Page 56 - Cricut Chatter #3

cloetzu · 12-03-2008, 08:45 AM

Hi Ladies, I just posted this on the main Tool & Product Talk thread but thought I'd also cross post here since I also 'asked' about it here...

************************************************** ***
I just got off the phone with Cricut... I asked if it HAD to be the ORIGINAL receipt (i.e. to send in to get the 2 free carts) I was told that it HAD TO BE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT. I mentioned that my concern was that something might happen to the machine and I wouldn't be able to return it to Walmart with a photocopied receipt - the lady told me that the machine was warrantied by Cricut for 1 year (which is better then what Walmart covers them for or their return policy of 90 days max) so if anything happened all I had to do was call them and send them the photocopy. They would in turn send me a new machine at no cost.

So I have to keep a photocopy of the receipt for myself (just in case needed) but there was no way around not sending them the original if I wanted to free carts.

Scrapjanny · 12-03-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell

FYI ... you can download the new update to the DS if you need it .... It adds Tinker Bell, Cars, etc.....

It SAYS that the last update was August 08, but it is actually the new version. Don't forget to uninstall the old version before you update.

Here - http://www.cricut.com/cds/update.aspx

I was just going to post the same thing.

pjw2855 · 12-03-2008, 02:52 PM

There is a new update to the Design Studio. It gives so much more flexability for cutting things now. I did the updates to both my computers this morning.

Patti

Scrapjanny · 12-04-2008, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjw2855

There is a new update to the Design Studio. It gives so much more flexability for cutting things now. I did the updates to both my computers this morning.

Patti

Could you explain the added features? All that is different, besides the new cartridges, seems to be that when you click on an image, the outline turns red. Then what do you do? I didn't see any explanation on Cricut.com. Maybe I just need to look harder.

Thanks.

cloetzu · 12-04-2008, 06:29 AM

I read somethign about that but can't find the source - basically if you click on the image and it turns red then left click and a little window comes up then you can pick ignore and it won't cut that piece....I'll keep looking for the source that has pictures but this link lists the 'new' feautres: http://everythingcricut.blogspot.com...08-cricut.html just scroll down a bit to read them.

I also found this http://just-a-scrappin.blogspot.com/...know-this.html

pjw2855 · 12-04-2008, 09:26 AM

Scrapjanny.....I got the information for using the new features of the Design Studio in an e-mail from someone. I don't know where she got it. I haven't seen any explanation on the Cricut website nor the video to explain these new features.

What cloetzu is saying sounds about right. But that's all I know. I can't verify the information on the website cloetzu is including though.

I would suggest you just play around with the Design Studio to see what you can get the program to do that's different. What I've discovered in sitting down to it for a few hours is more than can be explained here.

Patti

RiverIsis · 12-04-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloetzu

Hi Ladies, I just posted this on the main Tool & Product Talk thread but thought I'd also cross post here since I also 'asked' about it here...

************************************************** ***
I just got off the phone with Cricut... I asked if it HAD to be the ORIGINAL receipt (i.e. to send in to get the 2 free carts) I was told that it HAD TO BE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT. I mentioned that my concern was that something might happen to the machine and I wouldn't be able to return it to Walmart with a photocopied receipt - the lady told me that the machine was warrantied by Cricut for 1 year (which is better then what Walmart covers them for or their return policy of 90 days max) so if anything happened all I had to do was call them and send them the photocopy. They would in turn send me a new machine at no cost.

So I have to keep a photocopy of the receipt for myself (just in case needed) but there was no way around not sending them the original if I wanted to free carts.

Well I am thankful I only got donuts and the Cricut on my receipt!

If I had a lot of purchases on a receipt I would be tempted to go back to customer services and see if they could print me another receipt etc.

Thanks for getting the information!

3girls1guy · 12-04-2008, 01:43 PM

Yea- still no call or email from Provo- pretty disappointing-

I was afraid it would be ORIGINAL RECEIPT ONLY! Which sucks- i have a printer, my father inlaws digital Camera, a GPS system and the Cricut all on that receipt.

I did go back to walmart - told her the whole thing- she tried for 30 minutes- all she could do was basically copy it on a printout- so no different than me.

I wish ProvoCraft could at least send back the original after they verified that it was legit.

Shell · 12-04-2008, 04:00 PM

FYI ... I'm really loving the ability to 'hide' certain lines when I cut. It's an EXCELLENT feature to add.

