Die cutting is the process of manufacturing large numbers of cutouts of the same shape and size. Die cuts can be made from materials such as wood, plastic, metal or fabric. These cutout shapes are sometimes called “blanks” because they are usually sold as finished and decorated items. Scrapbook die cuts are bits and pieces used to decorate scrapbooks.

There are different traditional die cutting equipment available for scrapbookers on the market. As more and more people are getting involved in scrapbooking, demand for this die cutting equipment is growing. The need to create a variety and unique set of die cuts for scrapbooks has become an important ingredient in professional scrapbooking. Owning a die cutting machine is one pre-requisite for most scrapbooking gurus.

This traditional die cutting equipment, however, has been an object of criticism for many scrapbookers. Although they are very popular, many protest against the cost-effectiveness of having one. Even though die-cutting equipment can be very affordable, many complain about the hundreds of dollars they have to spend on the die sets that are utilized with them.  In effect, scrapbookers are forced to settle for either purchasing ready-made die cuts or for simply cutting them out themselves with regular scissors or blades. Either way, these procedures have proved to be less desirable than owning die cut equipment.  While pre-cut die cuts come in limited colors and shapes, self-cut die cut stamps are usually not as perfectly shaped as the die cuts cut with die cutting equipment.

This, however, should not cause despair to scrapbook lovers. Today there are a number of companies developing digitalized die cutting machines that might resolve this problem. Digitalized cutting devises allow computers to cut any font or shape using their hard drives.  With this solution, there is an ocean of possibilities that a scrapbooker can create without having to spending too much.  She can create her very own character and the computer can make hundreds of cut outs from it. Digitalized die cutting devices ensure that the cut out designs are perfectly shaped and free of errors. Aside from shapes, they can also cut out letters and words using almost any type of paper available. No matter how complex, the digitalized die cutter can cut any design into perfection, with no holes or other intricate details left out.

This is practically a miracle machine. It can even cut out a logo or shape out of a piece of cardboard, making it possible to create a variety of unique layers. There are no limits to what a scrapbooker can do with this new technology. Coupled with the use of one’s creativity and ingenuity, the Internet and digital die cutters are so far the best way to create a new design.

There are currently three different scrapbook die cutting machines available on the market: the Craft Robo, theXyron Wishblade, and the Pazzles Mini. All three of these machines offer similar features.

Do you love making fast easy cuts with your Cricut machine? If so, you will love the Cricut Gypsy. This device is for artists on the go who want to create interesting and unique designs and still maintain their active life style.

Held up at the doctor’s office, or waiting for your dinner companion? Now waiting is a breeze: just break out the portable Cricut Gypsy accessories and device and you are on your way to creating beautiful crafts on the go.

What is the Cricut Gypsy? The Gypsy works with the Cricut machine to cut out letters, numbers, and shapes quickly and accurately. This eliminates hand cutting that is normally done by many crafters. The Gypsy is a handheld device that allows you to create a multitude of letters, numbers and shapes on a mat. The total design can be viewed before cutting begins and multiple shapes can be placed on the cutting area. This will drastically save paper and is better for the environment and the wallet.  Once you have decided on your design, just send the project to your Cricut machine and it will cut out your design in a snap.

The Cricut gypsy accessories are a fun way to brighten up your machine. There are several silicone sleeves available to keep your device safe and fashionable. Easy to change, they come in a multitude of colors and patterns. There is a little something for everyone, fun and funky, or sophisticated and sleek. The choice is yours. Other accessories may include a cricut gypsy clutch to keep your Gypsy close to you wherever you go.  Another great travel option is the travel case. Its sleek black design makes it easy to carry and will corresponds to any outfit. There are also several stylus colors to choose from to let your own personal style shine through as well as page protectors to keep your screen scratch free.

True to its form of being a portable easy to use device, the Cricut Gypsy also has an optional car charger, so it can be used and charged from almost anywhere.  Now you can use your Gypsy whenever you have a free moment. It also offers and AC Power supply so you can sit at home and relax while creating awesome templates. No matter where you are or what you are designing, the Cricut Gypsy accessories are sure to make your design experience easy.

If you are an avid scrapbooker, card maker, or like to create other crafts from paper, the Cricut Gypsy is a great tool. It’s easy to carry and numerous accessories make it a great product. It is a true time saver that allows users to sneak in an enjoyable hobby during an otherwise hectic day. You can use this handy device anytime there is a free moment. Avoid the frustration of long waits and delays. Users will be wishing for delays once they start using this product. They numerous Cricut gypsy accessories available make it an easy product to enjoy and use.

