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Reported by Carolyn King
No one can say that Spellbinders Nestabilities dies are not an incredible innovation in the craft industry; however, I want to show you another product that I have had for five years and still use all of the time. The Creative Memories Cutting System, available at http://www.creativememories.com/ through a consultant, consists of a self-healing mat, three interchangeable blades and templates which allow you to cut circles, ovals, wavy frames or gemstone shapes.
The reason I have not abandoned this cutting system completely is because there are some projects that the Nestabilities dies still cannot do. For instance, for this project, I took a folded piece of cardstock and wanted to cut just a half circle at the fold mark.
The Creative Memories Cutting System enabled me to line up the template and cut just the portion of cardstock I wanted to remove.
The result is an inverted topper card.
PROS:
- The Creative Memories Cutting System is very affordable. The mat and blades can be purchased for $26.00 and the circle templates can be purchased for $14.00. There are also many other templates to be used with the system.
- The circle template pack includes a sizing template and three translucent patterns, which allow you to see where you are cutting. This particular template pack allows you to cut 18 different sizes of circles.
- Creative Memories sells refill blades for this system which allow an even longer life. (However, I have had my original blades for five years and they still work just fine.)
- The cutting templates feature non-slip feet, so you can cut out paper or photos without worrying about the template shifting.
CONS:
- The only downside I have found with this cutting system is that every once and awhile, a shape will not be completely cut when you run the blade around the template. To remedy this, simply run the blades twice around the template to ensure that the shape separates completely.
Overall, this is a really great cutting system that you will be using for years to come, no matter what innovations are made in the industry. Let us know what you think...leave a comment!
22 Comments:
LOL get out of town you just saved my circles I had put them up for sale!! Just for that reason (not cutting all the way!lol)I had given up on then and just used my Coluzzle for my circles.. Hmmm let me give them one more go... THK u for the review! :)
-Ellie
Great review! Another tip for using them to make sure you get a cut all the way through ... make sure you hold the blade the same way as you go around the template. A lot of people have a tendency to lean/tilt the blade slightly as they go around the curves, and that causes the blade to lift up off the paper.
Thanks for the review. I'd also just set mine into my 'to be sold' pile. I'll have to rethink it now. Your card is super cute!
I love my CM cutter too. I have had it forever and still use it. I love your sample card too...very creative.
This is the very first tool I bought when I started scrapbooking 6 years ago! I haven't used them in forever; must get them out and give em a go. Thanks for the great review.
I have this system as well and have had it for 5 years. I just love it. I use it all the time now that circles have come back in. I also have the oval one but don't use it as much as this one. I can highly recommend this to anymore. I just wished there was one larger size circle to use with this system as I love huge circles.
Hey, I love this system too. I am a CM consultant and did you know that they have revamped the blades making them easier to use? The blades now swivel in the handle. They cut like BUTAH!!!! Thanks for showcasing one of my favorites!
I have this set as well. I love how it can make an inverted topper card so easily. It is a terrific tool. I enjoyed your review very much.
Mary
I have had this system for several years and it is one like you said will last and last. Sometimes it is easier to get out and use as well. I would to try the new blades also...thanks Cammie for your review
Pinky
I completely agree with you. I love mine and use it quite often.
Regina
I *adore* my CM cutting system!!!! I also like my Nestabilities...but I agree that there are just some things the Nestabilities can't do. Love 'em! Thanks for the post!
I just used my trusty CM Circle Cutter for a card I made yesterday...it's about the only CM product I held onto and I do use it quite a bit! I love the card that you showed and will have to try one.
Creative Memories are my favorite cutting system. I wouldn't part with them for anything. I have all of the shapes available and a few that have been retired.
I have all of these cutting shapes from CM & I luv them! They are the best for the money & very easy to use. Maybe you need to get new blades for cutting so that they can be real sharp, they sell those individually, I use the red blade a lot & that one had to be replaced recently. Or maybe you need to press a little harder. I have had mine for 3 years.
Oh, I forgot about your card. I really like it & like the color combo! Very pretty!
I LOVE these sets - I use the circles and the ovals ALL of the time. And just bought it for my sister who scraps and stamps too. I make a lot of cards with photos and this tool works great for that kind of thing.
It's great that your 5 year old blades are still going, but you're totally missing out! I just replaced my 8 year old blades and they have new ones! Even better than the old ones! The swivel better, are bigger and are way easier to use! I highly recommend the new ones!
I completely agree with this review. I have both and use both for different things.
these are THE BEST on the market!! i can't wait to get the swivel blades, though...SO much easier and faster! don't anyone dare sell their CM cutting system! it's worth keeping!!!
Great review!
I don't have this system - but it makes me think I may look into it.
Card is super cute too.
I absolutely love my CM cutting system better than any other. (and I sell another brand-oops!) I think I have all the shapes. I've used it for cards and scrapbooking very successfully. You forgot to mention the totally awesome acetate(?) guide you can use to select the size circle/shape you want - awsome for previewing photo shapes. Once you overlay it and see what's best, you can easily identify which of the three templates and blades to use to get which size circle
...and I guess I want new blades now too!
I've had these for a few years now and only recently got them back out again. I love them! I've never replaced the blades yet either and they work just fine.
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