One of the latest releases from Provo Craft is the amazing new Cricut Expression. Many users say it is a bigger and better version of the original because it carries several improvements on the Cricut machine’s functionality. The Expression really offers so much more when it comes to features and power. The Expression has indeed become more popular with arts and craft enthusiasts because of its better functionality and wider range of features. Also don’t forget to look at the cool reviews of Cricut cartridges .
What exactly makes this machine so stinking amazing? The functionality of this machine allows you to cut through vinyl, cardstock and vellum, aside from the usual paper. As mentioned above, the machine also allows you to cut either very small, intricate designs or large impressive artworks.
The mix and match feature of the machine lets you use all of your cartridges in one cut but an even better news is that it uses the exact same cartridges, blades and blade housings as the original Cricut machine. This makes it a lot more convenient for you to upgrade your Personal Electronic Cutter to the Expression because you will not have to buy new blades or cartridges for it. Indeed, this new machine provides wider options for the needs of consumers. To help you find the best deals for the Cricut Expression machine, here are some buying tips that you may take advantage of.
Don’t bother buying your machine new or at full price, Ebay has tons of auctions with great deals on Cricuts. In case of free cartridges, look for the cartridge description as well so that you will know whether you can use the cartridge being offered or not. Some items may have a lower auction price than others, but you may be charged extra to this item shipped. You will need to compare the total costs of the different offerings in the auction because items that do not offer free shipping often incur a higher total cost than those that have a higher asking price but include free shipping. The shipping information is indicated right below the auction price and if you will be charged for shipping then there should be a space where you can enter your zip code. Once you have done this, you will be given the cost of shipping and you can get the total cost of the item simply by adding the shipping charge to the maximum amount that you are willing to bid. Save a ton by buying a the Gypsy for Cricut at way below the in store price!
Oct 01, 2009 | Sentimental Thoughts
Personalization is the key to making the perfect scrapbook Making someone smile by getting reminded of you every time they see something you’ve created is the best compliment. Your personality must be present in your crafts, and your scrapbook is not an exception.
If you run out of ideas for your first scrapbook, you can always consult your best resource… YOU!
Yep, you do not have to be very creative to build the perfect scrapbook, but you do have to be very expressive.
How to personalize your scrapbook?
1. Your Colors
People associate colors with places, things and even people! If you love green and people know you love the color, you can adorn your scrapbook with green buttons and folded paper.
2. Would you wear that?
Part of the fun of scrapbooking is dressing up your photos in funny “outfits”. You can create new ones to fit the occasion just by pasting paper and potpourri on your photos. You can even make dad look like santa by pasting on a santa suit.
3. Your story
Maybe you have several childhood memories you want preserved, and your scrapbook is all about memories, so why not turn your scrapbook into a story. You need to use landscape photos or paint landscapes on your pages and place ordinary photos on them. One thing to ask yourself is this: what part of the scrapbook will make the reader feel something? That’s the “plot” of your story and you can work around that. Don’t forget the happy ending!
4. What memories do you have of the recipient?
If you’re creating a scrapbook for another person, you can make it look like a collection of funny memories about that person. Here’s where I well up. I have so many memories of my family members and I wish I made a scrapbook for each of those memories. Don’t let that happen to you. Preserve memories when you can.
I hope I have helped you to come up with more than several new ideas for the pages in your scrapbook.
Apr 03, 2009 | Sentimental Thoughts
Have you ever felt like photos are not enough to capture the happiness you felt during a particular event? Me too. It’s a good thing that collecting tiny mementos from these events and placing them artfully on a piece of paper has become an artform. Sentimental people need not be ashamed of being mushy about memories anymore because billions of people around the globe feel the same.
Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to spend your free time while preserving those unforgettable memories.
A sentimental movie date goer might want to keep ticket stubs of all her movie dates with her boyfriend. She can start a scrapbook describing what movie they went to, the plot, the freebies, she can even paste some relevant things about a movie, i.e. a pirate ship photo for “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
Is it Expensive?
There is a small amount of money involved in scrapbooking, but if you don’t intend to be a professional scrapbooker (there IS such a thing!), you do not have to worry about spending too much on your sentimental hobby.
What you will need for Basic Scrapbooking:
1. A scrapbooking album for keeping the pages of your scrapbook – The album you will use needs to accommodate everything you want to put there. A normal photo album won’t be able to handle a few pasted beer caps, so you need something that will.
2. A loot jar or box for every occasion – when you become an avid (addicted) scrapbook maker, bringing a bag to collect mementos for your scrapbook when you go to parties or events won’t seem too weird. Make 
sure to label them properly and store them in a safe place.
Common sense in Scrapbooking
It goes without saying that you cannot preserve unpreservable stuff like food items, and for these at least you will need a camera. Leaves and other organic materials that could decay and attract molds should be properly processed before placement in your pages.
For that last bit, drying leaves in heavy book pages is best. You can press your flowers and then after a few weeks or months, air them out before pasting.
Aug 15, 2008 | Scrapbook, Sentimental Thoughts, crafts, family traditions
