Product Review - Martha Stewart Scoring Boards

Don't you just love the feeling of coming home after a trip to the local craft store, opening your bags, and digging through all your new goodies?  It's the best!  My birthday was in September and I received some money that I've been waiting to spend, so I finally took it to Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  I got several 6x6 paper pads and the new Martha Stewart Mini Scoring Board.  I love all of it!  Today, I want to review both of Martha Stewart's scoring boards and compare the two.

 Martha Stewart Crafts Scoring Board and Envelope Tool

I have always been a huge fan of Martha Stewart's products.  Even when she went to jail, I still loved her.  Of course, she wasn't guilty so the poor thing was stuck there pondering her innocence!  OK, I'm only kidding.  I just like to say she's not guilty because it gets my husband riled up.  On to the product...

This is the first scoring board I owned, so I cannot make a comparison to the ScorPal or others, but I must say, I'm pretty impressed with it.  One advantage is has over others (or so I've read...) are the grooves every 1/8".  The envelope tool that is also quite handy, especially when making odd shaped cards that need a pretty matching envelope!  

The only thing I'm not in love with is the scoring tool.  I have used mine a lot and the edge has worn down quite a bit.  Unless I'm scoring really thin paper, I use my Cricut scoring tool in place of the tool that came with it.  The MS tool will work just fine, but the tip is worn and rounded now and I get a crisper line from the sharper, metal tipped Cricut tool.

If you were going to own only one scoring board, I would recommend this one.  If you ever make boxes or bags, you'll want the bigger board to accommodate 12 x 12 sheets of paper.  

Moving right along...

Martha Stewart Crafts Mini Scoring Board

Congratulations!  The original scoring board had a baby.  And she's really cute!  I was blog hopping the other day and happened upon a post about this fab new product by Martha.  OMG.  I was so excited, I ran right out and bought it!  The rational part of my brain kept telling me I didn't need two scoring boards, but the irrational, craft-addicted part said "DO IT!".  So, I did.  And I don't regret it for a second.

The smaller board measures approximately 6.5" x 12".  It comes with a scoring tool, which snaps in place on the top of the board.  This tool is thinner and more contoured then the tool that came with the original board I bought and I think it's a much better design.

If you flip this baby over, there's an envelope template/maker on the back.  It has grooves for you to score your enevelopes and a printed chart with card and envelope sizes.  In my opinion, this works much easier than the tool on the older board.

Overall, I think the features of the mini are nicer than the full sized version.  The fact that it's smaller means I can leave it on my desk while working and it's not in the way.  This is a huge plus for those of us with small work spaces.  The price is around $10 and, for me, that cinches the deal!

You can find the products I mentioned on Amazon.

                             

Have any of you bought the new mini scoring board?  What do you think?

Have a blessed day!

Cheryl

Product Review - Scissors

Have you ever seen the show Hoarders?  I used to be really hooked on that show.  I have no idea why, actually.  Confession Time - While my house doesn't look like those on that show, sometimes I notice that I have tendencies toward hoarding things.  It's like I must have more than one of the same item, or a variation of that item.  I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I have a massive pen collection.  I am not exaggerating - we're talking (at last count) over 1000.  Why does any rational person need that many pens?  They don't!  But I am not always rational and therefore I need them.  And I love those pens very, very much.  And I will know if you borrow one and don't return it, trust me.  The knowledge I have about writing instruments is completely useless yet vast.

Anyhow...I got on this kick a while ago where I kept buying scissors.  I have no idea why... maybe it's because they were cheaper than Cricut Cartridges?  Needless to say, I have several pair of scissors, all different, in my desk.  Today, I thought I'd highlight my favorites.


The first pair I'd like to show you are the Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 817 Kushgrip Non Stick Micro Serrated Snips. This is my newest scissor purchase.  I must admit - I bought these solely because I kept seeing them in someones video and thought they looked like neato scissors.  No other reason.  I was pleasantly surprised by them.  The grip is extremely comfortable, especially for a long period of use.  They cut quite well and cleanly.  The only drawback, and it's a small one, is that the tip isn't as precise as I'd like.  Overall, I would recommend them highly for your everyday scissors.  You can purchase them at Amazon by clicking the link above, or the picture, if you're interested.



For precise cutting, I prefer the EK Success Cutter Bee Precision-Cut Scissors. These little babies are fab-u-lous!  They cut with great precision and are super sharp.  I can show you a scar on my finger to prove it!  These are some of the best scissors I've ever owned.  The only drawback is that they're small, so they're not great for big cutting jobs.  Otherwise, I love, love, love them!


