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September 29, 2010

Follow On Facebook!

Yea!!! I had some encouragement to set up a facebook account for SweetSassyDiva.  Here it is! 




SweetSassyDiva

Promote Your Page Too


Thank you to those that helped me. :)

Also, I hope that you will follow me there as well as my blog. If you are on email subscription, click the link on the upper left hand side of your email on the google button.  It is where it says...


SweetSassyDiva

and a 'google' button.

I will be back to my posting self soon and hope you will also share your projects that you are working on.  What crafty or scrappy items are you working on?

September 24, 2010

Save!!!! Enter to Win Because I Care!

Who does not like coupons!!!!

A special to all my FRIENDS!!!

Stamp It On!

is offering 10% off any order of $25 or more (pre-tax and shipping) If you use this in the clearance section, that is REALLY maximizing your savings!



to all my friends!

After you place your order!  Just click on the 'contact me' button and enter your order number and use this code: SAVESSD.  You will then be refunded the 10% discount (pre-tax and shipping) after you receive your order.  Or contact me at sassysweetdiva@aol.com to place an order. 

Click here to save on your craft supplies today!




Plus, on top of the 10% you be entered into a drawing to win the Because I care hostess stamp set.  One entry per $25 purchase.  (ie if your pre-tax and shipping order is $75, you would receive 3 tickets into the drawing).  Winner will be announced October 18th, 2010.

This card is not in the drawing but, is just one example of what you can make with the Because I care hostess stamp set.


Here are the stamp images:



And check this out, How to Save on Groceries!!!! This was on the new Nate show but, honestly, I have been using this for a long time.   http://t.co/KnIYOH4  That leaves more money for crafting!!!! WIN! WIN!!

What sites do you use to save BIG on Groceries?

Did you know that you can also send your expired coupons to help the military families? Sure you can....coupons that are up to 6 months past the expiration date can be used by the military families. Click here for details and addresses!

Save more on Groceries.....more to spend on our Crafts! :)

September 22, 2010

Free Craft Tote Promotion!


Free Craft Tote Promotion


Don't let this tote-ally awesome opportunity pass you by!
While supplies last, receive a FREE craft tote--a $39.95 value--when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator! Contact me for details!  This is my September Special! 

Imagine sharing your love of Stampin' Up! with this stylish and practical tote, patterned after our Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper and large enough to carry 12" x 12" card stock (Especially WHITE paper for your new toy!) and a Paper Cutter, as well as punches, ink pads, and accessories. And with two Starter Kits* to choose from--Standard and Digital+--at a new lower price, there's never been a better time to join the Stampin' Up! family.





If you are on email subscription, Click Here! To see a video of this Awesome bag!  Contact me today before the supplies are gone!  Or sign up today online by clicking here! The password is "stampiton". 

You cannot buy this bag separately.  This is the gorgeous bag from Convention! 

If you have any Stampin' Up! needs, please click here!  Do not use the other links that might appear for Stampin' Up! Use this webstore at http://stampiton.stampinup.net.  Any others are NOT endorsed by me. 

Be sure to use Stampin' Up! paper from the stampiton webstore to get the best!  The RGB codes might bring you to the color but, printed on paper other than Stampin' Up! is not the same quality.  Print your RGB codes on the high quality 80 lb paper!  Available in textured and smooth.

September 21, 2010

French Manor and Life is a Beach Layout!


Be sure to check out my sister blog that I also design on called Tuesday's Treats.  The link is on the right hand side of my blog.  You can see more information on the layout that Mila created using Life is a Beach and the Cricut Circle exclusive cartridge French Manor.  Just click on the 'Tuesdays Treats Designer' button on the right hand side of my blog. 

If you signed up for the Cricut Circle during this open referral enrollment period, you will receive the French Manor cartridge in your welcome package. 

I hope you are having a great crafty day! 






September 20, 2010

Nifty Fifties

For those following my blog, will recall that they saw a sneak peek of some cuts from this from CHA.  Here it is and soon to be released.





This is an original cartridge not an imagine cartridge.

NOTE: if you signed up for email subscriptions of my blog and do not want to receive them, please click on the bottom of the email where it says "To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now."  You just click on the hyperlink "unsubscribe now".  As you subscribed to my email so, too can you unsubscribe at any time.  I hope this clears up any confusion. 


September 18, 2010

Circle Invite

Did you see this?.....

All Cricut Circle members will receive an additional Imagine Cartridge after they purchase the Imagine via HSN on or before 9/14/2010.

This is the exclusive circle Imagine cartridge available in the rebate:




The Cricut Circle by Provo Craft is a select community of Cricut enthusiasts. Cricut owners are the most creative, passionate, social, and fun-loving people on the plant — and you have been personally invited to join the Circle by one of your friends.

As a new member, you will have access to exclusive content and information, including:

All Cricut Circle members will receive an additional Imagine Cartridge after they purchase the Imagine via HSN on 9/14/2010.

Four exclusive cartridges a year — one each quarter starting with French Manor...ONLY available to Cricut Circle members.

do you remember european decor?  well this cartridge is not available but..........this......

was changed from a solutions cart into a full cartridge!

It is now called French Manor and is a circle exclusive cart.  The only way to get it is to join the cricut circle now.





This is the NEW Circle exclusive original cartridge that will ship to Circle Members in November!  Shall We Dance....



Special buying privileges like rebates, monthly coupons, and opportunities to buy other exclusive products for your Cricut, from friends and partners of Provo Craft

Extra reward points and special cricut.com discounts

A members-only bracelet with an exclusive Cricut Circle charm

A special Cricut Circle Community that has come together through an exclusive Cricut Circle forum on Cricut.com

Inspiration and education from exclusive Cricut Circle webinars, swarms, meet-ups, and events

A fun Cricut Circle blog and a monthly project-inspired online magazine to fill your mind with ideas galore


I used the exclusive cartridge in some cards and you can click here to see Bright Layout!


Have you joined?

Did you see this?.....



The Cricut Circle by Provo Craft is a select community of Cricut enthusiasts. Cricut owners are the most creative, passionate, social, and fun-loving people on the plant — and you have been personally invited to join the Circle by one of your friends.

As a new member, you will have access to exclusive content and information, including:

All Cricut Circle members will receive an additional Imagine Cartridge after they purchase the Imagine via HSN on 9/14/2010. 
Four exclusive cartridges a year — one each quarter starting with French Manor...ONLY available to Cricut Circle members.

Special buying privileges like rebates, monthly coupons, and opportunities to buy other exclusive products for your Cricut, from friends and partners of Provo Craft

Extra reward points and special cricut.com discounts

A members-only bracelet with an exclusive Cricut Circle charm

A special Cricut Circle Community that has come together through an exclusive Cricut Circle forum on Cricut.com

Inspiration and education from exclusive Cricut Circle webinars, swarms, meet-ups, and events

A fun Cricut Circle blog and a monthly project-inspired online magazine to fill your mind with ideas galore


I used the exclusive cartridge in some cards and you can click here to see Bright Layout!

September 16, 2010

Guided Tour of the Cricut Imagine!

Guided Tours

Click on the above link to see the guided tour of the Cricut Imagine!  This is what is included on the DVD in the Cricut Imagine box.  This way you can become familar with it while it is on it's way.  If you bought it at before or during the launch, see below for the HSN/Circle offer to receive a Lori's Garden Imagine Cartridge.

I have some more information, pictures and projects that I shared with you this week. Please become a follower of my blog if you have not done so already. Be sure to check back for new projects and posts. Also, be sure to check past posts for more information, projects, pictures and etc.


Note: All Cricut Circle members will receive an additional Imagine Cartridge after they purchase the Imagine via HSN on or before 9/14/2010.

September 15, 2010

Cricut Imagine Projects

I have some pictures to share with you of some projects made on the Cricut Imagine. These pictures were taken by me and were some of the items that Provocraft were showcasing the Cricut Imagine at the trade show.  There are also some more close up pictures on another post earlier this week. 


There is a special for those that purchased the Imagine during the launch 9/14. Don't miss out!!!!  You will receive an additional Cricut Imagine cartridge Lori's Garden.  Click here to see more projects and Lori's Garden! The details of how to redeem will be on the circle messageboard.  It will cost $7.95 for shipping on the cartridge. 


On a separate note, I hope that you will become a follower of my blog if you have not become one already.  Also, be sure to check out my archive posts from this week as well as those from July on the Imagine.  I have a lot of information including videos. 

If you go on the upper right hand side of my blog and type 'imagine' in the search feature, it will pull up a list of links that you can see more information on the imagine.  Then, you can click on them to see the post and video.  


