Cricut 29-0500 DesignStudio Die-Cutting Software with Bonus Pack
Cricut 29-0500 DesignStudio Die-Cutting Software with Bonus Pack
- Die-cutting software offers a user-friendly way to expand Cricut possibilities
- Compatible with Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista 32-bit
- For use with Cricut or Cricut Expression systems (sold separately)
- Bonus pack includes USB cord, Cricut mouse pad, and user manual
- Measures approximately 5-1/2 by 8-2/3 by 1-2/5 inches
Cricut DesignStudio Software
Rating: 
(out of 37 reviews)
List Price: $ 89.99
Price: $ 38.75
Provo Craft Gypsy Unit for All Cricut Machines
- Huge capacity?capable of holding thousands of Cricut cartridges! That?s thousands of different shapes and fonts!
- Intuitive Cricut App allows you to search, design, group, weld, rotate, slant, stretch, flip, and more!
- Comes with two exclusive Cricut cartridges pre-loaded?Gypsy Font and Gypsy Wanderings.
- Allows the user to link Cricut cartridges to their Gypsy and then use that content to cut on Cricut, Cricut Create, or Cricut Expression machines.
- Design anywhere with hours of rechargeable battery life!
Life shouldn’t slow down when you get inspired with a good design. Now it doesn’t have to with the Gypsy handheld design studio for Cricut. Whether you’re on the road or just in the backyard, you can escape, be creative, and have fun. Gypsy stores all your Cricut cartridges, making it easy to search and find just the right shape. Gypsy works easily with any Cricut machine—just connect and cut! Design anywhere with Gypsy from Provo Craft.
Rating: 
(out of 12 reviews)
List Price: $ 299.99
Price: $ 149.99
Find More Cricut Design Studio Products
Review by Ken and Bethany for Cricut 29-0500 DesignStudio Die-Cutting Software with Bonus Pack
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Previously when using the cricut (I still have the baby…I really only use it on layouts and cards, and just don’t need the bigger size), I found it very frustrating trying to cut images that would be randomly flipped in different directions. As a result, it could be very difficult to figure out how big an image would cut the first time you cut it. Also rather annoying having to run the mat through multiple times for a layered project. Now, using the grid on the mat as you set up your project, you can actually lay multiple papers on the mat and run it through just one time.
You can also link letter together to make a much more professional looking title.
With the multi-cut feature, I have run thin cardstock through, too (stick with easy patterns for this…it doesn’t make intricate cuts well)! (A very under-publicized benefit of the DS software!!)
You can also share your .cut files with others online, which means that if you create something really beautiful, you can share it with others. I have seen some designs that look just like the KI Memories lace cardstock!
This should be the second thing you buy–right behind the cricut! It is really what you need to get the very most out of your cricut.
Now, as for the contents…it has a LIBRARY of all the cartridges, and you can even make designs using them! You cannot, however, cut the design unless you actually own the cart. I have to say that this is kinda common sense…DS is only $10 more expensive than EACH cartridge…this would mean that NO-ONE would purchase cartridges anymore!! What I have done is to create the cut files, and wait until I go in to my LSS that has all the cartridges and then cut. (I have quite a few of them, but not all–yet….haha!) It does give you a fantastic opporunity, however, to browse all the content of other carts and see what you want to get next!!
Why four stars?
1. It now approaches the versatility of the Pazzles, Wishblade, etc., but not quite, as you are limited to just the carts, and those are pricey! (Not nearly as pricey as steel dies, though, when you work out how many options you have!). On the other hand, it is WAY WAY easier to use than those other software based cutters, and the software is still very straighforward and easy to use.
2. It is still somewhat buggy, but I think they’re working on that a little bit at a time, and ‘fix’ downloads are available frequently.
Now–for those of you who are interested, but not positive! Please go to the cricut homepage, and download the demo. You can use it to create any design, but can only cut with the George cartridge at the moment. This allows you play with the software, and see the versatility before you spend too much money and start feeling too ripped off!!
=0 )
Good luck! I know this helped my cricut change from being an occasionally used system to something that I use on most of my cards and a good number of my layouts!!
JANUARY ’09 EDIT:
The newest software update for CDS, available on the cricut site, has fixed several of the bugs that were rampant in the original version.
It has also allowed a lot more versatility in the program, including the ability not to cut certain parts of a design (ie: want the little swirl of steam coming off the coffee mug on Christmas cheer, but not the mug? no problem!!). It also allows a little bit of grouping and ungrouping, so you can resize an entire image of several welded items at once. This is still imperfect, but it is getting there. The new update also apparently makes it compatible with vista!!
