag out.   

 It was pretty quick and I was happy not to be gluing layers together and it saved me a trip to the store.  I'd rather make them myself with supplies that I already have. 














Monday, December 28, 2015

CreativeLive's Year-End Sale

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Ring in the new year with new skill sets!

Now through December 31st, you'll be able to enjoy 30% off site-wide at CreativeLive!

This is the perfect opportunity for you to take classes on things that interest you, whether it's calligraphy, photography, business, art, design, or music!

Unleash your creative potential by signing up for a CreativeLive class (or two!) today and make 2016 your best year yet!

Offer: Get 30% off site-wide with CreativeLive's year-end sale!
Valid: Now-12/31

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Cricut Winter Mystery Box Now Available

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



Some Mystery Boxes are worth melting for.




Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

This icy, cool Mystery Box is like a warm hug with 4 cartridges
and more for only $39.99!

Order yours before they melt away.

$143.94 Value for only $39.99

Free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIPDEC at Cricut.com

Saturday, December 19, 2015

CTMH Everyday Life Planner Bundle

Close To My Heart just released their new Planner for 2016 at the beginning of this month and I just got my order delivered earlier this week.   

The Everyday Life line will be sold as individual items but for December CTMH has put together a bundle for $35.95 (over 15% off the regular price).



Included in the bundle is the Everyday Life Album,  the Everyday Life 2016 Planner Pages and the Everyday Life Perfect Plan Roller Stamp.





You get a hardcover black album with a pretty gold foil design. The cover is made of 
polyurethane-covered dense paperboard; inside lined with white photo-safe paper.

You can also use this as a scrapbook album - the Everyday Life line also has 6x8 pocket pages and a set of My Crush scrapbook pages sold separately.


The pocket pages are 6x8 in size and have either 4x6 or 3x4 pockets & are a perfect fit for CTMH Picture My Life cards.  These smaller sized pocket pages are the same great quality as our larger page protectors (no flimsy pages here). 



The Everyday Life Planner is a 12 month planner - it includes all the dividers, monthly & weekly pages for 2016.   There is also a page marker made out of clear plastic.  It came wrapped in a clear film to prevent any scratches during shipping.




Monthly Spread



Weekly spread - it is a horizontal layout with very pretty graphics.




The Planner Pages set also comes with a double-sided folder, handy for keeping bills in and the sticker pack (also included) fits perfectly in there as well.

There are some pre-printed stickers in coordinating colors plus stickers that are ready for you to stamp or write on.




I love this!  This awesome Everyday Life Perfect Planner Roller Stamp is just the right size for stamping on the included stickers or right on your planner pages.  

I'll be sharing more pictures as I get my planner set up for 2016.  The planner will still be available after the December special is over but if you are looking to start the New Year with a new Planner/Memory Book I definitely recommend that you order the bundle.  It has everything you need to get started right away and you can customize it as you go. 


In Canada? You can purchase these products on my CTMH website:

Or start your own CTMH business for just $149. 

 Receive regular updates of upcoming Classes & Workshops 
by signing up for my Monthly Newsletter.  Link in right-hand column.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Great Deals at Cricut Expiring Soon!



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

Just in time for the holidays, Cricut has some of the best deals of the year right now! From an extra 20% off new sale items, to free shipping, and even 35% off digital products, the deals going on now at Cricut.com are too good to miss!

These great deals expire soon, so be sure to check them out today!

Believe Bendi Card by Dreaming Tree

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.


Here's a fun card I made using the Believe Bendi Card SVG file from Dreaming Tree.

They have a bunch of cute 3-D projects, including some really great pop-up cards and ornaments along with more fun Bendi cards.   If you're looking for something special to make this holiday season be sure to check them out.



I cut this card with my Cricut Explore after uploading all the Dreaming Tree images into Cricut Design Space.  The SVG file also comes with printable instructions with all the correct sizes so everything fits together perfectly when assembled.  

I used Pop-Dots and Foam Tape on the Snowflakes, Santa's Sleigh, the Holly and the Snow.  It's a little hard to see, but the dark background paper has a snowflake pattern on it.


Close To My Heart Products used:

Snowhaven Cardstock (retired)
White Daisy Cardstock
Glacier Cardstock
Cranberry Cardstock
New England Ivy Cardstock


In Canada? You can purchase these products on my CTMH website:

Or start your own CTMH business for just $149. 

 Receive regular updates of upcoming Classes & Workshops 
by signing up for my Monthly Newsletter.  Link in right hand column.




Sunday, December 13, 2015

Home Decor Framed Project with Cricut Explore

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.


