I bought a craft robo cutter (also sold under the name "sillouette")at work to cut vinyl letters to make signs. I can not only use any font, but a friend drew a graphic for me to use as my logo at a craft fair, and the robo cutter could cut that! It connects to my computer, so she emailed me a jpg, the cr software converted it to a cut file and it cut it! I notice the place I got it, uscutters, doesn't sell this "craft style" one any more, just bigger more powerful (more expensive) cutters. Although I love the robo cutter I'm not sure I'd recommend it because the software is a little rough around the edges and in fact didn't install correctly I had to call support. They were able to fix it however. AND I have saved a lot of money by cutting our own vinyl letters. It is very expensive to get a custom cut from a printer. I'd be interested in knowing what you decide on Grandma Bonnie. I couldn't get the CR to work when I got a new computer with windows 7 and I tried to install the soft ware to it, so I have my old computer attached to it. This works ok since I was going to keep the old one set up in the other room anyway, but down the road I'll probably have 2 computers with windows 7 so its not ideal. I guess I could try to get them to help me again since it is clearly something wrong in the installation. The fancy ones cut chipboard! I wish I could justify that for our business but I really don't need that capacity there. Kathy

Grandmabonnie, I've been reading and watching videos on Design Studio, the Gypsy, SCAL, and just recently heard Make the cut mentioned. I understand that these things allow you to use any fonts or svg designs from your computer and with the last two, you don't have to buy any cartridges. How did you decide which one to go with? I'm not too savy about computer stuff, so prefer something pretty simple. Love the idea of being able to see the design on your screen and being able to weld things together. I have no plans for selling stuff, just like to be a bit creative and make things for myself and to use as gifts. Just seems more special if you can say "I made it myself". ;o) Kathy, I had never even heard of this type of machines until my DIL got hers--then I thought that since I don't scrapbook I couldn't justify buying one. But once I saw so many cute wood signs, blocks, and glass items with the designs and lettering on them, I knew I'd enjoy having one. Since your's connects to your computer, you will be able to make lots of fun things in addition to the signs you make for work. If you go to the Cricut message boards, allot of the gals there offer their svg cuts free. You could use your machine to label boxes, jars, machines, etc. at work and make fun things for at home too. I've seen glass jars labeled as canisters, signs on walls, lots of different blocks--the list goes on and on. I'm really eager to work on more projects with mine--it's easier to do a sign with it than it is when I paint one! ;o) In fact, I might even combine the two! Luvs

I thought about that distinction..travel and experiences vs things..to me, it's also not either or, it's both. I traveled less that I wanted to, planned to, yet quite a lot; most of things I love were bought or found during trips, whether several hour trip, or travel to faraway places. So that things I love they remind me of travel, experiences, certain people in my life..and travelling somewhere allows me to experience, to see people I love, to meet new ones, and to see and appreciate many wonderful things as well. Not all of them I'll be able to snatch and take with me, but I'll remember them. and most likely I'll snatch something small too:) So to me, it's two sides of a coin..the coin being, well..a journey. And each journey will be unique of course; but the point is to have it..recognize it...try to have a blast when possible, since once upon a time that journey will come to an end, and hard to know what the next one will feel like. Probably very unlike anything we imagine. I'm not afraid of becoming old lady(yes, I'm vain and shallow nevertheless lol, and would like to still look like I'm 28..))..I'm more afraid of not having a chance to become one..:) That'd be a pity.. And I hope to live to see my grandchildren one day, to love and to hold, you know, and I'm pretty sure they won't find me or my place ridiculous:) Funny, quirky, strange, different from what it will be(what it will be then?)-maybe. Well it's all cool. We don't take our journeys alone; others continue it, and they'll take from ours so much, even if no things will be left, no actual place, and very little memories.

lavender, I'm in the process of redoing my bedroom to some extent, although I don't dare ask my husband to repaint. But I am getting new bedding in a few days and then curtains and pillows for the bed, and perhaps an area rug to put at the foot of the bed. I'll be needing lots of advice soon! edible, I like your bedroom and bedding as they are in the picture; all the colors go so well together. Would love to see the new version too, though. I have a hard time putting together different colors and pattern, and from what I can see here I'm the only one with that problem. At least I know who to go to for advice. jakabedy, your style is interesting in that it's very strong and geometric, but the bed also has a somewhat feminine vibe. It's one of the more unique bedrooms here, but I wish we could also see the master bedroom.