Competition for SCAL?

There's a lot of talk out there about Make the Cut, a new program similar to SCAL for the Cricut. Part of the hype is the ability for MTC to separate or break apart an image into several pieces or layers. In the past, we've done this with SCAL using Inscape or some other graphic manipulation program (I use Jasc Paint Shop Pro), so being able to do the layers within the same program is a pretty big draw for many.

Never fear, SCAL users. Craft Edge has got you covered!!! Version 2.06 (a free upgrade for any version 2 registered users) allows SCAL users the very same versatility in breaking apart images.

Here is an example of the SCAL ability ...


The original file











I saved this file to my computer and opened SCAL. From there, I clicked 'File' and 'Trace Image.' Within that window, I chose the file I wanted to trace using 'Browse.' I also clicked the 'Break Apart Outlines' option and previewed the image. I clicked 'Ok,' and the image was in SCAL. At that point, I needed to have the image selected and click 'Break Apart' from the 'Object' menu. Each part moved independent of the others, and I put each piece where I wanted it to be to optimize my cutting.


The original, unbroken file is shown on the right side, along with the broken apart pieces on the left.









Using the break apart option in SCAL is simple. Thanks to Craft Edge for adding that feature to SCAL so that MTC isn't tempting. I'm *quite* happy with my SCAL, and with their apparent desire to consistently improve their product, I think I remain quite happy with it.


Hopefully, this post will help you make a choice between SCAL and MTC or just help you make the most of the SCAL you already have.

Oh - for all Version 2 users, the upgrade is here.


Have a very happy, productive, and creative 2010!!



~*Shell*~

Totally Trippin'

Several months ago, I used the deep cut blade assembly and blade to cut the cardboard cover for this book. I bound it using the Bind It All and left it for a while. Before we left on our cruise, though, I got it back out and got it ready for our trip. It became Jaydin's (my 4 year old) autograph/memory book for this year's journey. I embellished most of the pages with stamps, stickers or the gel pen, and I put the title on the front cover.



The cover title was cut using the Cricut and SCAL. The glitter gel pen was used to add some sparkles ... actually, it's Pixie Dust. :) The title words were cut from SU Yoyo Yellow paper.

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Have an awesome day and a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!!!

~*Shell*~

Another Frame

One of the other name frames that I made for the cruise was for Stephanie. She loves Tinkerbell, and although I wanted to put Tink on there, I also wanted to capture the 'feeling' of Tink, too.

Using the drawn-flourish stamp from the SU set, Doodle This (or Doodle That .... whichever one is the bigger set....), the flourish was stamped as the background in VersaMark ink. Stephanie's name was cut using SCAL and the Cricut. Bling butterflies were added, along with some sparkle dots using the glitter gel pen from Gelly Rollz. Tink was stamped, colored with Copics, and cut out to be placed sitting on the 'n.' All paper used was from SU. A few star sparkles are placed around the frame, as well.


Another fun one to create. :)


Have a wonderful day and a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!! :)


~*Shell*~

Alexa's Name Frame

Here's the name frame on which I used Bruce and Nemo. It was for a young lady named Alexa, and she loves Nemo.

The font used was Findet Nemo. You can find it here at FontSpace for free. It works perfectly for this name frame.

The paper used was from SU, and the bubbles were created with a glitter gel pen (GellyRollz). The pen was perfect to use for bubbles because it allows the color under it to be seen. Nemo has wiggle eyes and some touch-ups with a fine black Sharpie.









We delivered it on the cruise. I hope she liked it!!!! I sure enjoyed creating it - as well as the other 2 I made. :)


Have a fantastic day and a great, big, beautiful tomorrow.



~*Shell*~

Here's Bruce!

Another day, another character. Today, I introduce you to Bruce. Bruce is the lovable shark in the movie Finding Nemo. I used Bruce to create another name frame - which I will share later on here.

Bruce was cut using SCAL with the Cricut and the SCUT files that I created. He is made with SU paper and is put together using Xyron adhesive. His base is a dark blue.

Bruce's mouth *without* teeth was actually cut twice - INSTEAD of using the teeth cut. I cut the mouth in pink and again - a little smaller - in white. Then, I cut the regular mouth file to give the illusion of cut teeth. It works well - and you don't have to deal with all those tiny teeth.



The SCUT (for use only with SCAL) file for this character is available for those that wish to have it. Simply comment on this blog post and include your contact information. I will email the files to you in .scut format.

Have an awesome Wednesday and a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!!! :)