Linking and Repairs for Cricut Gypsy

Exciting news for Cricut Gypsy owners was announced yesterday.  After a very long wait it is finally possible to link the cartridges that are on your Gypsy device to the Cricut Craftroom.  You can get all of the details on the Cricut.com site HERE.

There are lengthy instructions and a list of Frequently Asked Questions and you should be sure to read everything and follow these directions carefully.  This long awaited update will allow Gypsy owners with extensive cartridge libraries linked on their devices to use the same cartridges seamlessly with the Cricut Craftroom - they will no longer be required to insert each cartridge before cutting their projects.

There is also helpful news for Gypsy owners with devices that do not work - new repair options were announced.

source - Cricut.com

source Cricut.com

source Cricut.com

In a post on the Cricut Community Message Board HERE, Nathan added some additional information.  He confirmed that the current Gypsy model will no longer be produced but stated that support and content updates will continue to be offered.

The final blow has been dealt to the Cricut Design Studio program.  No more content updates will be provided which means that no cartridges issued after April 11, 2013 can be used with the program.  If you are a Design Studio user be sure to go to the update page HERE, to get the final content update.

The update version number is V130401 - save the file to your computer and then run it to install the last cartridges. 

 

This screen shot shows the cartridges that are added in this update.  The update is very quick since for this final update only the newest cartridges are added.  If you had not updated to the last version, I am not sure how you will be able to add the cartridges you missed since this update only adds the most recent.  If you kept up with the updates your program should be complete.  To find out if your program is up to date, check to see the last font update you installed - the update before this was done last October and the version was V121009 (see my post HERE).  The Teresa Collins December 25th seasonal cartridge and Something to Remember which were both missing from the last update have been included in the final update.

One more note - it is "One Buck Wednesday" at Jessica Sprague  and there are a number of kits that are either $1 or 50% off.  Echo Park, Carta Bella, Jenni Bowlin, Samantha Walker, Lori Whitlock, Carina Gardner and more all have  interesting items to try out at bargain prices for digital scrapping or cutting.  The papers and embellishments can be used for print and cut projects on the Silhouette machines as well.  (Click the image on the left to go to the site).

Do any of you still use Cricut Design Studio?   After years of daily use (sometimes for hours a day) I have used it only rarely since I added the Silhouette machines to my craft room.  It is very hard to switch back to the Cricut program once you get used to the abilities of the Silhouette Studio such as one click shadows and other helpful editing tools.  For anyone who doesn't own a Gypsy (or doesn't like the small black and white screen) and can't easily use the Craftroom due to internet issues, this is the end of an era.

Yesterday I woke up with a very scratchy throat and very little voice - probably allergies since I was outdoors for a long while watching the parade.  I had planned to do a video with the butterfly card instructions yesterday - if my voice improves, I'll do it later today - if not...it will be a words and pictures post for now.

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Cricut Updates - Good News for Gypsy owners with Cricut Minis

I was working on a few new projects and was awake up to the wee hours.  The blog counter was just a few hundred away from 1.5 million when I finished up.  So...I will be posting the names of the Fourth Blogoversary Celebration winners at some point today.  We do have a few things that have to be done in the morning so it might not be until later in the day.  

For Cricut users - the long awaited updated for compatibility between the Gypsy and the Cricut Mini is finally available.  This information was posted on the Cricut Message Board on Friday.  I know not everyone reads the message boards so I have copied and pasted the info here for you.

I do not own a Mini so I haven't been able to test the update but it seems that it has gone smoothly for most people...sometimes I wait to see if any kinks have been worked out before updating (why these updates are nearly always released on a Friday with no support on the weekend is a mystery to me!).  So - proceed with caution - good luck!

Here is the information:

 Gypsy® device firmware 0227 update – Available 02.09.12
This update includes the following:
Cutting to the Cricut Mini™ with the Gypsy® device:
• The Gypsy device must be updated to the 0227:0234 (0227 firmware and 0234 content) version through the Cricut® Sync program found at www.cricut.com/cricutsync
• The Cricut Mini firmware must be updated to Version .23 in order to communicate with the Gypsy device .
• If the Cricut Mini requires a firmware update, you will be prompted to visit Cricut Craft Room™ to perform this update when the Gypsy device is connected to the Cricut Mini machine. Simply follow the screen prompts to complete the update process in Cricut Craft Room.
*Note: Cricut Mini cannot be updated from Gypsy device.

Cricut Expression® 2 machines:
• This release supports all Cricut Expression 2 machines including those with the 1000 firmware version

Corrects the blue & black screen that some Gypsy® devices were experiencing:
• We strongly encourage ALL Gypsy device users to update their device to the newest version (0227:0234) through the Cricut® Sync program at www.cricut.com/cricutsync for best results.
• This update will prevent the black screen and blue light some Gypsy devices were experiencing; however, it does not repair them.
• If you have a Gypsy device displaying a black screen and blue light, please contact Cricut® support 1-877-727-4288 | Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm MST

Corrects Cricut® cartridge linking issues associated with the following cartridges:
• Pagoda
• Close to my Heart - Art Philosophy Cricut® Bundle
• Celebrate With Flourish
• Everyday Pop-Up Cards
• Cake Everyday Sampler

Gypsy Linking to Cricut Craft Room™ is coming soon!

I did get a chance to try a few test cuts of files that have been piling up in my Silhouette folder.  This type of cut and folded design technique is called "incire" and usually requires a lot of hand cutting using a stencil.

This is how it looks on the back side.  I remember trying to figure out how to do a Design Studio file to make the cuts years ago but I was never able to get a result that I was happy with.  I made some cutting files in the Silhouette software in less than 10 minutes - because I can put lines where I want them and do quick and easy grouping and replicating.  These are just some test cuts but now that I have figured out an easy way to make the files I'll be doing more of them - I love the look!

Have you ever made this type of design?  Spellbinders and several other of the die companies are making dies for these cuts now but of course they only cut one size.  With a file you can make the design any size you like.

Check back later today to find out who will be receiving "happy mail" next week!

I hope you have a great weekend - there may be a little snow here, but then again, maybe not - that's just the way this winter has gone!

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Design Studio - update available

There is a Design Studio update for the newer cartridges available now on the Cricut.com site.  Click HERE to go to the download page.  You will need to be signed in to the site to do the download.  Be sure to save the update and then run it so it will install correctly.  The last update was back in April so there is a long list of cartridges that were added.  Here is a list with the "Hello Thursday" release dates.

06/23/11
Fancy Frames
Flower Shoppe

Girl's Makeup Party

Princess Party

Robot Party

Space Party

Sweet Tooth Boxes

Word Collage

06/16/2011

Autumn Celebrations

Creative Memories Traveler Cricut Cartridge

Ornamental Iron 2

Phrases

Sophisticated

Summer Celebrations

06/09/2011

9 Months

County Fair

Love You a Latte

Recess

Sweet Shop 

 

If you install the updated list of cartridges and you are still missing some of your cartridges, you may not be current with the program updates.  You should have Version 1.0.40422.0 (you can check by clicking the "Help" menu in Design Studio and selecting "about" from the bottom of the list).

 

When you click the download link for the Cartridge Content Update you will see that the latest version is V110708.  I am not sure when the update appeared - I have been checking every couple of days and just found it Tuesday night.

Save the update and then run it to install the new fonts.  When you restart your Design Studio program the cartridges will be included.  I believe that they all were added in the "All by Cartridge" - "Font" section.  If you have already purchased some of the newest cartridges you will need to find them on the list and then go to the Preferences menu and add them to the "My Cartridges" list.  Once you do this you can use the My Cartridges list which will make your cartridges easier to locate since it is in strict alphabetical order and not divided by type.

The Gypsy update is done through the Cricut Sync Program.  Plug in your Gypsy with the USB cable and open the Cricut Sync program and follow the on-screen directions.  There are two sections - the regular cartridge information transfer went smoothly for me but the Imagine cartridge section of the update seems to get "stuck" - I am leaving it to run overnight with fingers crossed!


Construction is continuing on the ice dam repairs and modifications, the electrician is coming to put my overhead lights in today and I leave for Wisconsin on Thursday (and then head on to Chicago Sunday for CHA) - things are a little crazy around here!

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A Few Questions and Answers...

I am finally getting back to nearly normal after this nasty spring cold and I spent Monday catching up on some household chores and projects.  I also have been doing some more digital projects that I can share soon...and I did some more research for my "secret" project (it won't be long until I can explain this...).

I thought I'd try to answer a few of the questions I have received recently.  It seems that many people often have the same or similar questions, even if they don't ask them - so I thought it might be helpful.  Another reader might be able to help with some questions since I certainly don't have all of the answers!  Please leave a comment if you can add some more help or have a different view on a topic.

Design Studio Updates

Several people have asked whether Design Studio will still be updated since the Cricut CraftRoom online design tool is supposed to be launching soon.  I have been told by several PC representatives that Design Studio will continue to have font updates to add new cartridges, however, no more program updates are planned.  This means that you will be able to work with new cartridges in Design Studio but none of the "quirks" in the program will be fixed and no improvements will be made.

I find this frustrating because the Gypsy is too small and too slow for a lot of the complicated welding that I like to do.  A full page lace mesh that previews in a matter of seconds in Design Studio often takes nearly ten minutes to preview on the Gypsy.  The CraftRoom, once it is finally ready, is only available if you are online and there are circumstances when internet is not readily available or very expensive.  Design Studio is still worth having even with the "quirks" but it could be great if just a little more attention was given to fixing a few of the problems so we wouldn't have to do so many "workarounds" to get the desired results.

Why don't I like the Gypsy?

I don't dislike the Gypsy, but I do find that it doesn't do some of the things that I can do in Design Studio such as color previews to help plan a project.  I can see very well when I zoom in but the small screen makes it impossible to get a clear preview of a full page design as a whole.  I find it tiresome to tap and tap from screen to screen to do something that I can do in a few keystrokes on my computer (such as entering a new height and width).

Many of the things that people love about the Gypsy (saving paper, planning a full page at once, previewing the contents of cartridges) are the same things I like about Design Studio.  The portability is not an issue for me - I don't spend a lot of time in situations where I am waiting around for kids or appointments and I have a laptop so it is easy for me to connect to my Cricut and cut.

I do like the storage of the cartridges in the Gypsy.  I never minded plugging in the cartridges (and I try to design using as few cartridges as possible) but it is handy to take them with you in the Gypsy instead of bringing individual cartridges along on a trip.   I wish that it would be possible to cut from Design Studio with the Gypsy plugged in as a "mega-Jukebox" without needing to convert and move files to cut my designs.

What do I think about the CraftRoom...

I was able to do some testing of the new CraftRoom and it has a lot of potential.  The main drawback is the need to be online to use it.  I also wonder if it will be able to keep up with large numbers of users online at the same time.  Lots of the improvements and changes suggested by testers have been incorporated and it continues to get better.  Working with the Imagine colors and patterns is really a lot of fun and it adds some of the things that are not possible with the Imagine alone, such as scaling of the patterns when filling shapes of various sizes.

I haven't had particularly good luck while testing and have found that things bog down frequently.  I haven't been using it lately so there may be some more improvements that I am unaware of.  I do not know when it will be available to everyone and I hope that it is truly ready when it is fully released - it is definitely worth waiting longer to get something that lives up to the potential instead of being frustrated by a program that doesn't work as promised.

Cartridges  "missing"  from Design Studio

Several time a week someone asks why a certain cartridge is not in their Design Studio program.  It is important to update the program every time a new set of cartridges is added.  Right now, the program is current up to the March "Hello Thursday" cartridges.  If you go to THIS POST, you will see the information about updating by downloading ind installing the font pack.  For some reason, the download page has not been changed to reflect the cartridges added since last November.  You need to click on the download link to see the number on the update.  The most recent version number was V110308 and we are waiting for the update for the April cartridges.

If you are missing an older cartridge, it is possible that you do not have the most recent version of the software installed.  There hasn't been a program update since May, 2010 and the current version is 1.0.40422.0 (you can check this in the "Help" menu by clicking on "About").  If your cartridge is from earlier than May, 2010, but not one of the original cartridges, it would have been rolled into the program update. 

To download updates, go to the Cricut.com site the "check for updates" in the program does not work.  Here is a LINK to the page - you will need to sign in to the Cricut.com site to get access to the update page.

New Cuttlebug System

I had a reader tell me that she had purchased and returned the new Cuttlebug All-in-One system because she had trouble with the paper puckering and leaving marks around the embossed areas.  I tried these at the ProvoCraft booth at CHA and this didn't seem to be a problem but it was just a quick demo so I don't have the experience with these to be able to help with a solution.

There is a video on the Cricut Blog (click HERE) where Kristy demonstrates how to use the system, however, she embosses papers that are the same size as the plates, so the problem would not be evident.  Has anyone else used these folders and can you offer any advice - thanks!

Well - that turned into a very wordy post - so here is a photo for comic relief!  These are my bugs in a bucket from the Cricut Cruise - I think you can use the photo as wallpaper for your phone if you are so inclined!

(the butterflies at the top of this post are something I'll be writing about in a few days - aren't they pretty!)

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A favorite file converted for Gypsy users.

A couple of years ago I designed some cards that I called "stair step" cards.  There is another completely different style of card called a "stair step" card that I was not familiar with at the time (I might have chosen a different name if I knew it could cause confusion!).  I have recently had several requests for these files in the .gypsy format so I converted the file for the card above and test cut it tonight.  This card uses the Alphalicious font and either George or Plantin Schoolbook (there are two separate files for the base card).

Here is a LINK to the post where I first shared this card.  These cards are fun to make and there are so many variations that are possible starting from the basic card.  With a little imagination you can make this style of card for any occasion.

This was one of the first stairstep cards I did and you can read more about it at THIS POST.  A blog reader and message board friend sent me an image of a card she wanted to try to make and I figured out a way to cut something similar with the Cricut.  Once I got started it was fun to try all sorts of different ideas and I developed the double stairstep card idea and used fonts with a stencil version to cut words into the "steps."

This is another variation of the card - here is a LINK to the original post.

I have converted the two files and tested the base card cut for the "happy happy" card.  Please let me know if you need one of the other variations and I will try to convert and test cut those for posting as well.  I am happy to share my files for personal use.  Please respect my terms in the left side column and do not convert my files and post or distribute them on a blog, group, post on a messageboard, etc.  They are also not to be used for contests or claimed as your original work for publication submissions.

We are still busy with holiday events and I get a lot of email everyday.  Today was the last day our older son was here with us - he flies to Mexico tomorrow.  If you send me a message and don't hear back right away it is entirely possible that your message was not seen so please try again if you are looking for some help or an answer to a question.  I do my best to answer all messages but it can be difficult to keep up, especially at busy times of the year.

If you want to be included in the random draw for the set of ProMarkers from Letraset please be sure to leave your comment on the original post at THIS LINK.  These are the only comments that will be included  - one comment per person please.

Double Stairstep Happy Happy (George)
Double Stairstep Happy Happy (Plantin Schoolbook)


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Variation on the "Stained Glass" card (with .gypsy and .cut files)

I made another card with my test cut of the gypsy file for this card.  When I converted the file to a gypsy file and loaded it on my gypsy there was one "glitch" - the images for the opening in the liner did not stay welded.  I am not cure why this would be but you should be sure to check the file in preview carefully before you cut.  It won't ruin the card but you won't have the "extra" pieces to play with for another project.  You may also need to change the mat size to suit your Cricut.

Here is the card base I cut with the Gypsy - looks just like the card from yesterday but it is blue this time!

The liner works perfectly - you do need to be sure to line it up to see which direction it fits best.

I decided to try something different in place of the tissue paper I used on the first card.  Whenever I get a new Cricut cartridge, I carefully cut off the clamshell packaging and trim the flat pieces from the top and bottom.  I have stacks of these (a result of too much cartridge shopping!).

I have been keeping up with the Tim Holtz "12 Tags of Christmas" so I was itching to get out some inks and play a little.  (If you haven't been following this series you owe it to yourself to go HERE and take a look - fair warning, you may be on his site for hours!).  I got out these three bottles of alcohol ink - sail boat blue and the silver and pearl mixatives.

I dotted the three inks on a felt pad on the wooden tool.  Then I "sponged" the ink all over the piece of plastic packaging until I had the coverage and shimmer that I liked.

I had the two cut out pieces in white cardstock from the card liners so I also experimented with these. 

On one I did a similar sponging effect and for the second I smoothed the ink to get a more solid effect.

I decided that the smooth effect was a bit boring so I got out the blending solution and added some to the felt pad.

I did some more dabbing and sponging and produced this effect.  I was really just having fun trying things and would love to spend an entire afternoon just "messing around" with inks - maybe after the holidays!

Here are my two "extra" pieces, ready to use on another project.  (I have an idea in mind and you will probably see these very soon...).

Back to the card...I trimmed the inked plastic to fit the card just like I trimmed the tissue paper for the other card.

Here you can see the light shining through the card before I added any embellishments.

The effect on the inside of the card is fairly dramatic.

I chose to put the inked side facing to the front of the card so the inside is very shiny.  You can place the plastic whichever way you like - both sides are shiny but one is a smooth shiny and the othe is more textured from the ink.

I added some pearls to the front of the card - I just love blue and white together.  I used gradient gem stickers in pearl from Creative Charms - they come with three sizes on the same sheet so it is easy to get this effect.

I had a question yesterday about the liner for the card - this photo shows the way it is attached a bit better.  I only adhere the liner to the front of the card where it is sandwiching the tissue paper or plastic.  By leaving the back part free the card will open and close easily.

