Sunday, May 15, 2011

My Craft Space


Its a room I spend most of my days. It has the creature comforts of my everyday routine - TV, DVD player, Computer, printer, a corner for my sewing and of course my paper crafting supplies and my Cricuts! When I moved into my current apartment, I figured since I spend lots of time crafting and creating, I made the master bedroom into my Studio. Its taken nearly 10 years to get it to the way I have it now and its a very enjoyable, comfortable space for me.

The window faces north so I don't get direct sunlight, but the room is bright on sunny days. The far corner is my computer area, the shelves above it store my Cricut cartridges. I have found that a U shape work area works best for me. I also like having many of my tools and accessories within reach, so I have the shelving above my work space and the rails and cup system (from Ikea) also above my work space. I like this arrangement because I prefer an uncluttered work area. My E2 is one one side, and in the lower left corner you can see my Imagine. Just out of the photo is my sewing area (I avoided this area because its a bit of a mess, as I've been helping my daughter with costumes for a play she's working on and skirts for my granddaughter's dance recital. Also out of the photo on the right side of the room is a row of Jet Max cubes. These are great for storage and look good too!


And here I am, smiling because I'm in my "happy place"!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Monday, May 9, 2011

My E2 Is HERE

Well, it arrived last Tuesday, but this is the first chance I've had to write about it! This is one slick machine! Even the new packaging is pretty nice!


First impressions - It seemed lighter in weight when I took it out of the box. Its profile is lower than the Expression and it is much more colorful! The front door, when open, rests higher than the Expression. I am thinking this is so the mat stays flat or even slightly higher than the roller so the paper does not bend off the mat. But this is just my own observation. Other differences I noticed - the silicone cover for the touch screen, and the silicone "plugs" for the connections for the Original cartridge, the Imagine Cartridge and for the add on to make the E2 wireless.

It was very easy to set up and once I pushed the power button, I noticed how bright and clear the touch screen is.
Because I'm a long time Gypsy user, I did have to re think how to cut not using the Gypsy. I wanted to try out the new cartridges that are included in the E2. The Owners manual for the E2 is very handy, listing all the buttons and what each function is for those buttons.

Within minutes, I was cutting a card using the pre loaded cartridge, Just a Note.

All in all, I do love my new E2 and can't wait to use it more and create projects to post here.

Tomorrow, I'll post card that I made using the E2.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Wearing My Other Hat

I've been doing a little more sewing lately and wanted to post a few things. I have sewed for over 35 years and enjoyed that time, but don't sew as much as I used to. My first love is papercrafting, but occasionally will make things for my grandchildren.

I made sailor dresses for my granddaughters when they were little and I wanted to make some for the twins. These are for my twin grandchildren, Jack and Juli. I will be shipping them to Japan tomorrow. It will be my first overseas package! I can't wait to see a picture of them wearing them! They've gotten so big since I last saw them in January.


I will be posting more in the coming days and weeks. I received my Expression 2 and Saturday is National Scrapbooking Day, so lots of fun things coming up!

Hope you are enjoying spring!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy