CTHM Cyber Monday Deal 2014

Hey Crafty Friends,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I know it has been awhile since I have posted or put up a video, however this coming month I hope to get back on track.  I haven't had a chance to craft as much as I'd like, but I have some serious vacation coming up and plan to catch up on my crafting.

That being said, I had to do a post about the super deal that Close to My Heart (CTMH) is doing for Cyber Monday.  So here goes . . . On December 1, 2014 and only for that day, all Cricut Cartridge Bundles will be 20% off.  No you didn't read wrong, all the Cricut Cartridge Bundles 

                                              Artiste                                          Art Philosophy

                                          Artfully Sent                                       Artbooking

are 20 % off.  

If you have been on the fence or waiting to pick up one of these bundles, do it while they are on sale. Remember that these cartridges are exclusive to CTMH.

WAIT it gets better!  For the whole month of December, CTMH is doing a promotion.

Oh and guess what, there is no limit on the amount of stamps you can buy at that $10.00 price once you qualify for the special pricing. 

Now don't forget if you qualify for the Deal of the Decade you will also be able to pick up the Stamp of the Month for $5.00.

So if you are picking up a Cricut Cartridge bundle on December 1st don't forget to take advantage of the Deal of the Decade promotion as well as your Stamp of the Month set. If want to order any of things mention go ahead and click the Shop with Me button on the right.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

Coming Soon: Silhouette Sketch Pen Holders Review

Okay Crafters,

Of course as soon as I got my hand on the 1st Silhouette Pen-Holder on a sale, Silhouette comes out with a 2nd Pen-Holder.  So you know what, I got that one too. Sometime this coming weekend, look for a video and a written review talking about both of the pen holders.  I will use some of the pens I have laying around to see how well they work, and what kind of versatility they will allow.

HAPPY CRAFTING,

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

I joined Close to My Heart

Hey Crafters,

I know that there was no Silhouette Thursday or 2nd Wednesday Cricut Cartridge feature.  But I am working on getting some out for August.  A friend of mine is having a party and I've been busy making the save the date cards, and starting on the invitations.  Also, I haven't played with the Silhouette as much, because I've been playing with the Cricut Explore. Hopefully I will be able to even out the love between the two soon.  But as I recall, my E2 got neglected when I first got the Silhouette, soooo that's just how it goes.

However, the big news is that I am now a Close to My Heart (CTMH) Independent Consultant.  Now before signing up with CTMH I heard a lot about the products, but had not used one thing.  Well that's all changed now!

I joined at the end of April, when they had a great promotion to join the company.  But I still had a lot of questions: Would I even like the products?  Would there be real support from the company?  Could I deal with the delay satisfaction of ordering products and then waiting to get them (this was probably the biggest problem)? Those were just a few of my questions.  Well the answers are (drum roll please) YES, YES and YES.

I do think that the CTMH product line will add that extra something to my projects. Especially with the inks, that coordinate with the paper, along with those stamps.  Let's not forget about those Workshop on the Go kits, home decor items, and so much more.  I can't wait to share all of the information about the Close to My Heart products.  

So you will start seeing mixed among the other things that I talk about, projects done solely with CTMH products, as well as all the other stuff I've collected.  I will still be doing my Cricut cartridge reviews (2nd Wednesday), let's face it I got a lot of cartridges and have not even dented in reviewing them all.  I will also still be doing video's about using my Silhouette and other random products, that I use to complete my crafts projects.

If any of you are already familiar with Close to My Heart and need to order something (2014-2015 Annual Inspiration Idea Book is now live) or if you are just curious about what it has to offer, you can click the Shop with me badge, and it will take you to my page. If you are interested in joining my team, let me know by sending me an email.  If you have any questions let me know.  

Happy Crafting!

