Black Friday 2011

Black Friday Sales

Here's what I have found out so far on Black Friday sales. I'll update this if I find out more.

Walmart (Cricut items are on sale starting Thursday at 10pm through Friday)

• Cricut Imagine machine with 2 bonus cartridges $187

AC Moore (Open Thursday from 4pm-9pm, Friday from 6am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm).

• Cricut Cartridges $28.88 (Friday-Saturday doorbuster)
• Cricut Expression 2 machine with 4 preloaded cartridges $168.88 (cartridges not listed, but probably are Cricut American Alphabet, Cricut Essentials, Cricut Decals, Just a Note(Friday 5am-noon; after noon it will be $199.99)
• Cricut v1 machine $69.99 (Friday doorbuster - 5:30am-9pm only) 

• Michaels (Open Thursday from 4pm-10pm, Friday from 5am-9:30pm, Saturday 8am-9:30pm).
• Cricut Cartridges $26.99 (regularly $59.99--$1 cheaper than last year) (Thursday-Saturday)
• First 25 customers to buy 2 Cricut Cartridges will get Jubilee cartridge for free
• Cricut Expression 2 machine with 4 preloaded cartridges $199.99 (cartridges not listed, but probably are Cricut American Alphabet, Cricut Essentials, Cricut Decals, Just a Note (Thursday-Saturday)
• Cricut v1 machine $69.99 (Friday doorbuster - 5am-9:30pm only)

 JoAnns (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

• $159.99 Expression, $89.99 Cricut Cake Mini machine, $26.99 Cricut Cartridges (doorbuster, Friday all day)
• Cricut Cartridges - Buy 2 cartridges plus 1 Artbin Cartridge Storage Bin, get $12.49 rebate by mail
• $229.99 Expression, $18.99 Cricut Project and Event Cartridges (doorbuster, Saturday all day)

Scrapbook Utopia (Friday and Saturday) Reward Cards may NOT be redeemed during this sale.

• Spend $25.00, save 10% ($2.50).
• Spend $50.00, save 20% ($10.00).
• Spend $75.00, save 30% ($22.50).

The Stamping Place (November 21-27, closed Thursday and Friday, will be open on Sunday 10-5)

• 80% off all items in Clearance Area (recently re-stocked)
• 30% off all Valentine, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and 4^th of July patterned papers, embellishments and art stamps.
• 15% off remainder* of your purchase on Nov 21, 22 & 23
• 20% off remainder* of your purchase on Nov 26 & 27

Black Friday Tips

• Plan - research all the sales and make your plan of attack. Plan out what time you need to be at each store.
• Prepare - If you are going to any of the 5am sales, prepare before you go to bed (take your shower, choose your clothes, do everything you can possibly do the night before because 5am comes early).
• Go! - When the alarm goes off, get up and go! I find that it is best to get any Black Friday shopping done by lunch. Most people don't start until then.

October/November Cricut Classes

 

Hello, here is the October/November schedule of Cricut classes. The schedule through December is posted on my blog at http://hbeecomer.blogspot.com. There are alot of classes on the schedule to help you make Christmas presents, like glass etching, vinyl tile, fabric cutting, and shrink plastic. If you are interested in the classes or swarms, please call AC Moore at 407-5242 or register in the store. Make sure you get your class supply list or email me and I will send it to you. If you have any questions, just send me an email. Pictures of the class projects and supply lists can be found on my blog at http://hbeecomer.blogspot.com.

Cricut News
New Cartridges are: 'Tis the Season (Creative Memories); Cricut Lite Cartridges:  Sweater Weather, Pet Shop, Fast Food; Project Cartridge:  Stencil; Imagine Cartridges:  Santa's Village, Floral Emporium, Christmas Wish; Paper Trimmings (Cricut Circle); New Testament; Noah's ABC Animals (Michaels Exclusive); Go Canada (Canada Michaels Exclusive; Ribbons and Roses.

Retired Cartridges are:  Handyman, Savory, Billionaire, Block Party, Slumber Party, Chore Chart, Lovely Floral, Splish Splash. 

Remember:  The latest Gypsy update includes the Imagine app to make the Gypsy and Imagine work together. If you don't have an Imagine and don't want the app, uncheck the Imagine options when you update your Gypsy. Otherwise the update takes a very, very long time.

SCAL Users:  The firmware update from the Cricut Craft Room only software will upgrade your machine and make it not compatible with SCAL. The new Expression 2 machine is also not compatible with SCAL.

Cricut Craft Room:  The Craft Room is now available for everyone on www.cricut.com. This is like a web-based version of Design Studio/Gypsy. You have to be connected to the Internet to use it.

 

AC Moore News
Operation Write Home project - We made and collected over 100 cards for this program.

