Cricut enjoys pushing boundaries, and their latest offering provides avid crafters with even more creative scope. The new Puff Iron-On, Rainbow Shimmer Smart Vinyl (Matless Permanent Vinyl) , Flocked Heat Transfer Vinyl, and vibrant Dual-Tipped Pens have taken statement pieces to a new level, providing luxe outcomes and gorgeous textures.
As a life long crafter , and now reviewer for Digital Reviews Network, I’ve had the privilege to review a few crafting machines and craft products. Few, however, manage to deliver that instant spark of joy quite like Cricut does. Recently, I had the chance to test a selection of their newest and most tactile materials. Did I have a fantastic time discovering how versatile these materials really are? ABSOLUTELY.
Armed with my Cricut Explore 4 and a stack of blanks – pencil cases, bags, cards and even a couple of large roller duffle bags, I spent many hours using Cricut’s Design Space to create, my Cricut Explore 4 to cut, and my Cricut Press to well, press. 🙂
Cricut Puff Iron-On: Alpaca’s a Punch…
Let’s start with my initial favourite: Cricut Puff Iron-On. This material looks deceptively flat when you first cut it, but once you hit it with the heat press (I used the Cricut EasyPress 3 at 160°C for 15 seconds), magic happens. It literally puffs up before your eyes, creating a three-dimensional, foam-like texture that feels a bit like raised embroidery.
For my test, I purchased a pencil case blank and, using Design Space, downloaded a gaggle of alpacas (gaggle is the correct term, right?) to print the Red Puff Iron-On. The result? Stunning. The alpacas rose almost evenly, maintaining crisp edges and a uniform texture that feels both soft and durable. What impressed me most was how forgiving it was, producing that signature puff without peeling or cracking.
My mistake: Look, there are a couple of flat alpacas, but I’ll put that down as user error as I may not have put as much pressure on that end of the Cricut Press.
One tip: avoid layering Puff over other iron-ons as it needs room to expand. But for standalone designs or bold statements, it’s a total win.
Another tip: Use a hard board or firm surface under the Puff Iron-On. I improvised and used a baking tin insert… it worked a treat.
The finished product really popped in my opinion… and as you can see below, quite literally. I love the textured feel too.
Rainbow Shimmer Smart Vinyl – Subtle Sparkle, Big Impact
If Puff Iron-On is bold, Rainbow Shimmer Smart Vinyl is quietly glamorous. It’s not the in-your-face glitter that sheds everywhere (thankfully!), but a finely milled sparkle embedded in the material that catches light just right.
For this test, I personalised my carry on suitcase with … an alpaca. Are you seeing a theme yet? The Rainbow Shimmer effect is beautifully eye-catching but sophisticated, and it pressed on smoothly with excellent adhesion. The surface feels silky rather than gritty, which as a tactile person I really appreciate.
I absolutely love this!
And look, I admit this quickly became my favourite medium, so much so I may have gone slightly overboard. I present: The Penguin Dry Bag, the Water Bottle, and the Nazca Line figure. Which is your favourite?!
Look at his little wing!
It is about this point you might wonder why the ah, South American and Antarctic theme? Well… hasta leugo, readers, I’m flying out to Chile on Thursday 16 October for a 39 night adventure across those fascinating continents!
Drink Bottle with Flamingos, Andes Mountains and Lake.
Nazca Line Figure
An unfortunate turn of events… led to the death of this absolutely stunning Alpaca Party (surely the collective term for a group of Alpacas?). I weeded the image and then, in my haste stuck a backing onto it the wrong way around. *sighs As a result, nothing could peel off and I sadly had to relegate the alpacas to the bin. Unfortunately I am pressed for time, and there was no opportunity to set up the Cricut 4 and print again. A project for another day.
Flocked Iron-On – Vintage Texture Meets Modern Durability
The Flocked Iron-On is simply divine. It has this velvety, suede-like finish that immediately adds warmth and depth to any design. I used it on a pencil case blank and a small draw string cotton blank.
Flocked Iron-On cuts easily and weeds beautifully, though it’s slightly thicker, so I recommend a strong grip mat if you’re not using Smart Materials. It adheres firmly with a 155°C press for 15 seconds and is perfect for retro designs, or anywhere you want that soft, dimensional touch.
In this instance, I’m really impressed at how the Flocked Iron-On came through on the day. I would definitely suggest using it for more solid designs. The Camera design peeled perfectly.
The grey texture you see above is simply where I’ve weeded out the rest of the flocking medium.
The Peruvian Girl was a little more tricky due to the finer details, so I admit I gave it another half the time press to ensure it stuck. It worked a treat and she stuck as intended this time. Again, the medium is thicker and has a firmer adhesion, so I wouldn’t go too fine in cutting as it would be more challenging to weed and potentially, adhere.
Cricut Dual Tipped Pens – Smooth, Versatile and Richly Pigmented
The Dual-Tipped Pens are designed for writing and drawing directly with your Cricut, featuring both fine (0.4 mm) and thicker (1.0 mm) ends. Due to time constraints I was unable to put them through their paces, however, I did have a jolly good scribble with them and can confirm they exceed expectations.
The ink flow is consistent, colours are vivid, and there’s no bleeding even on thinner paper. If you’re into card making or exploring digital journalling, these pens are a must have.
Cricut 24 Inch Cutting Mat
I was very happy to have an opportunity to trial the extended cutting mat. We’ve all been there when the medium won’t stop rolling up, but you have insufficient mat to spread the whole medium out. Well, now you do. I used it for the flocking medium, and it was perfect. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Recommendation
Cricut has always been about enabling creativity, but these new materials push the tactile boundaries of what’s possible at home. From the soft volume of Puff Iron-On to the sleek durability of Smart Vinyl, and the luxurious texture of Flocked Iron-On, there’s something here for every kind of maker. I really enjoyed exploring these new mediums, and no doubt avid crafters out there will too. I was very keen to apply the flocking in particular to an art canvas, but time was against me. I’ll still do it on my return to Australia, and maybe do a quick update of how it looks.
For me, these materials gave the opportunity to customise luggage, bottles, and bags in a unique and interesting way which is sure to be a conversation starter on my travels. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just dipping your toes into the craft world, these products deliver on both ease of use and professional grade results. I can imagine these new mediums would also be perfect for sensory rugs or hangings, especially for individuals with visual or other disability challenges.
Finally, don’t walk, RUN down to your local Harvey Norman who are currently the exclusive Cricut stockist and get your hands on these fabulous new products. And feel free to send through your creations as I’d love to see them! (edited 20 October 2025).
