Sunday, November 30, 2014

CTMH Cricut Collections…What's the Difference?

WOW, now that we have 4 Cricut Collections to choose from, how will you decide which one to start with?

For the Cricut Cartridges…they all ROCK!!!!  They're each $99 and include 3 stamp sets ($60 value) that match the shapes on the cartridge, plus they give you the size to cut  the shape, allowing you to cut a shape on your cricut then stamp directly on it to add the detail…totally rocks!!  Art Philosophy, Artiste and Artbooking each include 3 sheets of coordinating chipboard shapes that also match the images on the cartridge, while Artfully Sent includes a 24-pack of White Daisy card stock to get you started on your card making journey!

These are 4 of the largest cartridges that Cricut makes…each with 700 different shapes/images on them!!!  Here's my description of each of these cartridges to help you see the differences and choose the cartridge that will meet your crafting needs!


Art Philosophy is for the all-in-one crafter!  It includes overlays, borders, cards, tags, 3D shapes, boxes, bags, flowers and more!!  The 3D items are what I call "1-cut" in that it only takes the single image cut to quickly and easily assemble for wonderful 3D gifts and projects!!  The shapes on Art Philosophy are more general in nature.  They don't scream a specific theme, allowing you to add the paper and/or stamps to create the theme.  All these fabulous features make Art Philosophy great for scrapbooking, card making and paper crafting in general!


Artiste is project based…lots of 3-D shapes, mini-albums and layered pieces!  Much more themed with shapes like Cupid, Eiffel Tower, Skeletons and words like Love, Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, etc.  With the projects, shapes that go together are color-coordinated so you know which shapes to cut/assemble.  Plus it comes with an assembly book to help you see where to score, glue and how to assemble the 3D items, mini-albums, etc.  Additionally, the project-based element has the coordinating shapes linked together so you cut all the pieces the size you'd like your finished project to be, and they'll all be proportionately cut to assemble to that finished project size!  For example, a 3" cupcake box, with base, lid and stabilizer will all be cut on your Cricut at 3", then when you assemble the pieces, you'll have a 3" cupcake box!  This proportional cutting works for all of the linked projects, mini-albums, cards with envelopes and so much more!

 
Artbooking is all about scrapbooking and mini-albums!!  It takes the proportional cutting to a whole new level, since ALL 700 shapes are linked together!!  What does this mean for you?  It means that if you're working in a 12x12 album, you can cut ANY of the 700 images at 11" and it will cut proportionately to your 12x12 layout!  (Why 11" instead of 12"?  Because the Cricut won't allow you to cut right to the edges of your paper!)  To keep it simple, the Artbooking booklet annotates the 11" suggestion so you don't have to remember!  What if you're working in a smaller size?  Simple, just set your Cricut dial to your project size (maybe a little smaller to allow your overlays to have a border), and cut all the pieces you need!!

The cartridge has everything you need for coordinating layouts with overlays, titles, photo mats, etc and it all cuts proportionally for a 12x12 page!!!  With 15 scrapbooking themes, you'll be able to complete tons of albums in no time!  Each of the themes (Freedom, Friends, Fall, etc) have 28 elements per theme, allowing you to have endless layout combinations!  Additionally, it even gives you an example layout to show you a great way to put all the pieces together, but with 28 elements, you'll have the versatility to mix-n-match and create plenty of completely different layouts!!

Artbooking also has 10 mini-album themes, each give you a "recommended" finished album size then tell you what size to set your dial, you cut all the pieces and have a complete mini-album to assemble.  You can easily adjust the finished album size by simply changing your Cricut dial and cutting all the pieces at the same size!

Artfully Sent is the NEWEST addition to the Close to My Heart Cricut lineup!  This cartridge is designed with the cardmaker in mind!  With 250 different cards, 400 ready-to-go projects and almost 700 images, this cartridge will have you creating cards for any occasion with the push of a button, simply choose from pop-ups, scenes, sentiments, sleeves or pocket cards!

Scrap ~ Chat ~ Create


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