Cricut has several school cartridges available for shapes they have the Locker Talk Cartridge, for fonts they have Plantin SchoolBook Cardridge and Makin the grade. Lastly they have a whole Classmate Cartridge sets that I think is great for teachers to have for their classrooms.

Today I will share with you a layout that I have created using the Cricut cartridge Makin the Grade. I really enjoyed using this cartridge it was the prefect cartridge to use for this project. The three shapes that pushed me to buy this cartridge was the star,reward ribbon and apple.

Here is the First Day of School layout that I created using this cartridge.

For this layout I used  green pigment ink and white acrylic paint for the scallop paper from creative imagination school collection,school brads from Ki memories, and pattern paper from Bo Bunny Pep rally strips  and scrap pieces of coordinating cardstock. My Cricut elements are the stars and title fonts.

Thank you so much for stopping by I hope you enjoyed this fun layout , if you have designed a layout of card using the cricut cartridge please share we would love to see your work. Have a wonderful week!!

The Xyron model 900 allows you to cold laminate or create stickers up to a width of 10 inches, and needs no batteries or power to operate. WOW! Take a look at this short video to see how easy it is.

Do you have a Xyron Machine? I'd love to see some of the projects you created with it: please post below in the comments area a link to your creations.

By Monique

Where can we find the product: Scrapbook.com, Ebay.com

The Stamping Cricut cartridge has tons of words that I simply love to use like wish, a shower, missing you, merci, dream, happily ever after, take note, congrats, party time, the story, chill out, blessed day, be you and many, many more. If you are a card maker, this is a must have. If you are a scrapper, this is a must have. I am so glad I bought this cartridge. Look what I did with the word  *Friends For Life*

Suggestive supplies to use to create a fun Friends scrapbooking layout:

Anne Griffin 3D title

Anne Griffin Isabelle Collection Die cut and Stitched papers

Isabelle

My Minds Eye BFF Die Cut

My Minds Eye Best Friends Quite Contrary Collection

Just add some fun ribbon and brads to these awesome collection to create the prefect friend layout.Thank you so much for stopping , want to share ? We would love see and hear about your latest creation.

Where can we find this product: Amazon.com,

I enjoyed using this when working on my co-workers baby scrapbook. It has nice die cuts and words perfect for a baby scrapbook. Whether you have kids or not, someone you know has a baby.

Here's My Designs

Little One!

Supplies:

Fiskars crimper

DCWV Nana's Nursery *Boy* Stack # PS-005-00026

Making Memories Shimmer Jigsaw pre-glittered chipboard letters # 28900

Glue Glider Pro

Bath Time Baby!

Thank you so much for stopping, if you have the Cricut Cartridge Cuttin Up and have design some crafty things using it  we  would love to see the designs you came up with!

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CRICUT FONT CARTRIDGE CUTTIN UP

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CUTTIN UP Cricut Cartridge Brand New

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Home Décor Cricut cartridge

by: Tabitha

One of my favorite things about the Cricut Home Décor cartridge is the variety of shapes and how easy they are to cut. We just bought a new house recently, and my daughter has all new princesses bedding. I knew the crown on the Home Décor cartridge would be perfect for making a sign for her door.

It was really easy to make, paint the canvas, and then add the papers and embellishments the same way you would any other scrapbook page. I attached some felt ribbon for hanging by stapling it to the back of the canvas, and then used matching ribbon as a border to bring it all together.

Almost all of the supplies used can be found at your local craft store or online at TwoPeasInABucket.com, and this cricut cartridge is available on ACherryOnTop.com, and Amazon.com.

Thank you so much for stopping by. If You have this cartridge and would like to share , we would love to see what you have designed !

Supplies Used:

Stretched Canvas

Acrylic Paint

SEI and K&Co Patterned papers

Die Cuts with a View Glitter Cardstock

Stickles Glitter Glue

Colorbok Rhinestones

Making Memories Felt Daisy

SEI Alphabet Stickers

Plume and Plume and American Craft Markers

by Ann Lenth, My Scrapbooking Supplies Design Team Member

Technology has swept over our society and the scrapbooking industry is not to be left out.  We have electonic gadgets that do many things, but none are more popular than the electronic die cutting machines.  There are several to choose from with similarities and various prices.  I will be talking about the Cricut system and it's companion, the Gypsy.

I love the cricut and all the variety of cartridges.  Like many people, I was hooked on "the bug" instantly.  I received my Cricut Expression just 2 years ago for my birthday as a surprise from my husband.  He bought it and then brought it to a big crop I was at.  It was my first crop and I was pretty excited already, but when I opened my new toy it was awesome.  It made a big impression too, as I was among the first people at that crop to get the "big bug" as it is called.  Many had the smaller "baby bug".

