Comprehensive Overview of the Cricut cartridge Once Upon a Princess

Geesh - it's been a while since I posted a comprehensive overview of a cricut cartridge.  It has been really difficult to find a big chunk of time where I can completely focus on a cartridge and all of its features.  Well today we will be looking at Once Upon a Princess which is quite a surprisingly loaded cartridge.  It was one of the first cartridges I purchased because I have a daughter who actually is a princess (at least at our house.)

In this post we will look at:

• a Sample view of the cartridge images and brief summary of content
• a list of the features offered on the cartridge
• a Phrase Reference Sheet in PDF for download
• a link to the PDF of the handbook
• a spreadsheet with a list of the images, words and phrases with their pages numbers including a link to download the PDF version.

As you can see, There are a lot of different ways you can use the artwork on the cartridge.  There are several projects like the crown, the wand and the castle;  a few party elements like the gift bags and cards; loads of artwork including unicorns, butterflies, flowers and rainbows and a fun selection of paper dolls with all different types of costumes.

Each overlay key or handbook page includes:

• the primary image
• a layer
• a phrase
• a gem
• a font
• a tag
• a base shadow/ phrase shadow

and each of these features (feature keys) have a shift option which provides additional artwork.

I really like the selection of phrases on this cartridge.  Each phrase has a layer which adds dimension plus it has a shadow under the "base shadow/ phrase shadow" feature button.  Below is a visual of all of the phrases available on this cartridge.

You can download a PDF copy of this Once Upon a Princess Reference Sheet by clicking the link below.  If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site:

ONCE UPON A PRINCESS PHRASE REFERENCE SHEET PDF

The font on this cartridge has 2 versions.  The primary is a delicate cursive and the font with shift is encased in a crown which would be great for titles.

The tags are fabulous on this cartridge.  Each Tag feature has 2 different styles - the primary and the +shift.  The Gem feature seems limited in its applicability. I suspect it is primarily designed to use on cards.

To see a pdf of the entire handbook with all of the images and features, click HERE.

Last but not least, here is a list of all of the images and phrases on this cartridge with their page numbers.  If you find any errors in the spreadsheet, please let me know so I can correct it. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site. The spreadsheet below is saved as a JPEG but you can download a PDF version of Once Upon a Princess here: 

ONCE UPON A PRINCESS TABLE OF CONTENTS PDF

Comprehensive Overview of Cricut Cartridge Locker Talk

I apologize for the "recess" from posting comprehensive cartridge overviews.  I purchased 6 new cricut cartridges over the last month and have been spending some time getting to know them better.  I have been particularly focused on Everyday Pop up Cards which has proven to be more challenging than most. More on this when I have completed my research.

Today I am presenting the Cricut Cartridge Locker Talk. In this blog entry you will find:

• a sample view of the cartridge images
• a look at all of the phrases offered on the cartridge and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at all of the cards offered on the cartridge and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at a handbook page with explanation of the creative features offered on this cartridge
• a link to the PDF of the handbook
• a spreadsheet with a list of the images, words and phrases, cards and projects with their pages numbers including a link to download the PDF version.

The sample sheet on the back of the cartridge box is posted above.  Locker Talk is a goldmine of artwork, especially for teachers, parents and students.  This cartridge includes 2 primary images with layers, shadows and blackouts, a phrase, a card and a book cover!  I really like cartridges with detailed primary images like what you find on Locker Talk.  The extra touch of a shadow and a blackout can make a die cut look so much more professionally constructed.  The phrases are also more elaborate than on many other cartridges with layers that offer lots of dimension.  Below I have posted a view of all of the phrases included on this cartridge:

 

You can download a PDF copy of the Locker Talk Phrase Reference Sheet by clicking the link below. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please post a link to my site.

 

LOCKER TALK PHRASE REFERENCE PDF

 

This cartridge also offers a card feature which is actually just a smaller version of the book cover.  There are two cards available- 1 for each of the primary images.  The cards themselves do not have artwork, but rather provide a platform for the primary image.  Take a look below:

The primary images on this handbook page (key on the overlay) are the scissors and the glue (add shift).  The cards provide windows for the primary images to be adhered and would not be very identifiable on their own. In this case, both cards open vertically with the windows in the center, while the book covers are designed to open horizontal and the window is in the lower right corner.  The feature buttons "Layers", "Shadow" and "Blackout" are tied to the primary image.  The "Phrases/Layers" feature is designed to stand alone without needing any of the other features to support or accent it.

Below you will find images of all of the cards on the Locker Talk cartridge.  

 

You can download a PDF copy of the Locker Talk Card Reference Sheet by clicking the link below. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please post a link to my site.

LOCKER TALK CARD QUICK REFERENCE SHEET

You can download a PDF version of the Locker Talk Cartridge Handbook but clicking HERE.

Last but not least, here is a list of all of the images and phrases on this cartridge with their page numbers.  If you find any errors in the spreadsheet, please let me know so I can correct them. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site. The spreadsheet image below as a JPEG but you can download a PDF version of the Locker Ttalk table of contents here:

LOCKER TALK TABLE OF CONTENTS & PAGE #S PDF

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Overview of Cricut Cartridge, "Life's a Party"

Cricut has a whole line of Project and Events cartridges that offer specifically themed party decorations and elements.  What I love about the "Life's a Party" cartridge is that it offers a variety of different party themes, a nice selection of projects plus a font!  In this cartridge overview we will take a look at:

• a sample view of the cartridge images
• a list of the various themes this cartridge can work with
• a look at all of the cards offered on the cartridge and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at the font and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at all of the phrases offered on the cartridge and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at all of the projects offered on the cartridge and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at a few handbook pages with photos of completed projects completely assembled
• a link to the PDF of the handbook
• a spreadsheet with a list of the images, words and phrases, cards and projects with their pages numbers including a link to download the PDF version.

Above is the sample sheet that is on the back of the cartridge box.  Below is a list of the various party themes included on this cartridge which include coordinating cards/ invitations, phrases, cupcake wrappers, scrapbook pages and 3-D projects.

Party themes includes:

• Birthday/ celebration
• Princess
• Rock Star
• Pirate
• Outer Space
• Zoo or Animals
• Sports
• Over the hill
• Baby shower/ New baby
• Bridal shower/ Wedding

First lets take a look at the cards included in this cartridge:

 

There are 5 cards for each theme which can be used for invitations, greetings and thank you notes.  I created a quick reference sheet so I can quickly look through my options when I need a card. You can download a PDF copy of the Life's A Party card reference sheet by clicking the link below.  If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site:

LIFE'S A PARTY QUICK REFERENCE PDF

Next, lets take a look at the font that comes with the cartridge.  I use this font all the time.  I love its playful tone and weight. It is perfect for scrapbook page titles, cards and banners!

 

I have a hard time judging how a font will look as a word unless I see the letters next to one another so I created this Font Quick Reference Sheet. You can download a PDF copy of the Life's A Party Font Reference Sheet by clicking the link below.  If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site:

LIFE'S A PARTY QUICK REFERENCE PDF

This cartridge also offers a category (creative feature) called phrases although many of the cuts in this category are images rather than words.

 

You can download a PDF copy of the Life's A Party Phrase Reference Sheet by clicking the link below.  If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site:

LIFE'S A PARTY PHRASE QUICK REFERENCE SHEET

Believe it or not this cartridge also has a variety of projects including gift boxes, crowns, hats, glasses and scrapbook pages.

 

You can download a PDF copy of the Life's A Party Project Reference Sheet by clicking the link below.

LIFE'S A PARTY PROJECTS QUICK REFERENCE PDF

There is also a cupcake wrapper and topper for each key on the cartridge that coordinates with the primary image. 

 Here are a few examples of completed projects:

 

 

 

 

To download a copy of the Life's A Party handbook visit the Cricut website here.

 

Last but not least, here is a list of all of the images and phrases on this cartridge with their page numbers.  If you find any errors in the spreadsheet, please let me know so I can correct them. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site. The spreadsheet below is saved as a JPEG but you can download a PDF version of Life's A Party here:

LIFE'S A PARTY TABLE OF CONTENTS & PAGE #S PDF

Comprehensive overview of Cricut cartridge "Kate's A B C's"

Kate's ABC's might be the "cutest" cartridge out there.  It is full of adorable things: kittens and bows and hats and purses and butterflies and flowers and so many girly things that I couldn't resist buying it!  As soon as I got it home I cut 10 teacups and made note cards.  In this post we will look at:

• a brief list of themes that this cartridge would work with
• a Sample view of the cartridge images
• a look at the font and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at all of the phrases offered on the cartridge and a PDF reference sheet download
• a look at a handbook page with an explanation of all of the Creative Feature Keys
• a link to the PDF of the handbook
• a spreadsheet with a list of the cartridge images, words and phrases with their corresponding pages numbers and a link to download the PDF copy.

