Cricut Craftroom Q & A from Facebook Page

For those of you who don't facebook....here is a Q & A from the Cricut Facebook Page:

Cricut - The Official Page!

We'll continue to post questions and answers in this discussion topic as they become available. Thank you for taking the time to post questions.

Q: What is Cricut Craft Room?
A: Cricut Craft Room is a free online design tool

Q: How is it different from Cricut Design Studio and Gypsy?
A: While offering similar features to both CDS and Gypsy, Cricut Craft Room requires an internet connection (CDS does not) and requires you to be on a computer (not mobile like Gypsy)

Q: How much is Cricut Craft Room?
A: FREE

Q: When will Cricut Craft Room be available?
A: We are planning to launch this software in April, 2011

Q: Does Cricut Craft Room work with PC and MAC?
A: Yes, upon launch Cricut Craft Room will work on both a PC and a MAC.

Q: How do I access Cricut Craft Room?
A: When it is released, you'll be able to access Cricut Craft Room through your cricut.com account.

Q: How do I link my cartridges to Cricut Craft Room?
A: You can either link your Gypsy to CCR to update your account, or if you do not have a Gypsy you can connect your Cricut machine to your computer (using the same cable you use to perform firmware updates) and link your cartridges to your account through your Cricut.

Q: Can CCR cut with multiple cartridges at one time like Gypsy?
A: Yes, you will not have to connect each individual cartridge when cutting unless you are using a cartridge that has not been synced to your account.

Q: Can I use CCR offline? Do I need an internet connection?
A: Yes, CCR required that you have an internet connection in order to access your account.

Q: What does Beta mean?
A: When we say CCR is in Beta we just mean it's in a testing phase where we have selected individuals testing the software for us.

Q: Can I be a part of the beta test?
A: We have already selected those who will participate in our beta program.

Q: Do I have to use cartridges with CCR or can I make my own images and cut true type fonts?
A: You must use cartridges with CCR. CCR does not allow you to access true type fonts on your computer and cut them using Cricut.

Q: How will you manage the site so it doesn't get bogged down with so many people using it at one time?
A: That is what we are testing with our beta program. Will will continue to test our software and the capacities we anticipate it will need to provide a good user experience.

Q: Are my CCR files available to anyone but me through my account?
A: No, the only way anyone can access your files is if they are logged into your account.

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Cricut Magazine Review and Giveaway!

The new Cricut magazine by Northridge Media has been released and can now be found in stores, as well as through online retailers and even in a digital download format ($4.95 each).  In addition, it is available in hard copy by subscription at 6 issues for $40.

I was contacted by Northridge Media to review and give away FOUR copies of the magazine!  Two will be given away here and two over on Everyday Cricut this week!  

How can you win?

1) Leave a comment below telling what type of projects you'd like to see shown using the Cricut.
2) Subscribe or follow this blog.

Onto the details:
I was so excited to get my hands on this magazine and check out all the Cricut goodies!  Since I run two blogs devoted to the Cricut, I was quite anxious to see some new ideas and projects.

Here are some basic facts:

This Cricut Magazine debut issue is 130 pages long, printed in the standard 8" x 8" size of typical Northridge Media publications.  It is constructed of high quality, glossy covers and pages.  Only 13 pages are advertisements and placed mostly at the front and back of the magazine, so the flow of information is not interrupted.

The issue features ideas for cards, layouts, home decor, fabric, cake making and party planning with the themes of valentines/love, baby, wedding, birthday and general use (thanks, etc.).

There are a number of pages devoted to creating a two layer cake with the Cricut Cake machine.  Included are detailed directions and recipes for cake and fondant.  In addition, there is a section of home decor items made with the Imagine Machine; however, they only used one Imagine cartridge, Kate's Kitchen, for this section.

The majority of projects shown include product lists and instructions; most of them delineating what cuts were used by cartridge (i.e. "cut tree from Straight from the Nest").  Layouts were the exception to the rule, as no instructions or cut list was given.  There were 26 layouts featured in the magazine.  Sizing of the cuts was given in some, but not all of the projects.  Overall, a wide variety of projects and cartridges were used. Twice as many of the cartridges used are pre-2010, so most people probably already own them.

Jana Eubank, the lead designer for the Cricut Circle team and blog, has 13 pages of projects devoted to her, as well as a one page interview.  She is quite talented and her projects are outstanding and the highlight of the magazine.

Pros:

- Finally a magazine devoted to Cricut owners, showing projects using the Cricut!
- A wide variety of projects shown (cards, layouts, home decor, etc.) using a wide variety of machines insures maximum appeal for the audience.  The only machine I did not see was the Yudu.
- Using a majority of pre-2010 cartridges means more people will be able to re-create these projects.
- Various magazine price points, especially the $4.95 download price, is brilliant!
- The quality of work shown was very high - especially Jana's projects.  Her layouts are just fantastic.
- I loved the use of newer scrapbooking papers and items with the older cartridges.

Cons:

- Instructions could be more consistent and I would have liked to have seen cut sizing for every Cricut cut.  While the majority of the projects did have these sizes, there were many that did not.  And the layouts had no sizing or cut information regarding the Cricut whatsoever.
- More cuts per project would be nice.  Again, some projects had many, many cuts while others one or two and they were basic shapes (hearts, stars, etc.).  There was a vast use of chipboard letters and letter stickers, which did not highlight the many wonderful fonts that the Cricut cartridges have.
- While the layouts were absolutely fabulous, I would not call them "fast".  But they were gorgeous eye candy!

Overall, a wonderful start to a brand new magazine.  I hope you'll give it a try and see some beautiful, new projects.  I can't wait to see the next issue!

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The Most GORGEOUS Paper Dresses EVER!

Get ready to feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful artistic dresses ever seen before! These photos are from the DCWV booth at the Craft and Hobby Association. This dress is made from PAPER, laid onto fabric.  All photos are from the DCWV blog.

Here are a few more:

Now head over to the DCWV blog to see even more details and a video on making these.  Really outstanding eye candy!

Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!