My Cricut has been used to cut out letters and shapes for projects for school, 4H, church, scouts and of course, scrapbooking and card making.  I have taught myself the basics of cutting as well as using the markers to draw with.  I hope to experiment with vinyl and glass etching soon.  My Cricut Expression has proven to be an indispensable tool for myself and my household.

There was an email I received in August of 2009 that literally changed my life and the way I use my Cricut.  And by the way my "big bug" is big brother to my "baby bug now".  The email in question was from Michaels and it was introducing a new product from Provo Craft, makers of the Cricut.  Michaels was now taking pre-orders for the soon to be released Gypsy.  I watched the promo video on my laptop, turning it up just loud enough to catch my hubby's attention.  He watched the video and was impressed and said, "I guess that would make a pretty good 15th anniversary gift, huh?". (also, Christmas and birthday). He went to Michael's the next day to order it and was the first in our area to do so. Oh, we are so cutting edge!  This new gadget was small, lightweight (shaped much like a Playstation Portable) and I would be able to take it anywhere so I could make designs at the tap of the screen.

The big day finally arrived for me to pick up my Gypsy from the store.  I could barely get it home fast enough so I could learn how to use it and start to make my "amazing" projects.  I have to say I was a little shocked when I opened it and there was no users manual and it also didn't say anything in the box about a website where you could download a copy.

Finally after some Googling for information and quick checks on Michael's and the Cricut message board, I was downloading my vast collection of cartridges to my Gypsy.  The downloading process was pretty quick and easy.  Just plug in the cartridge into the adapter and then into the Gypsy and a few taps of the screen and all the info. was at my fingertips.  This cute, lightweight portable design studio was ready to go!

There were a few bugs to be worked out on Provo Craft's end.  Each time they added a downloadable update, my new little toy became more and more user friendly.  Since all of my cartridges are loaded on, I can now search for a shape or a phrase right on the Gypsy.  I have to say this is one of my favorite features.  I have discovered, however that some common words are misspelled in the system and that hinders the process, but I hope they will fix that soon.

Another one of great features is that the need for toting all of my cartridges, boxes and keyboard overlays has been eliminated.  This may be my favorite thing because I now have over 70 cartridges in my collection. Coupled with the search feature,  I no longer have to flip through 70 books to see what cartridge has my desired shape or phrase on it.

I will say that after owning and using this new item for nearly 6 months, I am not the least bit sorry that I have it.  I use my Cricut more than I ever did before.  I have made entire albums using Cricut shapes, letters and phrases almost as an exclusive embellishment on pages.  I have a much less smaller desire to buy stickers now too.  I know that there is so much more to learn and create and it will definitely be the gift that keeps on giving.

Please be sure to be here each week as I show some of my pages that are Gypsy and Cricut created.  I will discuss some cartridges in particular and show a few key features of the Gypsy.  Til' next time.... good-by and watch out for "bug bytes" !

[nms:Sizzix Big Shot,4,1,0]
[nms:Sizzix Big Shot,5,0,0]
[nmspage:Sizzix Big Shot]

The products I used for this project were as follows:

Martha Stewart snowflake punch

Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes, and more cartridge

Christmas Red Stickles

DCWV "The Christmas Stack (with glitter)

American Crafts Premium Ribbon

Featured Product :Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes, and more cartridge

My Thoughts

This is actually the first time I used this cartridge to make a box or bag. I have used it just for tag making in the past. Since I did not have the longer sticky mat I was not able to make my bag as large as I wanted but this bag is 5 1/2 inches. I used the shopping bag template. What I liked about this was that I didn't need a template first and I did NO cutting...the cricut did it for me. I was able to get 2 templates out of one 12x12 piece of paper which was nice also.

This was a simpler bag to tape together but I'm not sure how long it would have taken me if it was one of the harder ones. Since there is no instructions as to which way to fold, and it's not scored you have to kind of play around with it to see how it's to be put together. And you must be careful that you are keeping your folds straight since it's not scored. It does however give you a slightly actually (very small) cut where it wants you to fold at so that is helpful.

All together I would give this cartridge a 3 1/2 rating I like it but it's not one of my favorites. I do like the convenience of not needed to print out and cut out a template, trace it on your paper and then cut again,this is a time saver.What about you? Have you used this cartridge? What have you used it for and how did it turn out for you?

Product Name: Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes, and more cartridge

Available at :  Amazon.com, and eBay

(Project and Reviewed By April Lower)
Get your Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes, and more cartridge from EBay:

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Martha Stewart All Occasions Cake Art Cricut Cartridge

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