 

A Sample view appears on the back of each cartridge box and usually shows a portion of the images that can be cut with the cartridge however Kate's ABC's shows all of the primary images in its Sample.  That the artwork on this cartridge is not limited to sugar and spice and everything nice.  You can embellish a lot of different subjects including:

• baby
• garden
• tea
• home
• Easter
• Mother's Day
• Love
• nature
• girlfriends
• shopping
• Get well soon
• Thank you
• invitations
• relaxation
• birthday
• summer
• picnic and more....

In addition to the primary images shown on the sample above, you also get a font and it's shadow.  The font includes both upper and lower case letters, numbers 0-9, punctuation, assorted symbols and 13 icons.

I have a hard time judging how a font will look as a word unless I see the letters next to one another so I created this Font Quick Reference Sheet. You can download a PDF copy of the Kate's ABC's Font Reference Sheet by clicking the link below.  If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site:

KATE'S ABC'S FONT REFERENCE SHEET PDF

This cartridge also includes 26 phrases that coordinate with the letters of the alphabet.  I can't think of how you would use those phrases other than in a alphabet book or in a decor project.  Fortunately there are additional layered phrases like "BFFs," "Playtime" and "Tea Party". Many of the layers include artwork that is designed to create dimension but many images can also be used on their own.   Below are all the phrases that are included on this cartridge with their page numbers.

It used to take me forever to flip through the handbook to find that perfect phase to use in a card or to title a layout but then I created this phrase reference sheet which has made the process a lot easier.  You can download a PDF copy of the Kate's ABC's Phrase Reference Sheet by clicking the link below.  If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site:

KATE'S ABC'S PHRASE REFERENCE SHEET PDF

 

This is a page out of the handbook.  On the left you see what you can make by pressing the red key on the keypad below.  You use the various Creative Feature keys to build the final image.

 

I have added letters to each of the squares to explain how to build the primary image, the phrase and the font(s).

• A - this is the primary image plus a copy of the overlay/ virtual keypad highlighting the key the page references in red.
• B - this is the base of the primary image .  All the other layers will be stacked on top of it so only the bonnet, cats and buggy tires will show through. The example is cut with brown paper but you can use whatever color you would like.  For example, cutting B in white would create a white bonnet, cats and tires.  Cricut will cut B when you select the red key on the key pad.
• C - this is the grass layer and should be stacked on top of B.  Cricut cuts this when you select the red key and shift
• D - this layer is cut by selecting the red key and the Layer 1 creative feature button. D cuts the girl's jacket, the bonnet ribbon, the creases on the stroller sun shade and the flowers on the grass and her bonnet. 
• E - this layer is cut by selecting the red key, the Layer 1 creative feature button and shift. E cuts the stroller, her jacket pocket and the stroller tire rims.
• F - this layer is cut by selecting the red key and the Layer 2 creative feature button. F cuts the skin of the little girl (face, hands and feet).
• G - this layer is cut by selecting the red key, the Layer 2 creative feature button and shift. G cuts the girl's hair and the cat's collar. 
• H -  this layer is cut by selecting the red key and the Phrase creative feature button. H is the base layer.
• I - this layer is cut by selecting the red key, the Phrase creative feature button and shift. I is placed on top of H to create dimension and add contrast (you would cut this layer with a different colored paper than H).
• J - this layer is cut by selecting the red key and the Baby Girl Font 1 creative feature button. This is the cartridge font "negative" inside a scalloped square.
• K - this layer is cut by selecting the red key, the Baby Girl Font 1 creative feature button and shift. This is the shadow of cartridge font "negative" inside a scalloped square and goes under J.
• L - this layer is cut by selecting the red key and the Baby Girl Font 2 creative feature button. L is the lower case.
• M - this layer is cut by selecting the red key, the Baby Girl Font 2 creative feature button and shift. M is the upper case.
• N -  this layer is cut by selecting the red key and the Baby Girl Font 2 Shadow creative feature button.  N is the lower case shadow.
• O - this layer is cut by selecting the red key, the Baby Girl Font 2 Shadow creative feature button and shift. O is the upper case shadow.

To download a copy of the Kate's ABC's handbook visit the Cricut website here or you can click below:

 

KATE'S ABC'S HANDBOOK PDF

Last but not least, here is a list of all of the images and phrases on this cartridge with their page numbers.  If you find any errors in the spreadsheet, please let me know so I can correct them. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site. The spreadsheet below is saved as a JPEG but you can download a PDF version of Kate's ABC's here: 

 

 KATE'S ABC'S TABLE OF CONTENTS PDF