Also, if you want the cricut to cut true type fonts, check out the sure cuts a lot software by craftedge. It will allow TTF cutting. I have been using both the CDS and SCAL for six or seven months now, and find both are very useful and functional in their own way. I use CDS more, b/c I’m more familiar with it, and it’s a little bit more user friendly, but the ability to download and cut any one of thousands of the free fonts on the internet is absolutely fantastic! It also allows you to use dingbat fonts, and create your own images for cutting using inkscape, a free downloadable software.
Between the two programs and the new deep blade assembly, I have no question that the cricut becomes nearly as versatile as the klik-n-cut or sillhouette. Big difference is, I found the learning curve to being able to cut basic shapes/letters/etc., to be much smaller than that of the bigger systems.
EDIT: It has been roughly 1 year since I posted this review, and I still use both CDS and SCAL plenty! SCAL is most helpful (to me–I’m not patient enough to do the massive layered cuts that look so awesome with SCAL) with titles and text related cuts, and I find myself turning to the CDS over and over for shapes.
CDS has released a few updates that are addressing a lot of the issues I used to have with it–YAY!! But it remains a little bit buggy.
I have used these programs to make custom vinyl stickers for my iPhone case, for my friend’s motorcycle helmet, and the walls in my home. I have created background pages with large die cuts similar to the laser paper you can get from KI Memories and others (beware, the ware of the blade and mat means this is NOT cheaper–just more customized!), made glass etching stencils, and so much more!
With the use of the deep blade assembly arm, I have also created stencils for inking, chipboard titles and letters, etc.
I never turn on my cricut unless it is attached to my computer and design studio. To be honest, I brought just the cricut to a crop, and couldn’t even remember how to set it for the size of the paper!
Review by Rose Woodruff for Cricut 29-0500 DesignStudio Die-Cutting Software with Bonus Pack
Rating:
I spent about 45 minutes in the store reading what information was available before buying the Cricut Expressions and the Cricut Design Studio. The Cricut Design Studio clearly says, “Using an on-screen cutting mat, this program allows you to explore, design, and cut the complete Cricut Cartridge Library.” Page 6 of the manual tells how to register your software with Cricut. Page 25 (of 26 English pages) says, “Remember, you can view all content, and even design layouts with all content, but you can only cut characters from the cartridges you own. Hopefully, this feature will be useful…” I chose to buy the Cricut Expression based on what I could do with it with the Cricut Design Studio Software. Together, they were a major investment and Provo Craft misrespresented the Design Studio’s real cost. Now to do what I thought I had bought for about $500, I’ll have to spend over $3,000 more for the cartidges.
Does the softward do what it says it does? Yes. It was easy to install and worked well with my Windows XP machine. The designs are as small on the screen as they are on the machine keypad overlay. I had to have the cartridge books with me to see the designs, which doesn’t work for cartridges that are not in your possession. This software would be a blast for an avid Cricut user. It’s escpecially nice for scrapbookers who want to cut an entire 12 x 12 page layout with words and photo frames to lay over the photos.
If you already have the machine and cartridges, the $60-$90 price is a reasonable addition to what you can do with your Cricut collection.
Review by Go Spurs for Cricut 29-0500 DesignStudio Die-Cutting Software with Bonus Pack
Rating:
This software has great features to expand the options of your cricut cartridges. You need to know that this does NOT replace purchasing the cartridges, but only gives you more options using them.
I installed the software on my Dell laptop, Vista 32 bit system, and have gotten an error message. After three weeks of trying EVERY thing to repair it, I still cannot use it on this laptop. Cricut customer service is awful! They are too busy with all of the other people having software problems. If you call, you speak with an employee who knows nothing, but tries to get her techs to give you basic things to try. Eventually, you might get to speak with the head tech, but he had never heard of the problem I was having, and I haven’t heard back now in two weeks, despite calls and emails. Their hours are “bankers hours”, and the one person who know anything doesn’t always work. Forget about getting help in the evenings/weekends. Now I am trying to get Cricut to give me another registration number so I can use the software on a different laptop.
BEWARE: You can only install this on one computer per purchase!
If you are lucky enough to have a system the software works on, I recommend the program. TRY THE DEMO ON YOUR SPECIFIC SYSTEM BEFORE YOU BUY THIS SOFTWARE!!!!! That way you will know whether it works. The demo only uses one font, so buying the software lets you use all of your cartridges.
Review by Wilson for Cricut 29-0500 DesignStudio Die-Cutting Software with Bonus Pack
Rating:
I don’t use my Expressions machine without the Design Studio. I absolutely love it. I like it because you can see they layout before you cut and you can also weld (attach) letter together. You can twist and turn or resize everything.
Review by db for Cricut 29-0500 DesignStudio Die-Cutting Software with Bonus Pack
Rating:
In my opinion, this is essential to getting the full potential/use out of your cricut machine!! I know exactly what I’m cutting, how big it’s going to be, I can alter the size, slant, angle, etc. of the image before I cut. I don’t wast hardly any paper anymore, and it makes it so much easier to pre-plan exactly what I want, so I can cut it all at the same time. = saves lots of time!
I also just found a new program – not put out by Provo Craft – that is somewhat similar, but you can cut ANY true type font or image you want – without having to buy cartridges! Awesome!
The Company is Craft Edge
[...]
Review by Lndh777 for Provo Craft Gypsy Unit for All Cricut Machines
Rating:
I am so disappointed in this provocraft tool. Gypsy Handheld Design Studio for Cricut I have two Cricuts, the recently discontinued Coluzzle System, a Yudu and some other provocraft products that work great. In hindsight, I did not read enough of the reviews on the Gypsy in the Cricut Community boards before I ordered the Gypsy. I got caught-up in the frenzy of trying to get a Gypsy from HSN before they ran out again. BTW, I do not have a problem with HSN — rather provo craft (yes, that lower-case “p” is intentional).
There are “oodles” of people who are very happy with their Gypsies — but if you research and read, you will see that there are plenty of purchasers who are not.
So that I avoid sounding like a lone-nut, I won’t go into any details about the problems that I experienced with the Gypsy. Rather, I will encourage you to go to the Cricut homepage and visit the community boards. Join (it’s worth it), then search/filter on Gypsy and go to the tech forums.
As for me, I am returning this product to HSN for a refund as defective. After fairly extensive — albeit LATE reading about provocraft customer service, I will not be sending the Gypsy to provocraft for repair. The Gypsy is potentially a great gadget and a fantastic concept but. I can see where it could become addictive because it is sooo freakin’ cute and portable. I really want one — but one that works. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that the quality and stability of the Gypsy are currently hit-or-miss. Even with “4 interest-free monthly payments”, $300 is too much to pay for an inconsistent, battery operated paperweight. Congratulations to those who got good ones. Yes, I read and followed the instructions carefully and treated it with kid-gloves. I even sat through an hour + call with provocraft customer service to diagnose the problems. Provocraft admitted the devices were defective. I want one but I’ll wait until this sucker has been on the market for at least a year. Oh — and don’t be too enamoured with the “exclusive” totebag offered with the Gypsy. You can find very cute purse-styled camera bags that are much more attractive should you decide to buy a Gypsy.
Happy crafting!
Gypsy by Cricut personal design studio with Accessories
*** Update 9 Dec 2009 Update****
Okay, I whimped out. I ordered a second Gypsy and I kid you not! –it too had problems. (sounds like the lone-nut again, I know, WHY would I do this to myself?!?). Instead of sending it back to HSN, I decided that I would give Provo Craft a chance to fix or refurb it. I have now received the second Gypsy from the Provo Craft repair facility. I have no way of knowing if it’s a new one or a refurbished one because it looks new to me. Provo Craft did as they promised. They sent me a Gypsy that works. It has a serial number that matches the cartridges that I’d previously linked. I linked them and more. Provo Craft sent me return postage for the repair. It took them less than 30 days (it was about 18 days) to receive, repair/replace and return the Gypsy and so far she is working beautifully.
I’ve upgraded the firmware on the Gypsy and both of my Cricuts, and started several projects. My passion in the earlier review was grounded and I stand by my original feelings about receiving faulty products. — thiat is why I won’t delete them. I will however upgrade my rating by 2 stars for the following reasons;
1. Provo Craft stood behind their product
2. The Gypsy is SO enjoyable and addictive and I really WANT to like and use one
3. As I said earlier, there are people who have never had a problem with their Gypsy
If the Gypsy had worked straight of out of the box, I would have given it 5 stars PLUS a fantastic review.
It may be my paranoia but I think that it matters where you buy your Gypsy. Both of my retail shipments of the Gypsy, were in boxes with significantly less packing -(a few of those air-filled-bags and brown wrapping paper).The Gypsy box shifted around ALOT inside the shipping box. I gotta point the finger at HSN when I say this – HSN? Pack it better — just in case that’s part of the problem. Let’s save everyone some pain and aggravation.
When the repaired/replaced Gypsy came it me, it was surrounded by bubble wrap with HUGE pink bubbles and there was absolutely no movement of the Gypsy box inside the shipping box. I think that when you are packing a UPS or FEDEX truck with packages, it’s efficient and one might be tempted to toss the smaller boxes into place on occasion — well, even if it is a flash-drive type device (I think) THAT can’t be good for it if it’s shifting around in the shipping box.
Provo Craft? things happen and I shouldn’t have had THIS many problems with a Provo Craft product. None the less, Provo Craft (notice the capitol “P” in this revisit to my rating) you made good on your product and your warranty. Except for discontinuing the Coluzzle system, I forgive you and your corporate -selves for this Gypsy fiasco and I am once again, a happy Provo Craft customer.