Expression 2 - the Expression 2 is now available at AC Moore.

Cartridges are on sale this week for $29.99.

AC Moore Schedule
Gypsy Basics - $30

Learn how to use the Gypsy handheld device with your Cricut machine. You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes, and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.

Sun. October 30, 1-4pm

 

Embellishing Your Cricut Projects - $20

Learn how to embellish your Cricut cuts with techniques like inking, distressing, pen stitching, and more. These techniques can also be used on your scrapbook pages and card designs. We'll make a tag book showing each technique so you'll have examples to refer to.

Sun. November 6, 4:30-6:30pm

 

Creating with Cricut - $30
You will learn all of the basics of the Cricut machine (Original and Expression) as well as how to get the most out of your cartridges in this hands-on class. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sun. November 6, 1-4pm

Sun. December 4, 1-4pm

 

Glass Etching with Cricut - $20

This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to make and use stencils for glass etching. We will do a practice project and a final project. Class price includes 1 piece of glass, glass etching cream and vinyl for stencils.

PRE-REQUISITE:  Creating with Cricut class.

Level:  Intermediate

Sun. December 18, 4:30-6:30pm

Cricut Design Studio - $30 - *Audit the class for $15
This hands-on class will teach you how to use the Design Studio software in conjunction with your Cricut machine (Original and Expression). You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
NOTE: A laptop and Cricut Design Studio software are needed for this class.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
*Don't have a laptop? Audit the class for $15
Sun. December 18, 1-4pm

 

Cricut Vinyl Tile - $20

This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to cut vinyl words and shapes and how to apply them to a decorative tile. These make great gifts! Class price includes one 12x12 inch tile and one 4x4 inch tile and black vinyl.
PRE-REQUISITE:  Creating with Cricut class.

Level:  Intermediate

Sun. October 30, 4:30-6:30pm

 

Cutting Fabric with Cricut - $20

This hands-on class will teach you how to cut fabric with your Cricut. Class price includes fabric and project materials.

PRE-REQUISITE:  Creating with Cricut class.

Level:  Intermediate

Sun. Nov. 13, 4:30-6:30pm

 

Cricut Shrink Plastic - $20

This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to cut shrink plastic to make jewelry charms. We will also learn how to use jump rings to add charms to bracelets or other jewelry. These make great gifts! Class price includes shrink plastic for charms, jump rings and a bracelet.

PRE-REQUISITE:  Creating with Cricut class.

Level:  Intermediate

Sun. Dec. 4, 4:30-6:30pm

 

Design Studio and Gypsy Updates
There are updates for Design Studio and the Gypsy with the September announced cartridge releases. Get the Design Studio update at http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx. The Gypsy update has the same cartridges. Get the update by running your Cricut Sync software on your computer.

AC Moore and Operation Write Home

AC Moore is going to start to collect cards for the Operation Write Home project. This project provides blank cards for service members to use to write home, since they don't have access to cards overseas. A kick off event will be held Saturday October 1st in the classroom from 9 am to 7 pm. There will be basic card making supplies including card stock/blanks, and cutouts (the Cricut going full steam), glue, pens and some embellishments. After this there will be a drop box in the scrapbooking area for people to drop off cards they have already made and AC Moore will batch the cards and send them to Operation Write Home each month. So come to AC Moore on October 1st to make some cards and also go through your card stash for cards you can donate. October 1 is World Card Making Day; what a great way to spend it.

Cricut Class Fall Schedule

Here is the Fall schedule of Cricut classes. Since the store is now open later, I have adjusted the times so I can teach 2 classes per day. If you are interested in the classes or swarms, please call AC Moore at 407-5242 or register in the store. Make sure you get your class supply list or you can click on the links in the Class Schedule on the right side of the blog for class supply lists, descriptions, and pictures. If you have any questions, just send me an email.

Download Fall Class Schedule

Creating with Cricut - $30
You will learn all of the basics of the Cricut machine (Original and Expression) as well as how to get the most out of your cartridges. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project. You wouldn't believe all this machine can do!
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sun. October 9, 1-4pm
Sun. November 6, 1-4pm
Sun. December 4, 1-4pm

Cricut Design Studio - $30 – Audit the class for $15
This hands-on class will teach you how to use the Design Studio software in conjunction with your Cricut machine. You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes and make an object outline. No laptop? Audit the class for $15
NOTE: A laptop and Cricut Design Studio software are needed for this class.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. October 23, 1-4pm
Sun. December 18, 1-4pm

Gypsy Basics - $30
Learn how to use the Gypsy handheld device with your Cricut machine. You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes, and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. September 25, 1-4pm
Sun. October 30, 1-4pm
Sun. November 13, 1-4pm

