Everybody likes free stuff. I do! So, we are giving you the opportunity to get free digital scrapbook pages and embellishments from My Memories. We will be posting the links for the freebies every week, so please subscribe to our blog if you’d like to get notified and not miss any.
You will be able to open not just the quick pages created as “two-page layouts”, but also embellishments that coordinate with the pages. This is great if you are doing digital scrapbooking.
If you are not yet doing digital scrapbooking, I recommend to save these free layouts in a separate folder since you can print them and use them as backgrounds for mini books or even to create beautiful backgrounds for pictures that you want to send via e-mail or using any other online service.
You’d like to see some of the examples? Take a look and download them:
To download these quick pages and their embellishments, click HERE.
To download these quick pages and their embellishments, click HERE.
To download these quick pages and their embellishments, click HERE.
You can use these pages and embellishments with any photo manipulation software, but if you’d like to get a scrapbook software, I recommend My Memories 2.0. When you use the coupon code STMMMS36086 at My Memories upon checkout, you’ll receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the “My Memories Suite Scrapbook “software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store – a $20 value!
If you have any question, let me know: glenda@enchantart.com
Tags: free digital backgrounds, free scrapbook pages, My Memories Scrapbook freebies
I would like to show you a video from Silhouette America in Europe; but it applies to the Silhouettes in the United States also.
Take a look at all the things that you can do with this machine. If you are interested in getting it, please click HERE to get more information of the machine and if you like it, you also can pre-order it from Enchant Art.
Here is the video:
Between different activities, I managed to play with My Memories Software. This digital scrapbooking software is very easy to use. When you open it, you can choose to create an album from the designer templates, design your own or even open a recent album. Once you choose from those options, you can choose the album shape. This is really useful since not everyone wants to create a square layout; maybe you want to create a rectangular shape (portrait or landscape).
Now, you can choose a blank page or a photo layout. I didn’t count but the program offers many different combinations for your photos. I like this since I only have to drag my pictures to the shape and it’s all done!
There are many other options for Background, you can use the Backgrounds that come in the software or your own digital papers, yes, all the free or purchased papers that you downloaded from the internet! There are also embellishments, digital papers, etc. All really nice and remember, you can use any image that you already have or that you want to scan. One thing that impressed me was the shapes. You can add any shape and fill it with a digital paper, photo, and color. The interesting thing about the shape is that you can create your own shape in Inkscape and just add it to your shapes folder in the program and use it like any of the other ones that came with the program; I like to do this for journaling, for example.
I don’t want to forget that you can save your final product with their proprietary file extension, but also you can export your pages as .jpegs to make it available to open with any other software that opens this kind of file. Also, you can add music and video to your pages and make an interactive presentation, then save it on a CD and share it with your friends and family.
These are only a few of the features that I found in My Memories software. You can learn so much more if you visit their blog where you can find short videos and pdf instructions that are very easy to follow.
I made a quick page for our neighborhood cat Leo. I just use a background, a round shape, few embellishment, wordart and the pictures.
Leo is adorable! He was a little kitty when we first saw him. Now is a big, big cat, still very cute.
All right, now I want to give you the opportunity to receive an absolutely free copy of My Memories Suite 2.0 ($40 value).
What do you have to do in order to participate?
We don’t want to make it too hard for you. These are the simple rules:
- Visit My Memories website. Once you are there, look at the different digital papers this website has. Then copy the name of one and let me know why you liked it in a comment to this post.
- Visit the Enchant Art store and click on the Like button next to your favorite product.
- Extra bonus: a- Visit My Memories blog, come back to this post and comment on any tutorial that you liked. b- Make a link from your blog to this post and let me know about it.
- You can enter as many times as you’d like. Everytime that you make a comment to this post on this blog, it’s a new entry. This giveaway ends on September 26, 2011.
That’s it. Good luck to all! If you would like to buy My Memories 2.0, a very special coupon code is also available! If you use the coupon code STMMMS36086 at My Memories upon checkout, you’ll receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store – a $20 value!
