Thursday, December 31, 2009
~ Cricut SWARM in Houston, Texas ~
If you live in the Houston, Texas area (or within driving distance)- join us for the next Cricut SWARM on February 20th. Click HERE to read all about it and reserve your spot today. Here is a picture from the Cricut Swarm in September 2009 hosted by Lori, TheCricutLady (from the Cricut MB). I had a total blast and am totally looking foward to the next one. A Swarm is just a gathering of scrappers who love to create using the cricut machine. It's a day filled with fun stuff, projects, you get your own space to work, win prizes, eat, gab, chit chat, etc. No matter if you have the baby bug, expression, or create - bring it along and cricut away. It's definitely worth the drive.
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009
CJToo's Helpful Tips!
There are many new Cricut owners (thanks to Santa and sweet hubbies) that brought you what you wanted for Christmas. Welcome to the wonderful world of Cricut Crafting! No matter if you have the Cricut for scrapbooking, card making, crafting, classroom, special projects etc. - the opportunities and projects this machine can help you do is ENDLESS. The comforting fact is that all of us where new Cricut owners at one time or another and was searching the internet, YouTube, message boards, websites and such to figure out how to use this masterpiece. You wanted it, now you got it - so NOW WHAT? Well, CJToo is here to help you.
I will list some valueable tips, tools, sites, my "go to" spots on the web and where I get my inspiration.
Getting Started:
Cricut Tool Kit - this tool kit has different tools all having a special purpose to use with your cuts, mat or projects. In my Video #2 - I go through all of the tools and tell you a little about each ones purpose. Purchased for around 20 bucks at Wal-Mart or any store that sells Cricut products.
Cricut Spatula - purchase seperately for around 5 bucks at Wal-Mart. A much needed tool to slide up those cuts off of the mat.
Cricut Cartridges:
To the new Cricut owner - cartridges are confusing (at least they were to me). I view the Cricut cartridge as the "ink" to my Cricut machine. Just like your printer needs an ink cartridge to work properly; my Cricut needs an image cartridge to work properly. The cartridge has tons of images, layering affects, fonts, and cuts that make your project theme. Your machine will come with at least one cartridge and maybe 2 or more. Plantin Schoolbook is the most common cartridge received in machine bundles. Each cartridge will have a different theme or font. Each image or font can be cut at various sizes, layered, shadowed (outlined), etc. that really makes your project special. In my Video - Basics Cricut Cartridges HERE - I will guide you through the different types of cartridges. Click HERE for cartridge acronyms - much easier to keep up with.
Cartridge Recommendations:
The cricut cartridges I recommend for a beginner is:
Doodlecharms
Mini Monograms
Sesame Street or Pooh Font
Other helpful Video's by CJToo:
Cricut Storage and Stuff
How to Number Your Cricut Handbooks
Basic Layering for Your Cricut Projects
Resources to Learn About My Cricut:
YouTube - YouTube is an excellent resource to watch video's about your Cricut machine. There are numerous talented crafters who take you step by step in creating projects. Create an YouTube account (it's free) and you can save your favorite video's to come back to later.
Cricut A - Z DVD- Megan at Above Rubies Studio has created a fabulous DVD that is all about learning the Cricut machine. From turning on the machine to creating projects this DVD is packed full of valuable information. Visit HERE to order a copy today. It is a wonderful addition to all Cricut owners library and you can take it with you whereever you go, to crops, on vacation, watch in your car or pop in on a cold day.
Cricut Fun - Volume 1 ~ Robyn at My Pink Stamper totally ROCKS! She is the Cricut Queen (in my books) and her style is very popular. When I first got my Cricut Robyn was the first Cricut Crafter I found on YouTube and her video's are addicting. She helped me learn my machine, key functions, ways to create cute projects, with lots of added bonuses. She just released Cricut Fun Volume 1 and it is a wonderful addition to your Cricut Library also. Check it out HERE.
CJToo's Favorite Websites:
Cricut Message Board ~ Your first message board for the new Cricut owner should be Cricut.com ~ SUPER! Become a member, it's free and you get wonderful information. Scared to get on a message board? Don't be!
Obsessed With Scrapbooking ~ Joy is awesome! She fills her website with tons of scrapbooking tips, tricks, information, new stuff and coupons. I turn to this site to catch all of the new product information and cricut cartridge releases.
Christmas With The Cricut ~ Don't let the name fool you. This site totally ROCKS for all of your cricut crafting needs. They started with Christmas but promise us more to come throughout the year.
My Pink Stamper ~ Robyn has tons of projects, tutorials and Cricut Fun - she just released her first DVD filled with awesome Cricut projects!
Above Rubies Studio ~ Megan is a true cricuteer - loads of information and lots of Cricut from A - Z! Her first DVD Cricut A - Z is jammed packed with information.
There are lots more sites that I visit - I have made many friends that have some awesome stuff! Check my blog on the right side for more.
Cartridge Purchase:
You can purchase Cricut cartridges any where Cricut products are sold BUT each place carries limited stock of cricut products. Some stores may carry a few cartridges, mats, adhesive, etc. and others have machines, cartridges, mats, tools, paper pads, vinyl, etc. This list is my favorite places to get my Cricut products. In the stores a regular Cricut Cartridge will be prices from 69.99 up to 99.99 - BUT if you are looking for a bargain shop online or watch for store sales such as Michael's, Hobby Lobby or Joann's. When CJToo first started her cartridge library I turned to ebay and bought the bulk of my cricut cartridge library from respectable sellers. Check the feedback and Power Seller rating and you'll know right off the bat which ones are good sellers. I won most of my brand new cartridges on ebay for anywhere from 25.00 up to 45.00 (depending on how bad I wanted it). Also, M's and HL will run them on sale for 27.99 up to 44.99 different times throughout the year - so watch for those sales. Also there are MANY online websites that sell Cricut products and I have purchased from many of these too.
Here are my favorites:
http://www.hallmarkscrapbooking.com/
http://www.ohmycrafts.com/
http://www.jujubeesscrapbookcorner.com/
http://www.cricutmachine.com/
http://www.customcrops.com/
http://www.cricut.com/
Other Helpful Tips
Lingo to learn -
Cricuteer - someone who is passionate about creating with the Cricut
SWARM - an event coordinated by someone and hosted in an area that brings together people who are interested in creating, learning or sharing cricut information. It's like a crop but totally devoted to cricut stuff. Everyone bring their Cricut machine and has a fun day (or week-end retreat) You can find out about Cricut SWARMS on the Cricut message board HERE. Check often to see if there is one in your area or within driving distance.
Blog - a mini "website" that give you tidbits of information based on different topics. Most are free and it just takes the blog owner time to set it up and keep it up dated with the informaton they'd like to share.
Design Team or Design Team Member - there are many blogs who post projects from different crafters. Most have a "design team call" meaning they take submissions or a sample of your project to see if your project fits into the theme of what they are sharing. A person who is selected is called a part of their Design Team. Some of the most popular is the Christmas with the Cricut, Cuttlebug Spot, and Cutting Above.
a few acronym's
MB - message board
M's - Michael's
HL - Hobby Lobby
J's - Joann's
LSS - local scrapbooking store
CLICK HERE for a complete list of MB acronyms and their meanings.
Crafting Adhesives - so you've made the cuts now how do you get them to stick? Click HERE for a wonderful tutorial on choosing the right adhesive.
Well, this is CJToo's list of Cricut crafting must know-how's. I hope it helps you.
Thanks for stopping by my blog to visit and come back soon.
Hugs!
Tracy
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I will list some valueable tips, tools, sites, my "go to" spots on the web and where I get my inspiration.
Getting Started:
Cricut Tool Kit - this tool kit has different tools all having a special purpose to use with your cuts, mat or projects. In my Video #2 - I go through all of the tools and tell you a little about each ones purpose. Purchased for around 20 bucks at Wal-Mart or any store that sells Cricut products.
Cricut Spatula - purchase seperately for around 5 bucks at Wal-Mart. A much needed tool to slide up those cuts off of the mat.
Cricut Cartridges:
To the new Cricut owner - cartridges are confusing (at least they were to me). I view the Cricut cartridge as the "ink" to my Cricut machine. Just like your printer needs an ink cartridge to work properly; my Cricut needs an image cartridge to work properly. The cartridge has tons of images, layering affects, fonts, and cuts that make your project theme. Your machine will come with at least one cartridge and maybe 2 or more. Plantin Schoolbook is the most common cartridge received in machine bundles. Each cartridge will have a different theme or font. Each image or font can be cut at various sizes, layered, shadowed (outlined), etc. that really makes your project special. In my Video - Basics Cricut Cartridges HERE - I will guide you through the different types of cartridges. Click HERE for cartridge acronyms - much easier to keep up with.
Cartridge Recommendations:
The cricut cartridges I recommend for a beginner is:
Doodlecharms
Mini Monograms
Sesame Street or Pooh Font
Other helpful Video's by CJToo:
Cricut Storage and Stuff
How to Number Your Cricut Handbooks
Basic Layering for Your Cricut Projects
Resources to Learn About My Cricut:
YouTube - YouTube is an excellent resource to watch video's about your Cricut machine. There are numerous talented crafters who take you step by step in creating projects. Create an YouTube account (it's free) and you can save your favorite video's to come back to later.
Cricut A - Z DVD- Megan at Above Rubies Studio has created a fabulous DVD that is all about learning the Cricut machine. From turning on the machine to creating projects this DVD is packed full of valuable information. Visit HERE to order a copy today. It is a wonderful addition to all Cricut owners library and you can take it with you whereever you go, to crops, on vacation, watch in your car or pop in on a cold day.
Cricut Fun - Volume 1 ~ Robyn at My Pink Stamper totally ROCKS! She is the Cricut Queen (in my books) and her style is very popular. When I first got my Cricut Robyn was the first Cricut Crafter I found on YouTube and her video's are addicting. She helped me learn my machine, key functions, ways to create cute projects, with lots of added bonuses. She just released Cricut Fun Volume 1 and it is a wonderful addition to your Cricut Library also. Check it out HERE.
CJToo's Favorite Websites:
Cricut Message Board ~ Your first message board for the new Cricut owner should be Cricut.com ~ SUPER! Become a member, it's free and you get wonderful information. Scared to get on a message board? Don't be!
Obsessed With Scrapbooking ~ Joy is awesome! She fills her website with tons of scrapbooking tips, tricks, information, new stuff and coupons. I turn to this site to catch all of the new product information and cricut cartridge releases.
Christmas With The Cricut ~ Don't let the name fool you. This site totally ROCKS for all of your cricut crafting needs. They started with Christmas but promise us more to come throughout the year.
My Pink Stamper ~ Robyn has tons of projects, tutorials and Cricut Fun - she just released her first DVD filled with awesome Cricut projects!
Above Rubies Studio ~ Megan is a true cricuteer - loads of information and lots of Cricut from A - Z! Her first DVD Cricut A - Z is jammed packed with information.
There are lots more sites that I visit - I have made many friends that have some awesome stuff! Check my blog on the right side for more.
Cartridge Purchase:
You can purchase Cricut cartridges any where Cricut products are sold BUT each place carries limited stock of cricut products. Some stores may carry a few cartridges, mats, adhesive, etc. and others have machines, cartridges, mats, tools, paper pads, vinyl, etc. This list is my favorite places to get my Cricut products. In the stores a regular Cricut Cartridge will be prices from 69.99 up to 99.99 - BUT if you are looking for a bargain shop online or watch for store sales such as Michael's, Hobby Lobby or Joann's. When CJToo first started her cartridge library I turned to ebay and bought the bulk of my cricut cartridge library from respectable sellers. Check the feedback and Power Seller rating and you'll know right off the bat which ones are good sellers. I won most of my brand new cartridges on ebay for anywhere from 25.00 up to 45.00 (depending on how bad I wanted it). Also, M's and HL will run them on sale for 27.99 up to 44.99 different times throughout the year - so watch for those sales. Also there are MANY online websites that sell Cricut products and I have purchased from many of these too.
Here are my favorites:
http://www.hallmarkscrapbooking.com/
http://www.ohmycrafts.com/
http://www.jujubeesscrapbookcorner.com/
http://www.cricutmachine.com/
http://www.customcrops.com/
http://www.cricut.com/
Other Helpful Tips
Lingo to learn -
Cricuteer - someone who is passionate about creating with the Cricut
SWARM - an event coordinated by someone and hosted in an area that brings together people who are interested in creating, learning or sharing cricut information. It's like a crop but totally devoted to cricut stuff. Everyone bring their Cricut machine and has a fun day (or week-end retreat) You can find out about Cricut SWARMS on the Cricut message board HERE. Check often to see if there is one in your area or within driving distance.
Blog - a mini "website" that give you tidbits of information based on different topics. Most are free and it just takes the blog owner time to set it up and keep it up dated with the informaton they'd like to share.
Design Team or Design Team Member - there are many blogs who post projects from different crafters. Most have a "design team call" meaning they take submissions or a sample of your project to see if your project fits into the theme of what they are sharing. A person who is selected is called a part of their Design Team. Some of the most popular is the Christmas with the Cricut, Cuttlebug Spot, and Cutting Above.
a few acronym's
MB - message board
M's - Michael's
HL - Hobby Lobby
J's - Joann's
LSS - local scrapbooking store
CLICK HERE for a complete list of MB acronyms and their meanings.
Crafting Adhesives - so you've made the cuts now how do you get them to stick? Click HERE for a wonderful tutorial on choosing the right adhesive.
Well, this is CJToo's list of Cricut crafting must know-how's. I hope it helps you.
Thanks for stopping by my blog to visit and come back soon.
Hugs!
Tracy
Friday, December 25, 2009
~ YeeHaw Cowboy Scrapbook Lay-out
*****************
I am very honored that Megan at Above Rubies Studio included this project in the Project Gallery of her Cricut A - Z DVD. Mine along with many other talented crafters.
