I used random.org, and the winner is #2, Melissa Lake. Melissa, I need you to email me your mailing address and which cartridge you'd like to get.

Our next drawing for a free cartridge will be when our list reaches 500 subscribers, so please spread the word about the opportunity to win a cart, and we'll see how soon we can give away another cartridge.

Everyday Paperdolls Cricut Cartridge

Cricut Alphalicious

I just love the Everyday Paperdolls cartridge.  This cartridge is very user friendly and you can create a variety of dolls.  Each accessory or layer has simple to follow directions, there is no paper waste when cutting, since you are cutting only the accessory you select.

I created this fun winter layout of my daughter.  I customized the snowsuit girl paperdoll to match her hair color and clothes.  The snow border is an extra on the paperdoll cartridge.

The font is layered with a shadow and I added Stickles to add sparkle to my page.

Snow Day

Apply your paper to your cutting mat.  Insert it into your Cricut.  I decided to use the Storybook cartridge because it have various scalloped circles, squares, and other shapes.  For this page I chose the scalloped square.  Press the Fit to Page button.

Your Cricut will scan the page size for you.  Press the cut button and you'll see your Cricut figure the size the cut needs to be.  It will automatically start to cut your paper.  After removing it, you'll have a 12x12 scalloped sheet of paper cut to your liking.

Another tool I love to use is the Martha Stewart punches.  On this border I used the Spiderweb punch to go along with my Halloween theme.

Lastly I cut a smaller scalloped square to match my page and accented with a stamped image.  This is a simple layout that is quick and easy to do.  It took me 15 minutes to make all my cuts and layout the page.  For someone that is short on time for scrapbooking these types of layouts are perfect.

Have fun and happy scraping in 2010.

Return to your objectives: The basic thing with scrapbooking is that you are using your craft to make a purposeful object. In most instances these are scrapbook albums to hold your most endearing and intimate moments with family and friends. Sometimes, however, you are undertaking a scrapbook project in order to create other items such as gifts like scrapbooked picture frames. Returning to the purpose of your scrapbooking activity is one of the main ways to invigorate your creativity. Look at the various Cricut cartridges you have and match themes with whatever project you have in mind.

Mix and match: Sometimes, however, the best and most creative Cricut cartridge ideas come from mixing and matching different types of Cricut cartridges with different themes. Each cartridge comes in a particular theme; for instance, you may find an animal kingdom themed cartridge, or a Disney princess themed cartridge, or one which covers sport motifs. Each cartridge, however, has designs that are applicable in more than one theme. Combining different elements with other themes creates an eclectic mix that makes your scrapbook project unique and highly original. Do not be afraid to put in a bit of Victorian font along with sporty themes, or modern shapes with Old Age swirls.

Cricut Expression machines: Another technique to maximize your Cricut cartridges is to use a Cricut Expression machine. By plugging in your available Cricut cartridges into the Expression machine; you only need to press a button and wait as the machine combines various elements to come out with a number of designs. These Expression machines are available in many leading arts and crafts stores, and may also be purchased online.

Check the web: If you are still running out of Cricut cartridge ideas, visit Cricut.com for plenty of tips and tricks that you can do with your cartridges and Cricut machines. The machines themselves often come with a booklet which you can use to make various design concepts. There are also many online communities with Cricut scrapbooking enthusiasts which you can befriend to get the latest trends and ideas for your next scrapbook projects. In fact, there are even contests on the internet for best Cricut designs which you can join to get a bit of stimulus to create your next scrapbooking masterpiece.

No matter how difficult it may seem to get your creative juices flowing for the next Cricut scrapbooking project, remember that one of the reasons the Cricut machine was invented is to help you unleash your creativity.

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