Hello-its-me

#1 the most important thing is to DOWNLOAD these programs from the internet.

http://www.cricut.com/cds/DesignStudioTrial1.aspx   This is the Cricut Design Studio software, it is what the computer reads when your Cricut is plugged into a USB port on your computer and the main operating system updates for the Cricut.

WARNING:  An important fact that happens when using other software like Sure Cuts A Lot2, your Cricut machine may get confused and not cut properly with the standard cartridges. You will need to reinstall the Cricut firmware from the Cricut Design Studio software.  Open Cricut Design Studio, click on help, then Update Cricut Firmware.  Follow directions on the screen, it is simple and only takes a few minutes.  Do this on a regular basis as Cricut updates firmware throughout the year and it also adds any new cartridges to the library.

#2 Open Sure Cuts A Lot2, and select any font in the library or import and SVG file to cut on the Cricut. Select the file, and open.

Size the picture to fit the paper that is being cutout. Press the icon of a pair of scissors to cut out the project.

Select the model and firmware version of the Cricut, and press ok.  Wait for the Cricut to complete the cut, and get ready to start the next project.

#3 Inkscape software will transform any picture into line drawings, but it does require many more hours of time on the computer.  BONUS: it is totally free.  http://www.inkscape.org/

Open.

Select file to transform.  Open.  Select Path, Object to Path.

Select View, Display Mode, Outline.  Select Path, Trace Bitmap.

Select any option to get the desired effect, for cutting with the Cricut. Edge Detection works most of the time for the desired results.  Update, and hit OK when picture achieves desired effect.  Close Trace Bitmap.  Click on red X and delete.

For more intricate pictures try using several methods, for instance I used layering to edit the picture of the Minnesota state Capitol Building.

Select Path, Break Apart, and now it is time to edit.  Delete unwanted lines, add new lines, use CTRL+Z to undo, and edit until desired picture is finished.

Save often; rename several versions for trial cutting.

Make one solid and one with cutout details for a layered dimension.

Import SVG file to Sure Cuts A Lot2, size picture, and cutout project.

Extra Bonus:

This website has so many fonts for limitless design ideas, and many are picture fonts.  Use any font with Sure Cuts A Lot2, or Inkscape.

http://www.1001freefonts.com/

2^nd Extra Bonus: Check often for rebates on http://www.cricut.com/default.aspx

3rd Extra Bonus:  Surf the internet for SVG files and blogs for Sure Cuts A Lot2, there are many people sharing their work and knowledge on these blogs. One of the best blogs with scrapbook, stamping, and Cricut projects and directions is, http://susanbluerobot.blogspot.com/.