Legalbeaglepanda Creations

We R Memory Keepers Trim & Score Board Review

I just wanted to do a quick post on the We R Memory Keepers Trim & Score Board. I was super excited to the get the board, since I wouldn't have to exchange my trimmer for my score board when doing a project.  I've had it for a couple of months now, and although I love the concept of it, I'm not head over heals in love with the tool. I'm actually stuck at the like stage.  Here are a few of the issues I have:

1.  I don't know if its me (it very well could be), but it does not appear to cut straight.  I have to pull the blade down really slow, but it still seems to be come out crooked mostly and the ends of the paper.
2.  When I press down on the blade to cut paper, it seems as if the blade is cutting into the plastic board.
3.  The magnets have some hold, but its not really strong and really doesn't help when using smaller pieces of paper.
4.  It folds in half.  The problem with it folding in half is that it make the 5 1/2" score line hard to keep straight.  You need to go super slow.

Now don't get me wrong, there are things about this board that I like and here they are:

1.  The blade for the trimmer is really sharp and cuts cleanly.
2.  The score lines come out nice and crisp (except for the 5 1/2" line).
3.  The bone folder has its own storage spot so it's always with the board.
4.  The measurements are clear and easy to see and read.
5.  It folds half, this actually falls in both categories.  I love that it is easy to store and take with you to crops.

Note: there are levers on the bottom that secure the board in the unfolded position.  Although it lays flat, there is a little bit of bowing on the surface when you press down.  The board does seem sturdy enough that I don't believe that it will break.

I'm going to keep trying to use this board, because it just may be a comfort level and use issue that has me not head over heels in love.  But I'm still primarily using my old Fiskars paper trimmer.

What do you think of the We R Memory Keeper Trim & Score Board?

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGAGLBEAGLEPANDA CREATIONS

2nd Wednesday : Happily Ever After & Dreams Come True Cartridge

Hey Crafters!

Yes, it is time for our feature Cricut Cartridge Post.  This month you are getting a 2 for 1 or you can see it as catch-up since we did not do one for last month.  One of the reasons I did these two cartridges at the same time is that they have the same layouts regarding the images.  Between the two cartridges they cover eight of the Disney Movies particularly the leads/princesses. CLICK HERE to see the video of the booklet review and the projects.

Now the first thing you should know is that the individual cuts that make up the images can be small.  These are not cartridges that you can make cuts at two or three inches.  Remember that the cut size on Cricut cartridges has to do with the height of the piece, and if you make the person that small, imagine how small the eyes or lips would be.  So don't forget when you are cutting out the characters, to at least start at four inches if not bigger.  This will ensure cleaner cuts.  Now the booklet recommends that you use the Cricut Expression, however I have used my Cricut Create.  By far the new Cricut Explore cuts these intricate and tiny shapes the best.

The other tricky part of putting these cuts together is the glue.  I used my Xyron 1.5", 5" and a 2-way glue pen.  Since some of the edges are so thin, be careful when apply and placing the cuts down.  I wasn't careful enough on my Seven Dwarf cards and got some scrunched up ends.

Now I did two different projects one involves cards (of course) using the Seven Dwarfs, and the other is a layout for a friend using some of the princesses.

Bashful

Happy

           

Sneezy

Doc

             

Grumpy

Sleepy

Dopey

Here's the layout:

I used so many piece of scraps and random papers from so many paper packs.  It took a while to finish the images since they did have so many small pieces.  I tried to keep track of the paper so I could tell you but, I think I threw the list away since it was on a piece of scrap paper.  However, I do know that I used some of the following paper companies:  DCWV, Core'dination, Recollections, Colorbok and Studio Calico.  I used stamps from different companies such as:  Hot of the Presses, Rubbernecker, Close to My Heart, Fiskars, TPC, and Studio G.  I don't remember who made the cloud embossing folder, and there were also random embellishments.  I know that the washi tape going around Doc's card is from We R Memory Keepers, and the pearls on Bashful's card is from Want 2 Scrap.  Anything else is anyone's guess.

Thanks for stopping by and .  . .

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

Cricut Wednesday & Silhouette Thursday -- All at once

Hello fellow Crafter's!

Yes, Cricut Wednesday & the Silhouette Thursday video and blog post are being posted on the same day. 

 Let's start with the Silhouette.

Did you all see that Silhouette has come out with a new version and boy or boy does it have a different look. I went to the Silhouette Plus Forum and saw people talking about having the ability to run the newer version and still retain your older (legacy) version on your machine.  However, there appears to be a kink and it will not let you run designer edition on both versions at the same time.  Some have found a way to work around it and others have just removed the new version.  If you haven't checked out the forum you should, sign-up is free and you will get a lot of tips from the people on the board.

Well the video for this month talks about some of the other window you will find in the Silhouette Studio Software V2.  The video contains a brief overview of what I currently understand of the Move, Rotate, Scale, Shear, Align and Replicate windows.  It may serve as a refresher for some and new information for others. Either way I hope it's helpful.
I've read that Silhouette is working on doing some fixes to the new version, and are hoping to have the new and improved V3 out soon.  For those of you who have downloaded and started using V3 let me know what you think.

Now for the Cricut Feature Cartridge.  This month the Cartridge is All Sports.  When I originally got this cartridge I thought it would be good for doing memory books of all those sporting events my nephews attended.  But instead I did some sports inspired cards.  Click Here to check out the video showing a brief overview of the content of the cartridge, and some of the cards I made.  All of the cuts were made with the new Cricut Explore.  Hopefully this coming weekend I will have a little bit more time to play with the new machine and it's software. If I really get to play then be on the look-out for a more detailed review of what I think of the machine. 

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

Silhouette Thursday #6: Looking at the option in the Modify Window

This month I decided to do a video on the Modify Window, specifically the first box that includes, weld, intersect, crop, subtract, subtract all and divide. The video runs through just the basics of what I know of the buttons and how they function. 

Happy Crafting,

LegalBeaglePanda

Cricut Explorer: First Cuts

Whoo Hooo! My Cricut Explorer arrived today!

The machine is a hefty thing, but it cuts so quietly, and it doesn't make the table shake when it cuts.  I just had to take it for a brief spin, to see how easy it was to set-up.  And it was super easy.  Trying to figure out how to access the free subscription and Anna Griffin stuff was another thing all by itself.  Nothing from the paperwork inside tells you how to access those things.  However, I went to the Cricut Facebook page and scrolled through some comments and found the answer.  Just in case you stopped here, let me tell you that you need to go to circut.com/setup, in order to get the perks promised from HSN at launch.

Now I did cut a few things

This butterfly is barely over two inches and the of the cuts are smooth.

Now this cut I will try again, because I think it was my pulling it off the mat to quickly that made the edges curl and look ragged at the fine points.

The little tiny cut at the base of the tip, did not cut cleanly, but overall I think it's a good cut.

Now of course since I found how to unlock the Anna Griffin content I decided to make the card that appears as one of the make it now projects.  I also used one of  the stamps from the Anna Griffin Chalkboard Stamp set.

I'm really disappointed that I didn't get the tool set with the score tool.  I ordered before the presentation, and didn't realize that the tool set was coming with a different tool  from what was being sold in stores.  So for the card cut above, I had to disengage the score tool function.

I can already tell that using Design Space is going to take a lot of playing around with to get use to.  Well, that's all for now.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

TALKED MYSELF INTO THE GETTING THE CRICUT EXPOLRER

What's up my fellow craft people?  If you checked in on the blog for the 2nd Wednesday featuring Cricut Cartridges you have noticed that I missed this month as well.  But in my defense I was clearing a spot for my new machine. 

Yes, Yes I talked myself into buying the Cricut Explorer.  It should be here tomorrow, and I can't wait. Now, if you read my last post you are probably wondering why I bought the machine.  Well here are a few reasons why I'm willing to try it out:

*I like the cut and write/score without having to change out blades or adjust settings.  This new machine has a place to house the blade, and another place to house the pen or scoring tool.

*I have the Cricut cartridges that I want (will buy the new ones I like) and most of my cartridges are already linked to CCR.  So I can buy an individual item if it appeals to me and not have to pay for the subscription. Plus I heard that the subscription can be bought on a month to month basis.  To me this means if I am doing a project that will require the use of cartridges I don't have, for that month I will pay for the subscription.

