Ultra-compact smart cutting meets full-colour print-and-cut workflow

For UK laser engravers, hobby creators, and multi-media makers, expanding a workshop product line often means finding compact tools that handle the intricate details lasers cannot touch. Cricut has officially raised the bar for micro-manufacturing spaces with the launch of the Cricut Joy 2.

Building on the massive success of the original ultra-portable plotter, this next-generation desktop machine brings powerful print-and-cut functionality and streamlined software integrations straight to the kitchen table or crowded garage workbench.

Weighing just over 2 lbs (0.91 kg) and boasting a tidy 4.5-inch cutting width, the Joy 2 is engineered specifically for creators who need high performance without sacrificing valuable workspace.

Big capability in a tiny footprint

While heavy-duty diode and fibre lasers dominate structural cutting and deep raster engraving on timber, leather, and metal, blade plotters remain unmatched for working with flexible media. The Cricut Joy 2 bridges that workflow gap seamlessly, offering full compatibility with over 75 materials—including standard vinyl, iron-on (HTV), cardstock, and specialised printable media.

The standout upgrade for this generation is the integration of Print Then Cut capabilities, a feature previously reserved for larger desktop machines.

• Inkjet Synergy: Creators can now print full-colour designs, vibrant temporary tattoos, and custom sticker sheets directly from a home inkjet printer.
• Optical Precision: The Joy 2’s internal sensors automatically recognise registration marks, executing precision contour cuts around printed graphics with zero manual guesswork.

Streamlined design and AI-assisted creativity

For independent creators running a side hustle or producing custom event merch, design preparation time directly impacts profit margins. The Joy 2 pairs with Cricut’s Design Space app via a quick Bluetooth connection, offering step-by-step guided design flows, customisable templates, and built-in AI-image generation tools.

Furthermore, features like Live Project Preview allow makers to visualise their digital designs at scale directly on real-world blanks—such as mugs, notebooks, and acrylic tags—before a single blade touches the material. Available in stylish colourways including Blue, Coral, and an Amazon-exclusive Jade Green, the machine blends portability with high aesthetic appeal.

Essential for mixed-media workshops

Whether you are pairing laser-engraved wooden bases with vibrant, blade-cut vinyl decal labels or churning out quick custom packaging stickers, the Cricut Joy 2 offers UK hobbyists an accessible entry point. Starting at an affordable price point with bundled out-of-the-box material kits, it proves that you don’t need an industrial workshop footprint to produce professional, retail-ready results.