Pamela’s Gallery

(Moving another page over from my old site-Originally shared Dec. 2006.)

I just took the cutter out of the box, and installed the C batteries (not
included). I was ready to go. It comes with built in carrier type handle, and
even has a handy stand, so when it’s not in use it stores upright! Takes up
less space! It also comes with a replacement tip that stores inside the
power base. I would assume that at some point they will make these re-
orderable. (Is that a word? LOL)

First thing I tried was a plain piece of typing paper and one of the included
stencils. I kept the ‘pen’ straight up and down, and let the edge of the tool
rest just inside and against the stencil edge. I pressed down just a bit, held
down the power button with my index finger, and slowly (not ketchup slow,
more like honey slow) moved around the edges. It cut that shape with ease,
altho there were sort of rough edges. OK, this has possibilities…

Next I got out some regular type scrapbook paper, and a Close To My Heart
Envelope Template. You know the kind you have to trace first with a pencil,
and then cut out with scissors? I don’t known about you, but I love the look
of home made envelopes, BUT I LOATH tracing and cutting them out. LOL
Ok, using the same procedure as before, but this time, I lined up the edge
of the tool with the outside edge of the stencil. Slowly moved all around the
outside edges and YUP!! I ended up with a perfectly cut out envelope!!!!!!
I still have slightly rough edges, but with a little ink I don’t think they will
show at all. (and anyways rough is in right? Grin)

Just a note here: I will never have to trace and cut an envelope
again!!

This tool cuts by moving a tiny blade in an up and down motion, making
perforations that are really close together. It uses a foam board under it for
the blade to cut into. So I’m not sure that the rough edges will go completely
away. But they aren’t all that noticeable either.

Next I tried a large letter stencil from Club Scrap, again with regular
scrapbook paper. WORKED GREAT!

I used Club Scrap card stock, slowed down my speed a bit and cut out a
very kool Star stencil with ease!!

If the stencil is wide enough for the tool to fit inside and go around then that
stencil will work. If the stencil is one of the smaller, finely detailed ones,
there is no room for the blade to work. BUT this means there are countless
stencils that WILL work with this tool!
The down side:
1. The mat that is used is a foam board that the blade goes into. I
wonder how long this board will hold out and if there is a way to replace it?
It does seem to have some self healing properties tho. The instructions say
to only use the board it comes with. I do wonder if 3 layers of craft foam
would be an option…hmmmmm
2. The work surface is too small; I kept running into the blue plastic
edge. I had to stop and turn/move the stencil and paper in order to
accommodate the larger stencils. (like the envelope one)
3. The blade is pretty short, so you can not cut thru cardboard or chip
board with it. I tried the thinnest piece I had (the kind you get when you
order scrapping paper in the mail) and it did not cut all the way thru it. 

4. You must choose stencils that have wide areas in which to fit the tool.
5. It only runs on C batteries. There is no other power source. Will
have to wait and see just how long the juice will last.
6. I do feel some hand fatigue when cutting intricate designs. It’s
recommended to hold the power button in with the index finger, I felt less
stress when I used my thumb.

Overall Opinion:
If you are a Scrapper and you are looking for a handy way to cut out letters
and shapes…consider a Sizzix! (or one of those types of machines) BUT if
budget is a concern at under $25.00,  this toy will give you very nice results.
(Just be sure you are not choosing small stencils.)

If you are a card maker, you can’t go wrong with this toy. This is a great tool
to use with large letters, basic shapes, and of course those envelope
templates. It’s worth every penny just to be able to cut those out!!

If you are a stamper-You are going to LOVE this toy! Try stamping your image,and then cutting them out!
It’s easy to use, stores in a small space and oh, and did I mention you can cut out your envelope templates? lol

Click image for close up-this is what the edges look like on Club Scrap Card Stock. The lower one is without any smoothing with my fingers, or ink.
Top shows a bit of smoothing and ink.

On a scale of 1-5 scissors, I give it a 4!