Now ...... if we could only get them to add 'select all' or multi-select.

Shell · 12-04-2008, 05:07 PM

Has anyone else noticed the little cross-hairs that allow us to center images inside other images???? Cool. I think I like the new version.

Felie68 · 12-04-2008, 06:50 PM

I haven't posted in a while, but I've been lurking.

Does anyone know if the DS will EVER come out for Macs? I've e-mailed Cricut Support twice, but I've never gotten an answer. I feel like I'm missing out on so much by not having it.

craftexplorer · 12-04-2008, 07:04 PM

I am not sure of this, but in reading some of these threads I understand that there is a program that can be purchased for Mac that will enable the user to use programs designed for Windows. I am very interested in seeing this discussion as I am saving for a Mac.

cloetzu · 12-05-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3girls1guy

Yea- still no call or email from Provo- pretty disappointing-

I was afraid it would be ORIGINAL RECEIPT ONLY! Which sucks- i have a printer, my father inlaws digital Camera, a GPS system and the Cricut all on that receipt.

I did go back to walmart - told her the whole thing- she tried for 30 minutes- all she could do was basically copy it on a printout- so no different than me.

I wish ProvoCraft could at least send back the original after they verified that it was legit.

How about going back to Walmart with your cricut - explain the situation to them then ask if you could return the cricut and then repurchase it right there on the spot. they may do that.

I haven't read anywhere of any confirmation of the SASE working - but if someone wants to know for sure just call cricut.

lindsaymay · 12-05-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felie68

I haven't posted in a while, but I've been lurking.

Does anyone know if the DS will EVER come out for Macs? I've e-mailed Cricut Support twice, but I've never gotten an answer. I feel like I'm missing out on so much by not having it.

They are missing the boat there! but you can get Sure cuts a lot (SCAL) for macs. It lets you cut all your fonts from your computer with your cricut as well as svg files you download or make using a free program called inkscape. I love it! I have more info about SCAL on my blog if you are curious. It also allows you to put it on two computores but they have to be the same formay such as 2 macs or 2 windows. PM me if you have questions.

RiverIsis · 12-05-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloetzu

How about going back to Walmart with your cricut - explain the situation to them then ask if you could return the cricut and then repurchase it right there on the spot. they may do that.

I haven't read anywhere of any confirmation of the SASE working - but if someone wants to know for sure just call cricut.

I think that is at least worth ringing the local Walmart about.

Scrapjanny · 12-05-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell

FYI ... I'm really loving the ability to 'hide' certain lines when I cut. It's an EXCELLENT feature to add.

Now ...... if we could only get them to add 'select all' or multi-select.

Can you please tell me how it works? How do you "hide" the lines, and how do you not cut them? Were there any directions posted on the Cricut site? Thanks!

Shell · 12-05-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

Can you please tell me how it works? How do you "hide" the lines, and how do you not cut them? Were there any directions posted on the Cricut site? Thanks!

Select the shape you want on the DS. While it's selected, you can click on one of the lines within that shape. Right click on it at that point, and click the bottom option "Hide Contour Lines." That should make it cut without that particular line. It's very handy.

Shell · 12-05-2008, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

Can you please tell me how it works? How do you "hide" the lines, and how do you not cut them? Were there any directions posted on the Cricut site? Thanks!

And, no. As far as I know, Cricut has posted NO new instructions. Not sure what they are thinking with some of this - or why in the world they aren't giving us a multi-select option. Their IT person must be totally incompetent - along with their technical communications department.

cloetzu · 12-05-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell

And, no. As far as I know, Cricut has posted NO new instructions. Not sure what they are thinking with some of this - or why in the world they aren't giving us a multi-select option. Their IT person must be totally incompetent - along with their technical communications department.

My guess is that who ever created the software made it very 'bare bones' so that Cricut would go back to them over and over again to pay for 'upgrades' OR if it is a Cricut employee they are a techy but not a user of the software or any other mainstream software!!! Who ever heard of creating somethign like this and NOT including a multi-selection tool!!! URG!!!!! But I wonder if Cricut wanted that 'restriction' (of not being able to do too much like multi-select) so that we couldn't get too creative with carts thus limiting how many 'more' we buy? What I mean is if they make it a really great program with lots of flexibility maybe they are afraid we'll stick with the carts we have and not buy others? If that is their worry they dont' know their customer base very well! We are addicted and want more more more more more more!

I also think they are 'robbing' themselves of sales by not showing how much the new software is capable of. I know many have it but many many more would want it if they had more instructional videos or just plain text help files on the new features.

But I do have to say that the latest improvements are a step forward! I just hope they keep going forward!!!!

SummerWar · 12-05-2008, 02:33 PM

So, DS seems pretty popular... Is it a "must have" and do you all like it a lot? I've just jumped on the bandwagon in the last couple months, mostly due to cost and money issues, and I don't have that many carts yet, but I intend to! LOL! Should I get it? And should I get SCAL? I've heard that voids your warranty... Should I wait 9 more months to get SCAL or just do it now?

Thanks!

Felie68 · 12-05-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindsaymay

They are missing the boat there! but you can get Sure cuts a lot (SCAL) for macs. It lets you cut all your fonts from your computer with your cricut as well as svg files you download or make using a free program called inkscape. I love it! I have more info about SCAL on my blog if you are curious. It also allows you to put it on two computores but they have to be the same formay such as 2 macs or 2 windows. PM me if you have questions.

Thank you so much! I'm going to check it out now. Don't be surprised if you get an e-mail from me saying "Help!" lol

ladybugstamper2 · 12-05-2008, 04:01 PM

Hi!
DH works the night shift so on his "days" off he has trouble sleeping at night. When I got up this morning to get ready for work he handed me a printout from Custom Crops.

He ordered me an Expression machine and two cartridges. Plantain and Home Accents. Whoo Hoo!!!

Does the promotional going on through Provo Craft count if you bought the E from Custom Crops?

I'm so excited, it should be here before Christmas.

Shell · 12-05-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SummerWar

So, DS seems pretty popular... Is it a "must have" and do you all like it a lot? I've just jumped on the bandwagon in the last couple months, mostly due to cost and money issues, and I don't have that many carts yet, but I intend to! LOL! Should I get it? And should I get SCAL? I've heard that voids your warranty... Should I wait 9 more months to get SCAL or just do it now?

Thanks!

Definitely a MUST have in my opinion. It totally changes the way you use your Cricut.

SCAL will void the warranty. My bugs are over a year old, so I'm going for that now. Of course ... it is only voided if they can prove that you've used SCAL on it ........

Shell · 12-05-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloetzu

My guess is that who ever created the software made it very 'bare bones' so that Cricut would go back to them over and over again to pay for 'upgrades' OR if it is a Cricut employee they are a techy but not a user of the software or any other mainstream software!!! Who ever heard of creating somethign like this and NOT including a multi-selection tool!!! URG!!!!! But I wonder if Cricut wanted that 'restriction' (of not being able to do too much like multi-select) so that we couldn't get too creative with carts thus limiting how many 'more' we buy? What I mean is if they make it a really great program with lots of flexibility maybe they are afraid we'll stick with the carts we have and not buy others? If that is their worry they dont' know their customer base very well! We are addicted and want more more more more more more!

I also think they are 'robbing' themselves of sales by not showing how much the new software is capable of. I know many have it but many many more would want it if they had more instructional videos or just plain text help files on the new features.

But I do have to say that the latest improvements are a step forward! I just hope they keep going forward!!!!

See, that's the thing. I'm IT - degree in Applied Computer Science with a minor in Technical Communications - and there is NO way that a NORMAL IT person would release something without a multi-select. That's just NUTS.

And .... without a *GOOD* manual?! How insane is that?

I'm thrilled with the new things, but I sure wish it was even close to what is possible.

Shell · 12-05-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybugstamper2

Hi!
DH works the night shift so on his "days" off he has trouble sleeping at night. When I got up this morning to get ready for work he handed me a printout from Custom Crops.

He ordered me an Expression machine and two cartridges. Plantain and Home Accents. Whoo Hoo!!!

Does the promotional going on through Provo Craft count if you bought the E from Custom Crops?

I'm so excited, it should be here before Christmas.

Woohoo!!! Congrats on the new bug!!!

lms1130 · 12-06-2008, 06:06 AM

I need a little help regarding the DS. I just upgraded to the E-bug and haven't even turned it on yet, I'm still trying to sell the baby before I use the E. Here is my question. I have been thinking about the DS for sometime and knew I didn't want to get it until I got the E-bug and now that I have it I am getting a little scared of the DS. I'm not really good with the computer and I was wondering if it is hard to use? How hard is it to upgrade when the new carts come out? I don't want to spend the money on it if I can't really use it because I don't know how. Thanks for any feedback you have.

lindsaymay · 12-06-2008, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybugstamper2

Hi!
DH works the night shift so on his "days" off he has trouble sleeping at night. When I got up this morning to get ready for work he handed me a printout from Custom Crops.

He ordered me an Expression machine and two cartridges. Plantain and Home Accents. Whoo Hoo!!!

Does the promotional going on through Provo Craft count if you bought the E from Custom Crops?

I'm so excited, it should be here before Christmas.

I think as long as it fits in the time frame (nov15th-dec15th 2008 i think) Enjoy!

lindsaymay · 12-06-2008, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SummerWar

So, DS seems pretty popular... Is it a "must have" and do you all like it a lot? I've just jumped on the bandwagon in the last couple months, mostly due to cost and money issues, and I don't have that many carts yet, but I intend to! LOL! Should I get it? And should I get SCAL? I've heard that voids your warranty... Should I wait 9 more months to get SCAL or just do it now?

Thanks!

I'm getting an expression for christmas and it will be hooked right up to my computer and scal! No worries here! they won't know you use it unless you tell them since you update the firmware with DS (free trial version is fine) not scal. Do what makes you feel comfortable!

cloetzu · 12-06-2008, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell

See, that's the thing. I'm IT - degree in Applied Computer Science with a minor in Technical Communications - and there is NO way that a NORMAL IT person would release something without a multi-select. That's just NUTS.

And .... without a *GOOD* manual?! How insane is that?

I'm thrilled with the new things, but I sure wish it was even close to what is possible.

Wow Shell - you are a computer geek! but also crafty? You must be a whole/square brain (right/left brain test)! That's what I am too! Very analytical and process oriented but also creative!

My guess is that they hired a first year summer student to do the work

cloetzu · 12-06-2008, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lms1130

I need a little help regarding the DS. I just upgraded to the E-bug and haven't even turned it on yet, I'm still trying to sell the baby before I use the E. Here is my question. I have been thinking about the DS for sometime and knew I didn't want to get it until I got the E-bug and now that I have it I am getting a little scared of the DS. I'm not really good with the computer and I was wondering if it is hard to use? How hard is it to upgrade when the new carts come out? I don't want to spend the money on it if I can't really use it because I don't know how. Thanks for any feedback you have.

don't worry - it's actually pretty straight forward and there are several directions and videos online for added support. plus there are several folks here and on cricut.com that are always willing to help. If anything it is more 'basic' then some of us would like so not very complicated. Like anything new it may take you a little time to get comfortable with it but that shouldnt' take long and then the fun begins!!

It's worth having DS so that you can move stuff around to save paper, lay things out the way you want them EXACTLY where you want them, resize things to unlimited sizes, combine images from several carts so that you only have to hit CUT once, and now you can select (or really unselect) pieces you don't want to cut from images etc. But as always it's worth waiting to get it until you can either get it on sale or buy from ebay at a good price.

As far as upgrading goes you just uninstall the version you have and install the new version (to uninstall go to start on your PC, then pick control panel, pick add remove programs, click on CDS and then click remove, that gets rid of it, then to install the new one just click on the link online that has the latest version, save to your computer and then double click on the file you just saved, follow the prompts that you are given and you are done!).

Yami · 12-06-2008, 10:57 AM

Okay.....I'm working on these reindeer and I don't want the noses cut with the brown head. I want the noses cut red. So, I clicked on the nose to turn it red, RIGHT clicked with the mouse, chose "hide selected contour" and when I previewed my cuts, the noses didn't show!!! I had six reindeer head on a sheet of 9x12 constrution paper. Yippee!!! FINALLY--the ability to NOT cut what you don't want!! Took them long enough!

Shell · 12-06-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloetzu

Wow Shell - you are a computer geek! but also crafty? You must be a whole/square brain (right/left brain test)! That's what I am too! Very analytical and process oriented but also creative!

My guess is that they hired a first year summer student to do the work

ROTFL!!!!!!! Yes!! That would be me. My dh always laughs because I think "like a man" ... ie - logically. LOL! I've taken the test and always come out dead center - both brained. LOL!

