The eCRAFT is Coming to The Studio!

To answer your many questions, I've subscribed to a blog that talks about the eCraft exclusively.  This blog is owned by the person who did the beta testing for the machine and is full of info.  We expect the machine to be at The Studio by week's end and we will be setting up machine Demos next week!  Here's a Q&A on the machine!  More Info coming soon!

Is it capable of more detailed cutting?- The eCraft can absolutely cut intricate details in addition to the simple shapes and images shown on our demo. Our Pro version of the software will shock you!

How do you adjust the pressure?- There is an internal paper sensor that senses the thickness of the paper and adjusts the pressure automatically, no manual adjusting necessary.

What size paper can you use?- The maximum width is 12'' and the maximum length is, well, there is none! You can cut smaller pieces as well, we're all about saving money and using scraps!

What is the biggest image you can cut?- Although the eCraft can handle paper up to 12'' wide, the maximum width of an image is approximately 11 1/2''.

Can it cut and draw?- Yes, a pen and a blade are in the machine at the same time. The eCraft draws first and then cuts without swapping or resetting anything. In the Pro version of our software, you can elect to draw only, if desired.

What file formats are supported?- The eCraft uses a proprietary format, however the pro version will allow you to import svg files and other types of images.

Will there be a trial version?- We are considering a trial version and will keep you updated on its availability.

Are you offering storage for the eCraft?- We will have a variety of storage options available in the form of stylish travel bags and totes.

How much does it weigh?- The eCraft is light and portable, weighing in at about 8 lbs.

Is it true about no cutting mat? Yes. Our unique cutter design holds the paper securely with a series of rollers and guides without the need for a cutting mat. No more mess, fuss or risk of tearing when removing material from a mat.

What can it cut? Paper (standard, flocked, glitter, magnet, adhesive backed), card stock, vinyl, felt, grunge paper, and wood veneers.

Paper size? The eCraft can handle paper up to 12" wide by ANY length! You can cut smaller pieces as well, we're all about saving money and using scraps! (we don't reccommend going smaller than 4" x 6")

Image size? Although the eCraft can handle paper up to 12'' wide, the maximum width of an image you can cut is approximately 11 1/2''.

Do I need to change settings for each type of paper? No. The eCraft has an internal paper sensor that automatically adjusts the blade settings according to thickness (its magic)!

How many sheets fit in a paper tray? Several sheets, depending on the thickness of the paper.

Does it take cartridges? We use SD Fun Cards similar to those used in digital cameras. They enable you to work independently of a computer and are available in different themes (Romance, Baby, Holiday, etc...).

Can I connect to a computer? Yes, using a USB connection. But it is not required (see above).

Will it work on a Mac? Due to the limited amount of turnaround time for the software development, the initial release is for PC but we are hard at work on the Mac version and Mac users won't have to wait too much longer, we promise!

Does it draw? Yes, a pen and a blade are in the machine at the same time. The eCraft draws first and then cuts without swapping or resetting anything. In the Pro version of our software, you can elect to draw only, if desired.

Can I use my own designs? The Pro software will allow users to import any vector based image and then establish draw and cut lines. The design capabilities are limited as we are not in competition with familiar applications like Adobe or Corel. We'll let the pros handle the designing and let the eCraft handle the cutting.

What file formats are supported? The eCraft uses a proprietary format, however the Pro version will allow you to import svg files and other types of images, automatically converting them for compatibility with the eCraft.

What are the accessories? There will be full line of SD Fun Cards, special tools, unique papers, storage options, travel accessories, paper roll holder and SO much more. (We could tell you but want to surprise you).

How long do the blades last? We use the highest quality blades so you don't have to change them often. Naturally, if you're cutting through thin stock, blades will last longer than cutting through card stock.

Does it make a lot of noise? No. While all cutters make some noise, relatively speaking, the eCraft is quiet.

What are the differences between the models? The basic unit has a B&W display and will come with one SD Fun Card. The deluxe unit has a color screen and will be bundled with two SD Fun cards. We are planning a unit designed for heavier use that is ideal for craft stores, clubs and power users. It will be equipped with a heavy duty motor drive and other industrial features. All units will have the same cutting capabilities and will be compatible with the Pro version of our software- you don't need to upgrade your machine to upgrade your software!

