Three Things : Tools

Threethings_tools_2



Following up on last week's words + photos series I wanted to feature three things today that have become staple tools for me:  

Crop-A-Dile : This is probably my most recommended tool. I use it mainly for the hole punch feature (it will go through just about anything: chipboard, metal, some acrylic, etc.). The best part is that you don't have to squeeze hard at all to punch the holes. Check out We R Memory Keeper's website for a how-to and other creative uses.


Basic Grey Rub On Roller Tool
: Do I really need a rub on tool? That was the question I asked myself when I first learned about this device. I was skeptical at first but after testing it out I found
that it really works well. The best part about it is that there is some
"give" in the ball tip that especially helps when rubbing on some of those "tougher" rub ons (rub ons are definitely not all created equal).


Fiskars Desktop Rotary Paper Trimmer : I went for a long time using just a craft knife + metal ruler for all my cutting (cardstock, patterned paper, photos, everything).
I had tried a couple different trimmers when I first started
scrapbooking and was completely dissatisfied with the results - nothing
cut straight. I decided to try again this past year and started with
this trimmer. I love it. I love that I can see where I am cutting (a
clear plastic piece makes this super easy
) and it cuts straight. I use this one all the time now.


Dottedline_5


[ Three Things is a weekly product series : check out the archives here. ]

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37 thoughts

  1. Heather V says…
    05/13/2008

    I have to say that my Crop-A-dile is my favorite thing in the world now!!! I love that it will go thru everything I need it to and that it is quiet!! Pretty sure that my neighbors used to know when I was setting an eyelet...that's how loud it used to be.... Now I just have to find a use for my old eyelet setter. :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Marie - mariemc says…
    05/13/2008

    Thanks for the thoughts on the tools. I'm curious about the paper trimmer - can it cut more than one piece of CS at a time? Thanks!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Heather H. says…
    05/13/2008

    Happy to see these items on your list of faves too. I just got the rub-on tool and think it's great.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Marie - mariemc says…
    05/13/2008

    Thanks for the thoughts on the tools. I'm curious about the paper trimmer - can it cut more than one piece of CS at a time? Thanks!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. LisaZ says…
    05/13/2008

    I love my Crop-a-dile. I haven't tried the rub-on tool or the paper trimmer. I have a different brand rotary paper trimmer that I call "old reliable". It is pretty heavy tho, so I don't take it to crops.
    I'll have to use my next coupon to get the rub-on tool. So true, all rub-ons are not created equal.

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  6. Erin says…
    05/13/2008

    Super cool items, I agree!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. junebug says…
    05/13/2008

    Time to update my wishlist again. Thanks for the recommendations!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. sue Treiber says…
    05/13/2008

    The Cropa die is the best tool ever. I just bought a big-bite. Can't wait to use it.
    I never thought I'd see the day when you stopped using a ruler & craft knife! ")

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Catherine Schwartz says…
    05/13/2008

    I had the same experience with the BG RubON Tool. I thought, why would I spend money on this when my craft stick will do? AND THEN I TRIED IT! YEa--it makes rub-ons so much easier to use and they tend not to slip. I still haven't purchased one (I borrowed a friend's) but it is on the shopping list!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Jen says…
    05/13/2008

    This is my favorite trimmer too!
    I need a Crop-a-Dile. Don't know how I've held out this long, but its definitely the next tool on the list :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Rose says…
    05/13/2008

    I just purchased the Crop a dile 11! It is the greatest! It has a 6 inch reach so that it can get into the center of a large 12x12 paper!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Donna. says…
    05/13/2008

    It's like you raided my desk top for this post. ;) Well, except for the trimmer. I have been looking for another one since my trimmer is losing it's grid lines to over use. I'll definitely look into that trimmer. Thank you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Amanda says…
    05/13/2008

    I love Three Things...I love hearing about what products go into the artful layouts you create! And while I'm at it, I LOVE that photo of Simon on your shoulders.
    Thanks for sharing how you do what you do. You are simply fabulous!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Emily says…
    05/13/2008

    I love my Fiskars trimmer also. I am waiting to get one of the Crop-a-dile things when I get another 50% coupon at Mike's. ;)
    My three tools are trimmer, circle paper punch, and stapler.

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  15. Jeanette says…
    05/13/2008

    I've debated on whether to purchase the Basic Grey rub-on tool. Like you, I wasn't sure if it is something I need. You've now convinced me to give it a try.
    And I couldn't agree more on the Fiskars trimmer and Crop-a-dial. :)
    BTW, I was looking at the photos Paolo took at the Inspired event and noticed your Tory Burch flats. Just love 'em!!!!!

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  16. Doris says…
    05/13/2008

    My friend Madeline and I took one of your classes and got to try the crop-a-dile (we were on the fence) and went out and bought one. I just got my run-on tool after waiting weeks for it. I love it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Rosa says…
    05/13/2008

    I love my Crop a dile and you are absolutely right "rub ons are definitely not all created equal" have a great day, hugs, Rosa.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. lori p says…
    05/13/2008

    love my crop a dile and big bite. i have the smaller non-rotary fiskars trimmer and i love it!!
    do not have that rub-on tool, but i guess that i will have to give it a try.
    thanks for all the wonderful ideas and helps...look forward to them everyday!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Mary says…
    05/13/2008

    How does the Crop-A-Dile compare to the Big Bite? Here in Canada it's hard to find the Big-Bite but my hope is that I'll get one!
    Mary

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. anna tremblay says…
    05/13/2008

    Thanks ali! I'm looking for a cutter that cuts straight so i'll give this one a shot..... And I love the RUB-ON tool! I made a huge mess of rub ons before I added this to my supply stash :) Thanks for three things postings.... I love to see what you pick! xoxo Anna T

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  21. Nicky Anderson says…
    05/13/2008

    I just got the crop-a-dile and can't wait to use it.
    May have to look at getting the rub on tool also.
    Nicky

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Emily Hoadley says…
    05/13/2008

    I also thought the rub on tool was a bit much until I tried it at my lss. It really makes the rub ons go on easier and with less mess ups.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. kate says…
    05/13/2008

    so wait, do you really use this trimmer? for reals? I bought this trimmer around Christmas and have actually been sorely disappointed. It doesn't reach 12 inches on the left side, which is so lame, and I have found that not only is the grid sticker on the entire board placed slightly crooked, but also printed crooked, which is just unacceptable when you can't get the correct measurement on top AND bottom. I'd love to know I just got a dud and that your is truly fabulous, but let me know, I've been wondering if there were many complaints like mine!

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  24. Ali says…
    05/13/2008

    Hey Kate - I really do use and love that trimmer. The fact that it does not reach to 12 inches on the left side has not been an issue for me - I guess I am usually just chopping things off (or turning it if I need to pay attention to the 12 inch portion).

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  25. Terry says…
    05/13/2008

    Ditto on the cropadile. I put the BG rub on tool in my basket yesterday and took it out again thinking I really didn't need it. Guess I might need to rethink that one.

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