This Machine Is Like a 3D Printer for Crafters

Design technology company Cricut (pronounced "cricket") recently released Cricut Explore, a machine that can cut designs from a range of crafting materials, including paper, chipboard, iron-ons, vinyl, felt and even leather. Now, even the least nimble-fingered hobbyists can produce precision-cut DIY marvels.

"We are driven by the philosophy: How do we get from creation to inspiration?" says Cricut CEO Ashish Arora. "How do we make it easy for people to create?"

The Explore is a sleek white pod roughly the size and shape of a printer. Inside, there's a cutting module that resembles an InkJet nozzle. But rather than an ink cartridge, the cube houses a small precision-cutting blade that chisels your chosen design — flowers, stars, even 8-bit text, for gaming nerds — out of whatever material you choose Read more...