Embellishing Your Cricut Projects - $20
Learn how to embellish your Cricut cuts with techniques like inking, distressing, pen stitching, and more. These techniques can also be used on your scrapbook pages and card designs. We'll make a tag book showing each technique so you'll have examples to refer to.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. September 25, 4:30-6:30pm
Sun. November 6, 4:30-6:30pm

Glass Etching With Cricut - $20
This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to make and use stencils for glass etching. These projects make great gifts! Class price includes a piece of glass, glass etching cream and vinyl for stencils.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. October 9, 4:30-6:30pm
Sun. December 18, 4:30-6:30pm

Cricut Character Cartridges - $20
Learn how to use your Character Cartridges. We will make a giant character and a scrapbook page and learn tips for using your character cartridges, cutting out the pieces and putting them together.
NOTE: You will need a 12x24 inch mat and a Cricut Expression machine for the giant character.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. October 23, 4:30-6:30pm

Cricut Vinyl Tile - $20
This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to cut vinyl words and shapes and how to apply them to a decorative tile. These make great gifts! Class price includes one 12x12 inch tile and one 4x4 inch tile and black vinyl.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. October 30, 4:30-6:30pm

Cutting Fabric with Cricut - $20
This hands-on class will teach you how to cut fabric with your Cricut. Class price includes fabric and project materials.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. November 13, 4:30-6:30pm

Cricut Shrink Plastic - $20
This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to cut shrink plastic to make jewelry charms. We will also learn how to use jump rings to add charms to bracelets or other jewelry. These make great gifts! Class price includes shrink plastic for charms, jump rings and a bracelet.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Sun. December 4, 4:30-6:30pm

Cricut Shrink Plastic Class Description

This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to cut shrink plastic to make jewelry charms. We will also learn how to use jump rings to add charms to bracelets or other jewelry. These make great gifts! Class price includes shrink plastic for charms, jump rings and a bracelet.


PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Class fee - $20
Class size limited to 12
Look in the right menu for class schedule.
Call AC Moore on Harbison Blvd. (Columbia, SC) at 407-5242 to register.
Download Class Supply List

Cricut Vinyl Tile Class Description

This hands-on class will teach you how to use your Cricut to cut vinyl words and shapes and how to apply them to a decorative tile. These make great gifts! Class price includes one 12x12 inch tile and one 4x4 inch tile and black vinyl.

PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Class fee - $20
Class size limited to 12
Look in the right menu for class schedule.
Call AC Moore on Harbison Blvd. (Columbia, SC) at 407-5242 to register.
Download Class Supply List

Embellishing Your Cricut Projects Class Description

Learn how to embellish your Cricut cuts with techniques like inking, distressing, pen stitching, and more. These techniques can also be used on your scrapbook pages and card designs. We'll make a tag book showing each technique so you'll have examples to refer to.



PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
Class fee - $20

Class size limited to 12
Look in the right menu for class schedule.
Call AC Moore on Harbison Blvd. (Columbia, SC) at 407-5242 to register.
Download Class Supply List

Honey's Favorite Cartridges

Everyone always asks me what are my favorite cartridges. Here's my list of cartridges that I would recommend to newbies:

1. Opposites Attract - I like this because it has both a cursive and print font.
2. Cursive 101 - When using Cricut Design Studio, Gypsy or Cricut Craft Room, this font is perfect for welding.
3. Paper Doll Dress Up - Even if you don't want to make paper dolls, all the dolls have accessories. This cartridge also gives you a lot of holiday options:  Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, etc.
4. Everyday Paper Dolls - This one has lots of accessories, too, like guitars, fire trucks, police cars, bath tubs, etc.
5. George / Plantin Schoolbook - Usually these come with the Cricut machine, but if you buy a machine without a cartridge I recommend that you get one of these. They both have a font plus regular shapes (circle, rectangle, square) that you can use for photo mats or with Cricut Design Studio, Gypsy or Cricut Craft Room to make other design.
6. 50 States - Living in South Carolina, things with the state or the Palmetto Tree are very popular. This cartridge has the shapes for all 50 states, the names of the states and capitals, the flags and images on the flags and the state birds. Lots of options for making gifts and school projects.
7. Designer's Calendar - Even if you don't want to make a calendar, this has a lot of different holiday options, including Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo.
8. Doodlecharms - This is an old cartridge, but it gives you lots of holiday options, plus seasons and life occasions (babys, etc.).
9. Sweet Treats - I love sweet treats because it has tons of birthday options and everyone has a birthday.
10. Base Camp - If you want a serif font (with the dangley pieces like Times New Roman), this one is for you.
11. Storybook - This has fonts that look both westerny and princessy and also has a lot of fancy shapes like scalloped circles.

