Provo Craft

We always have a lot of questions about how to use different dies in the Cuttlebug machine, so here’s a review of some of the top combinations (stack all from bottom to top):

Original Sizzix Dies
B pad
Die (cutting side up)
Cardstock
B pad

Cuttlekids Dies
A pad
B pad
Die (foam side up)
Cardstock
C pad

Regular QuicKuts Dies
A pad
B pad
Die (cutting side up)
Cardstock
C pad

Brass Embossing Stencils
A pad
B pad
Shim (use an old mouse pad or a thin rubber material)
Cardstock
Brass stencil
B pad

Remember you can see our complete Sandwich Stack Chart on the Cuttlebug page here on this website! Select Cuttlebug from our product list and then select “Downloads”—you’ll see the chart listed there.

Some other Cuttlebug reminders…
- Use Cuttlebug dies foam side up in your Cuttlebug machine
- Expect to see marks in your cutting pads from the dies. Rotate the pads after each cut to prevent bowing.
- When trying out other brands of dies in the Cuttlebug machine, always err on the thin side. If a thinner stack isn't working, then gradually build up to thicker stacks.

Someone also asked if you can emboss Grungeboard using Cuttlebug embossing folders: yes! Use the A pad and two B pads. You can see a great example of this on the Simple Scrapbooks blog. They posted about this a few months ago—check it out!

Posted by Jackie on June 24, 2008 | Comments (17) | post comment

June 11, 2008

Cricut Jukebox Cartridge Station

Raise your hand if you like accessorizing. Is your hand up?? I thought so! Well it’s time to add a cool new accessory to your Cricut machine: the Cricut Jukebox™ cartridge station.

This brilliant new device makes working with multiple Cricut cartridges a snap! Simply insert the Cricut Jukebox plug into the cartridge slot of your Cricut machine. Insert up to 6 cartridges into the Cricut Jukebox core unit. Then press the button on the core unit to select the cartridge you’d like to work with, and make your cutting selection like usual. When you want to switch to another cartridge, instead of going through the whole swapping process you can just press another button to select the next cartridge. Done and done!

This handy little device is a dream come true when working with the Cricut DesignStudio software! If you’re like me and you’re only content designing a cut with the software that uses 5 different cartridges, then you can cut it out a whole heck of a lot faster with this timesaving unit.

Do you know what else is great? You can connect up to three different core units so you have 18 cartridges at your fingertips (literally!). Then stack up the core units to make a power tower of your cartridge collection. You can even store the handbooks and overlays of the 6 cartridges you’re using in the base of the core unit. So you save both space and time… now this is an accessory that really sparkles!

The Cricut Jukebox cartridge station also works with all Cricut machines and all Cricut cartridges. You can get the Cricut Jukebox cartridge station in July for $89.99 (just the price of a cartridge), and several stores are accepting preorders now. Check them out!

Please post if you have any questions!

Posted by Jackie on June 11, 2008 | Comments (13) | post comment

June 06, 2008

Cricut vs. Cricut Expression

Last week one of our blog friends posted the following:

On May 31, 2008 Nancy Peralta said…
What is the difference in the Cricut and the Cricut Expressions?

Great question, Nancy! And we guarantee you're not the only what out there wondering. Here’s a quick explanation:

Both Cricut machines cut letters, shapes, and phrases from a variety of materials using the same set of Cricut cartridges. Neither machine requires the use of a personal computer. However, if you do want to expand your possibilities using a computer, both machines work using the new Cricut DesignStudio software. So basically they're awesome. Got that? Okay, so here's the breakdown...

Original Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter
The scoop: Cuts from 1" to 5.5" tall or 11.5" long. Uses 6" x 12" cutting mat. Cuts paper, cardstock, vinyl, vellum, and thin plastics. Accepts all existing Cricut cartridges. Very portable. Ideal for scrapbooking, card making, signage, school projects, and home décor. Most come packaged with the George and Basic Shapes cartridge (be sure to check the bundle before you purchase to verify which cartridge you will receive).

Cricut Expression 24" Personal Electronic Cutter
The scoop: Cuts from 0.25" to 23.5". Uses 12" x 12" or 12" x 24" cutting mats. Cuts paper, cardstock, vinyl, chipboard, vellum, posterboard, and thin plastics. Accepts all existing Cricut cartridges. Ideal for scrapbooking, card making, signage, school projects, teaching aids, office signs, décor, and much more. Most come packaged with the Plantin SchoolBook cartridge and the Accent Essentials mini-cartridge (be sure to check the bundle before you purchase to verify which cartridges you will receive).

When it comes to selecting a machine, it depends on your purpose and your needs. So choose wisely, but be sure to choose Cricut... you won't regret it! I sure haven't. :)

Posted by Jackie on June 06, 2008 | Comments (13) | post comment

May 29, 2008

Cricut Expression tote

Have no fear! The tote for the Cricut Expression machine is still in the works. We were originally hoping to have it out earlier this year, but production delays have set back the release date.

We don't have any details to disclose at this time, but rest assured we are working on it.

Thanks for your support of our awesome Cricut machines!!

Posted by Jackie on May 29, 2008 | Comments (4) | post comment

May 09, 2008

Cricut Solutions storage binders

You can start finding the new storage binders for the Cricut Solutions cartridges in your stores in the coming weeks. Hooray!!

These binders can hold up to 8 cartridges and overlays. They are designed to sit on your shelf next to your other Cricut binders, with blue trim for shape cartridges and peach trim for font cartridges. Each binder set also includes labels to identify the binders.

While these are meant to be an optional storage device for the Cricut Solutions cartridges, you better believe these are a great option for all of your cartridges. So whatever your storage preference, check these out in your favorite stores very soon.

Posted by Jackie on May 09, 2008 | Comments (18) | post comment