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Thursday, February 4, 2010

So by now, I'm sure most of you have heard of Above Rubies Studio, and the DVD that they put out, "Cricut A-Z". Well, a couple of weeks ago I had not yet viewed this DVD, but kept hearing about it and wondered what all the fuss was about. When I went to CHA recently, I got to meet Megan Gravener, the Creative Director of Above Rubies Studio. Not only did I get to meet her, but we got to spend some time together and I have to say that she is fantastic - very sweet, down to earth, hard-working, and thoughtful. And fun to hang out with too! I asked her if she would mind if I did a review of her DVD, and not only was she kind enough to give me a copy, but she also gave me a couple of extras to give away as blog candy. Woooohooooo!!!! I love being able to give you guys some free stuff now and then!!! To enter to win, just make sure you're a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post and let me know what you think of my review - or what you think of the DVD if you've seen it. Be sure to leave me your email address or your messageboard name so I can reach you if you win. I'll draw the two winners Monday morning, February 8th, at about 10am pacific time.

I may be the last one in on the secret, but yes, it's true - this is a great DVD!!! I've been teaching Cricut classes for over 2 years now (and a Cricut user since it first came out), and I can't even tell you how many times I've met people who are just taking their Cricut out of the box for the first time. And yet, it's always been impossible for me to have enough time in a class to actually cover everything that somebody needs to know to get the most out of their Cricut. The cool thing is that, because this DVD is soooo comprehensive, it's actually perfect for that just-out-of-the-box Cricuteer, all the way up to the advanced user. It pains me to admit this, but I even learned a few things!

"Cricut A-Z" really does cover everything. There are several different chapters to choose from, or you can just play the whole DVD and soak it all in like I did. But in the beginning, she literally goes through all of the basics like where to plug your cord in, how to turn your machine on, how to change your blade, the dials, functions, modes, creative features, you name it. And I have to say that I love the close-ups!!! The production is fantastic, and it's incredibly helpful to see a perfectly steady close-up when learning how to do such detailed processes.

One of the most frequent comments I used to receive when I taught my basic Cricut 101 classes, was that people were thrilled to finally learn how to use the booklet that comes with each cartridge. Many people had no idea that there were so many extra images on a cartridge that you can't see when just looking at the keypad overlay or even the back of the box. You've gotta make friends with that booklet, and Megan does a great job of showing how that works with close-ups and examples. That right there will make it worth the money if that's something you don't know how to do!!

Besides the basics, which an advanced user still may want to brush up on, there's plenty of meat for us die-hard Cricut addicts. She shows how to do several different "out of the box" Cricut techniques such as making your own stamps and your own Cuttlebug folders with your bug. Plus I personally really enjoyed seeing how to use "Shrinky Dink" material in the Cricut, and then what on earth to do with it next. Very cool - I'm totally going to give that a try! And once your brain is good and full, there's a fabulous Project Gallery section with tons of creative ideas by different designers, along with a "recipe card" to go along with each one so you could easily scraplift and put your new skills to the test.

So, in case you're still wondering what I really thought of this DVD... it's awesome!!!! Rave, rave reviews, 2 thumbs up, encore, flower-tossing, the whole bit. I will be recommending this to all of my clients, and consider it a must-have for every Cricut user!!!!! Now we've just gotta convince Provo Craft to include a copy with every Cricut!!

Be sure to check out the Above Rubies Studio website HERE. Or go directly to THIS page of the website to order your DVD. Btw, they will soon be coming out with a Gypsy A-Z DVD. OMG, how COOL is that????? I'll be first in line to get it!!

240 comments:

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Turnedgypsy said...

Thank you for posting this about the dvd. I just found your site today. I am disabled and have not used my cricut much, because I can not sit long enough at times to play around to learn all there is to know.

I would love to have this dvd to watch, so that by time I feel good enough to create, I would know what to do.

Would love to win this. Thanks for the chance. I just started following you today.

Love your blog

chriswooten57
mcwooten1999@carolina.rr.com

mommahobbit said...

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! AS A SOMEWHAT SEASONED BUG USER I WONDERED IF IT WOULD BE ANY USE, BUT I SEE THAT I TOO CAN LEARN. TYTYTY

MOMMAHOBBIT@COLUMBIAWIRELESS.CA

Sassy said...

PICK ME....PLEASE PICK ME.
My Cricut sits there on top of my table and looks at me like I should know what to do with it. I don't! This would be perfect for me!

Cherie said...

I'd love to receive this! It sounds so much like what I need! Thanks for the opportunity to win one~

ckeller219 said...

Thanks for that great review. You've made up my mind, I will be ordering on payday.

Nell said...

Thanx for the thumbs up on the DVD.Living in Australia sites like this are our only sources of info.Look forward to following your blog.
NELL

killmore1@optusnet.com.au

Michelle said...

WOW! I had been on the fence about purchasing this dvd but have decided to make the purchase - unless of course I win a copy ;)
Michelle
mdagloria@rogers.com

Jill said...

looks cool...

Chinajo said...

I bough 2 copies love the dvd everytime I watch it I learn something new again. Megan covers so much in it - its amazing.

cardchick's world said...

WOW!!! I've been waiting to hear a review abut this dvd..not just that its good but the real thing...thanks so much..just found the site and will sub and become a follower..hope I'm the lucky winner of this great dvd..josiej@myway.com

Unknown said...

Good to read the review. I was wondering about this DVD!

Cindy McVey said...

If I don't win it, IO''m gonn have to buy it now!

Hand Me a Stamp said...

I've been debating on whether to buy this dvd or the Pink Stamper's dvd. Thanks for the review and the chance to win!

A Cup of Cold Water said...

I have been thinking about buying this DVD so it would be nice to win it. I just found your blog so it will be fun getting to know you! Thanks
Susan

Beary Crafty said...

I love your crafts, I think they are amazing! My girlfriend and I both have a Cricut but we are only doing the basics and would love to enter to win the DVD. I actually feel bad because my friend saw my Cricut and ran out to buy one and doesn't know how to use it! :( . Thanks for considering us...

Bearycrafty007@yahoo.com

icraft2create.com said...

This sounds like a great DVD. I thought it was mostly beginner stuff so I didn't think it would interest me, however I may check it out since you mentioned using the different materials is covered in it. Thanks for the review!
finecrafter@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Wow, such a glowing review of this DVD. I've been contemplating buying it. I have a Cricut that is just out of the box (3 yrs after buying it). Fear of the unknown kept me from using it, but I'm going to now. This DVD will make it so much easier. Thanks for reviewing, and I enjoy your blog. Thanks!
Cathy cpruiks@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Sounds wonderful! I'd love to try it out!
~Rachel in Sacramento
rachelloesch@sbcglobal.net

Suzyq said...

Wow! I didn't realize how much I didn't know! Great review.

Maria said...

I would love to win a copy of this DVD!!!
Thanks for the review.

Corina said...

Well, I am one of those people who doesn't use her cricut so much. And by the time I use it; I have forgotten some of the features. I think this DVD is a fantastic idea and a great reference to review the cricut machine. I hope Iam one of the lucky winners.

Kim said...

I've been wanting this DVD--thanks for a chance to win it!

Granny's Crafty Wheels said...

I have this DVD but have not yet had time to watch it. I know it will be a huge benefit for me though and am anxious to get it started. If I were to win one, I would give it to my daughter who is just starting out on her cricket. Can't wait for the Gypsy one!

Anonymous said...

This is what I've been searching for and it is much needed information.


Dianne

dj4658@charter.net

Becky said...

I have never heard of them. I am going to hop on over and check them out! What great candy!

RAP said...

I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance.

Melannie said...

Please, please, please pick me to win the DVD. I have a new cricut expressions which I love, but I'm sure that I don't understand half of what it's capable of doing! I could really use the instruction. Love your blog! :)

Melannie
melannie.elder@att.net

luv2scr@p said...

Well Feb 8 is my birthday so I would LOVE to win!!!!!!! Fingers crossed!!!

Anonymous said...

bought mine, but would love one to give to a friend.

I highly recommend Megan's DVD and it will make a great gift as well.

Thanks,

Penny

mourer_p@popmail.firn.edu

Anonymous said...

Thank you for doing this review.

trafalconer@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Love the review, would love the chance to win the DVD. I need all the help I can get with my cricut!


jjbrewski@msn.com

Sandy's Simple Crafts said...

I bought this DVD as a gift for someone who just got their Cricut, but now I am thinking I need one for myself. I didn't want to open it so I could give it as a gift. It would be great to win one for myself. Thanks
Sandy

Unknown said...

Thank you for the great review of the DVD. I could have used some directions last night when I was trying to make cards and ended up just wasting a lot of paper. I realized that I really don't use my cricut much because I feel intimidated so I just avoid it. But I love looking at all the beautiful projects I see on the blogs and MBs so I keep purchasing and trying without the same level or success. This will definitely go on my wish list.

Kassie
klstraughn@gmail.com

Denise Z. said...

OHHHHHH, just saw this! This DVD would really entice me to use my Cricut(s) more--thanks for the chance to win!

AShu93 said...

Hope I'm not too late for the drawing - I just found your blog & signed up to follow. I've been hearing a lot about this DVD recently & it's good to hear your opinion.

Anonymous said...

Loved your reveiw, wish i could get it here in the uk, i wish i could win the dvd but being in the uk i doubt it , anyway it will be well worth the money as ive got a cricut for xmas and hardley used it yet.

susan
susansargeson@hotmail.com

MammaP said...

Sitting throught a snow storm, I decided that I had the time to watch the DVD. It was AWESOME! I'm new to cricuting and more times than not, look at the machine and get overwhelmed....NOT NOW. This DVD is worth it's weight in gold. Not only did it clear up a ton of questions, it made me feel alot more comfortable just "trying" things....Thanks Megan for this great tool....I can't wait for the Gypsy DVD!

Anonymous said...

I would really like to have these dvd's. Thanks for all your hard work keep it up.
Lisa
lcmpm7@msn.com

THEBUZYBUG said...

Heard lots about this video. Would love a chance to win! Whoooooooohooooooooooo!!! Karen L

Anonymous said...

This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.

I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

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About Me

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Monique Griffith
Rocklin, CA, United States
The Monique Griffith Design Team consists of 4 Cricut Designers: Monique, Wendy Lawrence, Susan Rees and Becca Rees. We specialize in making Cricut Project Kits that you can make on your own with your Cricut, learning more about your bug in the process. You just need your Cricut Expression, the required cartridge(s), and a few basic tools. The directions come with a Cricut Cut Chart that shows you line by line exactly what you'll need to cut on your machine, with all of the settings for each cut. There are also well-organized written instructions and color photographs. We pride ourselves on our detailed designs, and on teaching others how to most effectively design with the Cricut. Currently, we have have downloadable directions on sale for only $5, and there are over 50 projects to choose from.

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