Here's a quiz: Which stamping tool featured on pages 188-189 of the Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog do you feel is the most essential?
Pretty tough question, huh. Did you answer "all of them"? The good news is that there is not simply one right answer. Here are my top 5: Paper Cutter, Stampin' Scrub, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, and Stamp-a-ma-jig.
For today, let's focus on the Paper Cutter (#104152). Why did I list this one first? It is the best tool in my stamping room and I use it all the time. In fact, I have two of them on the go pretty much every evening.
This paper cutter is lightweight and small enough to store easily, yet large enough to cut 12" x 12" paper. The swing-out arm is handy for getting exact cuts on large pieces of card stock. Now this paper cutter may look like other paper cutters you have seen elsewhere, but trust me on this: it is of much higher quality with markings that are distinct and easy to follow.
Here are the benefits of the Paper Cutter:
■ Measures widths up to 15-1/2", making it GREAT for 12x12 card stock
■ Unique design provides straight and precise cuts
■ Swing-out arm for easy measuring
■ Aluminum surface on cutting platform marked for accurate measurement (essential!)
■ Replacement cutting and scoring blades sold separately as are a pack of two cutting blades
The orange blade is used for cutting card stock. The black blade is used for scoring card stock, that is, creating a very light fold line to make folding quick and easy.
If you would like to have a cutting and measurement document that explains card measurements in simple terms, click here. This document (created by a demonstrator friend) will provide you will lots of valuable tips on how to efficiently cut and layer card stock.
I think the Stampin' Up! cutting blades are superior to any I have used before. I do A LOT of cutting for my classes and camps so replace my blades every two and a half months or so. The measurements on this cutter are as clear as day - they are spaced and marked every 1/8" and are very easy to see. I feel I get great value for my dollar with the Stampin' Up! paper cutter.
Posted by: Terri Walker | June 21, 2009 at 07:30 PM
I have a Fiskars from Michaels that has the same shape, etc. Thinking of trying SU's-the Fiskars seems inconsistent with fuzzy cut edges and the measurements are hard to see.
Are their cutting blades any better as well? Sometimes the blade cuts worse than the one I replaced it with!
Posted by: Cynthia Carter | June 21, 2009 at 07:07 PM