Click HERE to view what this DVD is all about (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and see if it is for YOU.....OR if you have this amazing DVD check out this project in the Gallery....
p.s. Stay tuned for your chance to win one of these amazing DVD's right here on my blog very soon.....Thanks Megan!
Now...on to this layout....I was super excited when Cricut announced they were coming out with the Old West cartridge. Being the mom of a little cowboy I knew I was buying it before I saw the images. Needless to say I am NOT disappointed what-so-ever. It is a super cartridge for the cowboy side of you.
2 - page layout
On this page everthing is cut from the Old West cartridge with the exception of the little cowboy with rope...that is cut 4" from A Child's Year cartridge.
On this page everything is cut from Old West cartridge except the cowboy with stick horse which is also from A Child's Year at 4".
I purchased the silver brads at Michael's
I purchased the silver brads at Michael's
If you have the DVD - look for my project .... if you don't have it yet....you need to get it. It's super!
CLICK HERE to see images from this cartridge....
Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think. Ü
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Video #67 ~ Crafty Gift Snowman Card Frame
How many times have you received or seen a beautiful Christmas Card and said "that is as pretty as a picture?" Well, here is a super simple way to decorate a crafty gift or home decor item using one of those beautiful Christmas Cards. The frame is an 8 x 10 frame, glass inset removed. The Merry Christmas is cut 1 1/2" from Christmas Cheer on regular and on shadow.
Merry Christmas to all!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Pre-School Christmas Pages Re-Run
Hi CJToo Friends,
I know I haven't had the chance to post much this Holiday season because of family obligations and stuff but I went digging to see what I could re-run for you that was in my "stash" of stuff. Here is a Christmas Lay-out that I made for my little guy, Spencer. Click HERE for the cartridges I used, details and more close up pictures.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays my friends!
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I know I haven't had the chance to post much this Holiday season because of family obligations and stuff but I went digging to see what I could re-run for you that was in my "stash" of stuff. Here is a Christmas Lay-out that I made for my little guy, Spencer. Click HERE for the cartridges I used, details and more close up pictures.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays my friends!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christmas Table Decor
Hi CJToo Friends.....
Merry Christmas
Okay, I am not only a Craft Junkie but I am a Trash to Treasure Junkie too ~ I love to take "this" and make "that" out of it. I came up with these adorable (at least I think they are) table decorations for a recent Christmas gathering. The inspiration was a fabric stuffed candy cane. My sweet MIL sewed me a bunch of fabric candy canes made out of red ticking fabric. I am so lucky to have a super MIL who is always supporting my crafty side. The "vase" or holder for my decorations is an recycled oatmeal can covered with green vinyl ~ I purchase my vinyl by the roll at www.signwarehouse.com - they have excellent customer service. I just cut the vinyl to fit the cane.
Next I tied on some wired ribbon in the center of the cane. Inside the can/holder I stuck in candy canes, greenery, glittery white picks, other "candy" looking picks and a fake sucker. I made the fake sucker using a round styrofoam disc (this one measures 5"), I used a 1/4 dowel for the "stick" of the sucker. I put the stick in the styrofoam circle first before covering the sucker with the paper. It made it much easier to handle. I then covered the sucker with the christmas paper... I actually found this foil looking paper at my local grocery store in the Christmas aisle. It came in a set of 4 rolls, green, red, silver and blue. I thought THAT WOULD BE PERFECT for suckers! I cut a square large enough to cover the whole styrofoam disc and wrapped it around leaving the bottom excess for the wrapper; secured with a twist tie (or you could use a chenille stem or other wire). If you need more specific instructions ~ just contact me.
For the tables, I put 2 christmas cans and strung pine garland down the middle; wired ribbon drapped across the pine garland adds that special touch. I then scattered real candy canes and other christmas candies on the table around the center. It really looks great. Cute, fun and soooo pretty!
Merry Christmas from Craft Junkie Too!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Video #66 ~ Thanks Christmas Note Card
In this video I will show you how I created this Christmas Note Card that says Thanks! - I used the Christmas Noel Solutions cricut cartridge for the tree. Perfect to give someone special and remember to say Thanks and appreciation. This is the season to be thankful. Ü
This card measures 6" x 5 3/4"
Saturday, December 12, 2009
More Craft Show Pictures of CJToo's Creations
Hi all....
Here are a few pictures (many, actually) of my individual "stuff" that I created for my big show recently.
I sold out of most all items....so I was thrilled ~ ....
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Craft Show Pictures
Hi everyone - thanks for bearing with me....I am super excited to show you pictures of the big craft show I did here in my home town the first week-end in December. It was a great success. I had a total of 32 vendors and the area was full of super great holiday decor and fashion jewelry and apparrel. It was a lot of fun but I am so glad it is over. Now, back to life.....
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