Tool Talk - March 3013

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 Hi everyone and welcome to another addition of Tool Talk. Today I have another amazing and talented artist that has graciously agreed to speak with us about her favorite tool. She really needs no introduction; she's a crafting wonder woman...Design team member at DeNami Design, CAS-Fridays and CAS-ual Fridays Stamps :)Whew, where does she get the time?!?!?

Hello hello DeNami fans! It's Dana here from Kismet Art and Life.

This “Tool Talk” feature is a great way to be introduced to a product that you might not know about. I cannot wait to share my love for a favorite tool with you today, so let's get right to it:)

Wanna know a secret? Until 7 years ago, I exclusively cut all my cardstock and paper with an exacto craft knife and a metal ruler. Seriously. I am the least OCD person you will ever meet except for when it comes to grammar and straight edges.  * Chuckle * And then, oh dear, watch out! If things aren't perfect I fix them until they are.

No paper trimmer ever met my standards for a perfect 90 degree angle or smooth edge until I discovered Tonic Studios Guillotine Trimmers. * Swoon * Just so you know, I have 4 FOUR other paper cutters from top brands ranging from not cheap to more than I want to admit paying and none of them met my requirements. None.

I now own 3 Tonic Studios trimmers and I could NOT craft without them! A large 12 x 12 model that I use for cutting all my card bases with, a medium (and most often used) size of 8 ½ x ~5, and a smaller one that is 6 x 4.

6 X 4

8.5 X 5

12 X 12

These babies NEVER need sharpening or blade replacements. My two larger sized ones have been in use for 7 years now and still cut like butter as if they were fresh out of the package. No jagged or rough edges, a clean, perfectly aligned cut every time. Every. Time.

That is really important to me:)

Pros:

•  Easily portable (minus the 12 x 12 even though I do take it to crops) and lightweight. 

•  Blade never needs sharpening

• Perfect crisp, clean, straight edges on your cuts.

• Measuring grid/ruler right on the trimmer for ease of repeat cuts.

• SAFE. Because the blade isn't a “knife” blade, little fingers won't be sliced open        if the kiddos get a hold of it. 

•   Cuts through several sheets of cardstock at a time with no additional effort.

Tips for using guillotine trimmers: 

• Be sure to press down firmly on the two transparent (orange on newer models  I        think?) paper holder tabs on the base. It's become second nature for me, but I  recall   forgetting a few times when I first purchased them and my cardstock would slide and I wouldn't get a perfect cut.  

•  Bring the cutting arm all the way up to it's highest position before slicing downwards. 

• Make sure your table surface is solid and stable. i.e. Don't cut on a stack of wobbly magazines piled on your work area...ask me how I know this :(

I found a great price for the 8 ½ inch trimmer just for you DeNami Addict readers, and they are offering FREE SHIPPING right now! Only $14.04!!

mygofer.com - 8.5" paper trimmer (Sears/Kmart)

Thanks for sticking around while I talked up my favorite crafting tools! Let me know what your experiences are with Tonic Studios Guillotine Trimmers.

Thanks for joining us today, Dana! I have to confess that after reading her post I've already ordered my new trimmer! It's a bargin and I'm not so in love with mine (can't stand edge fuzzies).

 

Don't forget to join in on the fun on the DeNami Addict Facebook page. I'm giving away a wonderful DeNami gingham background stamp and all you have to do is "like" the Addict FB page and leave a comment on the special post (ends 3/26/13). Thanks for stopping by!!