There are some press events you attend, take a few notes, nod appreciatively, and file away for later. And then there are events that genuinely stop you in your tracks and make you rethink your entire relationship with creativity. The Cricut launch on 26th February 2026 was very much the latter. Let me be honest with you from the outset: I am not what you’d call a “natural crafter.” Give me a pair of scissors and a straight line, and somehow I’ll still manage to veer off course. My attempts at handmade cards have historically resembled something a enthusiastic toddler might produce after too much sugar. So when I arrived at the Cricut launch event, I was expecting to be impressed from a professional distance – admire the technology, take my notes, and move on with my life.
Instead, I left genuinely excited. And, as I confessed to the lovely Isobel from the PR team afterwards, slightly worried for my bank balance.
First impressions: Small but mighty
Walking into the event space, the first thing that struck me was just how approachable these machines looked. The new Cricut Joy 2 is an absolute dream – so compact and cute that it genuinely feels like the Apple Mac of craft gadgets. Available in blue, coral, and jade green, it’s small enough to fit in the palms of your hands, which means it won’t dominate your kitchen table or require you to evict existing appliances from your home office.
But don’t let the petite size fool you. This little machine packs some serious capabilities. For the first time in this size category, the Cricut Joy 2 introduces full-colour sticker capability with a new Print-Then-Cut sensor. That means custom stickers, labels, and decals are now achievable for even the most space-conscious among us.
Then there’s the Cricut Explore 5 – the serious older sibling, if you will. Redesigned to be 30% more compact than its predecessor, it somehow manages to be both a “serious creative tool” and something I could actually use without requiring a degree in engineering. Available in a sophisticated taupe, it supports six different tools for projects ranging from apparel to magnets and even rubber stamps. It’s the machine for bigger ideas, but it won’t demand a bigger footprint in your home.
The software: Where the magic really happens
Here’s where Cricut has genuinely listened to its users. At the heart of this launch is a significantly enhanced Design Space platform, and honestly? This is what gave me hope. Dangerous hope, some might call it.
The new Guided Flows are a game-changer for anyone who’s ever felt intimidated by the prospect of designing from scratch. The software intuitively responds to what you’re trying to achieve, providing step-by-step support from that initial spark of inspiration right through to the finished project. It surfaces only the tools, materials, and blanks you actually need at each stage, making the whole process feel clear and approachable rather than overwhelming.
There’s automatic canvas sizing based on your project type (no more guessing!), a Project Preview feature that lets you visualise your design on actual blanks like T-shirts or mugs, and – for paid subscribers – Create AI, which generates custom, cut-ready designs in seconds from simple prompts. Type in what you want, and the software helps bring it to life.
For someone like me who has more enthusiasm than natural talent, this feels like having a very patient, very knowledgeable friend sitting next to you, guiding you through.
Putting It to the Test: My personal projects
Of course, the proof of any creative tool is in the creating. So when I could put my hands on the machines, I couldn’t wait to give it a go and see if they lived up to the promise.
Project one: A birthday card for Jo
My friend Jo’s birthday was approaching, and I wanted to make her something personal. In the past, this would have meant a trip to the card shop, a slightly apologetic pre-printed message, and perhaps a nice pen. This time, I decided to go all in.
Using the Cricut Joy 2, I designed a card and – here’s the part that still feels like magic – I hand-wrote a poem to include with it. The machine cut everything perfectly, and I discovered my new creative loves: glue dots. These tiny adhesive heroes are life-changing. No more wrestling with sticky tape or worrying about lumps of glue ruining my design. Just neat, precise, effortless adhesion.
The result? A card that looked like it came from a boutique (not quite because I enthusiastically used to many glue dots), but felt like it came from the heart. Jo loved it, and I felt an unreasonable sense of pride for something I’d made with my own two hands (plus a little help from my new favourite gadget).
Project two: Barbie-sized dreams
Now, here’s a confession that might reveal more about me than I intended. I have approximately 300 Barbie dolls. Don’t judge me -they’re a collection! I have been recently featured in the Telegraph. And one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind when I saw what the Cricut Explore 5 could do was: “I could make so many things for my dolls.”
And I was right. The precision of the cutting means you can create tiny accessories, miniature clothing details, and custom decals that are perfectly scaled for 11.5-inch fashion dolls. If you have a doll enthusiast in your life (or, if you are the doll enthusiast in your life), this machine opens up a whole new world of customisation.
Project three: Making a statement
Finally, I wanted to create something for myself. I’ve always believed in putting good energy out into the world, so I designed a tote bag featuring my favourite peace and love quotes alongside an assertive message about what I stand for. Using the Explore 5 and the Easy Press, I transferred my design onto an elegant tote bag that I will now be sporting proudly around town.
There’s something genuinely empowering about wearing your words – literally. Every time I use that bag, I’ll know I made it. And that feeling? That’s what Cricut is really selling.
Why this launch matters
Cricut CEO Ashish Arora put it simply: “Our users have consistently told us they want products that are easier to use and more affordable. We listened and simplified the entire experience end-to-end.”
That’s not just marketing speak. From the moment you open the box, everything you need to be successful is included. The new all-in-one bundles contain enough supplies to create up to 150 projects right out of the box, removing the guesswork and the immediate need for additional purchases. It’s a confidence boost wrapped in a cardboard box.
The new machines are smarter, more compact, and more affordable – with the Cricut Joy 2 starting at £129.99 and the Explore 5 at £249.99. Available from Cricut.com, Amazon, HobbyCraft, John Lewis, Argos, Harvey Norman, and Curry’s, they’re accessible to a much wider range of budgets than previous generations.
The verdict: Is Cricut for you?
If you’ve ever wanted to make personalised gifts without losing your mind (or a finger), these machines are an absolute game-changer. They bridge the gap between “I wish I could make that” and “I actually made that” with grace, style, and surprisingly little frustration.
For beginners, the Cricut Joy 2 is the perfect entry point – compact, approachable, and capable of handling the vast majority of everyday projects. For those ready to tackle bigger ideas, the Explore 5 offers room to grow without taking over your living space.
As for me? I’ve already warned my family that next Christmas, everyone is getting matching pyjamas. Whether they like it or not.
Cricut Joy 2: £129.99 | Cricut Explore 5: £249.99 | Available now at cricut.com and major retailers.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
