Cricut Swarm - So Glad I dropped in!!

I dropped by the store last night to check out the 1st ever Scrapbooks Plus Cricut Swarm. Those ladies were really hopping! (sorry, corny "cricket" joke but I couldn't help myself...)

I hadn't actually planned to stay, but I received lots of encouragement from Debbie and the other ladies to try the new Cricut Expression. So I bought a few pieces of cardstock and started to play!

I need to say a special thanks to Misty for loaning me her "Stretch Your Imagination" cartridge. I cut out a couple of Palm Trees (10.5" tall) and learned how easy it is to use the "Flip" mode on the machine- I cut another set of these that are a mirror image. Misty then gave me a quick lesson on chalking - which she also let me borrow! I still need to add some more detail - more Misty tips on adding texture with a few strokes of a black pen - but I am happy with the results so far. Won't they be great as a border on a beach layout?!?!

I was also encouraged by Laura to borrow her Soccer mini cart...thanks, Laura!I am now ready to do some pages from my kids' soccer days. (These die cuts are 5.25" tall, but you know I could have made them any size from 1" to 11".) Hmmm, I think I may have to buy the Baseball mini-cart (and I promise to share!).

I have a baby bug at home, but I am REALLY happy to have access to the Cricut Expression in the Classroom. You are welcome to bring in your own cutting mat and cartridges and use the machine the next time you are cropping at the store....OR Debbie has made a cutting mat and the store cartridges available for only $3 per session. (details at the front desk)

Oh! I also ran into fellow DT member Kim at the Swarm. (Loved the word book she was working on!) Kim will be putting together the kit for November. I don't think she has made any final decisions, but hinted that I shouldn't be expecting to see any turkeys...I can hardly wait!

I think I mentioned that Debbie was there, too, working on an album of her own. (Beautiful with a capital B!) I got to see her using the non-stick craft mat from Ranger Ink. She painted some Tim Holtz grungeboard swirls on top of the mat using acrylic paint. I think she may have to order some more of the craft mats for the store...we were all very impressed with how easy it is to clean up...and you can use it for stamping, embossing and even baking shrink art in the oven!

Bottom line - what a fun experience! Lots of talented ladies ready and willing to share tools, cartridges, opinions and techniques. I am definitely going to sign up for the next Swarm - as soon as they have it scheduled!