*Finally, they will allow you to cut and upload your .svg files for free.  I have a lot of .svg files since buying my Cameo, and its good to know I can use those same files on my Cricut Explorer with no problem.

I'm still a little bit worried about the cloud based system, but I figured I would get the machine, and see how it goes.  If after working with the cloud based system for a week or two I see reoccurring problems emerge, I'll just send the machine back.

I will keep you guys posted on how the machine works, troubles or joys and I will let you know how it compares to the Silhouette Cameo.  

Now the 2nd Wednesday review of a Cricut cartridge will definitely be back by April.  I will try my best to do one for March, but I know by April I will back in full swing.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA CREATIONS 

Silhouette Thursday #5: Rhinestone: using them in the Silhouette Design Studio

It's that time again.  Silhouette Thursday.  This month I wanted to try my hand at how rhinestones patterns can be made and used in the Silhouette software.  I put in a little bit of both regarding the Studio edition and the Studio Designer Edition.  I will probably have another video up showing the project that I'm making using rhinestones later this month.
Click Here to see the video.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

What Do you Think of the New Cricut Machine

I'm sure all of you crafter's have heard about the new Cricut Explorer that is going to be making it's debut to the general public  in about a week. We all know that it's going to be on HSN on February 12th, and in stores in March.
I've been watching the videos and looking at other websites and blogs to see what the the general mood is about this machine. It appeared to be mixed, so I figured I add my two cents.
Now I'm not sure that I want to put out the cash for this machine, especially since I can cut SVG files and do print to cut with my Silhouette.  I do appreciate that you will be able to use your cartridges in this machine. Also according to the some responses on the Cricut message board, Cricut will continue to make cartridges that are compatible with older machines.  I don't like the fact that the membership fee you pay which is stated as being priced at $99 per year, only let's you rent the images and you don't really own.  I also wished that the software could be used offline, and still allow you to cut.  Don't get me wrong I understand the use of a cloud based software design, but that means if your Internet is down, there is no designing or cutting for you.
Now I do like the feature of being able to have it cut and write at the same time, without having to change out the blade.  I also like the being able to cut your materials, by just knowing the type (hope that smart dial works well).
Now I will definitely be watching the worldwide launch on HSN, I just don't know if I want to buy, if all of the apps and other perks of this machine are not working at launch.  I would prefer not to need to update my machine right after I buy it. I really curious to see how many extras are given, and what the actual HSN price will be.
I let you guys know if I talk myself into or out of buying.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LegalBeaglePanda

2nd Wednesday - No Review this Month.

Okay guys, I have to admit that the weeks in this month got away from me, so there will be no 2nd Wednesday Video this Month.  Not to worry, it will be back next month, also I'm sure we will all be talking about whatever new machine Cricut reveals later this month.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

Silhoutte Thursday #4: From Page to Cutfile

Hello fellow Crafty people!  I hope your New Years has started off great.

I'm sure your wondering what does from page to cut file mean.  Well, I like to look at craft magazines, books and sometime participate in sketch challenges.  Sometimes I come across a instructions that have a lot of steps and proceed to get out my ruler, paper trimmer, score board and pencil to create the project.  The end result (after some trial and error) is great, but I have to look up those instructions each and every time.  Well with your Silhouette Studio software, you can take those instructions from the page and translate it into a Silhouette Studio file.  Now you are measuring just once, leaving you with a quick and easy way to recreate that project. The video this month takes you through the steps of creating a file, for a slider card that I found in the Summer 2013 edition of Card Maker Magazine .  CLICK HERE  to see the video.  There will be another video up this Saturday, showing you how I put a card the card together.

I finally got the video done, so if you click here you will see the how to put the slider card together.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hey Crafty friends,

I hope everyone enjoyed this holiday season, and got at least one thing that was on your craft wish list. Since I'm still away visiting family for the holiday season, the Silhouette Thursday video/blog post is going to be delayed.  I expect the video and blog post will be up by next Thursday.  

I hope that everyone had a safe and happy New Year's Day, and wish that you have a crafty and creative year.  

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA