The CraftStudio app from Martha Stewart is just the thing from when you are parted from your stamps and other paper craft supplies. This app for the iPad allows users
to digitally create cards and documents. The finished works of art can be printed professionally, printed at home and shared digitally with others. There are even
functions to allow users to share their finished art work with others using social media platforms such as Facebook.
I was keen to learn more about this app, so I recently downloaded it for use on my iPad. I was keen to learn how well stamping and paper craft lends itself to digital
applications.
What is the CraftStudio App from Martha Stewart?
This is an app closely aligned to
digital scrapbooking applications. Users create a page, card or artwork on their iPad using provided elements. The elements can be
used in layers. These can then be printed or shared with others at the touch of a button. The app is touch controlled rather than mouse controlled, therefore users can
move elements around by dragging the screen with a finger. I liked this degree of control and found it an intuitive way to work. The app contains a wide selection of
elements. These are inspired by the Martha Stewart range of paper craft supplies, including rubber stamps, inks, papers and stickers. The app comes bundled with four free collections of elements, Every Day, Doily Lace, Birthday Party and Nature. Elements from a single collection can be used or elements can be mixed and matched. I found it easy to move between collections, with
each being held within a virtual draw. Other collections are available for purchase separately, however the collections bundled with the app will provide plenty to get
you started.
Elements
The elements available within the app will be familiar to rubber stampers and paper crafters. These include:
- Papers - there are a variety of patterned and plain colored paper available within each collection. These can be used to provide a backdrop to your project or used as a decorative element.
- Stamps - the virtual stamps allow users to create 'stamped' images within their designs. These are a little different to digital stamps (which are outlines that are then colored) as these stamped images leave a solid 'stamped' impression on your page. To reposition the stamped images simply drag them around the page with your finger. I particularly like the way the stamped images have been designed to create a slightly textured finish - just like an authentically stamped image. Each collection has different colored ink pads and this allows users to mix and match colors and designs.
- Punches - in the same way that punches are used to cut decorative holes from traditional paper craft projects, the virtual punches in the CraftStudio app allow users to punch out shapes from their projects. I found this fun to use and I liked the way that the punch function, as well as punching out a hole, the punched shape can also be used as an embellishment for a page or project.
- Stickers - the range of stickers complement the other elements and add shapes to the projects. Unlike the virutal stamp function, with the slightly textured 'stamped' finish, the stickers have a solid color. There are a variety of sticker shapes including borders, frames and sentiments.
- Glitter - the glitter feature allows users to add glitter to their project. First use the glue feature to draw a shape and then shake the glitter over the top. This uses the shake function of the iPad, and while it may be a little gimmicky, it is fun to use.
Adding Photos
Many crafters will want to add photos to their projects. I appreciated the flexibility with this function as users can take a photo with their iPad to add to the project or use a previously taken photo.
Tutorials, Help Function and Ease of Use
There is a short video featuring Martha Stewart that gives a quick run through and introduces users to the app, however, like many people with a tendency to dive straight into a new app, I skipped this. I found the app intuitive and easy to use. When I did get stuck the help function give a comprehensive answer.
Conclusion
I enjoyed using the Martha Stewart CraftStudio app on my
iPad. I downloaded the app as part of the free offer marking the launch, however with the post launch price of the app and the bundled collections being $4.99, it represents good value for money even at the full price. I found this fun and easy to use and I can foresee using the app when I am away from my craft workshop. In particular, I can see this entertaining me while traveling. While producing designs to print is quick and simple to do, I can also see myself using the application to try out new designs and layouts for traditional stamp-on-paper projects.
More Information
More information is available from the
Martha Stewart website.
