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	<title>Above Rubies Studio &#187; Our Favorites</title>
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	<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com</link>
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		<title>PRODUCT ALERT: The Ultimate Stamp Storage Solution!</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/tips-and-how-to/our-favorites/favorite-new-product-enabler-alert-on-stamp-storage-solution/1754/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/tips-and-how-to/our-favorites/favorite-new-product-enabler-alert-on-stamp-storage-solution/1754/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 01:17:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=1754</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve spent some time talking about the new Stamp Caddies over at Custom Crops and if you are wondering more about these new Caddies that I am sooo  in love with (since I talk about ScrapCessories Scrap Caddies ALL the  time) &#8211; Let me give you a little something too to Enable you!!!  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;ve spent some time talking about the new Stamp Caddies over at <a href="http://www.customcrops.com/product_info.php?&amp;manufacturers_id=&amp;products_id=232187270">Custom Crops</a> and if you are wondering more about these new Caddies that I am sooo  in love with (since I talk about ScrapCessories Scrap Caddies ALL the  time) &#8211; Let me give you a little something too to Enable you!!!  First  of all, I love ScrapCaddies, but this is BY FAR, the GREATEST product  they&#8217;ve come out with so far, and its going to be HUGE!</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s look at a picture! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/stamp_sheet.jpg"><img title="stamp_caddy" src="http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/stamp_sheet-300x222.jpg" alt="stamp_caddy" width="300" height="222" /></a>(click to enlarge)</p>
<p>Now let me list just a FEW of the benefits and AWESOMENESS&#8217;SS of this  product!</p>
<ul>
<li>Holds hundreds of stamps on 6 double sided trays!  So great because I  can fit them in any order and organize them just how I want! (I have  three caddies holding more than 1,600 stamps!!!)</li>
<li>Black trays make it easy to see the stamps clearly. They really  considered what would work here &#8211; and the black trays are just awesome!</li>
<li>Efficient &#8211; Over 440 Sq. In. of space for stamps &#8211; again &#8211; holds  TONS of stamps!  Just sooo cool!</li>
<li>New multi-rail system keeps your trays secure and evenly spaced.   Stamps slide right in and out of this easy to use rail system!  Sooo  much easier than a bunch of cd cases!  Holds a TON more stamps, and way  more organized!</li>
<li>Holds  stamps in securely, releases them easily. No more tearing or  stretching!!!!  SO COOL!</li>
<li>Finally, according to the makers of this caddy, they shouldn&#8217;t ever  yellow in the stamp caddy tray system!  Which is sooo cool!!!  Keep  those stamps nice and new for a LONNNGGG time!</li>
<li>The caddy keeps them dry, clean, free of dusts, hair, etc&#8230;again &#8211;  just REALLY GREAT!</li>
</ul>
<p>Ok &#8211; I&#8217;m done enabling!  I just think they are SO awesome and I get  passionate about things like this, so I hope you find it helpful for you  and just enjoy learning about new things like this! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
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		<title>5 Top Color Combo/Color Coordination Help Sites</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/tips-and-how-to/our-favorites/5-top-color-combocolor-coordination-help-sites/888/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/tips-and-how-to/our-favorites/5-top-color-combocolor-coordination-help-sites/888/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:22:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=888</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Want to know the biggest secret for scrapbooking or card making?
I seriously need to tell you that the number 1 secret to scrapbooking, card making or paper crafting in general is Paper Color Coordination!  It can literally make or break your projects.  Here is a little list of websites that will help you take some [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Want to know the biggest secret for scrapbooking or card making?</h1>
<p>I seriously need to tell you that the number 1 secret to scrapbooking, card making or paper crafting in general is Paper Color Coordination!  It can literally make or break your projects.  Here is a little list of websites that will help you take some of the guess work out of making papers match.  Now what you can do is find a color palette that has already been put together and then go with those from there&#8230;</p>
<p>Here you go with 5 great helps!</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/palettes/top">ColourLovers.com</a> &#8211; My husband introduced me to this site a long time ago when we were making website templates together, he is partially color blind so I would make the color palette choices and he would make the template.  Anyway, this site is absolutely awesome for ideas.  There are patterns and color palettes that you can use for all sorts of inspiration.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.degraeve.com/color-palette/">DeGraeve.com</a> &#8211; The ultimate tool for scrapbooker&#8217;s and that was NOT even what this was intended for!  You can actually upload a picture into this site and it will give you a coordinating color palette, very fun to mess with! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.scraptitude.com/">Scraptitude.com</a> &#8211; There are two options on this site for different brands of scrapbook paper.  Close to My Heart and Stampin&#8217; Up.  All the colors they make are listed and coordinated into color palettes for SUPER Easy color matching!  It doesn&#8217;t get much easier if you are using these paper brands <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://colorschemedesigner.com/">Colorschemedesigner.com</a> &#8211; Make the color wheel work for you <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  This is AWESOME &#8211; there are several sites like this available, but this one is REALLY nice.  What you do is select your color you want to work with on the color wheel by click on it.  Then there are several options at the top of the website that help you decide what colors are complimentary, the colors that accent and much more&#8230;just click and see&#8230;you&#8217;ll have fun just playing around I am sure and you may come up with some great color schemes all by yourself! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://kuler.adobe.com/#themes/rating?time=30">Kuler.Adobe.com</a> &#8211; another color scheme website that is really helpful, already put together color palettes much like colourlovers&#8230;buts it a lot of fun.</li>
</ol>
<p>Getting an actual color wheel for your scrap room can be of huge benefit as well!  But you don&#8217;t have to go out and buy one in most cases, they are usually available for free at many hardware or paint stores.  With some basic color wheel knowledge, you can mix and match better than the pros <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Let me go ahead in case some are not aware, and give you a break down what colors are what on the color wheel&#8230;No I am not talking Red, Yellow, Blue, I am talking about what the words Triad and what are &#8220;complementary&#8221; colors etc&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Complementary</strong> colors are the colors that are opposite each other on a color wheel.  If you look at a color wheel, you will see that Red is directly across from Green &#8211; when you mix green and red together you are back to all of the primary colors in one.  Complementary colors always balance back to the three primary colors being together.  So if you take the color purple for instance, to make purple you need to mix blue and red together, to balance or &#8220;complement&#8221; the purple you need to add the yellow.  Make sense?</p>
<p><strong>Analogous</strong> colors are the colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.  They are close in shade/color and can create a soft or warm feeling.  Usually use the color in the middle as your main color and then the two colors on either side to support the main color to create a really nice look.</p>
<p><strong>Triad</strong> colors are three colors that are evenly spaced out on the color wheel to form a triangle.  These colors used together can give you a really bold statement, for example taking green, purple and orange (these are the main tertiary colors off of the primary colors) creates a very bold effect that can be quite pleasing.</p>
<p>I could probably go into a lot more, who knew I could use some much of my color theory classes from Beauty School for my scrapbooking projects!??! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />   I think this is a good base for you, if you are interested in more, let me know &#8211; I have been thinking about the possibility of teaching  a Color Theory Class for Scrapbookers myself <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Hope that helps you and gives you yet more great resources and tips!  Do you have any color tips you would like to share???</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>23</slash:comments>
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		<title>5 Top Scrapbooking, Card Making Shops</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/tips-and-how-to/our-favorites/5-top-scrapbooking-card-making-shops/881/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/tips-and-how-to/our-favorites/5-top-scrapbooking-card-making-shops/881/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:53:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=881</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Did you ever see the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic?  Put me in a scrapbooking store and my mind set and way of thinking QUICKLY turns into &#8230;  &#8220;The store always smells good, and the store can awaken a lust for things you didn&#8217;t even know you needed, and when your fingers grasp those shiny [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Did you ever see the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic?  Put me in a scrapbooking store and my mind set and way of thinking QUICKLY turns into &#8230;  &#8220;The store always smells good, and the store can awaken a lust for things you didn&#8217;t even know you needed, and when your fingers grasp those shiny new bags (brads or PAPER!!!) &#8230;. ahh!&#8221;</p>
<p>Ok I am being TOTALLY dramatic here, and really just kidding, but that line is absolutely my favorite mantra from movie.  Anyway, I love shopping, even when it is just looking around, I certainly have no budget to buy everything out there that I see&#8230;however, I am very patient and work my angles to get good deals on things and keep my eyes open on what is going on price wise in the crafting world.  You truly should never have to pay the full sticker price on anything when you shop smart! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Let&#8217;s talk about my favorite places to swoop in and get some great deals and steals! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/">AC Moore</a> &#8211; Let me tell you about this favorite place of mine.  Now I realize AC Moore is a east coast kinda store and may or may not be in your area, so I am sorry for that (you can still check out some stuff online)&#8230;but I adore my local AC Moore, my local one happens to be about 20 minutes away, but it is right next to a Target and Starbucks, so talk about a fun girls day out! (Of course this is MY idea of a fun girls day out &#8211; Car Drive with some GREAT Music that I can sing along to, Starbucks Latte and then&#8230;.PAPER!  Cricut Cartridges! Aisle&#8217;s of STICKERS and Embelishments!!!  AHHH!!!)  Now the BEST part of AC Moore is their weekly specials and weekly coupons.  More often then not, they have 50% off any one item (this has exclusions and limitations, and Cricut Cartridges happen to be one of them&#8230; bummer I know&#8230;but then let&#8217;s move onto&#8230;)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.Customcrops.com">Custom Crops</a> &#8211; They have always had awesome prices on Cricut Cartridges if you find that there is one you need and you can&#8217;t wait for a sale or making a last minute bid on ebay, Custom Crops is your way to go.  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   They also give you so many great tips and their Design Team is amazing (and I am not just saying that because I am on their Design Team! oh and PS &#8211; I am not just telling you about them because I am on their Design Team either, I really like shopping here! <a href="http://www.ebay.com">Ebay</a> &#8211; If you are up for the hunt, ebay is a great place to get Cricut Cartridges.  You have to be careful which buyers you choose.  You want to make sure that you are buying a brand new Cricut Cartridge that has never been opened or linked to a Gypsy.  Also check they seller&#8217;s feedback before bidding, and if you are unsure of something, ask the seller.  I also recommended placing in your maximum amount you are willing to pay for that cartridge (I never do more than $25 &#8211; 28.00 esp if there is shipping being charged) and then let it be.  Don&#8217;t get yourself addicted into &#8220;winning that cartridge&#8221;!  It can be dangerous &#8211; I know someone who got so sucked into outbidding someone else they ended up paying $30.00 more than if they would have just gone over to AC Moore and paid full price!  So be careful!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.hersheyscrapbook.com/">Times To Remember</a> &#8211; A wonderful store that is about one hour from my house that I just LOVE to go to. It&#8217;s located in a Outlet Shopping center right between Coach and Starbucks!  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />   I am a girl who loves to be in a store. I do a lot more shopping and feel like at times, I get better deals in store than online, but of course that all depends and that is all about knowing your prices.  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I just love the size and selection of this store and they also have a online website that you can check out.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cleardollarstamps.com">New Clear Dollar Stamps</a> &#8211; I simply adore their stamp sets, they have very reasonable prices and they have wonderfully beautiful scripture stamp sets as well&#8230;I also noticed they have decent prices on Copic Markers&#8230;they are not something I have invested in yet, I&#8217;m thinking about it someday, but there is a place to look into them if you are interested in them yourself.  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I have to lump this into the number 4 shop <a href="http://sweetnsassystamps.biz">Sweet N&#8217; Sassy</a> amazing stamps that I just find adorable, and again with the Scripture stamps that I love.  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.hallmarkscrapbook.com">Hallmark Scrapbook</a> &#8211; I love checking out their store &#8211; some great prices and sales from time to time as well <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   Fun stuff!</li>
</ol>
<p>Anyway, there are millions more stores available, I have also heard really great things about buying from <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com">TwoPeasInABucket</a> and <a href="http://www.scrapbook.com">Scrapbook.com</a> I have never purchased from either, but I hear great things and I have scanned through a few times <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Anyway, I hope that helps you if you are looking for something particular <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I really love shopping, not necessarily buying, but shopping is such a relaxing thing for me, especially when I am out just looking for new ideas.  I like coming up with my own do it yourselves instead of buying everything that is available  &#8211; try to find ways to get the same effects without buying something new.  Although I do always love trying something new <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Have FUN! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
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		<title>5 (ok more like 16) Top Scrapbooking/Cardmaking Inspiration Blogs</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/5-ok-more-like-16-top-scrapbookingcardmaking-inspiration-blogs/865/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/5-ok-more-like-16-top-scrapbookingcardmaking-inspiration-blogs/865/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:47:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=865</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been asked on more than one occasion where I get my inspiration from&#8230;well I usually answer, I get it just from things I see in everyday life&#8230;lego blocks for example was my latest inspiration for my Christmas Tree Cards.  I love pouring myself over my Cricut Handbooks to get ideas and think &#8220;outside [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have been asked on more than one occasion where I get my inspiration from&#8230;well I usually answer, I get it just from things I see in everyday life&#8230;lego blocks for example was my latest inspiration for my Christmas Tree Cards.  I love pouring myself over my Cricut Handbooks to get ideas and think &#8220;outside of the box&#8221; with just my cartridge handbooks or my overlays.  I get tons of ideas from looking at actual website design templates.  You can also get great ideas for color schemes through that as well, and finally, I have to say nature is a huge source of inspiration to me.  God&#8217;s great creation is FULL of details that you have to fully stop and admire to get the fullness of the details in every little thing.  Not that my projects necessarily reflect &#8220;nature&#8221; in anyway, but sometimes just looking at the way a flower sprouts out between two bushes is enough to make want to run home and put together a scrapbook page. <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Anywho, that isn&#8217;t really what this post is about.  I want to do a REALLY thorough post on color scheming and layouts later&#8230;I know some of you are ANXIOUSLY awaiting it, but I am still putting it together and want it to be full of GREAT resources for you <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>This blog post is about other blogs&#8230;blogs that I love and visit often to feel part of this AWESOME community&#8230;I almost feel it unfair to say I only have 5 favorites &#8211; because I have WAYYYYY more than 5!  There are SOOO many talented crafters out there&#8230;oyyavey I love so much!  So I am just going to start listing them a bunch!  There are TONS upon TONS out there, but this is a START into my world&#8230;what I was checking out, what gave me juice &#8211; I love so many!  I am not on all these sites everyday, but they are great!</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Tim Holtz</a> &#8211; I loved Tim Holtz designs and videos from day one of ever looking at a scrapbook or cricut or card making video &#8211; so much inspiration and wonderfulness he designs and I just love it!  I don&#8217;t always make what he creates nor do I try to always mimic it or anything&#8230;I just truly admire his work!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/">Obsessed With Scrapbooking</a> &#8211; HappyHappyJoyJoy &#8211; she was the FIRST blog I ever came across when I was looking into Cricut info and inspiration.  Joy has become such a huge part of why Above Rubies Studio came about, and I don&#8217;t think she has a clue how much I adore her!  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />   I am totally honored and THRILLED that she has been apart of the growth of Above Rubies Studio and that she would take time to also have THREE amazing Projects in the Above Rubies Studio Cricut A to Z DVD!  She is just awesome and has AMAZING projects, resources and info constantly! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I love her!!! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />    If you haven&#8217;t been on her blog recently &#8211; you need to go check her out again or for a first time if that so happens to be!  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   Her original cutting guide is what put the fire under me that there was even more of a need for a guide for cutting with the Cricut and I don&#8217;t know if I ever gave her public recognition for that inspiration! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://jennifermcguireink.com/">Jennifer McGuire Ink</a> &#8211; when I was looking into dreaming about someday owning my own studio, Jennifer McGuire&#8217;s scrapbooking room was a first that I had found and fell in love. I found her by doing a search for scrapbooking rooms, and I absolutely adore all that she does with stamping.  Jennifer was seriously the biggest reason I decided I had to start stamping!  She also does amazing things with Tim Holtz inks and such and I just love what comes out! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   If you have never seen her scrapbooking area/room &#8211; you NEED to <a href="http://jennifermcguireink.com/">check out this link </a>- I am IN LOVE and can&#8217;t wait until our Studio is completely done being designed to show you our finished project &#8211; for now enjoy Jennifer&#8217;s!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.MyCricutScrapbooking.com">My Cricut Scrapbooking</a> &#8211; Beth has done some amazing things over there with free .svg files for <a href="http://www.craftedge.com/purchase/purchase.php?rfid=7305823&amp;ref=c5b0162540eaa8f2b2cc641461a28ac5">Sure Cuts A Lot</a> I get a lot of .svgs from her and she is always a great resource <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   Great stuff!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cricutchristmas.blogspot.com">Christmas with the Cricut</a> &#8211; Joy, Tammy and Melanie do an AMAZING job posting a new project everyday for your Cricut Christmas projects, decor, layouts, and tons of cards &#8211; they are just SO awesome!  You need ideas for Christmas, you check them out &#8211; I can&#8217;t even begin to give you the resource they give you &#8211; PLUS they do weekly giveaways BONUS! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> <a href="http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/"> </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.craftjunkietoo.blogspot.com/">Craft Junkie Too</a> &#8211; Tracy is a sweetheart!  You will love her posts I am sure &#8211; she is just great!<a href="http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/"></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/">Kristina Werner </a>- Card inspiration CITY over there!  Kristina is AWESOME at wiping out ideas for Cards.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.MyPinkStamper.com">My Pink Stamper</a> &#8211; Who doesn&#8217;t LOVE Robyn???  She has some really cute card and scrapbook page layouts and she is always a bundle of spunk in her videos</li>
<li><a href="http://capadiadesigns.blogspot.com/">Capadia Designs</a> &#8211; Diane has amazing Cricut Design Studio work on her blog, it truly amazes me how much work she puts into some of her Design Studio projects, GREAT Inspiration &#8211; she also has some amazing projects in the <a href="http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/cricut-dvd/">Cricut A to Z DVD</a> that you will NOT want to miss!</li>
<li><a href="http://joyslife.com/">Joy&#8217;s Life</a> &#8211; Another Joy in my life <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />   She has given me some amazing inspiration over time and she was the one I learned about numbering your Cricut handbooks through. I asked her awhile back when I was first doing videos if I could user her method and make it my own, and that&#8217;s exactly what I did <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I did a little video on how I number my Cricut Handbooks, changed up her way a little bit and you can find exactly what works for you! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.CustomCrops.com">Custom Crops</a> &#8211; I didn&#8217;t know if I should put this link here or wait and then I decided I just had to!  Custom Crops has a ROCKIN&#8217; Design Team of Crafters and they are a HUGE inspiration!  You need to check out all their awesome design team members and see what I mean! <a href="http://www.customcrops.com/articles.php">Click here to check it out!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.CreationswithChristina.blogspot.com">CreationswithChristina</a> &#8211; She has done an awesome series on Wild Card Cricut Cartridge &#8211; Love it!  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/">Chic N&#8217; Scratch</a> &#8211; Believe it or not, I only recently found Chic N&#8217; Scratch and she is awesome if you have not yet heard of her!  Great stampin&#8217; up demonstrator with great tutorials on stampin&#8217; up projects!</li>
<li><a href="http://livelaughscrap-leedle.blogspot.com/">LiveLaughScrap</a> &#8211; Lori is someone that has sorta found me and I found her through that &#8211; but she has such AWESOME stuff on her blog!  Someone who I have grown to greatly admire in this HUGE online world of crafters, but I have to share her!  She is just great and I love her ideas! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://courtney-lane.blogspot.com/">Courtney Lane Designs</a> &#8211; Melanie can whip out those cards!  I was introduced to Melanie through Joy Tracey through Christmas with the Cricut &#8211; I can&#8217;t tell you how sweet and awesome all three of these girls are and you have to check out each of their blogs!  Ok, but Courtney Lane Designs &#8211; seriously, awesome stuff, regular posts of just amazing card projects and much more <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><a href="http://creativecritterscricutclub.blogspot.com/">Creative Critters Club</a> &#8211; Tammy is yet another one that simply amazes me in her work &#8211; I follow her mostly through Christmas with the Cricut and her other design team projects, but you can check one of her blogs out here <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
</ol>
<p>Ok, so that is a SHORT list of the many blogs I visit &#8211; There are many more &#8211; so please don&#8217;t be offended if you read this and i didn&#8217;t mention you!  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   This is just such a HUGE awesome online world and I am SO blessed to be a part of it &#8211; what an AWESOME gift this technology is that we can share our ideas with the entire world with a few typing words and a click of a button!!! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Keep sharing your ideas, keep creating and keep inspiring!!!  You are wonderful! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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		<title>5 Top Adhesives for Scrapbooking or Cardmaking</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/5-top-adhesives-for-scrapbooking-or-cardmaking/862/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/5-top-adhesives-for-scrapbooking-or-cardmaking/862/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:20:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=862</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Adhesive, adhesive, adhesive!  Oh how I love the stickiness of you!  
Adhesives seem to be the bane or glory of every scrapbooker out there, especially if you are using your Cricut machine.  Sometimes it&#8217;s hard to decide on what adhesive to use and when, why, how, all of the above!
I would like to say [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Adhesive, adhesive, adhesive!  Oh how I love the stickiness of you! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Adhesives seem to be the bane or glory of every scrapbooker out there, especially if you are using your Cricut machine.  Sometimes it&#8217;s hard to decide on what adhesive to use and when, why, how, all of the above!</p>
<p>I would like to say I can help you take away all your worries and troubles with adhesives, but that would be slightly unrealistic!  Each situation, each cut, calls for something different it seems.  So what I can do for you is give you my 5 top favs on adhesives and give you the reasons why.  You can do what you like with those reasons and the tips for making them work for you.</p>
<p>I see many O&#8217; Questions on what adhesives to use with your Cricut cut outs and I receive at least 2 emails a day asking what adhesives I use, so that is why I decided to do this post next.  I love adhesives and playing with different types, I like learning about new things and re-visiting some &#8220;oldies but goodies&#8221;&#8230;.</p>
<p>If anyone knows of any other adhesives that I should try, tell me about them, I would LOVE to hear it!</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s just get to the favorites!</p>
<h1>Five Favorite Adhesives for my Cricut, Scrapbooking and Cardmaking!</h1>
<ol>
<li><strong>ZIG Squeeze and Roll Two-Way Glue Pen</strong> &#8211; I have seen many comments and concerns and questions about the Zig, but it is by far my favorite!  I have four different sizes and tip types on my ZIGS, but my favorite is the Squeeze and Roll Pen.  It allows me to squeeze out and have precision control of where my glue goes.  It has very low mess and it gives me great flexibility in use.  If you are unfamiliar with a two-way glue pen, it works simply like this, when you apply the glue to your surface it comes out blue, and when you adhere it to your project while it is still blue, it is a permanent bond.  If you wait until it dries clear or &#8220;white&#8221; it is a temporary repositionable bond, great for making cutting mats sticky again,and other things.  The &#8220;complaints&#8221; have been that the glue dries to fast to be &#8220;clear&#8221; before you get to the end of your cut out and then it&#8217;s only temporary hold.  I like to beg to differ especially if you are using the Squeeze and Roll!  It comes out perfect and you should have PLENTY of time for it to stay blue while you finish all corners of your images! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><strong>ATG 700</strong> &#8211; My yellow ATG 700 is the BOMB diggity!  Adhesive applicator or &#8220;gun&#8221; for a two sided adhesive tape&#8230;You can check it out in many of my videos <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I have an ATG 700 which is the yellow &#8220;gun&#8221;.  Many crafters use the ATG 714 which holds 1/4&#8243; tape.  Let me explain why I use the 700 <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I started using the 700 simply because of the price of under $30 that I paid for the gun at a local framing store that I purchased it from.  But, why I love it so much now, is because I have the flexibility with a simple adapter that came with my gun to use three different sizes of tape.  It is SO awesome!!!  The tape inside there lasts FOREVER on top of being SUPER sticky and permanent, I can feel assured knowing my pictures, embellishments, etc&#8230; aren&#8217;t moving from where I put it for a LOONNNG time!  With my ATG 714 I keep the 3/4&#8243; tape inside, I love it for almost everything, except for small intricate cuts, but then I use my ZIG for those anyway!</li>
<li><strong>Xyron 2.5&#8243; Sticker Maker</strong> &#8211; Woot Woot for the Xyron that I use ALL the time with my intricate or &#8220;thin&#8221; Cricut Cuts.  Things that are just too detailed for me to want to take the time to individually glue, like small words, letters, phrases or silhouettes.  I love the 2.5&#8243; maker size, I feel like anything bigger I use my ATG or mono-adhesive glue runner on.  Anything smaller I use my zig or the size is just fine in there <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   You simply place your cut out or paper in the front opening turn the crank and out pops your &#8220;stickered&#8221; image.  It is SO much FUN!!!  &#8220;Complaint&#8221; to it, sometimes it leaves extra glue &#8220;boogers&#8221;&#8230;while that can be true, I don&#8217;t find it to be a lot or overly annoying.  To rectify that situation, just use a WHITE pencil eraser over the edges of the image you made a sticker and it pulls the &#8220;boogies&#8221; right off. (and YES, in case you where wondering, BOOGIES are the technical term for the access glue <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  lol!) In all seriousness though, I have never found there to be an over-abundance of glue on any image no matter the size that would ever make me turn from my Xyron, it&#8217;s purple, it&#8217;s helpful and it is sticky!  I &lt;3 it! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><strong>Pop Dots</strong> &#8211; Whatever your brand of choice, Pop Dots, Dimensionals, 3D Foam Dots, Zots, etc&#8230; POP UP YOUR IMAGES!!!  I LOVE them!  You can get a variety of sizes and shapes for Pop dots and I&#8217;ve tried a gamut!!  You can get them in dollar store bins and then pay as much as $6.00 per pack!  I will tell you that my favs to use are the actual &#8220;Pop Dots&#8221; from the All Night Media or Plaid Company, I really like their size and thickness, they stay on well and I just enjoy them for the price. I also use a lot from Target, they are really reasonable and multiple sizes come in one pack, I&#8217;ve been told to &#8220;watch out&#8221; that they loose their stick, but I&#8217;ve had them in my albums for over two years and have not yet had any loosing stick problems.  I like to be fair and tell you about that, but it has never been my experience with them. <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><strong>Adtech Glue Runner -</strong> I must sound like a serious nay-sayer to many people because I have  seen more than several comments of people hating this glue.  I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s the climate in my house, or the way I keep things, but I LOVE the Adtech Glue Runner from Walmart!  This is the glue runner I started with years and years ago when I first started scrapbooking, between this glue runner and photo splits, I was a happy scrapper! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   It is so inexpensive and the permanent bond has thus far (at least the past 5 years) has been permanent for me!  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I have heard peoples complaints of it not holding up, so again, to be honest with you I will tell you about that, but I truly can say for the less than $2.00 refils, I have always been happy with it!  My favs! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
</ol>
<p>So please, do share with me your favs!  I will mention to you that I have been using several other adhesives more often lately than I used to, I may make more mention of them later, but don&#8217;t be surprised when my top 5&#8217;s turn into top 10s!  I just love so much!!! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   Can I mention it now, Stick and Spray by Crafter&#8217;s Companion, Glue Dot Stamper by Elmer&#8217;s and Zip Dry Glue all creeping up on my lists, but not enough to take over <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>(*just an FYI side note here &#8211; these are all just the opinions of Above Rubies Studio, non of these products was I in anyway paid to review or plug, I just love sharing my thoughts and getting yours here on this blog! Have an awesome day!*)</p>
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		<title>5 Top Favorite Papers for Scrapbooking or Cardmaking</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/5-top-favorite-papers-for-scrapbooking-or-cardmaking/852/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/5-top-favorite-papers-for-scrapbooking-or-cardmaking/852/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:11:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=852</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am in LOVE with Paper!  I have more paper than I can ever use and have half a forest in my house, but I can&#8217;t help it!  There is nothing at all like a fresh pack of designer paper, so clean and crisp, glittery with embossing, or shining from foil.  Oh How I Love [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- 		@page { margin: 0.79in } 		P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } 		H1 { margin-bottom: 0.08in } 		H1.western { font-family: "Times New Roman", serif } 		H1.cjk { font-family: "Arial Unicode MS" } 		H1.ctl { font-family: "Tahoma" } -->I am in LOVE with Paper!  I have more paper than I can ever use and have half a forest in my house, but I can&#8217;t help it!  There is nothing at all like a fresh pack of designer paper, so clean and crisp, glittery with embossing, or shining from foil.  Oh How I Love It!!!! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I know I sound Crazy, but paper is what makes or breaks all your crafting!  Coordinating your paper choices is absolutely the Secret Solution to making any Scrapbook page lay out, hand made card, or Cricut layers!  IT&#8217;S ALL IN THE PAPER!!!  So here I have laid out my fav fives for you!  Of course I use tons more than just these 5, but if I could only ever have five these would be them&#8230;</p>
<h1>Top 5 Favorite Papers</h1>
<ul>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Best Occasions Textured Card Stock 	from walmart &#8211; It is really reasonably priced, and it comes in 	beautiful colors.  I have found it to be good quality for the 	price and it cuts like a dream in the Cricut as well as holds up 	nicely for handmade cards.  Their Color Pallets are nice too coming in brights, neutrals and pastels that all seem to go together like chocolate and pretzels!</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">K and Company Designer paper &#8211; I 	could do a top five of just my fav K &amp; Company packs!  I 	love the Urban Pack and the Sparkly Sweet, Simply Sweet and Carolina 	Gavin&#8217;s designs AND Amy Butler&#8217;s designs are ALL to DIE for!  	Their double sided design paper is great in the Cricut and you can 	do so much with it.  The double sided is great too because you 	don&#8217;t have to work at making papers match at all. You can also get 	these paper packs really reasonably at AC Moore, Michael&#8217;s or Hobby 	Lobby with a coupon.  Target has also been carrying K &amp; 	Company paper in my area and has always had wonderful prices on it 	as well.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My Mind&#8217;s Eye has been a recent 	favorite in designer paper as it is a really good weight and I have 	become especially fond of the &#8220;Fall In Love&#8221; collection 	and their winter theme paper is just beautiful.  I have found these papers to almost always go great with the Textured Card Stock from Best Occasions!</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Stampin&#8217; Up Cardstock &#8211; it&#8217;s only 	been in the past 3 months that I have used stampin&#8217; up at all.  	I have heard of it and seen it around, but never purchased it 	because I always felt it to be too expensive.  It&#8217;s not 	horribly priced though, and since having a friend as a demonstrator, 	things in the Stampin&#8217; Up area of my life is increasing <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I 	really like that they have taken the guess work out of coordinating 	as well.  I sometimes like putting together the color scheme 	that I like, but it is great to not have to think about it and have 	someone else do it for me.  I personally think that many 	Stampin&#8217; Up papers blend great with many K &amp; Company packs too.  	Bonus for me! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
</li>
<li>Die Cuts With a View Glitter Paper &#8211; I love DCWV Glitter 	Papers.  Their Glitter Stack designer paper is awesome and just 	using the solid glitters is so much fun as well.  I really 	enjoy these papers <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   As you may be able to tell, I am a big 	fan of buying packs of paper.  I find that it saves a LOT of 	money over buying individual sheets.  Single sheets can cost as 	much as $3.00 per sheet, where as in a pack you can get them as 	cheap as $0.09 per sheet depending on the brand and where you buy.</li>
</ul>
<p>So there you have it, my five fab brands of cardstock, quick and simply to the point! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>What are your fav paper brands and why!!??!  Do tell do tell! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>I am working on a really special surprise post for later this week that will help you with your Coordinating woahs too!  I know it is the hardest part sometimes figuring out what makes a project great with your paper selections so keep checking back, I&#8217;ll give you some secrets that you won&#8217;t want to miss! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
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		<title>5 Top Favorite Cricut Tools</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/cricut/5-top-favorite-cricut-tools/845/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/cricut/5-top-favorite-cricut-tools/845/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:46:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=845</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ok, so I already did my Top 5 Favorite Cricut Cartridges, now I am going to share my top five favorite and most used &#8220;tools&#8221; with my Cricut Machine.  I know you are thinking, what do you mean by tools, I&#8217;m not talking about the cartridges, blades, and the cutting mats, as far as I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ok, so I already did my Top 5 Favorite Cricut Cartridges, now I am going to share my top five favorite and most used &#8220;tools&#8221; with my Cricut Machine.  I know you are thinking, what do you mean by tools, I&#8217;m not talking about the cartridges, blades, and the cutting mats, as far as I am concerned they are part of the Cricut Machine.  I am talking about the extra things that I use with my Cricut to either make life easier, or <strong>save money</strong> to make things, like my mats, last longer.  Some of you may or may not be aware that Provo Craft does make a little &#8220;tool kit&#8221; for the Cricut, while I like all the tools in the tools kit I only use a few of them, so let&#8217;s talk about what my five are not all in that tool kit! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>So let&#8217;s get started with my list:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Crafter&#8217;s Companion Stick and Spray and Stick Away</strong> &#8211; I did a video showing these recently, and I need to tell you.  This is the BIGGEST Money Saver for the Cricut I have found!  I love this stuff!!  I used to be a fan of Zig Two Way Glue pens to restick my Cricut Mat, but I started using this and I think it lasts longer and it&#8217;s less messy on my mat.  I still think that the Zig works awesome for areas to touch up, but for re-sticking my whole mat, Crafter&#8217;s Companion is really my BFF! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   Here is the <a href="http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/cricut/cricut-cutting-mats-save-money-restick-reuse-recycle/518/">Video on How to Restick Your Mats</a> &#8211; just in case you missed it!</li>
<li><strong>Bone Folder</strong> &#8211; I love my Bone Folder and I have the one from the Cricut Tool Kit that I use the most.  I find myself using it sideways to even scrape extra little things off my cutting mats and work space.  I use it to score my paper and fold my papers to get great creases, exactly what a bone folder is used for.  But really I love be because I find myself using it for many other things.  Ever think of using it to position your letters by letting a tiny bit of zig two way glue dry on the tip and then place the letters or small cuts where you want them to be, helpful! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><strong>Fiskars Finger Tip Tweezers</strong> &#8211; I use these all the time, even though I don&#8217;t think I show these in my videos very often&#8230;I really like using these finger tip tweezers on my Cricut Projects because I feel like they help me place things where I want them to be and they help me remove those little excess pieces of paper get stuck inside those intricate cuts.  I really like cleaning up and weeding out my vinyl with them too.  You can get them for as cheap as $2.00 at AC Moore with coupons and such <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><strong>Ruler</strong> &#8211; Any ol&#8217; ruler will do one comes in the Cricut Tool Kit which you will see me use often, but any ruler works just find when it comes to your Cricut!  I use my ruler a lot when I am working out sizes for cards and other things.  When I do something like a layer for my cards, I measure them out from time to time for adding extra embellishments and such &#8211; general tool that&#8217;s around, but it&#8217;s very handy for Cricut users. <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
<li><strong>Baby Wipes</strong> &#8211; That&#8217;s right, simple baby diaper wipes are one of my favorite tools that I always have on hand when I am using my Cricut.  I use it to wipe down my rollers from time to time.  To quickly qipe off my cricut mats when they have extra lint on them, wipe off little marks from markers or ink when I am really getting into crafting.  I also use baby wipe to wipe of my blade from time to time BUT &#8211; BE CAREFUL!  Cricut Blades are SHARP and while they can get paper build up in there and need to be cleaned out and wiped off occasionally, just be careful not to cut yourself. Canned air also works really well to clean out the blade housing and then you do not have to touch any part of the blade until it&#8217;s time for replacement.</li>
</ol>
<p>So maybe that gives you a few tips and again the insight into what I like to use and have most fun with.  Can you tell me what your favorites are?  What makes your Cricut Experience Easier?  What money saving tips can you share?  Hope you have an awesome weekend!</p>
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		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
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		<title>Top 5 Favorite Cricut Cartridges</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/cricut/top-5-favorite-cricut-cartridges/842/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/cricut/top-5-favorite-cricut-cartridges/842/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:53:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=842</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I LOVE my Cricut Cartridges, I now have a rather large library of cartridges, and even though I continue to build, I still have my five favorites as of December 2009.  I&#8217;ll let you know if it ever changes, but for a while now these have been and become my favorite cartridges.  Here is why!

Top [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I LOVE my Cricut Cartridges, I now have a rather large library of cartridges, and even though I continue to build, I still have my five favorites as of December 2009.  I&#8217;ll let you know if it ever changes, but for a while now these have been and become my favorite cartridges.  Here is why!</p>
<p><!-- 		@page { margin: 0.79in } 		P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } 		H1 { margin-bottom: 0.08in } 		H1.western { font-family: "Times New Roman", serif } 		H1.cjk { font-family: "Arial Unicode MS" } 		H1.ctl { font-family: "Tahoma" } --></p>
<h1>Top 5 Favorite Cricut Cartridges:</h1>
<ul>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong>A Child&#8217;s Year</strong> &#8211; I love (ACY) 	because it has many features and functions including a font, a Card 	Creative Feature, and shapes/images for all events and occasions.  	I don&#8217;t even think you need a child to use this.  It&#8217;s simply 	beautiful! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong>Stamping Solutions</strong> &#8211; this is by 	FAR my favorite of the Solutions Cartridges.  While solutions 	cartridges generally don&#8217;t offer you a lot of extra creative 	features, this one has many great phrases and images that work on a 	variety of scrapbook pages and cards.  I also do enjoy the 	shadow feature on this cartridge because it allows me to add more 	dimension to all my images or phrases.  I use this cartridge a 	lot and if you take a look at it, I think you&#8217;ll see why! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong>Paper Dolls</strong> &#8211; I love the Paper 	Doll Cartridges (PDDU or EDPD)!!!  While they do not offer me my favorite 	&#8220;card&#8221; feature, I love the different things you can 	achieve with thiscartridge on my Scrapbook pages or even cards.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong>Stretch You Imagination</strong> (SYI) &#8211; This is 	yet another very versatile all seasons and events cartridge.  	This has everything for your Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter seasons 	with adorable images and my ever favorite Card Function.  You 	can use this cartridge for weddings and for new babies, birthdays 	&#8230; it&#8217;s a lot of fun.  I like using the &#8220;stretched 	images&#8221; on my scrapbook pages as borders, they look so cute.</p>
</li>
<li><strong>Storybook</strong> &#8211; This is great because it is more of a font 	cartridge, and I just really like what it has to offer.  I find 	myself using it a lot when I scrapbook.  Using the frames on 	this cartridge is really great and I enjoy the different options for 	the font as titles and other things.</li>
</ul>
<p>I would love to know what your favorites are and I would also love to know what ONE Cartridge you would like to learn the most about.  So in the comments section of this post, let me know!  Tell me your favorite Cartridge, tell me the one you want to get the most next, tell me what you want to learn more about&#8230;.</p>
<p>I want to continue to share a resource fit for YOU, not just what I feel like doing&#8230;so keep giving me your feedback!  I love continuing to grow and I hope I can aid in some small ways to your crafting growth!</p>
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		<slash:comments>51</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Top 5 Favorites for Scrapbooking, Cardmaking and Cricut</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/top-5-favorites-for-scrapbooking-cardmaking-and-cricut/837/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/product-reviews/top-5-favorites-for-scrapbooking-cardmaking-and-cricut/837/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:43:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=837</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hey, I have had a lot of questions about what my top five favorites are on a lot of things, so I thought I would break it down for you.
Over the next few days stay tuned to Above Rubies Studio as I break down my top 5 favorites on topics like these and why they [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey, I have had a lot of questions about what my top five favorites are on a lot of things, so I thought I would break it down for you.</p>
<p>Over the next few days stay tuned to Above Rubies Studio as I break down my top 5 favorites on topics like these and why they are my favorite:</p>
<ul>
<li>Paper for Cards and Scrapbooking</li>
<li>Adhesives</li>
<li>Cricut Cartridges</li>
<li>Embellishment Tools</li>
<li>Color Schemes</li>
<li>Favorite Inspirations</li>
<li>Shopping Spots</li>
<li>Resources for my Cricut</li>
</ul>
<p>I like so many different things on a variety of levels and other things, but I just wanted to share this with you.</p>
<p>If I think of anything else I&#8217;ll add it in, but this maybe a really helpful resource for you just to get good ideas and helpful resources.  I recommend book marking these link so that you can refer back to it at anytime.  You can even print out these posts as I post them and stick them in with your Cricut Cutting Guide from Above Rubies Studio to refer back to if you find these helpful. <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Stampin&#8217; Up Orders!</title>
		<link>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/stamping/stampin-up-orders/488/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/videos-and-projects/stamping/stampin-up-orders/488/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:52:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Gravener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Our Favorites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stamping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/?p=488</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hey Everyone!
I wanted to send you a message just to say that I&#8217;m hosting a Stampin&#8217; Up Workshop at my house tonight&#8230;
Now I know most of you won&#8217;t be able to come     BUT&#8230;I wanted to give you the link to my good friend Stephanie&#8217;s shop.
If you are interested in ordering anything [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey Everyone!</p>
<p>I wanted to send you a message just to say that I&#8217;m hosting a Stampin&#8217; Up Workshop at my house tonight&#8230;</p>
<p>Now I know most of you won&#8217;t be able to come <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  BUT&#8230;I wanted to give you the link to my good friend Stephanie&#8217;s shop.</p>
<p>If you are interested in ordering anything &#8211; send me a message and let me know and I&#8217;ll make sure you get it! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Start shopping <a href="http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/joystampers/contactme">HERE Stampin&#8217;  Up Stephanie Good </a></p>
<p>You can either let her know what you want and that Megan sent you &#8211; or send me a private message through the contact form to place an order for some FANTASTIC new stamps or pads or paper or hundreds of other supplies! <img src='http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/wp-system/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>They really have amazingly beautiful supplies!</p>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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