Cuttlebug Mystery Box

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

If you love embossing folders don't forget to check out the October Cuttlebug Mystery Box from Cricut.

For $50 you'll receive nearly $200 worth of embossing folders.

Here's the link: OCTOBER CUTTLEBUG MYSTERY BOX

Plus, if you use the discount code NARELLE you'll get 15% off that price and receive free shipping in the USA and Canada.

If you don't have a Cuttlebug make sure you check them out too as you'll also get the 15% off and free shipping on that too.

Want to know what's in the box? Here's a preview!

Happy crafting!  ♥

Using fonts from Apex Cuttable Designs with Cricut Design Space

Today I'm here with a tutorial showing you how to install and use the fonts from Apex Cuttable Designs to use with Cricut Design Space and the Cricut Explore.

The fonts at Apex Cuttable Designs work differently to traditional system fonts. When using System fonts (e.g. TTF’s) with Design Space you select Add Text and type your word.

The fonts at Apex are delivered to you in several formats, one of those being SVG. To use those fonts you upload the letters using the Upload Image option.  So let’s take a look at that process.

• First you need to purchase your font.
  Go to http://apexembdesigns.com/cuttables/cuttables and hover over the yellow banner to open the catalog.

• At the bottom of that screen you’ll see a list of font categories. Click SHOW ALL FONTS (or if you know the type of font you’re looking for you can select one of the categories.)

• There are nearly 250 fonts to choose from. Use the navigation options at the bottom of the screen to move through the pages. 

• Once you’ve selected your font click on the image.

I’ll be using the Chevron Block Cuttable Font for this tutorial.

• Click Add to Cart 

• Click on “your cart” to complete the checkout process. 

Your font will be delivered to you as a zip file that contains the following five file types:

• Before using your font in Design Space you will need to unzip it.

Mac: Save the zip file to your Mac. Double-click the zip file and the file or folder will be decompressed into the same folder the compressed file is in.

Windows: Save the zip file to your computer. I created a directory called Apex Cuttable Designs and saved the zip file there. No matter where you save it, just remember to make a note of its location.

• Click on the zip file then at the next screen click Extract All.

• You will see this screen:

• Click Extract and be sure to keep the “Show extracted files when complete” box checked.

Once extracted you’ll be taken back to the folder that contains the extracted files.

• Click on that to open it and you’ll see the following:

The files that you’ll be using in Design Space are the SVG’s.

Now you’re ready to use the font in Design Space.

• Open Design Space and sign in by clicking on the Account menu.

• Click Sign in, type in your Cricut email address and password and click the Sign In button.

• Click the Create New Project button.

• Click the Upload Images button button in the toolbar then click the blue Upload Image button

• Click the Browse button

• Navigate to the SVG directory that was created when you unzipped the files.

• Click on the letter that you want to import into Design Space and if necessary click the Open button.

• The letter will appear in the preview box. If you wish you can add Tags to your upload to make it easier to search for it again later.

• Click the Save button to continue

• The letter will appear in the Uploaded Images Library. Click on it to select it then click the Insert Images button.

The image will be placed on your Design Space canvas.

• Click on it to select it then you can change the size by either dragging the bottom right selection arrow or by changing the details in the Edit panel. Remember to keep the proportions lock closed unless you only want to change the width OR height.

Your image is now ready to cut.

• If you wish you can change the colour of your image by clicking on the letter in the Layers panel, then selecting from one of the Basic Colors or by clicking inside the Custom Color box.

Changing the colour here is just a cosmetic change of course as the final colour is dictated by the cardstock/vinyl etc that you place on your cutting mat. 

Happy crafting!  ♥

Cricut Explore Air 2 - Just how fast is it?

Today I did a cutting speed comparison between the Explore Air and the Explore Air 2 and filmed it in action. 


I cut the same SVG file from two browsers on my PC at the same time.

vs

If you'd like to see the results, here's my video.

The Explore Air 2 will be available at Cricut.com on October 21.

Happy crafting!  ♥

Cricut Explore Air 2

You might have seen the launch of the Cricut Explore Air 2 on HSN recently.

It sold out there and will be available at Cricut.com on October 21.

So, what's the difference between the Explore Air and the Explore Air 2?  Speed and looks!

The Air 2 comes in 4 colours - Mint (green), Rose (pink), Serenity (blue), and the HSN exclusive Anna Griffin edition which is ivory and gold.

I recently received the Mint version and I've put together a short video that shows you the machine and takes you through the setup process.

The Air 2 also has "Fast Mode". You can use this mode on the vinyl to cardstock setting to cut up to twice as fast as the other Explores.

I'll be testing out the Fast Mode a little later and will report back my findings! :)

Happy crafting!  ♥

CRICUT: Design Space iOS app now in more countries

Do you live in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or the Philippines?

Then I have very exciting news for you!! The Design Space iOS app has JUST been released into our iTunes App stores!! (Feel free to share this post with your friends to let them know!)

You can now download the app in your App store and make In-App purchases in your own currency. No more having to use a US iTunes account!

BUT, before you update the app....  If you have saved any Design Space projects to your iPad (or iPhone) you will need to save them to the Cloud while you're still signed into your US iTunes account.

Click on the Menu button and select My Projects on this iPad

Click on one of your projects. When the preview opens click Save As

Give it a new name if you like then click Save to the Cloud

Once it has saved you will see this message.

Now repeat that for each project you have saved to your device.

If you use several iOS devices with the Design Space app you will need to do the above steps for each one.

Once you've done that you can go on to the next step...

Next you need to uninstall the current version of the app. Hold your finger down on the Cricut Design icon till the image starts to shake then press the X to delete it.

Make sure you have signed out of the US app store (from Settings) and signed into your local iTunes account. Then go to the App store and search Cricut.

Click the Get button and install the new app.

Once you've installed the app you'll be able to download your projects to the iPad again from the Cloud when you need them.

Happy crafting!  ♥

CRICUT: September Mystery Box

 **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

The September Mystery Box is available now from Cricut.com. (While stocks last.)

The cost is $29.99. If you use the code CRAFTALOT you will receive 10% off that price and free shipping in the continental USA. If you are a Cricut Access subscriber you will receive a further 10% off. And if you are a Cricut Circle member you receive yet another 10% off.

Here's the link to the Mystery Box: SEPTEMBER MYSTERY BOX

Here are the contents:

3 Cricut cartridges - Home Decor, Home for the Holidays Fall/Winter and
Simple Cards.

 

Five rolls (12" x 24") of Faux leather in Brown, Silver, Copper, Black and Champagne. (Not pictured).

   

If you've never used the Faux leather, let me tell you it's a beautiful product. 

Here's a couple of projects I made using the woodgrain Faux Leather. The first is the Wallet "Make it Now" project. 

And here's a passport holder I created myself. 

Happy crafting!  ♥