It's a weird combination, and it's hard for me to grasp the fact that not everyone thinks like I do. I know that sounds arrogant, doesn't it?? It's just weird to see that so many of my creative friends *don't* think logically/analytically. I'm extremely detail oriented - which both helps and hinders me in crafts.

Yeah ... that's my thought, too. I can't believe that they were niave enough to think that this program wasn't going to be a HUGE hit and that they could just get by with minimal options. It's frustrating.

Good to meet someone else who thinks with their whole brain. LOL!

Are you ambidextrous, too??

Shell · 12-06-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloetzu

It's worth having DS so that you can move stuff around to save paper, lay things out the way you want them EXACTLY where you want them,

Do you know ... last night, I went to cut something and had everything laid out just where I wanted it. It DIDN'T cut in the right place!!! It was weird - and it cut my mat

- because it was right on the screen, but not right when it cut. I couldn't figure out why. It's never done that before.

Shell · 12-06-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yami

Okay.....I'm working on these reindeer and I don't want the noses cut with the brown head. I want the noses cut red. So, I clicked on the nose to turn it red, RIGHT clicked with the mouse, chose "hide selected contour" and when I previewed my cuts, the noses didn't show!!! I had six reindeer head on a sheet of 9x12 constrution paper. Yippee!!! FINALLY--the ability to NOT cut what you don't want!! Took them long enough!

Yep. You got the new update.

Yami · 12-06-2008, 11:37 AM

I think the update changed the layout of the screen, cause I had the same thing happen to me. I had all my cuts down the left side of the mat, which is where I layed the paper, but it cut across......so, since I'm cutting a bunch, I rotated the paper the next time......it's going to take some getting used to...flipping the paper...geesh!

Yep, that's what it is....cause if you look at the mat on the screen, the arrow that you'd match to put the paper in is on the left. That's a little counter intuitive, kwim?

cloetzu · 12-06-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell

Do you know ... last night, I went to cut something and had everything laid out just where I wanted it. It DIDN'T cut in the right place!!! It was weird - and it cut my mat

- because it was right on the screen, but not right when it cut. I couldn't figure out why. It's never done that before.

that goes back to a previous post of mine - maybe it was on the previous update too??? I mean the arrow is pointing left - and I expected it to be UP?

or are you saying that the arrow points left on the screen but it cuts as if the arrow is up???

cloetzu · 12-06-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell

I'm extremely detail oriented....

Are you ambidextrous, too??

I'm detail oriented too which actually hurts at work since most of my work is around creating and dealing with the 'bigger picture' - but I figure out the details for myself and then just develop the bigger picture for others.

No not ambidextrious - wish I was!!

Shell · 12-06-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yami

I think the update changed the layout of the screen, cause I had the same thing happen to me. I had all my cuts down the left side of the mat, which is where I layed the paper, but it cut across......so, since I'm cutting a bunch, I rotated the paper the next time......it's going to take some getting used to...flipping the paper...geesh!

Yep, that's what it is....cause if you look at the mat on the screen, the arrow that you'd match to put the paper in is on the left. That's a little counter intuitive, kwim?

But I was using the LITTLE bug. That should not have changed at all. The mat was still the same way on the screen.

I have always through the arrow was on the left, though ......... I've never had an issue before last night.

Shell · 12-06-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloetzu

I'm detail oriented too which actually hurts at work since most of my work is around creating and dealing with the 'bigger picture' - but I figure out the details for myself and then just develop the bigger picture for others.

No not ambidextrious - wish I was!!

Ooh. That would be tough. I don't like the 'bigger picture' scenario most of the time. LOL!

I can't write left handed without some major patience, but I can do most other things with both hands. I find myself switching from time to time. It's kind of funny to me.

lindylou1220 · 12-07-2008, 02:22 AM

I don't own a Cricut and haven't browsed this thread, but just stumbled across this info on another message board which I thought was worth sharing in the event that you don't already know it. Seems like a great deal.

I just wanted to let everyone who bought a Cricut Expression yesterday know that you can go to Cricut.com and get 2 free cartridges (Printing 101 and My Community). You pay $7.95 for s&h and you have to send in your receipt that shows that you bought the Expression between 10/15 and 12/15 of this year. I got the heads up from another forum and wanted to pay it forward. Have fun!