Being able to use my own SVG files in Cricut Design Space was the main reason that I decided to upgrade from my Cricut Expression 2 to the Cricut Explore last winter.

I am so glad I did - I would never have been able to cut the images that I did this week if I hadn't upgraded.  Not only did I get to upload the SVG files that I wanted but the Explore cut each one with such precision that I was just amazed at how well these turned out.






Each print is cut from 12x12 CTMH White Daisy cardstock and then backed with glitter paper and put into a 12x12 frame from Michael's.








I can't wait for my daughter to unwrap these, they will make a great addition to her animal print themed bedroom


Close To My Heart Products Used:



Additional Products:

12x12 Frames from Michael's
American Crafts Gold Glitter Cardstock

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 10 - Weekend Flash Sale

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

 All Cartridges $14.99 or Less

$50 Off Cricut Explore Air and Cricut Explore One Bundles
Starting at $189.99

40% Off Supplies and Materials
Stock up on the essentials and save

Clearance Event
Up to 95% Off (items starting at $.99)

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts. Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Paper Play Digital Set

Free Shipping with code FREESHIPDEC

Friday, December 11, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 9

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 


Cricut Explore One Now $179.99
Give them the perfect gift this Christmas

Black Friday Prices on Cricut Explore Air Bundles
Starting at $229.99

50 Cartridges at $9.99
Our top holiday cartridge picks are on sale.

30% off Supplies
Get all the tools and cutting materials you need!

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts. Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Paper Play Digital Set

Free Shipping with code FREESHIPDEC




Thursday, December 10, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 8

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



So Good They Are Back
Four of your favorite cartridges are back in stock while supplies last!

50 Cartridges at $9.99
Our top holiday cartridge picks are on sale.

30% off All Supplies
Get all the tools and cutting materials you need!

Black Friday Prices on Machine Bundles
Enjoy the best prices of the season through 12/16

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts. Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Paper Play Digital Set

Free Shipping with code FREESHIPDEC

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 7

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



December Mystery Box Is Here!
Hurry, this box is available today only while supplies last.

50 Cartridges at $9.99

30% off All Supplies
Get all the tools and cutting materials you need!

Black Friday Prices on Machine Bundles
Enjoy the best prices of the season through 12/16

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts. Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Paper Play Digital Set

Free Shipping with code FREESHIPDEC

CTMH December Special: Everyday Life Planner Bundle

Planning your year has never been more fun!



Attention all planner lovers!

During December, you can get your hands on the new, gorgeous Everyday Life™ album from Close To My Heart, the accompanying Everyday Life 2016 planner pages, and the coordinating Everyday Life Perfect Plan roller stamp in an exclusive Everyday Life Planner Bundle for only $35.95 CAD.

That’s over 15% off the retail price!

With the new Everyday Life Line, you’ll experience “memory keeping on the go” as you track your water intake, stamp reminders, keep appointments, and tuck away precious memories—plus much more—all at once!

This offer is only available while supplies last, so plan to place your order early in the month and start 2016 off right.

The Everyday Life Line also has coordinating My Crush Scrapbook pages & two styles of 6x8 Memory Protectors (4x6 or 3x4 pocket pages).  Use with the Everyday Life Planner or create your memory book using these products with the Everyday Life Album.


In Canada? You can purchase these products on my CTMH website:
http://nancyhelmer.ctmh.com

Or start your own CTMH business for just $149. 

 Receive regular updates of upcoming Classes & Workshops 
by signing up for my Monthly Newsletter.  Link in right-hand column.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 6

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



20% Off New Arrivals
Create something new with recently launched materials, cartridges, and more.
Code:  NEWSTUFFROCKS

30% off All Supplies 
Get all the tools and cutting materials you need!

Save on Holiday,  Party & Card Cartridges
Our top holiday cartridge picks are on sale

Black Friday Prices on Machine Bundles
Enjoy the best prices of the season through 12/16

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts. Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Home Accents Digital Set

Free Shipping with code FREESHIPDEC

Cricut December Mystery Box Now Available

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking 
through my links. 



Santa's got a brand new box. 

He knows if you've been bad or good, but he doesn't know what's inside the box. 

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better buy the box I'm telling you why... 
Because they sell out.

Over $190 Value for just $49.99


Monday, December 7, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 5

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



All Cartridges 19.99 or less in Design Space
Save on images for the holidays and more

Christmas Projects - Door Decor
Welcome guests and neighbors with a festive wreath

Cards - Send Good Tidings
Holiday cards for everyone

Home Decor - Trim the Tree
Gather family and create unique ornaments

Paper Crafts - Wrap It Up
Easy gift tags and bows turn ordinary boxes into stunning presents

Want unlimited access to all of these projects and over 850 more?
Subscribe today for the best value and variety!


