Hello All!

I just wanted to post some more information I talked about at the last Swarm concerning paper and also the Cricut Library to keep you gals in the know! There are SO many resources out there, and our goal is to have this be a one-place stop for you to gain access to the links and files in one place. That and eventually post lists we have compiled for tips on mat care, blade care, machine care, tips & tricks, etc. For now, here are a few things to feast on...

Cricut Paper: I tried this paper just because it was on sale, and now I'm HOOKED! It is thick, textured, and it doesn't leave fuzzies on the mat like some cardstocks (yes, even our beloved Bazzill is guilty of leaving too much lint behind for my taste). The best price I’ve found for the 12x24 pads is at Oh My Crafts at 11.99 per a tablet – Each tablet has 24 sheets, so it comes to around 50 cents per 12x24 sheet... Not too shabby!!! This last time, I also ordered some of their patterned paper and smaller stacks to see how they measure up. I'll share my thoughts about these at our next get-together... Here is a link to that site. http://www.ohmycrafts.com/Shop/Control/fp/scat/104230/SFV/32316
***note*** The pastels 12x24 and black & white 12x24 have their pictures switched around on the site – I’ve always ordered them at the same time so I’m not sure if they go by the description in the cart or the photo… If you order either, you might want to make a note when checking out letting them know which one you intended to order!

Cricut Cartridge Library: Here is a link to the Cartridge Library with all the 8.5 x 11 sheets compiling each cartridge handbook. This is what I used to print out my “Cricut Bible” http://www.cricut.com/information/cartridge_library.aspx - And here is another place where I’ve found the ones the Cricut site is missing. It’s a Yahoo Group and the link is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cricutcutter/?yguid=277423410 - you’ll have to join (free of course) and wait to be approved, but there are some good things in their file area, so it’s worth it!

Happy Chirping!
Shari

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE WEBSITES (for starters)

Hi fellow Cricuteers! I'm finally feeling spunky enough after my emergency surgery a week ago to start tackling this BLOG project and get your ladies CHIRPIN'! I know a lot of you don't have the Design Studio (yet), and I hate to be an enabler, but... (hee, hee) Check out the links below and if you were on the fence before, you will be completely SOLD!

• Here is one of the blogs I frequent OFTEN with adorable layered cards using the Cricut and the Design Studio: Susan BlueROBOT. Susan posts her designs as well as the .cut files for the Design Studio (these are files you can download and they're ready to cut with the Cricut from the Design Studio software). Check out the archives because she has TONS of cute ones! My fav right now is the “Bee Happy” one. Can you say, “Vellum Wings”? How cute would that ~bee~! Susan has lots of cute kid stuff too (robots, animals, etc.).
• Susan (yes, she's my hero) also has TONS of Design Studio tutorials!!! She has them broken down in that Cricut Message Board link. I’m in the process of asking her if we can share her stuff, with credit of course, on our BLOG. She is "susanuncle" on the Cricut message boards.
• Softcuts Sharing Blog is another great site with .cut files shared by the bloggers and the Blog has them broken down by cartridge! Very organized and fun! On this site you'll find another GREAT storage idea for your cartridges and overlays!

I'm hoping to post more soon about basic cricut crafting, tips for using the machine, getting the most out of your mats, and more ~ so check back often! My intent first and foremost is to help people just starting out use the Cricut and be comfortable creating!!!

(((Bug Hugs))) to All!

Shari

Sharing da Bug Love!

Affectionately referred to as the "Cricut Queen" by my good friend Robyn, I am a Cricut fanatic! I am so excited to share my passion for my Cricut with everyone at the Swarm! Lori and I have some fun stuff up our sleeves and some yummy food in the works! So whether you come for the fun or come for the food, I think you'll enjoy the day. We welcome any tips, projects, or ideas to share and will also try to answer questions, help you troubleshoot your bug, and share some websites dedicated to the Love of the Bug!

So catch the Love Bug and join us! We can't wait to go buggy with you!

Shari

Great Falls Sweetheart Swarm
When: Saturday, February 16th
All day event! 9 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (or later)Where: 1125 8th Ave NW, Great Falls
(across from the Half Time)

What the Heck is a Swarm? A SWARM is a get together of individuals who enjoy scrapbooking and paper crafting, particularly with the Cricut or Expression personal die cutting machines.. It is not that different from what has been traditionally called a crop; the term SWARM is just a word-play off of the Cricut brand name, since this is focused on individuals that like to use Cricut products.

Fee: $5.00 plus a small scrapbook item or handmade paper craft for a "Thank You" Basket we are putting together for Laura Carlsson, who has graciously offered to allow us to use her Pampered Chef Home!

Includes: Lunch, dinner, demos, goodies, and more! Bring along ideas to share using the Cricut! There will be some cardstock and paper available to purchase but bring your own supplies. BYOC! (Bring Your Own Cricut, mats, blades, cartridges. The swarm is a good opportunity to explore other's cartridges and make a list of those we are interested in getting).

BYO…B&S - Bring your own Beverages.
Bring Snacks to share if you wish.

Space is limited to 20 attendees.

Pre-registration required.

Please call or email
Lori Olive scrappin@bresnan.net or 406-750-2586
Shari Suek gssuek@tetonwireless.com 406- 476-3386
to reserve your spot and mail the attached form back to us too.

Sweet Heart Swarm Registration

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________ City: _________________

State: Montana Zip Code: ____________ Telephone: __________________

Email: ______________________________

I would love to learn how to do this with my Bug:




A technique I would like to learn is:





It would be helpful to be able to purchase these items at the swarms:





Classes I would like to take at a swarm are:




I would like to spend __________ hours cropping on my own at a swarm.

I would like to spend __________ minutes/hours on classes/techniques at a swarm.

I would like to spend __________ minutes on make and takes at a swarm.

I would like to spend __________ minutes on learning new techniques and cricut product announcements at a swarm.

I have the following Cricut Cartridges (put a star next to your top 3):

1) ______________________________ 2) ____________________________

3) ______________________________ 4) ____________________________

5) ______________________________ 6) ____________________________

7) ______________________________ 8) ____________________________

9) ______________________________ 10) __________________________

11) _____________________________ 12) __________________________

13) _____________________________ 14) __________________________

15) _____________________________ 16) __________________________

17) _____________________________ 18) __________________________

19) _____________________________ 20) __________________________


I have the cricut spatula. Yes No

I have the cricut tool kit. Yes No

I have the cricut software. Yes No