DateTime Error

Many of us who like to share our work with anyone, anywhere in the world, have likely come across the error message "DateTime Error" when you have downloaded a file from someone in another country. This is a flaw in Design Studio's programming. A simple thing like the order of the day and month completely blocks access to a shared .cut file. For some reason, when I create a .cut file the day, month and year are registered as 27/04/2009. However, for someone else (who lives in another country than me) to open my .cut file the order must become month, day and year. There is a simple fix, so this is more of a pain in the butt than anything. However, many people do not know about the program that helps fix the problem.

If you open a file in Design Studio and receive a "DateTime error" message follow these simple steps to fix the problem.

1. Download and save the hexedit.exe program to your computer:

http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~prewett/hexedit/

2. Open the program hexedit.exe and click "Run"

3. A new window will appear with "Open" at the top, this is to prompted you to open the .cut file you wish to fix. Locate and click on the file namein your directory.

4. A window will open, with a black background. On the right hand column scroll down until you see "DateTime". (pink arrow) You will then change the first two sets of numbers to 01/01/2009.

(yellow arrow)

5. Go to FILE - SAVE AS and replace the orginal file with this replacement.

6. Go to Design Studio and open the fixed file, which should now open without any problems.

If you have any questions or problems opening my files please let me know and I will do everything I can to fix the problem. Thank you for taking interest in my work.

T

Geometric Shapes - Layout Page

This is a geometric frame layout that was requested by a Cricut Messageboard member. The original request was to make a two page layout in both 8"x8" and 12"x12" sizes, but I thought this would be a great learning opportunity for those who are just learning how to weld or use Design Studio. Use my file to learn who the layout is made and then you create the second page. To do this go to View - New Page to add a new layer to the file - copy and paste the shapes into the new layer and then just move them to their new location. HINT: use the arrow keys to move the shapes. If you count each arrow key stroke then you will know how far to move each shape side to side or up and down. Once you have created the new layer, and all shapes are their proper positions, it may be necessary to 'burp' the layer.























LESSON: To 'burp' select one of the perimetre shapes and delete it, select the opposite side, perimetre shape too. Delete one more shape so that there are no shapes inside shapes, then got to Edit - Undo Delete. Repeat the Undo Delete until all the shapes have reappeared on the virtual mat.
LESSON: To preview one layer at a time, make sure that has a check mark only on the layer that you want to preview. To find this feature right click anywhere on the mat and a box will appear - look for "Include Page In Preview".
LESSON: To save the file 'instantly' uncheck the "Include Page In Preview" in all layers, then save. You will find that the file saves immediately - no waiting!!!!

Here is the link to the Geometric Shape - Layout - Plantin Schoolbook
File name: SqRectCircleFrame.cut

http://www.mediafire.com/?yiaqnadtw1d

Cutting Stamps....just like butter!

I took the plunge and finally cut into that pristine piece of silicone that was in my Cricut Stamp Kit. After a few small circle test cuts I discovered that I had to use the Deep Cut Blade at 6, Speed at 3, and Pressure at 4, which is not the settings recommended on the back of the packaging. No big deal, I always have 'cut' to my own drummer!

My first stamp cutting project focused on heart shapes and the phrase "Save The Date". I used Design Studio to make the most of the 6" x 6" stamping sheet and it allowed me to cut many more shpaes than if I had cut directly from my Cricut. When I placed the stamping sheet on my new mat I found that it was shifting because the adhesive was not strong enough to hold it in place. I ended up putting ATG tape on the back side of the stamping sheet and then placing it on my mat. It stayed put and I was able to cut everything successfully.

Here are photos of the stamps that I have cut thus far.

I have used the stamps to create my own heart patterned vellum that I will use to create folders that will hold the Save The Date Magnet with the couple's photo. (Photo of the magnet will come soon.) I am able to cut four folders per 12" x 12" sheet and I fit in as many small hearts from the negative to make our own table confetti. The folder is held together by two hearts that side into each other.

It's been too long!

It seems like it was only a couple weeks ago that I finished my week long marathon of Christmas card making, but as I glance at the calendar I discover that it is nearly time to start my seeds for the garden.  Right now I am working on projects for a summer wedding...not mine.  I have the task of making the save the date and the wedding invitations for a very close family friend, Cindy, and her fiance Bill.  Their wedding is at the end of July, outside, surrounded by forest, on Bill's parent's acerage.  It will be a very casual wedding.The colours, orange, pink and yellow, reflect the fun and relaxed atmosphere that perfectly describe the couple and how they want the wedding to feel. 