The imagine is 24.3" wide x 13.4" deep x 6.8".  Where are you putting that bad boy?!
oops! the box is big too!!! lol

I cannot wait to see what you all make with it! It is one thing to see the Provocraft designers but, I love seeing what everyone here makes too. There are so many talented crafters following my blog.  I hope you will share your photos with us. 


Now....on to some more pictures designed by Provocraft....











Please share yours....

Please share your Imagine projects here! 

I have the linky post below.....

September 13, 2010

Imagine Projects

I have some pictures to share with you of some projects made on the Cricut Imagine.  These pictures were taken by me and were some of the items that Provocraft were showcasing the Cricut Imagine at the trade show. 

Sign up for the Cricut Circle.  Time is running out so, be sure to sign up!  There is a special for those buying the Imagine during the launch 9/14.  Don't miss out!!!!  More details at the end of this posting. 

This project is using Kate's Kitchen and you can see that the interior cuts of the chef are cut out.










The above Kate's Kitchen project was a photo I took at CHA in Chicago to show everyone the detail and what could be done on this machine.

The following use the Imagine More cartridge. 















 


In the Upper Left side, is the project using Kate's Kitchen and working your way clockwise is a layout with Imagine More followed by JT and another using Imagine More.




Here are some cute pillows made with the Imagine and canvas using the Best Friends Imagine Cartridge.







Here are a few close up shots of some cute projects using Nursery Tails.









 Also, I have instructional step-by-step directions and pictures making a scrapbook layout with the Cricut Imagine More Cartridge.  Click here to see Peekaboo layout!

Here are some more close up shots of projects using various Cricut Imagine cartridges.  Can you identify which ones?



This is the side view of the apron project. 







What are your favorite projects?  What are your favorite Imagine cartridges?

I have some more information, pictures and projects that I will be sharing with you this week.  Also, be sure to check the archives from this week as well as in July for more Imagine information and videos. 


Lori's Garden Imagine cartridge.  What can you Imagine?
I am not a Provocraft blogger nor am I an employee of Provocraft.  The information on my blog is from my own experiences and observations.  Like other content on my blog, please feel free to link back to the blog.  However, please do not take the pictures, ideas, content or such to your blog, messageboard, contest or such.  Please share the url or link back to this site.  You can also use the buttons below this post to share on your facebook, twitter account or to blog about it on your own blog.

As always, positive feedback is VERY welcome!  I hope you enjoy my blog and your visit to my virtual home if you will.  I hope that you will be a gracious guest and leave positive comments.  It helps to encourage the efforts that go into extending an invitation for another visit.  Plus, it does take away time from my family and a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into this.  :grin: 

September 12, 2010

Cricut Imagine with Original Cartridge Toy Story!

I recorded this demo in July at Cha in Chicago.  Yes, it is me doing the demo.  Ok...I am no Jinger! lol  Here I am showing you the Cricut Imagine with the Original Cartridge Toy Story.  I also show how to fill the original cartridges with color using the Cricut Imagine. 



If you are following my blog through email subscription, you will need to come to the blog to view the video.  I demonstrate how to flood fill the cartridges and also how you can cut cartridges as you do on the regular cricut without adding ink.

You must insert the mat as I do in the video regardless of which method (cut, cut and print or print) you chose with the Imagine.

I have some more information, pictures and projects that I will be sharing with you this week. Please become a follower of my blog if you have not done so already. Be sure to check back for new projects and posts. Also, be sure to check past posts for more information, projects, pictures and etc.

I am not a Provocraft blogger nor am I an employee of Provocraft. The information on my blog is from my own experiences and observations. Like other content on my blog, please feel free to link back to the blog. However, please do not take the pictures, ideas, content or such to your blog, messageboard, contest or such. Please share the url or link back to this site. You can also use the buttons below this post to share on your facebook, twitter account or to blog about it on your own blog.

As always, positive feedback is VERY welcome! I hope you enjoy my blog and your visit to my virtual home if you will. I hope that you will be a gracious guest and leave positive comments. It helps to encourage the efforts that go into extending an invitation for another visit. Plus, it does take away time from my family and a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into this. :grin:

September 11, 2010

Imagine More Continued.....

Please check the other posts that I have made on the Cricut Imagine this week as well as the archives.  This is a continuation from prior posts in an attempt to answers some of the questions that I received on the Provocraft Cricut Imagine. These answers are from the information that I gathered at CHA in Chicago in demos, presentations, hands-on and by asking many questions of the Engineers at Provocraft. A lot of time and energy went into this and the information is based on the capabilities at launch.