If you have any question, let me know: glenda@enchantart.com
Tags: My Memories Scrapbook coupon code, My Memories Scrapbook give away, My Memories Suite Software review
I have to confess that I haven’t scrapbooked for a while. I was too busy with another zillion things like most of you. Last week, I received an e-mail from My Memories and my interest for scrapbooking my life came alive again. I installed the software, my first impression was very positive, ummhh…. I thought “maybe I can do this”.
I have to tell you that I’m a graphic designer so Photoshop is almost natural for me. Still, I didn’t feel like scrapbooking using Photoshop. It didn’t inspire me to do so. But with the My Memories software, I felt different. Suddenly, I had the desire to unzip all the digital papers that I had accumulated on my external hard drive. And I did it, there were so many to unzip, so I used the ExtractNow free software where you can drag all your unzipped files to the window and unzip them all at the same time.
Then, I started to organize all my Background Papers, Kits, Embellishments, etc. Everything looks so nice that I would be proud to show my external hard drive to anybody. Now, I’m working on the pictures folder where everything is organized by decades, inside the decade are the years, inside the years the months. Cool, isn’t it?
When I finish my organization process, I will be creating scrapbook pages. I still like my beautiful papers; but with the My Memories software, I see how easy it is to create the digital layouts.
I was thinking in different solutions:
- What size of scrapbooks do I really want? Not just which size I like, because I like 12″ by 12″, but sometimes I see they are too big and bulky. Maybe I should start creating letter size pages in landscape mode or even 8″ by 8″ books.
- How would I like to present my books? Scrapbook albums? My own books made with the Cinch? Or even send the digital pages to Costco and let them make all the printing and the book?
- Would I like to go totally digital or mix digital and traditional?
I’m trying to answer all these questions before I begin, since I really want to start working with my pictures and also use the My Memories software.
Well, stay tuned since you will have the chance to get a free copy of this software very soon. If you’d like to buy it, use this coupon code: STMMMS36086 to get a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store – a $20 value!
Here is a preview of the software:
Welcome to the Family! from Lisa Jurrens on Vimeo.
Tags: digital scrapbooking, Hybrid scrapbooking, My Memories Scrapbook coupon code
Craftwell is coming out with the eBosser. We all love the look of embossed paper but sometimes we feel limited by the folder sizes. Then, if we want to emboss a larger paper, we have to maneuver it in order to have the whole sheet embossed.
Well, the eBosser is the new embosser machine that will allow you to emboss letter size paper and A4 paper. You will be able to use any of the other embossing folders that you already have. It doesn’t stop there; you will be able to use it for cutting dies also. It can cut through materials up to 3mm thick, including thin leather.
The eBosser is a fully automated electric embossing machine, which is an advantage for people that suffer with any kind of pain in their hands.
The larger embossing folders will be available soon from Craftwell, but remember, you can make your own embossing folders or embossing plates by pasting three or four different layers of shapes onto a cardstock. I will be writing a tutorial how to do this. I like to create my own plates since that is a wonderful way to save money and also to make something unique.
We are expecting the eBosser to be in stock from the manufacturers in early 2012 but you can reserve yours using this link:
http://enchantart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=142_145&products_id=845
If you have any question, let me know: glenda@enchantart.com
Tags: eBosser Craftwell
We are welcoming the new upgrade for the Make the Cut software. As you may know, this program allows you to cut from many digital cutting machines and even export files created in Inkscape, Illustrator and other programs.
What are the new features of MTC? Let’s look at some of them:
- Conical Warp: This feature allows you to create wrappers for cupcakes and cups fast and easy. Also, you will be able to preview your design before cutting using the 3D view that can be rotated for your convenience.
- AutoSave: You can assign another folder in your computer to backup the designs you are working on, just in case you loose your original files for any reason. To enable it, go to Help, Advanced, Automatic Saving…
- New Raster Export: You can make a PNG or JPG from your design (a raster copy). This copy of the design can help you to identify the file or you can use it in another application. Now, you can make the raster and apply dropshadows, watermarking, background color, size and resolution and more. One of the features that I like is the ability to save and print without the lines around the design (yes, you can make the lines invisible) Also, you can Copy and Paste the raster into other applications.
- SVG export in layers and colors: This is very useful if you design using Inkscape and have different colors for different pieces in the design. Also, if you saved your work in different layers, MTC is going to recognize these layers when you import the design from other programs.
- Layer Properties icon: If you have various objects or layers in one page, you can click on the New Layers option icon at the bottom of the Layer Properties palette and access different options like putting each layer in its own page.
- Dashed Line options: Created dashed shapes as design accents or score lines. Right click on the design, select Change Color/Texture/Line and click on Select Line.
- Silhouette (8.5″x12″) mat included in the Virtual Mat tab.
- Print and Cut Silhouette Registration Marks: This will allow you to do print and cuts without any extra effort. Go to File, Print Options to turn on the registration marks.
- Silhouette SD Plug-In: Download the plug-in for the Silhouette to be able to cut directly from MTC. Once downloaded, it will appear among the Cut Project With. menu. This is valid for the Silhouette SD and also for the older Silhouette model.
- Art icon: To see purchase art from other sources.
- Improved Tracing: Trace any raster .jpeg, .bmp, .png image that you want to make cuttable with ease (File, Import, Pixel Trace). MTC will trace the image by color, by threshold,etc. Also, in the same window you can assign a different size to the final traced image.
- Font Tab: View the font names as they would look when printed or cut. Select the box that says Show Face to enable this function. Also in the font tab you will find the Add Text Group icon that allows you to write in different lines to make a paragraph and align the text to the left, center of right. You will see the changes reflected in the mat as you type.
- Notes Window allows you to attach files into your projects: Go to View, Notes Window to open the Project Notes. Once there, you can choose any file from your computer and attach it to your design.
- Path Thinning: Right click on your design and select Shape Magic, Advanced, Thin Paths in order to create one line from designs or fonts that had two lines.
- Shadow Layer: Now you can create mats for the designs up to 1 inch outward.
- Virtual Mat object view: You can view your design without fills (colors, patterns,etc) allowing to work without any distractions. Also, you will have the other views: Fill with Outline and Fill without the Outline. Printing the outlines only is also available going to File, Print Options.
- Move shapes faster: Hold down the Control Key and press any of the Arrow Keys to move a shape up, down, left or right very quickly.
If you’d like to purchase a copy of this software and receive FREE $10 of digital files from Enchant Art, click here.
Once you receive your order confirmation, send the order ID number to glenda@enchantart.com with the names of the files of your preference. This offer applies only when you make your purchase through this blog.
To see the files that you can receive, click here.
If you have any question about this upgrade please let me know.
Happy cutting!
Tags: make the cut version 3.3.2, mtc, new mtc
Here is the new Silhouette that will cut up to 12 by 12 inches papers and cardstock.
According to Silhouette’s Web site these are the specifications of the new and bigger Silhouette Cameo:
- True 12″ width cutting area (with the ability cut an actual 12″ rather than a 11.5″ cutting area like other comparable machines). You will be able to adjust the rollers of the machine to cut smaller size papers (9 inches).
- Will include 13″ x 13.5″ mat to provide a 12″ x 12″ cutting area for materials that require a mat
- Ability to cut longer custom lengths for materials with their own adhesive backing
- Optical scanner for “Print & Cut” applications. Silhouette is very accurate with the P&C files.
- Compatible with Silhouette Studio® allowing you to cut fonts and images from your PC or Mac®. Also, looks like Silhouette is coming out with a newer version of the software at the same time of the Cameo release to the public.
- Cuts vinyl, paper, cardstock, fabric, etc just like the Silhouette SD
- The machine uses the same size of blade and sketch pen as the Silhouette SD, so all of your current accessories are compatible. Don’t have to buy new accesories if you already have some for the SD.
- Quieter operation during cutting process. This is good since the smaller Sil. is considered loud for some people.
The Silhouette Cameo will be offered at a suggested retail price of $299.99 and will be available for purchase later this year (projected October 2011); so you will have this machine ready for the holidays.
If you are interested in getting this machine, let me know at glenda@enchantart.com so I can include your name in the pre-order list. Also, if I can get any discount from Silhouette America, I will pass this to my customers.
Have a great day/evening!
Tags: new silhouette cameo
I would like to present you a video explaining how the New Cinch version 2 works. You’ll see some differences from the previous version, which I have and like so much (I’m not planning to upgrade it). But if you don’t have a Cinch, I recommend to get this new version since it can cinch smaller wires than the first version, without any other attachment.
If you are interested in buying the new version, click here for more information. This machines are flying fast from the store; I can see why: the price is better than any other place and people have all the support they need when they buy from Enchant Art. If you have any question, e-mail Glenda at info@enchantart.com
Here is the new video from WRMK:
There are several software applications that allow you to cut using your digital cutter. One of the best is Make the Cut , which has the option to import .svg files and can cut directly to the Silhouette machine from the program. But we have to give the Silhouette Studio a special place too.
Studio is free to download; if you want to download the latest version, you can click here. This is the latest 1.7.0 version of the program. Even if you don’t have your Silhouette or Wishblade yet, you can download the program and play with it.
Now, let’s see what are some of the new or improved features from Studio version 1.7.0:
- The Dashed line option added to the Line Style menu options: Oh! This is so cool! Now you can use a pen (normal, glitter, Silhouette–whichever you have) and instead of cutting, you can sketch the lines on your paper.
- Square endcaps option added in the Line Style menu options for thicker lines: This is useful when you want to actually print and not cut a design with thick lines. The ends of the lines are going to look more square or rounded depending on what you choose.
- “Fill Page” option added to the Replicate menu options: If you choose the Replicate icon, now you will see also, at the bottom of the pane, the option to Fill Page. This means that once you click on the image to select it and then choose the Fill Page option, Silhouette will make enough copies of the original to fill the entire page.
- In My Library, you will find another category called “Pattern”. That will help you to organize the patterns that you can buy from the Silhouette Online Store.
- If you have a design with a pattern applied, you can clear that pattern from the design using the “No Fill” option. This option is the first icon under the Pattern Fill menu.
- In the Fill Color and Line Colors menu, you can find a color picker syringe, this is the second icon in the palette. This works just like many other programs, such as Photoshop. Now you can choose a color from another picture or design and apply that color to another shape. The color picker is very helpful when making print and cut designs and you want to keep uniformity with the colors.
- If you are in a normal mode and double-click your design, the design will change to ”Edit Point Mode”. This doesn’t take effect if the design has been grouped. The program won’t allow you to change a grouped design.
- When you choose the Eraser tool, you will see your cursor change to a gray circle that you can move around the areas to be erased. Now you can see the eraser work while you press and keep pressing the mouse in order to remove lines or even color or pattern filling.
- If you have lines or shapes that are not closed, you can click on the last node and drag it towards the first node. They will snap together to create a closed shape. But if you don’t want this to happen, press the Shift key while dragging the node.
- Click on a node to select it and use the arrow keys from your keyboard to move that node to the left, right, up or down.
- This version has improved the handling of DXF and GSD files.
- You can also see more options when you choose the Open “Files of Type” drop-down selection.
- There are other fixes that will allow you to have a better experience using the software. Some you will not see or use, but they are important for the general use of the software.
- Also remember if you create something with the new version and want to share with others, they must have the new version also in order to open and see the contents of the file. All the other designs created before the update will be perfectly usable with the new Studio version.
I recommend that you play with the software and create something nice that you can cut and share.
Happy cutting!
If you want to cut in the Silhouette, Silhouette SD, Craft Robo (Blue or White) or Wishblade directly from Make the Cut software, now it’s easier than ever since you just have to download the plug-in.
Make the Cut is offering the download of the Beta version of the new Silhouette SD Plugin. In order to download it, click here. This link is going to take you to the MTC forum.
You can also watch a video how it works here:
According to the posts in the forum, the plug-in is working well with print and cut projects, but it is still in Beta version, so we expect even more updates, like simulating the Silhouette mat in the screen.
For now, make sure to set up the mat to Landscape in MTC and in the printer.
If you’d like to purchase MTC from Enchant Art, just click here and then send me an e-mail to info@enchantart.com with the order number and we can give you directions on how to get $10 of free digital files from the Enchant Art store (you can choose your images).