The Save the Date will be a magnet with the couple's photo placed inside of a vellum folder and attached to a postcard type card then placed in an envelope for mailing.  My Cricut has cut all of the magnets, all the strips, hearts and vellum folders.  I have also cut all of the stamps used for this project with my very first Cricut stamp kit and the postcard will be embossed using the new Cricut embossing folders.  I am in the middle of assembly line mode, but as soon as I have one entirely done I will post a picture.  You will have to rely on your imagination for a a few more days....so I hope I at least described them adequately....giggle, giggle.

The wedding invitation will rely heavily on my Cricut too....but I have to keep some secrets for now.  What I will say is they will be original, colourful, fun, detailed, and very custom!  I am not using one thing that is pre-made or 'ready to use'.  I promise to share when they are completed.

Back to work!
T

So Busy!

this is just a quick note to say I haven't dropped off the face of the earth...I have just been very busy making handcrafted Christmas cards so I haven't had time to post anything lately. The Christmas cards fare or sale and I will post pictures of all the cards in the next several hours. They are available as singles and in one mixed dozen packages. If you wish to purchase any cards please leave me an email through the blog with your email address and I will contact you with further details. For now I am off to make more cards....

Happy Halloween!

I was kept very busy this Halloween season. My sister informed me a couple weeks ago that I am now in charge of all costumes for my nephew for the 'rest of time' - a challenge I gladly accepted. Lukas, my nephew, has two very favourite things - Curious George & tractors. Since making him a tractor could have been very complicated & difficult for a two & half year old to wear Curious George was the winner. I bought two $4 t-shirts, cut one up to create the tail & the face on the hat, a $10 pair of sweat pants, a $3 ballcap, $3 beige earmuffs, $2 for a 2/3 yard of reflective ribbon (for hat) and a yard & a half of yellow broadcloth for $3. The rest of the supplies I already had at home. The big yellow hat has a long strap so he could wear it over his shoulder and act as a treat bag. Tools: sewing machine (embroidered the face), glitter, a styrofoam ball cut in half (eyes), scrap foam sculpted to create tail (not in picture). To make the most of the money I spent my theory was to use a t-shirt & sweatpants that could be worn again. Therefore the costume really only cost $15.

Picture: Grandma and Lukas are busy discovering a new toy.

I also created this glitter carousel pumpkin. I was inspired by a segment on Martha last week and this is my version. It took a lot longer to create that I didn't finish it until November 4th! Oh well, it is ready for next year. I can remove the top & bottom from the witches for easy storage.

I have to admit this was the first time I have spent any time making a costume of decorations for Halloween in a very long time and I enjoyed it emencly. However, it took a week for my back to recover from all the sitting.

Just in time for Halloween

I wanted to see what I could do with the 12" x 24" cutting mat & paper so I decided to create a 3D pumpkin in Design Studio. I did two mock ups before I refined the design and this is the result. This is my second DS project and I am even more excited about the possibilities of my Cricut. When finished the body of the pumpkin measures 7" ht, 7" d.

File available for 45 days only
DS FILE CLICK HERE

A few tips if you want to try to make this pumpkin.
1. Heavy weight cardstock works best
* I had the best results using the Cricut 12" x 24" brand paper
2. Use a repositionable tape/glue to put together.
* I use ATG tape
3. Make a small rectangle of cardstock from your scraps (approx.

1" x 2 1/4") to attach the ends together. Overlap slightly so it

matches the design of each section.
4. Use a bone folder to score the cardstock (on the 'good' side)

where the sections connect and carefully fold. DO NOT use bone

folder to fold since it will leave a shiny mark on the paper. It seems to look better without a severe fold.

5. Attach the final two sections together first, then attach that piece

to the rest of the pumpkin (see photo)
6. Place a circle on the inside and outside of the top and bottom to cover the connections.
7. Irregularily score & fold the stem piece & lightly score half length between folds. Once you are

happy with the shape of your stem I found using hot glue was the best way to make sure it held

together as you manipulated the stem. Trim as needed. The base

of the stem is made by cutting flaps and folding them in on each

other. This way you can determine the length of the stem.

NOTE: I included a cut out circle support in case you wish to have the top of the pumkin open.

Okay! I think that is all....many of these suggestions may be obvious. No disrepect intended, I just want to be helpful.

Enjoy!