iTWire has long been impressed by the versatility of both the Cricut cutting and pressing machines, as well as the highly extensive range of materials available.

Famous father Homer Simpson can't imagine a magical animal from which all three of bacon, ham, and pork chops come from. Imagine what he would make of a single cutting machine, the Cricut Maker 3, if he was told it could design and decorate T-shirt iron-ons, wall decals, laptop decals, 3D artwork, wall prints, tote bags, greeting cards, leather earrings and bracelets, paper banners, stickers, party decorations, monograms for cups and glasses, engraved items, and so, so much more.

In Cricut's case, it's no magical animal, it's here in the form of Cricut and the only constraint is purely what you can conceive in your mind.

And now Cricut has expanded its capabilities with four new sets of magical materials that have amazing properties to transform based on temperature or sunlight or water. What could you do with these?

Cricut cold-activated, colour-changing permanent vinyl

First up is cold-activated vinyl; once these come in contact with temperatures below 10ºC the vinyl changes colour. Apply it to your go-to glass or bowl, then simply add something frosty and marvel as the colours change before your eyes. This material is compatible with all Cricut smart cutting machines. Handwash only is recommended. It comes in three different colour transitions:

• Light Pink to Magenta
• Light Blue to Turquoise
• Turquoise to Purple

Cricut heat-activated colour-changing permanent vinyl

Let's take it in the other direction. With Cricut's heat-activated vinyl your projects will transform in front of you, changing colour in temperatures above 31°C. Simply apply the heat-activated colour-changing vinyl to your go-to mug or bowl, then add in something hot and delight in the colour-changing magic. It's also compatible with all Cricut smart cutting machines. Handwash only is recommended. It comes in three different colour transitions:

• Magenta to Light Pink
• Turquoise to Light Blue
• Purple to Turquoise

Cricut UV-activated colour-changing iron-on

Create colour-changing fun under the sun! The UV-activated colour-changing iron-on transforms in sunlight, adding surprise and delight to your heat-transfer projects. It can be loads of fun and is ideal for clothing, accessories, and all kinds of everyday items you take outside. It can be used with all Cricut cutting machines. For best results, transfer using the Cricut EasyPress. It comes in these colour transitions:

• White to Pink
• White to Violet
• White to Blue
• White to Yellow

Cricut smart label paper - dissolvable

This smart paper doesn't change colour; instead, it disappears entirely - without a trace, and without a mess. The Cricut smart label paper - dissolvable is microwave and freezer safe, and dissolves by simply placing it in the dishwasher or by running it under water and handwashing for 30 seconds.

You can use it for all kinds of clever things - make personalised leftover labels or party cups with people's names on them. After the party simply wash the label off and your cups and glasses are ready for use again. You don't even need a cutting mat; you can write on the paper directly, then cut and peel. It's compatible with all Cricut machines and markers.

Cricut Joy smart label writable permanent vinyl – new colours

Also, Cricut has announced smart label writeable permanent vinyl is now available in gold and silver holographic, to provide more variety to Cricut Joy users. Whether you’re looking to organise your kitchen, or kids’ playroom or make gift tags; easily write, cut, peel, and stick with smart label writable permanent vinyl. Simply create your own label designs in the Cricut Design Space app, load the material without a cutting mat, let your cutting machine draw your design with compatible Cricut Joy pens and markers then cut the label shape.

These new materials are all available now from Harvey Norman, Spotlight, Officeworks, and Big W. 

• Cricut Cold-Activated, Colour-Changing Permanent Vinyl | RRP $ 24.95 
• Cricut Heat-Activated, Colour-Changing Permanent Vinyl | RRP $ 24.95 
• Cricut UV-Activated, Colour Changing Iron-On | RRP $24.95
• Cricut Smart Label Paper - Dissolvable | From RRP $14.95

These new materials are available now from Spotlight and Officeworks:

• CricutJoy Smart Label Writable Permanent Vinyl | RRP $14.95 

Also, stay tuned, with Cricut bringing out even more materials later this year, for more and more creative options:

• Cricut Linerless Transfer Tape 
• Cricut Everyday Iron-On (Mint, Coral, Rose Gold)
• Cricut Reflective Iron-On Rainbow