Ehh.. okay, I’ll make it 4 stars (my first review was 1 star). I love this little thing. I’m even going to give her a name!! Buyers, just try to get it from a store with a good return policy and if it doesn’t look or act as promised, exercise the option to return it for refund, exchange or return it to Provo Craft so that they can fix the situation. If you are giving it as a gift, you might want to give it with a caveat (odds are low but there COULD be some problems — but Provo Craft is responsive and gives good customer support.
L
Review by Rob G for Provo Craft Gypsy Unit for All Cricut Machines
Rating:
I was very excited about this new “toy” and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. After playing with it for SEVERAL days (prior to loading any of my own carts), I was very disappointed. There is no written instruction manual in the box. The “help” menus on the gypsy are not really much help. It seemed to take a lot of effort to move around the screens, although I may not have played with it long enough to really get the hang of it. My biggest complaint is the size of the display. There is no way I could see it, even with glasses on, in its “non-magnified” mode. And, when I blew up the image, I couldn’t see the whole thing at one time. Perhaps this complaint comes from the fact that I use the Cricut Design Studio so much and it is incredibly easy to see everything at once. Or that my eyes are just old and don’t see well anymore! In any event, it appeared I was stuck with the thing as Michaels, from whence it came, would not take it back because the box was open and Provo Craft, whom I spoke with at length, claimed they could do nothing for me. As an aside, Provo Craft also told me that they were concerned about the small screen size. So, I did took matters into my own hands, repackaged everything exactly as it came and then used the Cricut to cut out two round tape circles that matched the originals so I could tape the box back together. Returned it to Michaels and they refunded my money.
Review by KYP for Provo Craft Gypsy Unit for All Cricut Machines
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Before you use it – charge it, sync it online to have the most current software, watch the instructional videos off their site, link cartridges, plan to get sucked in for HOURS playing with it.
At first it’s annoying b/c there wasn’t an instruction manual so i had to go online to find it. The help function on the machine is actually helpful. Very quick blip of info on the buttons. I’m glad i used a screen protector on it – don’t get the ones that come with the gypsy sleeve – they either are too big / too small (common forum complaint) and are a pain. I had a set of screen protectors – the generic kind you get and cut it down to size. Silicone sleeve is useless – it’s just for aesthetics – serves no function beyond that.
Concerns – if i link my cartridge what happens to the cartridge – the cartridges are still functional. The booklets that come with the cartridges are VERY useful. It would be nice if the machine would zoom in the keypad so you can get a good view of what’s what – so the booklets come in handy to get a clearer idea of what i’m doing. Supposedly the machine remembers your serial so you can’t link it to another gypsy.
Why get this —
This isn’t a necessity product. I can’t do designs like i thought i could, like if i picked a graphic off my cartridges, i can’t “wipe” away a line. Example – Child’s First Year Cartridge, there’s a cut out of a boy inside a balloon – i can’t “wipe away” the balloon to keep just he little boy shape. What I can do is combine several graphics into 1 picture…example – balloon graphic, put a picture of a bird inside it from the serenade cartridge.
It’s also great way to see other cartridges that may not be available at your local stores so you can decide if you want to buy a cartridge – i like to see ALL the available options within a cartridge and sometimes it’s hard to see on cricut’s site. It’s also very portable – the same of a game gear (remembe Sega’s handheld gaming device) – pretty light. I’ve been able to sit on the couch and design stuff – and then plug it into my cricut and cut away – saves time and doesn’t tie me to my cricut machine. It also leaves a lot of guess work out. When i set a shape to a 3″ size, i actually know what the width will be (not just the height) – so i’m saving paper by less trial and error by cutting – which is what i’ve been doing trying to gauge size.
I’m still getting the hang of the machine (I’ve only had it for a couple of weeks) but I don’t regret dropping the $ for it. I think it’s a great resource to design when i have a few minutes here and there. I don’t think it’s a necessity but if you’re a serious scrapbooker – then probably (I’m not). It’s very convienent to have all the cartridges in 1 place so I don’t have to pull out the entire bin of them.
The system does take a lot longer than i thought to load – i expected this to be MAC fast but it’s really PC style on loading. Once it’s loaded, it runs pretty smoothly.
Review by B. Homan for Provo Craft Gypsy Unit for All Cricut Machines
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I received this as a birthday gift from my husband, and I am thrilled with this item. Though the description doesn’t say so, this comes with a case, and the cords you will need to link your cartridges, connect to the Cricut, and connect to the computer and to charge it. Great item.
Review by V. S. Kilgore for Provo Craft Gypsy Unit for All Cricut Machines
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The Cricut Gypsy is a dream come true. I’ve tried to use the cricut software and though I was able to design a pattern, I could never get it to cut the pattern. with the GYPSY design machine, I am able to use my creativity and design to my heart’s desire and when it press the CUT option…it actually cuts!!! If you”re a crafter or scrapbooker with a Cricut machine, RUN don’t walk to get your own Gypsy.