And now, back to scrappin'...sorta.

What tiny one wouldn't love this? And being there are a dozen or so cartridges that have clock faces on them it would be oh so easy to make a Cricut version. In the mean time, check out the blog that the picture and idea came from by clicking HERE.

To the Gypsy Naysayers

Let me play the devil's advocate here...

Let's say your Mom is a scrapper too but she lives a town over...30 miles away....you've been sharing cartridges all along, a tiny bit inconvenient though when you need a cartridge that is over at her house but all in all, life is good.

Now you go and buy a Gypsy. You gather your 30 cartridges and carry them to your Moms, while there ingest your 30 cartridges onto your G and then ingest her 40 cartridges, hand her your 30 cartridges and go home.

You now have 70 cartridges and she has 70 cartridges.....I'm just saying...

Oh MY!

For stats, click HERE.

From Craft Critique

Gypsy Gypsy Gypsy...are you tired of hearing about it yet?

Quote from Cindy at Memory Making Crafts:

Here are questions that were requested to ask, here's PC responses.

Will the Gypsy Version include ALL the features of the current Design Studio or will features be reduced to facilitate operation on a handheld device, ie, a Design Studio Lite?
Yes the Gypsy will have everything the DS has and then some. The only thing is lacks now is individual select but that should come with an update soon.

Have the bugs that have plagued Design Studio been corrected and/or reduced? If so, which ones specifically?
Yes it is completely different from DS written from the ground up. DS issues have no bearing on the Gypsy.

Since Design Studio was introduced, users have asked (okay.... we have begged, nagged, whined, and even cried) for the following options:
Group all/ Ungroup all
Select all/Deselect all
Weld all/ Unweld all
Yes it does group, select all, weld options and more.

Given that Windows 7 will be here shortly, ProvoCraft can you please confirm that Design Studio and the Gypsy are both able to work with Windows 7?
Yes, we are prepared to update the gypsy with windows 7 when it comes out.

If cartridges can only be loaded once in the Gypsy, what happens if my Gypsy breaks or the software malfunctions? What procedures/policies does PC have for retrieving lost data and cartridges ~ both in and out of warranty?
First is that the cartridges you have do not get erased. Second if the Gypsy malfunctions while in warranty it will be replaced by PC with a Gypsy that has an identical serial # to the faulty one and you can then reload the carts again. If the Gypsy is lost, damaged, stolen, or out of warranty then you will need to purchase a new one also with the same serial # as the former one and then reload the cartridges.

***

I have only one comment/question about this and it's concerning the last line above. Per above, if your G breaks, gets lost or stolen, etc AFTER the warranty then you will have to buy another G with the same serial number...my question...how do you do that? Will it have to come directly from PC which would mean paying full retail??? If so then RUN as fast as you can girls 'cause their suggested retail is a whopping $400 bucks!

Slice vs Cricut

I have both and admittedly I do use my Cricut more. And I do apologise for using my blog to gripe but I was just looking at the new cards or cartridges or whatever you want to call them that Making Memories (Slice) has just introduced. And I guess it may be crazy but it looks like MM is reading the Cricut message board and they are making for the Slice all the cartridges that we've been begging Provocraft to make for the Cricut to no avail. Again, I'm sorry to gripe but look at the two below. How long have we been asking for a faith based cartridge?? And look at the Pink cartridge...Cricut has one but the only way you can get it is to buy a brand new machine from Michael's who has exclusive rights to sell it. Geeze.

Slice mine Pink!

Apparently pink is the color to be cause everybody is jumping on that bandwagon.

If you've been wanting a Slice now is the time to grab one. Making Memories introduced at CHA their new Slice Cordless Design Cutter in PINK. The kit that comes with it includes:

Slice Cordless Design Cutter, Basic Elements design Card, Think Pink design card, 6x6 glass cutting mat,5 blades, blade replacement tool, blade adjustment wrench, power cord, repositionable adhesive, Basic Elements cartridge and Think Pink design cards, user manual and foam applicator brush.



Their are also 14 new Slice Cards:
Dance and Music
Farm Life
Handwwritten
Home Sweet Home
Faith
Jungle
Mistletoe
Mix & Mingle
Playground
Spook Alley
Think Pink
Under the Sea
Vintage Findings
Word Express Holidays

Gypsy FAQ

From the Provocraft website, click HERE to see for yourself.

What is the Gypsy?
The Gypsy is a portable, personal design studio for use with your Cricut. It allows you to store Cricut® cartridge content, design with that content and then connect to your Cricut® to cut. It is expandable in functionality and Provo Craft plans on releasing new software at a later date.

Can you give me an example of the type of software you will release for the Gypsy™?
Provo Craft is always working on new things but we can't always share the specifics. However, we can tell you that the first additional software application after the initial release of the Gypsy will be a Photo App that will let you view photos on your Gypsy™. The Photo App will be available when you register your Gypsy™ online.

How is the Gypsy™ updated/upgraded?
The Gypsy™ is updated by connecting it to a PC or a MAC with an Internet connection.

Does the Gypsy™ work with Macintosh computers?
Yes, they Gypsy will be compatible with MAC OS10.

What versions of Windows is Gypsy compatible with?
Gypsy is compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista 32 and 64 bit.

How does Gypsy work with my Cricut cartridges?
Using a cable that comes with Gypsy, you connect your cartridges to the Gypsy one at a time and “link" them to your Gypsy. The act of linking allows you to cut all the artwork from linked cartridges from your Gypsy™ without having to connect the cartridge again to the Gypsy or your Cricut machine.

What happens to my Cricut® cartridges when I link them to my Gypsy™?
The unique serial number of your Gypsy is copied to the cartridge. This links your cartridge to your Gypsy preventing it from being linked to another Gypsy™. The great news is that your cartridge continues to work in all of your existing Cricut® products allowing you to use the content on your Gypsy™ or on your Cricut® without your Gypsy™.

Do I need to save my cartridges after I've linked them? Yes! You should keep your cartridges even after you have linked them to your Gypsy. The cartridges will serve as your backup of your Cricut cartridges should you ever need them in the future.

In what ways will the Gypsy™ allow me to be creative with my Cricut® cartridge content?
The Gypsy allows you to select images from the library of Cricut® cartridges and place them on an electronic version of the cutting mat. Once an image is on the mat you will be able to size it, rotate it, stretch it, flip it side-to-side, flip it top-to-bottom, group images to make them easier to move and edit, and weld.

How do I cut a design on my Cricut® once I have created it on my Gypsy™?
You will connect the Gypsy™ to the Cricut® using the USB cable included with your Gypsy™ and simply press cut on the screen of your Gypsy.

Does the Gypsy™ give me anything new? Any new functionality today?
The Gypsy™ allows you the freedom to design where you want and when you want. You can take your entire Cricut™ cartridge library with you wherever you go. Design while you are out at the doctor's office, while you are waiting in your car, or just sitting on the couch. When you have completed your design, connect the Gypsy™ to the Cricut® and cut.
The Gypsy™ allows you to see all your images without the use of a manual or a keypad overlay. For example, when you press the shift key the images on the keypad will change. When you press the blackout key, the keypad will update again. You will never have to use a manual or keypad again.
The Gypsy™ also allows you greater access to your cartridge content by allowing you to search by keyword all of the images on your Gypsy. You can even search images that you haven't linked to your Gypsy because you haven't purchased them yet.
The Gypsy™ allows you to open existing saved designs as templates that you can then use as a basis to create new designs.
As mentioned above, the Gypsy is expandable to bring you features that are already in the works.

What happens if my Gypsy crashes and can't be fixed?
You will need to call Provo Craft customer service. If it is decided that the device needs to be replaced, you simply send your non-functioning Gypsy™ to Provo Craft and Provo Craft will send you a Gypsy™ with the same serial number. Dependent upon the warranty, there may be a fee for the replacement Gypsy. Once you have received the replacement Gypsy you will need to connect your cartridges to the Gypsy™ to authorize your Gypsy to once again cut those cartridge images. You will need to keep your cartridges as backup.

How do I use my Cricut while I am waiting for my replacement Gypsy™?
Use your cartridges with your Cricut® while waiting for your replacement Gypsy™. Your cartridges will continue to work in all the Cricut™ products.

What are the terms of the warranty?
The Gypsy is covered by a 12-month warranty, effective from date of purchase.

What if my Gypsy is lost or stolen?
Lost or stolen Gypsy devices can also be replaced. This will require that you contact Provo Craft customer service.

How much does the Gypsy™ weigh?
11 ounces.

How big is the Gypsy™?
Approximately 8.5" long, 3.8" tall and 1" thick.

How long does the battery last?
Approximately 4 hours under continuous use and 16 hours under intermittent use.

Are there any accessories for the Gypsy™?
Yes, there are! Here is a list what will be available at launch:

Silicon Skins in many designs.
Screen protectors
Colored styluses
Colored lanyards
Vehicle power supply
Replacement AC power supply.

New Product from CHA

Click HERE for pictures from Lynna Gibson.

Gypsy

Here it is, the GYPSY. Pictures also include all of the different color sleeves, car adapter, plugs and 6 stylus.

Provocraft promo:
Life shouldn't slow down when you get inspired with a good design. Now it doesn't have to with Gypsy, the handheld design studio for Cricut®. Whether you're on the road or just in the backyard, you can escape, be creative, and have fun. Gypsy stores all your Cricut cartridges, making it easy to search and find just the right shapes. Gypsy works easily with any Cricut machine just connect and cut! Design anywhere with Gypsy from Provo Craft.



Comes with 2 cartridges installed, Cricut Gypsy Font (looks like Cursive 101) and Cricut Gypsy Wanderings.

A user will "ingest" the cartridges that they own into their Gypsy device.　THIS DOES NOT "WIPE OUT OR CLEAR" the cartridges, however, users cannot share cartridges on multiple Gypsy devices.　Once a cart is ingested into a device, it is forever tied to that device.　Consumers should keep their cartridges as back up.

Each Gypsy includes a power supply, stylus, slip case, and quick start guide.

To test drive the Gypsy, click HERE.

GYPSY BLACK SILICONE SLEEVE


GYPSY GREEN SILICONE SLEEVE


GYPSY GOLD/BLACK SILICONE SLEEVE


GYPSY BLACK CHERRY BLOSSOM SILICON SLEEVE


GYPSY PINK BLING SILICONE SLEEVE


GYPSY AC POWER SUPPLY


GYPSY VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY


Stylus (6 colors)

4 More New Cricut Cartridges Announced

Expected to hit the stores in early 2010...

Cricut Cartridge, Superman Activity
Superman is one of the most recognizable symbols of Truth, Justice, and the American way, and you can create your own adventures with this Superman cartridge. In addition to images of Superman, Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, and Supergirl, this cartridge contains an exciting comic-style font that is great for decorating scrapbooks, a child's room, or your own comic book. You can also cut out cards, envelopes, boxes, party favors, Clark Kent's glasses, and other decorations that would be perfect for an action-packed birthday party!



Cricut Cartridge, Elmo's Party
Make your birthday party complete with Elmo, one of the most beloved characters on television today. This cartridge features Elmo and his friends, plus 3D images you can cut out for an Elmo's World themed birthday party, such as cards, party hats, party decorations, gift boxes, party games, and much more. You can also decorate daycare centers, classrooms, scrapbook pages, and nurseries for your biggest Elmo fan.



Cricut Cartridge, Batman Activity
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a new animated series that teams the crime-fighting Dark Knight and his friends against fearsome foes. This cartridge contains images of Batman, Green Arrow, the Blue Beetle, Aquaman, Red Tornado, and The Joker, along with an action-style font that would be ideal for your child's room, homemade comics, or scrapbook pages. You can also cut out an exciting assortment of party supplies, such as costume pieces, party favors, gift boxes, cards, envelopes, and 3D gadgets that will make your birthday kid feel like a Hero.



Cricut Cartridge, Designer’s Calendar
Stop settling for boring calendars and make your own instead! This cartridge contains everything you need to create beautiful, personalized calendars, including months, days of the week, major holidays, and images. As a bonus, you also get two fonts with shadows so you can customize special days and events. Designer's Calendar is a versatile resource that can be used for home decor, scrapbooking, card making, and other projects just let your imagination take the lead!

Pink Expression and a New Cricut Cartridge - Pink Journey

I found these images posted on the Cricut Message board by CakeMom21. Some of the proceeds from the sale of this machine will go towards the Susan B foundation. Sweet.

4 New Cricut Cartridges with Images

Click on the images to get a better look then hit your back button to come back and check out the next one.

Winter Woodland

Capture the spirit of winter with this elegant cartridge! With winter and holiday phrases, cards, and tags, you can create like never before. This cartridge not only includes a bonus alphabet, but it also includes 10 cutouts so you can create your very own 3D winter village!
Crisp, clean and wintery! Ice sports, winter wear, home for the holidays and the sweet little (hungry) birds who weather over 'til spring. This cartridge even cuts out 3D houses (four different styles) for your holiday decor pleasures!


Sweethearts

Celebrate the magic of falling in love! This adorable cartridge is filled with fun and whimsical shapes featuring dates, the proposal, the wedding, and much more. With creative features such as Card, Envelope, and Tag, you will be ready for almost every romantic possibility.
Sweethearts know the things that go together with other sweethearts. Things like cupid. the 'bent knee' kiss, a bicycle built for the two of you. getting by with a moped for economy reasons, the letter sealed with a kiss, the frog with the prince crown and the big one-the ring box!


Everyday Paper Dolls

Get ready to be creative with this new paper dolls cartridge! Create a wide variety of paper dolls with themes such as seasons, sports, and professions. The cartridge also includes additional images such as pets, household items, and vehicles
Who said playing with paper dolls is just for kids? You're going to have a load of fun with this cartridge. There's a basic body shape and lots of different clothes, hair styles, pets, transportation mode icons, etc.

Images include:
truck
dog
cat
road (with stripe in the middle)
tea pot
sand pail (or bucket)
bear
monkey
basketball standard
strip of lawn
caboose
alien
fire hydrant
telescope
ice skates
flippers (scuba)
doctor's medical bag
shovel
trowel (garden tools)
boom box
pram (baby buggy)
bunny
elephant
motorcycle
butterfly net (catching insects)
silhouettes of band instruments (drum, guitar, music stand)
lots of different hats
golfing putting green with flag
barn
golf bag with clubs
kangaroo
wheel barrow
trike
...and lots more.


From My Kitchen

Letterpress - New from CHA ( with not yet released images for download)

So have you guys heard about the brand new Letterpress that is being released at CHA next week? It debosses/embosses and PRINTS!!

So do you like this idea? ...an embosser that PRINTS!! Would you be interested in this type of product? Would you want to see the .pdf file that contains the brand spanking new L Line that is being release on Monday? I mean like NOBODY has these images yet....YOU will see them even BEFORE THE VENDORS THAT ARE AT CHA RIGHT NOW!! They don't even have images of this product on the Letterpress blog yet!! How cool is that!!





Click HERE to see the new not even released yet images. And click HERE to go to the Letterpress blog to see how the machine works.

***INFO****

WHAT IS LETTERPRESS PRINTING

The standard letterpress process involves printing words or designs with ink while simultaneously debossing it into a thick, soft paper. Over the past several years letterpress has seen a resurgence in popularity, evolving into a modern art form that epitomizes class and high quality.

