SCAL and Sketches

So you all know that my Cricut carts were lost for several months, right??  During that time, I realized that having spent all that money on cartridges was a big waste of money.  I had a Cricut machine just sitting on my desk gathering dust.  A constant reminder that I lost all that money. 

So I started looking at alternatives.  And one of them was SCAL (Sure Cuts A Lot).  When I use the Cricut, 95% of the time, it's to cut a title or shape.  I rarely use those cute cartridges that cut out flowers,or people, or pumpkins, or bugs.  So the thought of using any True Type font that was already on my computer was music to my ears.

Last week, I took the plunge!!  I broke my "no scrappy spending" pact with myself.  And I'm so happy that I did!!  This thing is AWESOME!!  I watched tutorial videos, played around with different fonts and settings, download a few fun fonts and dingbats.  And I don't think I'll ever buy another cartridge again!! 

Here is a layout I did using a title cut with SCAL.  I used a sketch from Sketchabilities.

First the sketch:

My version:

I used Bazzill cardstock and the patterned papers are from the Nutmeg collection of Cosmo Cricket.  Really love the colors.

I used a piece of tulle from Glitz and tied some fibers on it.  The bling is from Recollections and the little letters are from My Little Shoe Box.  I cut the title with a font that I already had and added liquid glass from CTMH for a little shine.

I bought these Prima Flowers 2 years ago and could never find the right colors for them.  I was so happy to finally use them.  Not sure flowers belong on a beachy page, but I'm stickin' with my decision.

It is a beautifully sunny Saturday morning here, so Abbie and I are going food shopping!!  Doesn't that sound exciting??

Hope your Saturday is a little more fun than mine...wish me luck!!