Sunday, December 6, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 4

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 


50 New Iron-on Colors
From bright neon to chic metallic, heat things up with new colors exclusively on Cricut.com

30% off All Supplies 
Get all the tools and cutting materials you need!

Save on Holiday,  Party & Card Cartridges
Our top holiday cartridge picks are on sale

Black Friday Prices on Machine Bundles
Enjoy the best prices of the season through 12/16

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts. Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Home Accents Digital Set

Free Shipping with code FREESHIPDEC

Cricut Lovely Layers Rose Card

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



Here's another card from my new Anna's Lovely Layered Cards Cartridge that I bought during the Black Friday Sale.


This one had six layers to assemble.
I sized it at 5" high in the Cricut Design Space App to get a 5x5 finished card. 

I used my Black Pilot Precise V5 pen in the Explore for the sentiment.


  

All the layers laid out before I started gluing them together.
I started with the top row and worked my way from right to left.

I glued the back of the upper pieces then laid them onto the layer 
below so I wouldn't have any glue showing through.

I did find that the 6 layers were really thick when I went to 
put the inner dark purple layer on and try to fold it.  

Next time I do this I think I will score the top layer by hand instead of with the Explore, then I can move the line over just a little when adhering the inner piece. 




I'm not entirely sure what colours of cardstock I used.  I have a drawer full of 8x11 and a lot of it is retired SU cardstock that I purchased in 2002/2003 when a friend was a demo.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 3

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



Stock Up and Save
Get the essentials for less with supply and material bulk sets.

30% off
Supplies and Materials

Save on Holiday,  Party & Card Cartridges
Our top holiday cartridge picks are on sale

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts. Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Home Accents Digital Set

Free Shipping with code FREESHIPDEC



Friday, December 4, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 2

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 



Cricut Explore Air Bundles Starting at $229.99
Cross one off your holiday gift list.

30% off Supplies & Materials
Stock up and Save through 12/16

Save on Holiday, Party & Card Cartridges
Our top holiday cartridge picks are on sale

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts.  Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Home Accents Digital Set

Free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIPDEC at Cricut.com


Close To My Heart Cyber Week Sale Ends Today



For five days only, a selection of items from Close To My Heart’s current product inventory can be yours for 25% off retail price! Get supplies you’ll need to make handcrafted gifts and cards for the holidays, including our Cricut®Artfully Sent Collection, at an amazing discount! This offer is available for a limited time only, so hurry on over to your Consultant’s Online Business Address, and make the most of your holiday preparations!

Get 25% off selected items, including:

  • Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection (Z3168)
  • Designed Décor Red Magnetic Chalkboard (Z2006)
  • Designed Décor Display Tray (Z1750)
  • Picture My Life™ Going Places Scrapbooking Program (Z3180)
  • Designer Creations Buttoned Bag (Z2053)
  • Designer Creations Short Stack Album (Z2028)
  • Designer Creations Ruby Paper Bags (Z2038)
  • Cut Above™ Dapper Giraffe Card Kit (Z3147)
  • My Creations™ Pint-Sized Container (Z3137)
  • Scallop Border Punch (Z1851)
  • Triangle Border Punch (Z1997)
  • plus many more!
Contact me for more details.
*Offer valid Monday, November 30, 2015 (9:00 am MST) through Friday, December 4, 2015 (4:00 pm MST) while supplies last. Shipping/handling is calculated based on the full retail price of any discounted items.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Cricut 12 Days of Christmas: Day 1

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

The 12 Days of Christmas Starts Today!


Amazing Deals: Day 1


New Pen Sets!  
The secret to beautiful "handwritten" holiday cards & tags.

Get Black Friday Prices on Machine Bundles
Enjoy the best prices of the season through 12/16

30% off Supplies & Materials
Stock up and Save through 12/16

Save on Holiday, Party & Card Cartridges
Our top holiday cartridge picks are on sale

New Arrivals Are Here!
Shop all of our recently launched cartridges, materials & more

Get Value & Variety for $9.99/month
Enjoy unlimited access to over 30,000 images, projects, and fonts.  Plus, enjoy new images for all your projects

Free Cut of the Week:
Home Accents Digital Set

Free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIPDEC at Cricut.com



Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Cricut Print Then Cut Now Available for iPhone & iPad Apps

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 


Cricut Print Then Cut is now available with the latest update to the iPhone & iPad App.

This is one of the few features that wasn't available, but Cricut has been quick to introduce new features with each update since the release of the App earlier this year.

For this feature to work you will need a printer that is AirPrint enabled.  My Canon has AirPrint, but I currently have it disabled as I have my printer wired to my AirPort Extreme and until now haven't needed to use it as my computer prints via the AirPort Extreme.   I may have to look into getting a second printer now that I can print from the App.  I use my iPad for almost all my Cricut cuts and my machine is not in the same area of the house as my main printer.


Once I updated my App I quickly tried out the feature in my App without doing the actual cut.  Since I've used Print Then Cut in the past I knew how it would turn out.

I love how easy the iPad app is to use and use it probably 99% of the time.

From the Design screen I tapped the image icon in the bottom left corner to bring up all the images in Design Space.




I scrolled down until I came across these images with the little printer icon in the corner.  
I selected the Snowman from the Enjoy the Seasons cartridge.

Once I had it on my Design screen I selected Send to Mat at the bottom right.






 The Snowman shows up on the cut screen and I am able to choose how many to cut and whether to keep the Bleed feature on (I recommend it - that way there won't be an outline around your image)





I then selected the Print icon at the bottom right and tapped on Select Printer.  If my AirPrint was enabled I would have been able to print out my image then would tap on the Go icon on the bottom left and load my cardstock into my Explore and proceed with my cut.  

Super easy and I can't wait to get everything all set up so I can Print Then Cut with my iPad and Cricut Explore.




Monday, November 30, 2015

Close To My Heart Cyber Week Sale




Check out CTMH Cyber Week Sale!
For five days only, a selection of items from Close To My Heart’s current product inventory can be yours for 25% off retail price! Get supplies you’ll need to make handcrafted gifts and cards for the holidays, including our Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection, at an amazing discount!
Offer valid Monday, November 30, 2015 (9:00 am MST) through Friday, December 4, 2015 (4:00 pm MST).


In Canada? You can purchase these products on my CTMH website:

Or start your own CTMH business for just $149. 

 Receive regular updates of upcoming Classes & Workshops 
by signing up for my Monthly Newsletter.  Link in right hand column.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Layered Snowflake Card from Anna's Lovely Layered Cards Cricut Cartridge

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 


I've had my eye on a couple of Anna Griffin Cricut Cartridges for a while now.  

I keep seeing gorgeous, intricate cards and scrapbook layouts using her images in Cricut Design Space. 

 I decided to take advantage of the Cricut Black Friday Sale (ends 11/29) of $14.99 cartridges and an additional 35% discount for digital images with the coupon code 35DIGITAL.  

I ended up paying $8.77 for each cartridge (regular price $29.99).




Here is the first card that I made using Anna's Lovely Layered Cards.

This project was in the Make It Now Section of Cricut Design Space.  

I used a Black Pilot Precise V5 Pen for the sentiment.  

I used CTMH Cardstock and tried out a couple of the new Enchantment colours that were introduced in September.


CTMH Products used (top to bottom layers):

CTMH Saffron Cardstock (new)
CTMH Sapphire Cardstock (new)


In Canada? You can purchase these products on my CTMH website:

Or start your own CTMH business for just $149. 

 Receive regular updates of upcoming Classes & Workshops 
by signing up for my Monthly Newsletter.  Link in right hand column.



Friday, November 27, 2015

Cricut Make It Now Project: Christmas Pen Art

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

I use my Cricut Explore mainly for scrapbooking but have been trying some new things with it for the Holidays.

I love the Make It Now projects in Cricut Design Space and decided to make the Christmas Pen Art Project.


                                   

I love the writing feature in Design Space.  I use it to add journaling to my scrapbook pages.  This project uses pens for Christmas Subway Art.  

I used Pilot Precise V5 Pens in my pen holder and love the very fine line that they draw. 



This project was very quick to do - the longest part was gluing the 5 layers of letters together.  
And that didn't even take that long.  I added some glitter that I had in my stash to the word "Joy",  then I glued the letters on top of the written words on my background sheet.  




I've had this frame sitting in a closet for a while now. 
I took out the glass and the mat so my popped-up project would fit inside it. 


After gluing together the pieces of the Poinsettia, I added a piece of CTMH Foam Tape to the back so it would pop up from my page. 


I added a CTMH Gold Bling Gem to the centre of the Poinsettia.




Here is my finished project - I cut a piece of Recollections Holiday Cardstock down to 8x10 to fit my frame and the  Recollections Red & Green cardstock used in this project came in a coordinating pack.