So......This brings us to ink. The Imagine will still work if either or both the ink cartridges run out of ink. That being said I don’t think you want to print something if your color is out but, you can for sure cut. Or if one of the RGB colors is out, you can print using one of the other two colors. Remember it is like an HP ink jet printer. If the image you want to print has the color you are out of it will either not print at all for example, you have black text and you are out of black, black won’t print. If you are printing something red but, are out of green or blue, it will still print the red. If you have a color that requires some of all three RGB colors, your color will be off.

Even if the ink runs out, you can select Cut only and it will cut the images regardless of the level of ink.

Let's explore the Menu of the Imagine.  As you can see in the picture below, there are three buttons.



The first is the fun part!  This is where you can print, print & cut or cut.  This is where you select your images, create...design....you get the idea. 

The second is settings which we will explore next.  The third is about which is your eula and such.

So after you click settings, you will get the following screen.




As you can see in the settings, on the lower left hand side, there are indicators that tell your ink levels. This also is where you can clean your print heads although this is done automatically as needed as well.

You can check the levels of ink before you print a project. You can see this in my videos as well.

The Imagine uses Vivara ink. I do not know the standing on the Wilhelm report or if there is even a Wilhelm report for this ink. If you have the information on the rating of the Imagine ink, please leave me a comment with the information and a link to the ratings.  It uses a black cr12 HP cartridge and the color cartridge is a tri-color cartridge cr12. It will retail for $34.99 and $39.99 respectively. The cartridges will be available where the machines are sold. As the Imagine is part dye ink jet printer, it will clean the heads as needed and it does use ink to do so. This is done automatically or as you can see in the above printer there is a button that you can also tell it to clean them.

There is a setting for paper type on this same screen.  As you can see below, if you click on the down arrow on the third drop down from the top, it gives you three choices.  You can choose Glossy, Matte or Vinyl. 



The second drop down, allows you to adjust the print quality.  You can chose Best, Normal or Draft quality.


There is not an ink saver mode where portions of a layered image that will not show are devoid of color. Perhaps, this can be done with the Gypsy with some finessing. I sure hope that Provocraft adds that if it is not there at launch.

The first drop down is again where you have another option to select print & cut, print only, or cut only.




On the lower right hand side, you will find cut settings.  The first is multi-cut, followed by speed and pressure. 

In the middle of the screen, you see a square rainbow.  This is where you can click to enter into the define color menu.  Or while you are creating the project and selecting a paper to use as you see below, you can click the rainbow square to access the same menu.


Both will take you to the following screen:


Here you can select a Basic Color listed in the colored squares on the upper left hand side.  You can also take your stylus and move it anywhere on the Large circle and create your own custom colors to use.  I show more about this in my video demo. 

On the lower left hand side you see Red, Green and Blue with numbers to the right of them.





You can enter the RGB (red, green, blue) values and create any color imaginable!

After you enter the value or create your own color using the color wheel, click the green apply arrow.  This is in the lower right hand side as you see below.


That will add the custom color to your palette to select from.  Don't worry, I will show you in my video.


As you see above, you can also select your cut size.  It is +/- button with a value of 2.7 above.  You can adjust the size up or down depending on your needs.  I go more into depth on this in my video demo. 

As for compatibility with third party re-inking solutions, I do not see why they would not be able to do so. However, my opinion is that the quality suffers as the print heads are in the ink cartridges and by refilling them you are not changing the print heads.  Definitely keep the empty cartridges because you just never know about the ability to fill them at a later date IF it is not available immediately. 

I was assured by Provocraft that the projects that you create on the Imagine with the ink are archival quality. Of course that depends on the material you are using in conjunction with it. If it is not acid free, they do sell a number of products on the market that help preserve the paper and eliminate or reduce the acid content if you have a question on an item that you add to your project. One is Archival Mist and a more economical product is Kryon. I do not believe that they will aid in water proofing but, do tackle any concerns with acid in paper. There are other sprays on the market that you can use to assist with waterproofing your projects. .

The Imagine will have 12 art cartridges at launch…….the machine will come with an Imagine cartridge that has designer color palettes to coordinate with the images on the cartridge. You also will always have the option of using the colors from a color palette or entering in the RGB codes if you are looking to match a specific color.  They will also add 12 color and pattern cartridges. 

Again we discussed how you can do that earlier in this post.  You can enter the RGB code in the lower left hand side as you see below. 





They will be adding the ability to add the imagine colors and play with the color palettes linked on your Gypsy.  At launch, you can mix the patterns from an Imagine cart to an original cartridge directly on the Imagine.  The original cartridges go on the left and you can use a jukebox with it.  On the right you insert the Imagine cartridges.  I was told that the Gypsy will be updated 9/13 but, they did not share what exact functionality will be added in time for launch.  BUT...You do not NEED a Gypsy to operate the Imagine. 

And don't forget you can select your own custom colors or for example, you have designer chips that will tell you the RGB formula for a color you can enter those for color matching. You can see this in my video demo as well. 

While it will not have abilities at launch to print journaling like a word publishing program and/or cut a shape around it, you could use the fonts available and fill it with color or black and use a Gypsy to design it. It would be similar to what you can do with the Gypsy now minus coloring in the middle and no hassle of changing out the blade housing unit for markers.

With the Imagine, you are not able to move the placement of the images on the mat like you can with design studio or the Gypsy. However, it is a step up from the Expression that you can preview and see where the images will print.





You will be able to use the Gypsy with the Imagine and this will give you the ability to place images and more. You are not able to weld images on the Imagine. The Gypsy will give you more options. At launch time, you cannot print out Tinkerbell etc, in one layer with all her colors because it is an original cartridge. I do not know if they will add this ability.  I sure did tell the Engineers that we would love that option as well.  You can print out a single layer with the new Imagine cartridges though. They have a doll image that you see in the professional video that is complete with painted face but, Tink still will need some tlc that only you can give her to bring her to life.

It will allow you to merge traditional cartridges with the Imagine cartridges. You can color fill in the original cartridges with the RGB or Imagine colors. Also, the Imagine does make interior cuts just like the Expression. I posted some of these on Tuesday on my blog. 

While the Imagine cartridges come with set images and colors pre-filled, you can change these colors if you want or go with what the artist chose for the element.


Here you can see the same item printed flat in three versions. One how the artist chose it and two others with different colors and patterns. While these are shown flat, you can also chose to print them in layers and use pop dots to add dimension. On the Owl himself, you can print a shadow, flat composition and even his wings. Then, add some dimensional and you have a beautiful layered owl to jazz up your project.



I also love how the layers can be printed flat or blow apart to be layered.



I spoke with the Engineers about the creep factor (how the cuts are less accurate at the opposite end of the page from the blade starting point) on the Expression about whether this has been corrected on the Imagine. It seems the Imagine is the same as the Expression on this which is within a millimeter tolerance on each side.
They estimated that you would be able to print approximately 50 full sheets of 11.25 x 11.25 inches with the cartridge.  The black is acid-free and the color is 99% acid-free according to the presentations which are viewable on my blog.  I believe they estimate that if you printed a full 11.25 x 11.25 sheet, not a bunch of little cuts on a page, that it would cost about $0.80 per sheet.  (Note: at CHA I was told 11.5" square but, I see info now that it is 11.25".)

You will also be able to print on printable vinyl and they also used canvas to make some dolls. 

You will also be able to buy different color options of the 'shoulder pads' on the Imagine.  So, like the gypsy has a selection of covers, the Imagine will be able to switch out the touches of color.

The Imagine will be launched on September 14th but, will not be an exclusive. They will then be released to other retailers and I do not have any further details as to how they will roll them out. This bad boy is about 28 pounds and is rather large at 24.5” x 13.5” x 7” so, his portability is not as easy as a baby bug. In addition, it is not recommended to move a printer a lot as it can affect the registration and such. I would not want to take him to crops but, he sure makes a good argument for staying in for a date night.
I have some more information, pictures and projects that I will be sharing with you this week. Please become a follower of my blog if you have not done so already. Be sure to check back for new projects and posts.  Also, be sure to check past posts for more information, projects, pictures and etc. 

I am not a Provocraft blogger nor am I an employee of Provocraft. The information on my blog is from my own experiences and observations. Like other content on my blog, please feel free to link back to the blog. However, please do not take the pictures, ideas, content or such to your blog, messageboard, contest or such. Please share the url or link back to this site. You can also use the buttons below this post to share on your facebook, twitter account or to blog about it on your own blog.

As always, positive feedback is VERY welcome! I hope you enjoy my blog and your visit to my virtual home if you will. I hope that you will be a gracious guest and leave positive comments. It helps to encourage the efforts that go into extending an invitation for another visit. Plus, it does take away time from my family and a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into this. :grin: