The "New" Cricut Imagine Demo

I think most crafters have either heard of a cricut, or have a cricket, and love a cricut. Since I didn't get a chance to go to CHA this year (boooo) I've been glued to Youtube watching all the demos from Craft Critique, and Noel Hyman of Paperclipping.com. There have definitely been some great items out there being debuted at CHA this year and I will definitely be making plans to attend next year for winter CHA.

My feature today is the Cricut Image. It is the rumored print & cut cricut machine. Yay!!! Take a look at this extensive demonstration by Christy of Provocraft filmed by Craft Critique. Enjoy.



MSRP: for the Machine - $599

MSRP: for the ink - $34.99/black $39.99/Color

Tool Spotlight: Craftwell eCraft

Hi all.     

    I'm so glad that it's National Scrapbooking Month. What an exciting time in the creative world of papercrafts, alterable, digital crafting, and so much more. I've been crafting up a storm and having so much fun. Seems that I can't craft when I'm stressed so since my kids have been TAKS testing here in TX for the last week haven't scrapped in 7 days. It's about time to dive into some patterned paper and adhesive. It's the small things that make me happy. he he.

    Today I'm spotlighting a great machine that was suggested to me via Rhonda Daniels. I'd mentioned that I was looking into purchasing the Silhouette SD, and she sent me an link to a great Youtube video showcasing the Craftwell eCraft Electronic Cutting System. (craftwellusa.com)

 

The first video is by Noel Hyman of Paperclipping.com from CHA 2010. She gives some great introductory information regarding creating your own images, selling your custom images online, and much more.

 

The next video is a demonstration using the purple version of the machine and gives a great tutorial on how to use the machine.

 

The last video is showcasing the the software that is used with the Craftwell eCraft.

The next video is showcasing the iPhone app that works with the eCraft machine.

Pros:

• Beautiful colors


• No cutting mats needed


• Create and cut your own images


• The ability to cut banners from rolls of paper


• Sell your images through Craftwell eCraft Central


• Can be used to cut edible shapes


• Computer not required, but awesome software available


• Draws and Cuts at the same time without changing tools


• The cutting tray where you can cut multiple images without having to reload individual sheets of paper.


• Professional model which can be used as a commercial production machine

Cons: 

• You paper must be less than 1 mm thick paper


• Has not been released just yet. (I'm sure there is going to be a line to get one of these) Projected release Spring 2010


• Not MAC compatible just yet. 


• Only the professional version of the machine will alow you to use SVG images to cut. 

Differences between the Models: 

The basic unit has a B&W display and will come with one SD Fun Card. The deluxe unit has a color screen and will be bundled with two SD Fun cards. We are planning a unit designed for heavier use that is ideal for craft stores, clubs and power users, It will be equipped with a heavy duty motor drive and other industrial features. All units will have the same cutting capabilities.

Price: MSRP 

Basic Model: ~$259

Professional Model: ~ $399

Basic Software: ~ $69.99

Pro Software: ~ $159.99

SD Cards: ~$39

     Seems to me this machine can do everything that the Silhouette & Cricut machines can do. But will it create enough of a buzz to compete with such well respected companies?? I'd be really interested in testing this machine out to see if it lives up to all that I think it can do.

Tell me what you think? Would you like one??

    In addition to all that I'm also highligting a video posted by Jennifer McGuire (one of my favorite crafty ladies) that she posted on her youtube account last week.. In this vid she shows us her favorite crafting tools. 

Some of my favs are the We Are Memory Keepers Corner Chomper, my ATG guns (yes I have both sizes), and dimensional adhesive. 

 What are your favorite craft tools?

Sweet Hugs, 

Angee

Tim Holtz: Alterations Line

Hey everyone, 

I don't know if you'd consider yourself a grungy girl but I certainly am from time to time, and no one does grunge like Tim Holtz. I have my eye on a few of his things for my haulage (which is getting a bit out of hand actually......however my justification is the fact that it's all reusable tools....again, my JUSTIFICATION...he he).

Check out this video of Tim debuting his new Alterables line then leave me a comment on what you're thinking of buying. 

 

 

 

What I'm looking at: 

Tim Holtz for Sizzix Tattered Florals

Tim Holtz for Sizzix Hardware Findings

Tim Holtz for Sizzix Elegant Flourishes

And pretty much anything else that TimHoltz.typepad.com makes including all of his dies (have you seen his on the edge dies.....OMG), the distress inks, and alcohol inks. Man, who knew crafting could be so expensive. Is there a hoarders group for craft supplies?? Someone sign me up. 

Later sweetness, 

Angee

Love Link: Photoshop CS5 Sneak Peak

Tool Spotlight: Xyron Creatopia

Good Morning Scrappers, 

    If you didn't already know I'm a total gadget geek. I love gadgets. I can't even keep a wishlist because it's forever changing based on reviews I find online, mac rumors I hear on blogs, scrapbooking debuts from various companies in the industry, and shopping excursions all over Texas and even online. In the midst of all my shopping shenanigans, I've come across a great video for a product I've had my eye on for quite some time. 

I was first interest in this item when I started looking into letterpress. 

    Can you see how beautiful this is? The texture, the clear crispness of the heavy weight paper, the clean impression of the letters, words, and ink. Oh this makes me happy. 

      Anyhoo, I love paperclipping.com and all of their crafty podcasts and I'm also subscribed to their youtube channel. Although I planned to attend CHA Winter 2010, I wasn't able to make it this go round, but thanks to Noel Hyman and her camera crew she gave all us scrapping youtubers an inside look at all the wonderful companies and products that debuted. One of those products and my top pick that has been added to my non-existent (he he) wishlist is the Xyron Creatopia. Take a look at all it can do: 

    I've seen prices for this machine range from $100 - $150 depending on how many attachments come with the machine. Do you love it or hate it? Would you buy it? Leave a comment and let me know and if you find it on sale please post a link. 

That's all for now. Happy Scrapping. 

Angee