Originally Posted by livenlearn124
Yes, you do need the mats to used the cricut.
They are slightly "tacky" which is what holds the paper down while the machine cuts the shapes/letters.
All the cricut cartridges fit all cricut machines, and you can use any scrapbooking paper. You can also purchase the deep cut housing piece which will enable you to cut chip board.
Love my cricut!
Perfect!! You can get extra mats at craft stores with coupons -- don't ever pay full price!! (Same with cartridges)
I've used vellum, regular paper, and cardstock - you don't need to use the cricut paper exclusively.
She will love it -- I've used mine for so many scrapbooks, pages, and projects for work.