So there you have it - another variation on the same card - and the files to share.  Remember to check the Gypsy file before you cut it to be sure that the opening in the liner is welded so you will get the one piece cutout.

Pierced Ornament Card - .cut
Pierced Ornament Card - .gypsy

 If you download the files I'd love to see your variations on the card.

I have been working on a few things - one is a new series for Scrappy-Go-Lucky that will be starting at the end of the week.  My "evil twin" Okie and I are also busy with some ProMarker projects and you won't want to miss what we have to share!

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Happy Christmas Card (and update reminder)

 

I tried doing a little more with the Imagine this weekend.  I updated my machine so now I can print full pages and cache patterns from one cartridge to use on images from another cartridge.  I haven't printed a full page yet but I did have some fun moving patterns from one cartridge to images on another cartridge.

This frame is from the Imagine More cartridge.  On the left the two layers are both filled with papers from the Imagine More cartridge - the lower frame is as it appears on the cartridge and I changed the fill on the oval ring.  On the right are the same two shapes which have been filled with papers from the Snow Angel cartridge.

To cache a pattern, you simply insert the cartridge that has the pattern you want and choose an image to edit.  When the patterns appear, you select the one you want and hold the stylus down until a box pops up that says "cache pattern."  Click on the box and the hourglass will show for ten seconds or so.   Then you can check at the end of the pattern and colors bar - the cached pattern will be in a section at the far right beyond the colors.  If you want to cache a pattern from a color and pattern cart, just choose one of the images built in to the machine to edit to make the patterns appear.

 Here, I used a pattern from Imagine More in the stocking on Snow Angel - the original design is on the left and the "repatterned" stocking is on the right.

I also cached patterns from Kate's Kitchen and altered the poinsettia on Snow Angel by adding new patterns.  You will notice that the top layer is flood filled and the center details are eliminated.  I wish we could decide how the layers will break apart instead of being "stuck" with the pre-determined layering on the cartridges.

I tried filling some shapes from my original cartridges - this is the teacup card from A Child's Year filled with a pattern from the Snow Angel cartridge.

I added one of the snowflake cuts from Snow Angel to the teacup - now it is truly ready to be a holiday tea party invitation!  I might just add a bit of bling to finish this.

 To get back to the card at the tops of this post - I made a holiday card that is a bit untraditional in color.  The Christmas tree is, once again, from the Snow Angel cartridge (I really like nearly all of the art on this cartridge).

I added a very wide ribbon on a darker blue mat layer cut a 3 3/4 x 5 inches.  I placed the ribbon diagonally across the mat and simply taped it to the back of the mat before layering.

The sentiment on the front of the card is a silver "peel-off" - I like that it says "Happy" Christmas instead of "Merry" because it reminds me of our years in England where Happy Christmas is the more common phrase you would hear.

I added a few gem stickers to the tree to make it sparkle like a tree with lights.

The scalloped oval is one of the shapes that are built in to the Imagine machine.  Unfortunately, mine is cutting very "wonky" scallops and I need to see if there is a reset option that might help fix this.

You can make a very similar card without the Imagine - I know that many of my readers do not have this machine and may not get it anytime soon due to the expense of the machine, and cartridges and ink.  I think there are some interesting possibilities with this machine, particularly once some of the improvements that have been requested are added.

Just a few more notes...

There are updates for Design Studio and the Gypsy which add the newest cartridges (the second set of winter seasonals and the new Lites that will be out at Walmart for Black Friday).  There is also a new full font cartridge called "Classic Font" which will be bundled with the Walmart Black Friday Expression machine (this year there are four new color choices for the machine).

To update your Design Studio, go to this LINK and download the font pack.  You will need to be signed in to the site in order to download the update.  Be sure to save the file to your desktop and then run it.  To update your Gypsy you will need to use the new Cricut Sync program.  If you haven't already downloaded it, you can find it HERE.  Don't be confused by the information about the Imagine, you will now need to use Cricut Sync to update both the Gypsy and the Imagine.

Several people have asked me to put a voting reminder with a link to the contest in each blog post until the contest is over.  There are only two days left in the contest for the Cricut Cruise and I thank everyone who has been voting for my layout.  If you click this picture of the layout it should take you to the voting page.  You have to wait 24 hours between votes so if it says "I voted" on the page, please try again later in the day.

Thanks to everyone who has been voting.  I am glad that the contest will soon be over.  I really do appreciate your support and I have been touched by all of the lovely comments and compliments on my page.

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