I can't mention the Cutter Bee scissors without mentioning the EK Success Honey Bee Non-Stick Craft Scissors.  These are essentially the same as the Cutter Bee, but with non-stick blades. They cut just as well, but are made for cutting sticky things.  Although they work pretty well, I have noticed mine still get "gunky" on the blades depending on what I'm cutting.  They are not completely non-stick, but are much better than traditional scissors when cutting foam tape, sticky strip, etc.



So, there you have it!  My picks for the best scissors out there.  What do you use?  I love to hear your feedback on the products you love!

Have a blessed day!
Cheryl

Product Review - Tombow Adhesives

I'm back with another product review.  I was very pleased with the responses to my last review of the trimmer.  I loved hearing your opinions (good and bad) and suggestions!

Over the last few months, I've used quite a few adhesives in making so many large projects.  I'm a little bit of an adhesive junkie.  Every time I read about someone liking an adhesive, I will get my 40% off coupon and run to Michael's or Hobby Lobby to pick it up.  When it comes to liquid glue, in my opinion, Tombow is the way to go.  I've tried 3 different liquid glues by this brand, so here's the scoop on all of them.

First, my favorite of all liquid glue - Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue.  For a long time, I wouldn't use liquid glue because it was a mess.  I'm sure it was from too many memories of wrinkled up paper thanks to Elmer's school glue!  I've glued many types and weights of paper and have never had wrinkling with this glue.  It has dual tips, Pen Tip and Broad Tip, so you can squeeze out just the right amount.  Although the pen tip is fine, there is no problem with clogging and the glue comes out smoothly.  It dries super fast, which in most cases, is just what I want and you only need a small amount for great adhesion.  One little bottle goes lasts quite a while and the price is very reasonable.  I found it on Amazon today for $1.28 per bottle!  I'll post the Amazon links to all of today's products below.  Amazon is a sponsor of Pink & Paper, so if you're going to buy some anyway, I'd love it if you'd support us!

I also own a couple of bottles of Tombow® MONO® Aqua Liquid Glue.  My first "glue love" will always be the Multi glue, but this one is handy for many things.  The consistency is much thinner and it surely comes out faster (learned that the hard way!).  The aqua has dual tips as well and takes a bit more time to dry.  It does have a slight tendency to wrinkle super thin paper, but works great on cardstock.  I've used this when I want to be able to re-position things before they dry and it gives me just enough time to get it right before it sticks permanently.

Last, but not least, is the Tombow Glue Pen.  I remember when I stumbled upon this at Hobby Lobby.  It was like Christmas!  I had never seen an actual glue pen before.  It doesn't take much to excite me, if you can't tell!  This is perfect for little dots, circle, eyes and die cut words.  It flows smoothly and very easy to use.  It dries quickly and holds very well.

As I mentioned last time, I am not being paid for my opinions, sadly.  I would still give you my honest opinion, of course, because I try to live a life of integrity, but it sure would be nice to get paid for what I think!  If you're interested in purchasing any of these from Amazon, here are the links:

        

Thanks for stopping by today!  I'd love to hear your opinions on liquid adhesives, so please leave me some comment love!

Blessings,

Cheryl

Product Review - EK Success Cutterpede Trimmer

Here we go - My first product review!  I don't know about you, but there's nothing worse than spending my hard earned money on a product that I end up hating.  I know a lot of the items I use in my crafting have been purchased through recommendations from friends or blogs I follow.  So....I thought I'd start sharing my take on the products I try and love...or hate!  (Just FYI - I am not being paid by EK Success for this review.  It's solely my opinion based on use of the product)

EK Success Cutterpede Trimmer

I am really picky about trimmers.  Over the years, I've bought several different kinds and this is the one I've stuck with.  It's fairly inexpensive and the replacement cutting channel mat and blades are a steal!  I know some folks prefer a straight blade over a rotary blade, but not me.  I find that on my Fiskars or Provo Craft trimmer the blade gets dull really quickly and starts leaving a rough edge on my paper.  This blade lasts a really long time and still cuts cleanly after a ton of use.  Also, you can replace the cutting channel mat (The white strip in the center) as it wears down and it will help keep the cuts smooth.

Here's the lowdown on this product:

• It's Pink!!!
• Rotary Blade
• Replaceable cutting channel mat
• Compact Design with swing out arm for larger paper
• Easy to replace blades and mat

Here are some links to Amazon.com if you're interested in trying out this trimmer for yourself:

As much as I like this trimmer, I am always open to new products if they make my crafting life easier.  What type of trimmer do you use?  Have you tried this one and liked it or hated it?  I'd love to hear from you!

Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for 50 yards of twine! All comments left through 07/15/12 will be entered in the drawing.  You choose the colors and amounts in any combination, up to 50 yards.  Please be sure to leave your name and email address so I can contact you.

Have a blessed day!

Cheryl