Thursday, July 19, 2012

Forcing the Expression into a firmware update

CCR requires a firmware version of 2.43 on the Cricut Expression to cut and link cartridges. If CCR doesn't prompt you to update the firmware (you may have pressed Skip at some point) here's how you go about forcing the update.

Please note: This only applies to the Cricut Expression and the Expression Cake. The firmware on the Cricut Personal cannot be updated to the level required to link cartridges. Update: The Personal and the Create can now be updated via CCR!! 

If you are updating a Cricut other than the Expression (not including the E2, Imagine or Mini) make sure you select the correct model at step 7!

1. Connect your Expression to your computer.

2. Open CCR and login.

3. Hold down the Stop button on the Expression and press the Power button.

4. Release the power button but keep holding down the Stop button. The Expression will beep once. Keep holding down the Stop button until it beeps a second time. (It takes a while)

5. When it has beeped the second time release the Stop button. The Expression will power on.

6. If it has worked correctly you will see this on your CCR screen:


7. Click on the down arrow and select the Expression.  Then you'll see this screen: 


8. Press the Update button and follow the instructions there (you'll be putting it back in update mode).

9. Follow the onscreen instructions to update your firmware.




Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Paper Doll Teen Scene layering

I recently posted on my Design Studio blog about an almost life size Paper Doll Teen Scene that I made for my daughters room. I received a question from Nancy about the correct way to place the layers from this cart.

She said: "I just bought this cartridge, and am having problems layering so the eyes come out right. I tried making the 5" tall doll, and it comes out looking like an alien. Can you tell me how to layer it so the eyes work? Nancy"

So I thought I'd put together this tutorial. This will work whether you're using the cartridge directly in the Cricut or whether you're using Design Studio, Cricut Craft Room or the Gypsy.

For this example I'll be using the first image key on the top row of the cartridge. You'll notice that all the dolls on the top row of the cartridge are all facing in the same direction. This means that you can mix and match any of the hairstyles and clothing items with any of the dolls on that row.

The same applies to each of the other rows. So long as the doll is facing in the same direction you can use any of the hairstyles or clothing on any doll on that row.

 
 The first thing you need to do is look at the cartridge handbook.


The order in which the images appear in the handbook is the order in which you will layer them - from the bottom to the top.

The rest of the layers are wardrobe and accessories and are layered on top of the 4 other layers.

The layer numbered 1 in the picture above should be cut in what ever colour cardstock you want the hair to be, as that is the only part of that layer that will be visible.

Layer number 2 (the <Shift> of layer 1) should be cut from white cardstock as that layer only shows the white of the eyes.

Layer number 3 would normally be cut in black. This layer only shows the pupils of the eyes and the eyelashes. You could cut this layer in blue, brown or green but note that the eye lashes will also be that colour.

Layer 4 (the <Shift> of layer 3) should be cut in the colour that you want the skin to be. This is what your 4 layers will look like when you have cut them. At this point she does certainly look like an alien.


Before you adhere them together move the fringe (you call them bangs, right??) so it's the last image. Like this:


Now adhere your layers together. The image on the left will be the bottom layer. The white will go on top of that, then the black, then the skin tone and finally the hair piece. Now she will look like this:


The rest of the layers are the dolls clothing (including shoes) and any accessories. Each doll has two clothing options. However, as I said above, you can select any outfit from any key on the same row and they will fit your doll. Here she is in her bikini:


And her (I think) PJ's:


I hope that helps anyone who is having trouble putting together these dolls!

 Have fun with this fantastic cart!



Saturday, July 14, 2012

Winner of 3D cones challenge

Thanks for the entries to our Party Cones challenge. I have just used Random.org to pick the winner and that was entry number 2.

Congratulations go to Margi Lunn from Lunn's Designs for this spooky entry:


Margi, you can select one of the following carts as your prize:

Cricut Everyday (Circle)
French Manor (Circle)
Shall We Dance (Circle)
Sophie (Circle)
Birthday Cakes
All Mixed Up
Elegant Cakes
Forever Young
Nursery Rhymes
Slumber Party

Please send us an email with your name and address and your choice of cartridge and Paulette will ship you your cart lickety split. I'll also send you the link to the CCR Challenge winner blinkie for your blog!

Thanks again for participating!


Sunday, July 8, 2012

All digital carts 20% off!

Just in case you missed the announcement... All Cricut digital carts are 20% off until Wednesday. That includes all digital versions of the full carts and the CCR exclusives!

And if you're in the Circle you'll also get your 10% discount as well!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Time for a challenge

We're long overdue for a challenge so get ready!

We want to see what you can make with the 3D Party Cones image set which is FREE to use in CCR this week thanks to PC!



So get crack-a-lackin' and shows us what you can make. This cartridge is only free to use until next Wednesday so make sure you get your base imagines cut out before then! (After that day you'll need to purchase the cart to continue using it.)

Need some more inspiration? Here's two that Scrapalette has made:

Patriot Treat Cones



Easter Treat Cones

And of course there will be a cartridge giveaway! We'll use Random.org to pick a winner. Check back soon to see which cart you can win. We'll also send you the CCR Challenge Winner blinkie to add to your blog.

Once you've finished your creation use the Inlinkz tool at the bottom of this post to share it. Entries will close at midnight on Friday 13th July.