If you are looking for the Cricut Head, it is available on these cartridges, which may be hard to find:  Storefront, Potpourri Basket, Car Decals, Cricut Everyday, and Cricut Decals.

Sales July 17-23

Michael’s has cartridges for $39.99 (reg. $89.99) and older cartridges for $29.99 (reg. $59.99). They have a 25% off entire purchase coupon and bonus coupons.



JoAnn’s has the Cricut Expression (with 2 cartridges) $229.99, (reg. $399.99). They have a 40% off coupon.


A.C. Moore has the smll Cricut V1 $89.99 (reg. $199.99), Cricut Expression bundle (3 cartridges and Decor Starter Kit) $199.99 (reg. $399.99), cartridges $24.99/$34.99 (reg. $59.99/$89.99), accessories are 40% off. They have a 50% off coupon.


Walgreens has 60 4x6 prints for $6.99. The coupon code is THRILLED.

Sales July 9-16

This week, AC Moore has Cricut cartridges for $40 and the Cricut Expression bundle for $180 (includes 3 cartridges:  Plantin Schoolbook, Storybook and Accent Essentials; and Cricut Decor Starter Kit). They have a 40% off coupon and an AC Moore Rewards coupon for 50 points for a $25 purchase. The sale runs July 10 through July 16.

Michaels has the Pink Expression for $179 and cartridges for $39.  They have a 40% off coupon this week. The sale runs July 10 through July 16.



JoAnns has cartridges for $39.99 and the Expression for $199.99. They have a 40% off coupon this week. The sale runs through July 16.

Sales this week

This week, AC Moore has the original Cricut on sale for $99.99, cartridges for $44.99 and accessories for 40% off. The sale runs Sunday, June 26 through Saturday, July 2.

In their weekly email, Michaels has the pink Cricut Expression for $209 and cartridges for $39.99.

Joann's has the Cricut Expression for $199 (comes with Plantin Schoolbook and Accent Essentials), cartridges for $39.99, and 25% off accessories through July 16.

Hello Thursday 3

This week was the third and last Hello Thursday for June. Cricut announced Event cartridges and Project cartridges. These cartridges retail for $29.99 on www.cricut.com.

Event cartridges:  Robot Party, Princess Party, Space Party, Girl's Makeup Party.

Project cartridges:  Flower Shoppe, Fancy Frames, Sweet Tooth Boxes, Word Collage.

No retired cartridges were announced this week.

Hello Thursday 2

Cricut is announcing so many new cartridges this month, they decided to do Hello Thursday 3 weeks in a row instead of one big announcement. Here's what was is the second announcement:  

• New Cartridges:  Ornamental Iron 2, Summer Celebrations, Autumn Celebrations, Sophisticated (by Theresa Collins), Phrases, Traveler (purchase from Creative Memories only).
• Retired Cartridges:  Tinkerbell and Friends, Cars, Pooh Font, Mickey Font, Happily Ever After, Dinosaur Tracks

June Cricut Classes and Sales

Here is the June schedule of Cricut classes. If you are interested in the classes or swarms, please call AC Moore at 407-5242 or register in the store. Make sure you get your class supply list or email me and I will send it to you. If you have any questions, just send me an email. Pictures of the class projects and supply lists can be found by clicking on the links in the Class Schedule on the right.

Cricut NewsThe third issue of Cricut magazine will be out soon. Locally it is carried at Booksamillion and AC Moore.
The Cricut Craftroom online design software is still in beta test. This is a free online site where you can create designs with your Cricut cartridges and then send them to your E2 via WiFi to cut. You can also use it with your Original Cricut, Cricut Expression or Cricut Create by using a USB cord.

New Cartridges are: Lite 9 Months, Lite Love You a Latte, Lite Recess, Lite Sweet Shop, Country Fair (HSN exclusive starting June 15).
Retired Cartridges are:  Speaking of Fall and Opposites Attract.
Remeber:  The latest Gypsy update includes the Imagine app to make the Gypsy and Imagine work together. If you don't have an Imagine and don't want the app, uncheck the Imagine options when you update your Gypsy. Otherwise the update takes a very, very long time.

SalesWalmart has some of their items marked down. The regular Lite cartridges are $29, the special ones that were out at Christmas are $25. Design Studio software is $49. The tool kit is $14. The shoulder bag is $30. Some vinyl is $7. Vinyl Transfer Tape is $7. The Create machine is $112. The Lexington Walmart has all of the regular Lite cartridges in stock.

AC Moore has the Cricut Expression bundle for $199.99. It includes 3 cartridges (Accent Essentials, Paper Pups, Storybook) and a starter kit. Cartridges are $44.99. AC Moore has the new Art Bin cartridge storage boxes on sale for $11.99. Sale is June 12th through June 18th.

Michaels has cartridges for $39.99 and the original Cricut machine for $89.99 June 12th through June 18th.

Crops/Shows/RetreatsCreating Keepsakes Convention - Aug. 26-27 - Every year, Creating Keepsakes magazine holds a scrapbook convention in Charlotte with vendors and classes. Check out the website at http://www.scrapandpapercorner.com/events/ckc/charlotte/index.html

AC Moore Schedule
Cricut Design Studio - $30 - *Audit the class for $15 This hands-on class will teach you how to use the Design Studio software in conjunction with your Cricut machine (Original and Expression). You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
NOTE: A laptop and Cricut Design Studio software are needed for this class.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
*Don't have a laptop? Audit the class for $15
Sun, June 12, 2-5pm

Design Studio and Gypsy UpdatesThere are updates for Design Studio and the Gypsy with the May announced cartridge releases. Get the Design Studio update at http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx. The Gypsy update has the same cartridges. Get the update by running your Cricut Sync software on your computer.

Sales May 22-28

Here are the sales for the week of May 22-28:

Hobby Lobby

• 30% off Cricut Accessories, Cartridges, Gypsy and Totes

AC Moore

• Cricut Expression Bundle for $199
• Personal Cricut for $99
• Cartridges (regularly $89.99-$99.99) for $39.99
• Cartridges (regularly $59.99) for $29.99
• 30% off Cricut Accessories
• 40% off Xyrons and refills

Walgreens

• 4x6 inch prints - 10 cents each for 75 or more prints. Code is 10CENTMAY.

May/June Class Schedule

Here is the May/June schedule of Cricut classes. If you are interested in the classes or swarms, please call AC Moore at 407-5242 or register in the store. Make sure you get your class supply list or email me and I will send it to you. If you have any questions, just send me an email. Pictures of the class projects and supply lists can be found by clicking on the links in the Class Schedule on the right.

Cricut News

• The second issue of Cricut magazine will be out soon. Locally it is carried at Booksamillion and AC Moore.
• It is the 5th anniversary of the Cricut machine, so they have posted a new, updated logo to the web site.
• The E2 (Expression2) machine will be available on http://www.cricut.com/ starting May 16 for $349 (4 cartridges). The machine is built like the Expression, but has the built in touch screen like the Imagine, so you don't need your keypads. It also has built in WiFi to work with...(read next bullet)
• Cricut Craftroom online design software. This is a free online site where you can create designs with your Cricut cartridges and then send them to your E2 via WiFi to cut. You can also use it with your Original Cricut, Cricut Expression or Cricut Create by using a USB cord. This is in test right now and may be available in May.
• New Cartridges are: Paper Lace 2, Beep Beep Lite, Bump in the Night Lite, Crocs Rule Lite, Yee-Haw Lite, Best of 2006-2010 (one cartridge per year)
• For new E2 machine only: Cricut American Alphabet, Cricut Essentials, Cricut Decals, Just a Note
• Imagine Vintage Damask, Imagine Baby Boutique by Teresa Collins, Imagine Black and White by Teresa Collins
• No Retired cartridges were listed this month.
• Remeber:  The latest Gypsy update includes the Imagine app to make the Gypsy and Imagine work together. If you don't have an Imagine and don't want the app, uncheck the Imagine options when you update your Gypsy. Otherwise the update takes a very, very long time.

Sales
AC Moore has the Cricut Expression bundle for $199.99 through May 21st. It includes 3 cartridges (Plantin Schoolbook, Accent Essentials, Storybook) and a home decor starter kit (black vinyl, transfer tape, stencil material and marker).

Crops/Shows/Retreats

• The Stamping Place – Friday night crops - May 20 - Friday 5pm-midnight, $10, includes refreshments. Location: The Stamping Place store, West Columbia. Contact: 803-791-1440
• Scrapbook Utopia– Crop night – May 27 - Friday 5pm-midnight. $10 includes refreshments. Location:
• Scrapbook Utopia store, Lexington. Contact: (803) 808-3998
• Creating Keepsakes Convention - Aug. 26-27 - Every year, Creating Keepsakes magazine holds a scrapbook convention in Charlotte with vendors and classes. Check out the website at http://www.scrapandpapercorner.com/events/ckc/charlotte/index.html

AC Moore Schedule
Creating with Cricut - $30
You will learn all of the basics of the Cricut machine (Original and Expression) as well as how to get the most out of your cartridges in this hands-on class. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sun. May 15, 2-5pm
Sun. June 5, 2-5pm

Cricut Design Studio - $30 - *Audit the class for $15
This hands-on class will teach you how to use the Design Studio software in conjunction with your Cricut machine (Original and Expression). You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
NOTE: A laptop and Cricut Design Studio software are needed for this class.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
*Don't have a laptop? Audit the class for $15
Sun, June 12, 2-5pm

Design Studio and Gypsy Updates
There are updates for Design Studio and the Gypsy with the March announced cartridge releases. Get the Design Studio update at http://www.cricut.com/CDS/Update.aspx. The Gypsy update has the same cartridges. Get the update by running your Cricut Sync software on your computer.

March/April Class Schedule

Here is the March/April schedule of Cricut classes. Design Studio class is scheduled this Sunday. If you are interested in the classes or swarms, please call AC Moore at 407-5242 or register in the store. Make sure you get your class supply list or email me and I will send it to you. If you have any questions, just send me an email. Pictures of the class projects and supply lists can be found  by clicking on the links in the Class Schedule on the right.

Cricut News

• The second issue of Cricut magazine will be out soon. Locally it is carried at Booksamillion and AC Moore.
• It is the 5th anniversary of the Cricut machine, so they have posted a new, updated logo to the web site.
• The E2 (Expression2) machine is coming out soon. The machine is built like the Expression, but has the built in touch screen like the Imagine, so you don't need your keypads. It also has built in WiFi to work with...(read next bullet)
• Cricut Craftroom online design software. This is a free online site where you can create designs with your Cricut cartridges and then send them to your E2 via WiFi to cut. You can also use it with your Original Cricut, Cricut Expression or Cricut Create by using a USB cord. This is in test right now and may be available in April.
• New Cartridges are: Available in March: Stork’s Delivery (Creative Memories), Imagine Vintage Papers, Imagine Heirloom.
• Available in April: Father’s Day (Seasonal), Happy Graduation (Seasonal), Luau (Seasonal), Elegant Edges, Everyday Pop-Up Cards, Damask Décor, Pop-Up Neighborhood (Cricut Circle).
• AC Moore already has the new and Seasonal cartridges, so get them while they're hot!
• Retired cartridges: 50 States, Animal Kingdom, Camp Out, Home Accents, Home Décor, Joys of the Season, Learning Curve, Stamping, Word Builders 1 A Word Party, Wedding
• The latest Gypsy update includes the Imagine app to make the Gypsy and Imagine work together. If you don't have an Imagine and don't want the app, uncheck the Imagine options when you update your Gypsy. Otherwise the update takes a very, very long time.

 Crops/Shows/Retreats

• The Stamping Place – 18th Anniversary Crop - April 1-2 - Friday 10am-midnight, Saturday 10am-11pm, $36 for both days, includes refreshments on both days. *I'll be at this one* Location: The Stamping Place store, West Columbia. Contact: 803-791-1440
• The Stamping Place – Crohn's Disease Scrampathon - April 15-16 - Friday 10am-midnight, Saturday 10am-11pm, $50 for both days. Not all details have been posted yet, but the entire fee will be donated to the Crohn's Disease foundation. Location: The Stamping Place store, West Columbia. Contact: 803-791-1440
• Memories in the Making – April Charleston Retreat –April 15-17 - from Friday 9am-Sunday 1pm, $225 (double occupancy room), includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals and refreshments. *I'll be at this one. People have requested the Design Studio class--any other requests?* Location: St. Christopher's Camp and Conference Center on Seabrook Island. Contact: memoriesinthemakingcrops@gmail.com or call Shannon at 803-865-3995, or Monica at 540-729-4552.

AC Moore Schedule

Creating with Cricut - $30
You will learn all of the basics of the Cricut machine (Original and Expression) as well as how to get the most out of your cartridges in this hands-on class. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sun. March 6, 2-5pm

Cricut Design Studio - $30 - *Audit the class for $15
This hands-on class will teach you how to use the Design Studio software in conjunction with your Cricut machine (Original and Expression). You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
NOTE: A laptop and Cricut Design Studio software are needed for this class.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
*Don't have a laptop? Audit the class for $15
Sun, March 27, 2-5pm

Gypsy Basics - $30
Learn how to use the Gypsy handheld device with your Cricut machine. You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes, and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
Sun. April 3, 2-5pm

Design Studio and Gypsy Updates
There are updates for Design Studio and the Gypsy with the March announced cartridge releases. Get the Design Studio update here. The Gypsy update has the same cartridges. Get the update by running your Cricut Sync software on your computer.

February Class Schedule

Cricut classes for February are a go at AC Moore. They cancelled classes in January while they restructured their Classroom program.

February will have a new class on "Embellishing Your Cricut Projects"; I am working on the sample and supply list for this class. If you are interested in the classes or swarms, please call AC Moore at 407-5242 or register in the store. Make sure you get your class supply list or email me and I will send it to you. If you have any questions, just send me an email. Pictures of the class projects and supply lists can be found on my blog at http://hbeecomer.blogspot.com.


Cricut News

• The Cricut magazine is supposed to be shippin now. It is published by the same company as Card Trends and Scrapbook Trends. The cost is $39.95 for a 6 month subscription and $74.95 for 12 months. www.scrapbookpal.com got a deal for 1 free extra issue for a 6 month subscription and 2 free extra issues for a 12 month subscription. Use the code sbpal at checkout.
• You can get a digital copy of the first issue of Cricut Magazine for $6.95 here.
• This week was Hello Thursday. New cartridges announced are: All Sports, Formal Occasions, Florals Embellished, Campin Critters (available in January); Kate's ABCs, Baby Steps (Exclusively at JoAnn's in February); Imagine Buccaneer, Imagine Bubblegum Stripes, Imagine All Wrapped Up (availabe in April); and Martha Steward Birthday Cake Art (available in February).
• Retired cartridges for this month are: Celebrations, Serenade, Speaking of School, Speaking of Winter, WordBuilders 2 A Garden of Words, WordBuilders 3 An Ocean of Words.
• AC Moore has some of the new cartridges in stock along with the latest limited edition/seasonal cartridges: All Sports, Formal Occasions, Florals Embellished, Pack Your Bags, Life's a Party, Mother's Day Bouquet, April Showers, Spring Holiday Cards.
• You can still buy and register a Gypsy by February 28 and get 5 free cartridges loaded to your Gypsy (Blackletter; Indie Art; Printing Press; Tags, Bags, Boxes and More; Christmas). The cartridges will be loaded when you update your Gypsy; you must run the update by February 28.

Crops/Shows/Retreats

• The Stamping Place – Sweetheart Scrampathon - February 4-5 - Friday 10am-midnight, Saturday 10am-11pm, $50 for both days, includes refreshments and dinner on both days. Location: The Stamping Place store, West Columbia. Contact: 803-791-1440
• Scrapbook Utopia– Crop night – February 11 - Friday 5pm-midnight. $10 includes refreshments. Location: Scrapbook Utopia store, Lexington. Contact: (803) 808-3998
• Memories in the Making – Frosted February crop –February 11-12 - Friday 9am-midnight, Saturday 9am-11pm, $65 for both days or $35 for one day, includes refreshments and lunch and dinner on both days. Location: St. Martin in the Fields on Clemson Avenue in Columbia. Contact: memoriesinthemakingcrops@gmail.com or call Shannon at 803-865-3995, or Monica at 540-729-4552.
• The Stamping Place – Friday Night Crops - February 18, March 4, March 18 - Friday 6pm-midnight -$8 includes refreshments. Location: The Stamping Place store, West Columbia. Contact: 803-791-1440
• Scrapbook Utopia – 2 day crop – February 25-26 - Friday 10am-midnight, Saturday 10am-11pm, $15 each day or $25 for both days, includes refreshments but no meals. Location: Scrapbook Utopia store, Lexington. Contact: (803) 808-3998
• StampScrapArtTour - Rubberstamp and Scrapbook show - February 19-20 – At Jamil Temple. Purchase tickets at The Stamping Place.
• Memories in the Making – April Charleston Retreat –April 15-17 - from Friday 9am-Sunday 1pm, $225 (double occupancy room), includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals and refreshments. Location: St. Christopher's Camp and Conference Center on Seabrook Island. Contact: memoriesinthemakingcrops@gmail.com or call Shannon at 803-865-3995, or Monica at 540-729-4552.

AC Moore Schedule

Creating with Cricut - $30
You will learn all of the basics of the Cricut machine (Original and Expression) as well as how to get the most out of your cartridges in this hands-on class. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sun. February 6, 2-5pm

Cricut Swarm - $5
Join us for a Cricut Swarm – a scrapbook crop with Cricuts. Bring your machine, cartridges and your own projects for an afternoon of fun and sharing. We will share our ideas, cartridges and Design Studio cut files for the afternoon. Refreshments and drinks will be provided.
Sun. February 13, 2-6pm

Embellishing Your Cricut Projects - $20
Learn how to embellish your Cricut cuts with techniques like inking, distressing, pen stitching, and more. These techniques can also be used on your scrapbook pages and card designs. We will make a tag book showing each technique so you'll have examples to refer to.
Sun. February 20, 2-5pm

Design Studio and Gypsy Updates
There is a new font update available for Design Studio with the December releases. Get the Design Studio update here. The Gypsy update has the same cartridges. Get the update by running your Cricut Sync software on your computer.