How much? The MSRP for the eCraft basic is $349. SD Fun Cards are expected to retail for around $49. Replacement blades will run about $1.00 each and will be available in a 25 pack (actual retail pricing is usually lower).

State Of The Studio Address!

Well, today marks our 4-month anniversary!  Wow, what a ride it’s been, too!  Our first month dealt with terrible weather, roof leaks, bathroom plumbing problems and the holidays.  And we made it through, albeit only slightly scathed, and ready to jump into 2011 with both feet and open arms!

But, let me digress for a moment.  A common question has been:  “Why open this business?”  Coming from a long career in the Accounting field, people wonder why I would give up a good career with a steady paycheck, vacation time, 8-5pm Mon-Fri schedule?  Well, the answer is simple.  I never felt like I belonged to ANY of those places where I had worked.  I was always restless, bored and hated reporting to employers who had the common sense and personalities of a door nail.  Mind you, there were good bosses, but they were few and far between.  So, with the love of photography that turned to card-making that turned to scrapbooking…and thinking I had some good ideas for a business (always having that entrepreneurial mindset), I began the process of developing my business plan back in 2006.  Well, with some life-challenges and an infant at home it became more important to put food on the table than jump into a risky venture so the Plan got shoved in my file cabinet until August 24, 2009 where I hit a pivotal moment in my life where I had enough of office politics and crazy people surrounding me…and I knew changing into another accounting job would not solve my unhappiness.

So, I pulled The Plan out of my cabinet, called our Regional Chamber of Commerce and away I went planning, revising, looking at retail space, vendors, etc. and here I am today, April 1, 2011 in the best job I could have hoped for!  It was NOT EASY getting to this point and I, along with everyone around me supporting me, worked very hard on this venture.  And yet another example of how blessed I truly am.

So, here we are…one cold, wintery December month down…and then….

January brought about more bad weather, but through perseverance and meeting wonderful people and teachers, we started adding classes and programs that began the crazy ride of 2011!  The card classes and photography classes are hugely popular and you will continue to see those on our calendars every month going forward!  And, word was getting out even more! 

February brought about our weekly Scrapbook Design & You classes which were fantastic!   Every single student enjoyed the series, learned a bunch about scrapbooking that they never knew and a few of them actually re-did past scrapbook pages because of what they learned!  Good feedback from the students and we are looking forward to another series this April!  Thanks to Tina, our Instructor who did a wonderful job of teaching and is looking forward to the April series!  Once again, card classes were popular and attendance at our Open Crops increased through the month!  February also developed a relationship with The Canfield Heritage Society who oversees Loghurst Cabin in Canfield and we are proud to be their Scrapbook Supplies provider! 

And into March like a lion!  We begin the process of planning our October 22^nd Breast Cancer Fundraiser; we host The Crop For The Cause for Close To Home Animal Rescue and reserve the Crop Room for The Niles Friends & Family Relay For Life Team event on April 2^nd.  It’s important to note at this juncture that one of the most important intentions of opening The Scrapbook Studio is to give to the community.  We are so blessed in so many ways that if we can make even just a tiny difference to a recipient of our fundraisers, then hopefully it will make our community a better place.  While March was a VERY busy month, April is here and we are looking forward to:

Another Scrapbook Design & You Series (although now it’s called Spotted Canary – why EK Success changed the name, I will never understand), an Easter Card Class, The Relay For Life Crop, our FIRST BOOK CLUB MEETING which I’m very excited about and even more classes and crops!

These 4 months have not been without challenges:  significant plumbing and space issues, overcoming the learning curve that every new business (and employer) must endure, the horrible music from the gym next door, crappy weather and a struggling economy.  But we scrapbookers are not only creative…we are PERSISTENT!  So we will continue to overcome these and future challenges!

As I use up the rest of my Blog space with this State of The Studio Address, let me finish by saying that I will try to continue update this blog more often so you can all get a glance into the operations of the business and me, as the owner and how we are constantly trying to evolve, grow and become the best we can be.  If we can make just a small difference to YOU our customers and our community, then we have already succeeded.  God bless…and a heartfelt Thank You to our customers and our friends & families who’ve supported us!

12/9 Local Schools' Colors, Mascots & Logos Coming to The Studio!

Good Morning everyone!  Here is a complete listing of 36 of our local schools whose cardstock (Single Sided and Double-Sided) and Ribbons will be carried in The Scrapbook Studio!  Each sheet of cardstock and coordinating ribbon will be in each school's colors and the double-sided cardstock is going to have an awesome graphic using each school's mascot.  More designs will be coming, but this is GREAT selection of designs to meet every project's need! 
Delivery of these items is scheduled around 12/23!!!

Austintown Fitch

Boardman Spartans

Brookfield Warriors

Campbell Red Devils

Canfield  Cardinals

Cardinal Mooney

Chalker High School

Champion Flashes

Chaney Cowboys

Columbiana Clippers

East High Panthers

Girard Indians

Howland Tigers

Hubbard Eagles

Jackson Milton Blue Jays

JFK (Kennedy)

Joseph Badger

LaBrae Vikings

Lakeview Bulldogs

Leetonia Bears

Liberty Leopards

Lordstown Red Devils

Lowellville Rockets

Matthews Mustangs

McDonald Blue Devils

Mineral Ridge

Newton Falls Tigers

Niles Red Dragons

Poland Bulldogs

Salem High School

Sharon High School Tigers

South Range Raiders

Springfield Tigers

Struthers Wildcats

Ursuline High School

Warren Harding Raiders

12/6 What's Happenin' At The Studio This Week!

Good Monday Evening everyone!  This is our first week of classes at The Scrapbook Studio and while December has just a tasty nibble of classes, January is the whole MEAL!  Stay tuned AND see the website for January Classes - and more to be scheduled!

But first things first!  This Wednesday is our Lunch Box Crop - come between the hours of 11:00-2:00pm and spend your lunch hour relaxing, cropping or shopping!  Bring a sandwich - FREE CROP TIME!

This Friday, 12/10 is the Digital Scrapbooking Class using Storybook Creator Plus Software with Heather Halstead!  A few spaces are still available, so call now to get yours reserved!

This Saturday is our first ever MIDNITE JAMMIE CROP!  Come in your jammies and I have a gift for you!  Take a break from these crazy snow days and holiday shopping and have some fun scrapbooking or working on those handmade gifts or cards!  We've got all you need to Git 'Er Done!  LOL!

Next week is our MUCH ANTICIPATED:  INTRO TO PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS with Krista from Krista Mae Photography!  This is a popular one and class size is limited, so get your spot reserved soon!

And Finally - Tim Holtz Stamps Are Coming to The Scrapbook Studio!  Yep...that's right!  Stop in to see his latest designs and some of his traditional favorites!

Store Hours are:  Monday thru Saturday 11:00-9:00pm and
Sundays 12:00 Noon to 5:00pm

See you soon!

12/2/10 The Scrapbook Studio is now open!

After many long days and nights getting the store ready, The Scrapbook Studio is now open and ready to SERVE YOU!!

We got beautiful patterned papers for Christmas, 3-D stickers, chipboard pieces, punches from Paper Shapers, EK Success & Martha Stewart!  Beautiful Glazed and Dotted Swiss Cardstock from Bazzill Basics Paper!  Wood and Clear Stamps from Inkadinkado and Penny Black!

We've got Laser Cut dies for Sports, Hunting, Camping, Military, Cheerleading and more!  Lines of beautiful thick paper from Basic Grey, Best Creations, Imaginisce and more!  Albums too!  From Mickey & Tinkerbell Scrapbook Album kits to Wedding and Baby, also!

Stop in for a complimentary cup of coffee and look around!  See you soon!

11/25 Grand Opening and December Events & Classes at The Scrapbook Studio!

**Grand Opening is Wednesday, December 1st!**

Come join us for a FREE DAY of cropping and being the first to see The Studio's "maiden voyage!"

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  As we head into the Holiday season and all its craziness, we must take some time for ourselves and stop to De-Stress, Unwind, and stay connected with our passions and fellow scrapbooking friends!

With that, I wanted to review the December Calendar of Classes & Events at The Studio in hopes you will find that special "ME-TIME" that's so important for us to proceed thru these Holidays!

First, the Sunday Afternoon Open Crops:  Come and spend the whole afternoon at The Studio scrapbooking or making those Christmas Cards or handmade gifts!  Take your leisurely time working on your projects!  The Crop Fee includes full use of the Crop Room Tools & Coffee Bar!

Next, what better "party" could there be and you don't even have to bring a gift!  The December 11th Midnight Jammie Crop Party is JUST the party you need to have fun,unwind and work on your projects! Bring a friend and meet new people!  There will be free coffee and snacks and crop fee includes full use of the Crop Room Tools and Supplies!

The Wednesday Lunch Box Crops:  Need an hour lunch break away from the office?  Have a layout you're working on? Bring a sandwich, grab a burger or taco and come work on your projects!  No Class Fee!  Free hour of scrapbooking bliss away from the rat-race workplace!

Scrapbook Design & You Classes:  Every Tuesday in December, starting 12/7, come and learn all the basics of scrapbooking and overcome those fears and intimidation of Scrapbooking!  See just how easy and rewarding it really is!  This your ME-TIME, your Christmas Gift to Yourself...take advantage!  Class Fee includes ALL FOUR CLASSES! And don't forget the Graduation Ceremony at the end!

Finally, we are so lucky to have Heather Halstead teaching Storybook Creator Plus on Dec 10th and Krista from Krista Mae Photography teaching Intro to Photography & Your Digital Camera! 

JANUARY CLASSES:

Include the SDU series, Photo Editing by Krista Mae Photography, Digital Scrapbooking Classes, Genealogy Class and possibly a Glitter & Flocking Powder Class! 

Keep checking the website for more Classes & Events!  I will also keep the Blog and Facebook updated too!

11/15/10 December Classes & Events at The Scrapbook Studio & Cafe!

I know it's been a week since my last post, please forgive me everyone!  It's has been ONE CRAZY WEEK preparing for the opening of The Studio...looking at just a couple more weeks, but YOU WILL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW the grand opening date!  Just a mere couple weeks away though!  Today's Blog Topic is....

"December Classes & Events!"

Before I divulge all the juicy stuff coming up at The Studio, if you go to my website, you may notice the Calendar of Events is not there.  It is being totally revamped so that you, my customers and friends, can easily access the calendar thru a .pdf file and PRINT IT OUT to hang on your frig, desk, organizer...anywhere!  So, here's a "snippet" of classes scheduled for December...please keep checking the site for times, class fees and more information on each class!

Tuesdays, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28 = The first Scrapbook Design & You University 4-part Series Classes!  Be the first group of graduates!  Yes, we will have a graduation ceremony with special attention and gifts!  Fee Schedule and complete class information will be posted to Website!

Friday, 12/10 = A special Digital Scrapbooking Class with Heather Halstead who will be teaching you how to make ornament-shaped Christmas cards with ribbon, an Ugly Christmas Sweater-themed digital crop contest...and an open digital crop time all thru StoryBook Creator Plus Software!  Fee is $10.00, class size limited to 18! Please bring your laptops!  See website for class times!

Thursday, 12/16 = Introduction to Photography & Your Digital Camera!  Taught by Krista with Krista Mae Photography you will learn all the basics to take GREAT holiday photos, techy stuff about your camera and MORE!  Fee is $15.00...Please bring your cameras for a one-on-one consult with Krista!!

Saturday 12/11 = MIDNIGHT JAMMIES CROP PARTY!  6-12pm, $15.00 gets you six hours of crop time, coffee, snacks and full use of all crop room tools/supplies that are available!  Come in your Jammies and there will be a special prize just for you!  Better watch out, though, you may have to listen to some Saturday Night Fever Disco music! 

But wait, there's more! 

Keep checking the site and the Blog and I will continue to keep you updated!  Please email with any questions or suggestions!