LETTERPRESS AS A MODERN TREND:
Letterpress printing has seen a revival in the past few years, particularly due to the interest created by the use of letterpress for wedding invitations in contemporary magazines and websites. The popularity of this form of printing has continued to grow and become one of the most sought after looks for stationery, invitations, cards, gifts, coasters etc. Because of the size, price and lack of accessibility to a traditional letterpress machine, this art form has yet to become available to the everyday home crafter...until now.

THE LETTERPRESS FROM L
The Letterpress from Lifestyle Crafts, or L, sets the standard for easy to use, affordable letterpress printing that's practical for any home crafter. With the L Letterpress product line you can create handmade letterpress projects like cards, invitations, gifts, stationery and more. From simple day-to-day expressions and correspondence to momentous occasions like weddings and babies, the L Letterpress enables you to creatively celebrate every event in life.

L Printing Plates feature fresh, contemporary designs that are divided into 5 categories:

Everyday
Baby
Celebrations
Wedding
Holiday

This innovative Letterpress solution is portable, efficient and certain to impress.

FYI - For those of you in Georgia

Georgia's Tax Free Week is July 30th - August 2, 2009

Applies to:
Clothing under $100
Computers/computer equipment under $1500
School supplies under $20

Georgia has also scheduled a separate tax free week for the purchase of energy efficient appliances (priced under $1500) for October 1-4, 2009
(Whoo-hoo!! Looks like I'm going to get a new dryer!!)

Elmer's GIVE-A-WAY

*********** CONTEST CLOSED ****************

About a month ago I was contacted by a representative of Elmer's glue with an offer for me and my readers, and knowing that crafters adore freebies, I was more than happy to accept! I've posted pictures below of the wonderful package that I received.

Is this not awesome!! Some of the products I knew about and currently use like the X-ACTO Knives (didn't realize they were Elmer's products), gotta love the pink handles!! and the Elmer’s Craft Bond Adhesives, I use the repositionable stick to restore my Cricut mat's stickiness but I didn't know about the Elmer’s Painters Markers so I am super excited to give those a try. Everything in the box came in twos, so I have donated one of each to a local elementary school and will play with the rest.

Now here's how you come in. Leave a comment below telling us how you would use this freebie box and on August 1st we'll randomly pull from the comments a winner to receive their own goody box from Elmer's. (When leaving your comment, be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if your number is pulled.) WooHoo!

Elmer’s Crafters Gift Pack

 

Can't wait to try these!!

 

The big stick is great for restoring your tired Cricut mats.

 

Clark Color Labs

6 cent prints! Can't beat that I don't think anywhere! Make sure you use the coupon code to get your discount.

For the Love of Photography

For you guys that love photography and are on Facebook, I sure could use some 'fans' for my photography site. Click HERE to fan me and HERE to check out my photography website and HERE to check out my photography blog. THANKS!

Gossip? Truth or Fiction?

I'm on my way out the door to go HERE and am so excited. I love stuff like this but just had to stop for a minute to give you the latest bit of info that has dropped into my ear.

What I've heard is that the Gypsy is an electronic version of Design Studio and comes with 2 cartridges already installed. It has a stylus and the top flips open to reveal the virtual keypad and mat for designing on the go. Oh and you know all the new pretties (cartridges) that were introduced yesterday....well it's rumored that 2 of the them will be on the G and that's the only way you'll be able to get those cartridges and THAT my dear is how they are going to get us to buy it! More details later. Gotta fly!

Serenade Preview

Serenade is a solutions cartridge. It reminds me of a cross between the new Stamping Cartridge and the older Walk In My Garden cartridge. Some flourishes but mostly flowers, twigs, pots, plants, birds, fruit, butterflies, vases and such. I do like the clouds, they are cute but could be made in Design Studio with George. The little trees would make interesting cards and I wouldn't mind having them but that's not enough to make me buy it. Oh well, if you don't already have Walk In My Garden then this one might be a good purchase for you.