Three Things : Tools
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.
[ Three Things is a weekly product series : check out the archives here. ]
This is so wild you mention these three products because I have been thinking about getting all 3 of them...yet wondering if I really needed them. Do I really need a huge hole punch, a rub-on tool or yet another paper cutter. Good to know these all get high marks from you. I think the cutter will be first on my list.
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Kate, I really do love and use the rub on roller tool. It does work excellently and definatley all Rub Ons are NOT created equally!! Thanks !!
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Hi, Ali. I have the Fiskars portable trimmer and I absolutely love it to bits. It's sooooo lightweight and really cuts straight. :) Planning to buy the Crop-a-dile this Saturday (at the 5th Scrapfest here in the Philippines!!!!) and I wanted to ask your thoughts on the BigBite. Would the Crop-a-dile suffice or would i be getting more value with the BigBite? Would really appreciate your thoughts on this. :) Thanks!!!
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This post made me giggle bc it brought back memories - the first time I saw a crop-a-dile was at a class you taught in Waco, TX a while back - you had me try to cut through a plastic baby wipe box and I nearly wet myself I thought it was so cool. :-) So my crop-a-dile always reminds me of you...!
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Hi, I'm a fan of fiskars trimmer since I started scrapbooking, it's great. I've heard there's a new crop-a-dile that manages to go in the middle of 12x12pages; But I use a screw-puncher, and didn't even know there was a rub-on tool ! can you imagine !!?! I'm going to check these out!
Tanks !
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i just bought the BG rub on tool and can't wait to use it. was glad you showed your paper trimmer. i have been in the market for one i can leave out on a table in my scrap studio. may have to give this one a try. does is cut chipboard?
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Sorry I missed this on Tuesday. It's been a hectic week and it's only Thursday! LOL
That rub on roller tool looks very intriguing. I'll have to look into getting one of those. Thanks.
Sue
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I just picked up a crop a dile at costco with over 600 eyelets and snaps for 25 bucks!
I live in MD but it's worth checking out at your costco or even asking the manager to carry it.
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i love the crop a dile. i used mine to make an extra beltloop in a belt. effortlessly!
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I have the trimmer and LOVE it - and the BEST thing is the interchangable scallop blade you can get. That's right - it cuts a beautiful scalloped edge. I found mine at Archiver's - they also have a couple more options for "specialty" cutting blades ("deckle" and "tiara" I think??). Seriously - you have to get the scallop blade for this trimmer - it will increase it's use ten-fold. Okay, my excitement is spilling over - must go create scallops - ha!
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I am so glad I am not the only one who has had trimmer woes!!! I'm pretty sure my friends thought I was nuts. I keep buying and returning them, and am still seeking those straight lines. So far I have been mostly happy with the Cutterpede version, but time will tell (my receipt is tucked safely away). Aside from the weight of the unit, the Making Memories folding version looks appealing - does anyone have any thoughts?
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Ali, I really enjoy and look forward to your "three things" posts. I love to see what prominent scrapbookers use for tools and supplies! Your reviews are invaluable! I have purchased a few items JUST because YOU think they're great! I know that we all have different opinions, but it's certainly worth trying out things that you (and Lisa and Stacy and Donna and Becky) like. In fact, I just purchased the Fiskars 12" inch desktop trimmer with my 50% off coupon at AC Moore today! You can't beat that! I've been very unhappy with larger paper trimmers I've had in the past, and I can't seem to cut straight with a ruler and craft knife! (but that's just me!) Thanks for the help! joie
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