Scrapbooking Supplies

Bug Bytes

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" !

Filed under: Accessories, Die-Cutting Machines