Cricut by Provo Craft is machine that is used to cut out letters, shapes, and designs. Cricut machines use cartridges loaded with designs that focus on a particular theme. The Cricut Machine is now available in multiple versions. The first is the Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter and can cut paper up to 6" by 12". The next version is the Expression that can cut paper up to 12" by 24", and has more intricate controls. The Cricut Create is the same size as the original machine, but has the controls of the expression. The Cricut Gypsy is a mobile unit that allows the user to take projects on the road and enables them to create designs almost anywhere. The Gypsy requires a one of the larger machines to do the actual cutting. The Cricut Cake is similar to the Expression but is designed to cut decorations with special gum for cake decorating. Also available are the Cricut Cuttlebug for cutting and embossing shapes and the Cricut Design Studio Software which is for designing and cutting from a computer. http://www.cricut.com/shop/#0/1/0/18/Cricut/

Cricut was released by Provo Craft in 1996. Prior to the Cricut, the standard die-cutting machines that were used by hobbyists and professionals could only cut out basic letters and shapes. The dies used were only one size and were expensive for each set. The Cricut works much like a plotter but with a blade rather than a pen. On one cartridge the user can cut out many different sizes and shapes. Today Provo Craft products can be found worldwide in over 20 countries ranging from Australia and Taiwan to France and Brazil.http://www.provocraft.com/company/index.php

In determining which type of Cricut needed for a project the user should first consider the applications the Cricut will be used for. Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter was designed to do small scrapbook projects. Expression is designed for very large or very small letters or objects and offers more control over cutting projects than the Personal Electronic Cutter and is the next step up. The Cricut Create is ideal for those that like the portability of the small machine, but need the control of the Expression. The Cricut Cake is specifically designed for food and cake decorating projects and is not capable of being used for both paper and food use. There are many vendors selling Cricut products, but the customer should make sure they are an authorized dealer to ensure the warranty will be valid. http://www.cricut.com/shop/#0/1/0/25/Cricut/