Photosheet Software from Photility

I often make mini books and print a lot of wallet size photos to use in the books. I found some software to help make my own wallets and cut down of the cost of printing wallet size photos. Photosheet bv Photility lets you select finished sized of the photo and the number of columns and rows you want on the photo. To do wallets you would select 4x6 size and then 2x2 columns. Then you just open Windows Explorer and drag and drop your photos into Photosheet (you can put more than one photo on a sheet). A preview window displays the photos in order. You can reorder the photos if you want them in a certain spot on the sheet. Then click Start and Photosheet will create a .jpg file of you "collage" and save it to the folder you used the photos from. Then print or upload the new .jpg to the photo printing site of your choice. You can now print the wallets at the regular 4x6 inch price. Play around with the different column options to print photos for a mini-mini book.

Here's how the finished picture looks:

January/February Class Schedule

Here's the January/February schedule of classes at AC Moore in Harbison. February will have a new class called "Embellishing Your Cricut Projects"; I am working on the sample and supply list for this class. If you are interested in the classes or swarms, please call AC Moore at 407-5242 or register in the store. Make sure you get your class supply list or email me and I will send it to you. If you have any questions, just send me an email. Pictures of the class projects and supply lists can be found on my blog. Just click on the link for the class in the class schedule on the right side of the blog.

Sales
Walgreens has a 4x6 print pick your price sale through 01/08/11. 10 cents per print for orders of 75 or more--code is PRINTS10; 11 cents per print for orders of 50 or more--code is PRINTS11; 12 cents per print for orders of 25 or more--code is PRINTS12.
http://www.cricut.com/ has 50% off retired cartridges and 50% off Gypsy accessories.
Michaels has some cartridges on clearance: $19.99-Printing 101; $29.99-Pagoda, Sweethearts, Sweet Treats, Jubilee, Lyrical Letters, Paisley, Wild Card, Stand and Salute, Old West, Cars, Pooh and Friends. Gyspy accessories have also been clearanced to 50% off.
AC Moore has  cartridges for $29.99 and $39.99 and the Original Cricut is $85. The sale is through January 8th.

Cricut News
Starting in January, there will be a Cricut magazine, published by the same company as Card Trends and Scrapbook Trends. The cost is $39.95 for a 6 month subscription and $74.95 for 12 months. www.scrapbookpal.com got a deal for 1 free extra issue for a 6 month subscription and 2 free extra issues for a 12 month subscription. Use the code sbpal at checkout.
You can get a digital copy of the first issue of Cricut Magazine for $6.95 here.
New items will be added to Cricut Rewards weekly. You can now get a Gypsy for 4000 points.
You can still buy and register a Gypsy by February 28 and get 5 free cartridges loaded to your Gypsy (Blackletter; Indie Art; Printing Press; Tags, Bags, Boxes and More; Christmas). The cartridges will be loaded when you update your Gypsy; you must run the update by February 28.

AC Moore Schedule
Creating with Cricut - $30
You will learn all of the basics of the Cricut machine (Original and Expression) as well as how to get the most out of your cartridges in this hands-on class. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sun. January 9, 2-5pm
Sun. February 6, 2-5pm

Gypsy Basics - $30
Learn how to use the Gypsy handheld device with your Cricut machine. You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes, and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
Sun. January 16, 2-5pm

Cricut Design Studio - $30 - *Audit the class for $15
This hands-on class will teach you how to use the Design Studio software in conjunction with your Cricut machine (Original and Expression). You will learn how to weld words together, cut words or images out of the middle of shapes and make an object outline. We will make a scrapbook layout for our final project.
NOTE: A laptop and Cricut Design Studio software are needed for this class.
PRE-REQUISITE: Creating with Cricut class.
Level: Intermediate
*Don't have a laptop? Audit the class for $15
Sun, January 23, 2-5pm

Cricut Swarm - $5
Join us for a Cricut Swarm – a scrapbook crop with Cricuts. Bring your machine, cartridges and your own projects for an afternoon of fun and sharing. We will share our ideas, cartridges and Design Studio cut files for the afternoon. Refreshments and drinks will be provided.
Sun. February 13, 2-6pm

Embellishing Your Cricut Projects - $20
Learn how to embellish your Cricut cuts with techniques like inking, distressing, pen stitching, and more. These techniques can also be used on your scrapbook pages and card designs. We will make a tag book showing each technique so you'll have examples to refer to.
Sun. February 20, 2-5pm

Design Studio and Gypsy Updates
There is a new font update available for Design Studio with the December releases. Get the Design Studio update here. The Gypsy update has the same cartridges. Get the update by running your Cricut Sync software on your computer. Get the details of the update here.