Making Memories Slot Punch

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Reported by Katie Renz



Today I am reviewing the Making Memories Slot Punch Tool Set. The set includes a handle (or stem), 4 magnetic attachable pieces - 3 slots and 1 slit punch, and a small paper piercer. The 3 ribbon slots are sized at 5/8", 3/8", and 1/4" in length. The slit punch is a 1/2 circle that is 1/2" wide, as in a 1" circle cut in half. This tool set does not include a hammer or a small healing mat, which wouldn't be a problem if you already own the Making Memories Instant Setter or a different Making Memories tool kit or already owned a separate self healing mat. This kit was produced as an attachment to the Instant Setter (the attachments just slide into the Instant Setter handle), but it is not necessary to own one in order to use the Slot Punch Tool Set. The function of this tool set is pretty cut and dry - it makes slots for paper and ribbon weaving for your cards, scrapbook pages, or paper projects.

I think I've had this tool set for about 5 months now and I have to say that overall, I really like it. I use it quite often when using ribbon and paper. I purchased it after seeing so many beautiful cards out there that had an interesting way of using ribbon. I liked the idea that it had multiple sizes and also liked the fact that it had the slit punch too. Again, I had seen a lot of cards that held gift cards using that punch.

Another aspect I found convenient was the fact that the punches just slide into the handle. Since the stem is magnetic, I didn't' have to worry about any fasteners or screwing and unscrewing of components. An extra bonus for me was the fact that I already had the coordinating tool set (Instant Setter) if I didn't want to use a hammer. Although the slot punch set was made to work with the Instant Setter, in my experience, I get a cleaner punch with the hammer. The punches do not work well when using multiple layers of cardstock, so its best to punch separately and then mat or be aware that it is necessary to realign the punch to work through more than one layer. Another important tip to remember is to clean out the centers of the punches. I would forget and then get frustrated when I wasn't getting a good cut. Usually, it was because I had too much cardstock stuffed into the tip.

My kit did come with a small hiccup. When I first purchased this tool set, I was not happy with the 5/8 punch. The slot was not smooth on all sides and there was a significant notch on the right side every time I punched a slot. It REALLY BUGGED me. At first, I thought I could just deal with it and make sure that I used the ribbon so it would hide it, but I finally decided NO, it wasn't acceptable. So, I contacted Making Memories and followed their easy step by step directions to have my tool set replaced and had absolutely no problem with it. Soon after, I received a brand new set that was much better. So remember to go back to the manufacturer of any product and let them know if you are truly not satisfied and why. In the end I was very pleased with my Making Memories product and have to commend their customer service.

Here are a few pictures of what the slots look like and how I incorporated them into my cards. With this first card, I used it in a very simple manner. I cut out my sentiment piece, matted it and then punched my slots. The punches look a bit jagged and that is because I attempted to punch through 2 layers of cardstock. One layer works best.As you can see here, the ribbon hides any edges.And the finished card.For the second card I used the 3/8" slot punch because I wanted more ribbon presence. I again cut my frame and then drew a faint pencil line to help me line up my punches. The line erased just fine.
And here is the finished card. I just wove my ribbon through the holes and tied it in a bow.
And finally, my third card uses both the 5/8" slot punch and the slit punch. This is a card/gift card holder that I will be giving to a friend of mine. The outside uses the slot punch.
And I've used the slit punch to house my (will be) coffee gift card. The slit punch can also be used to punch out a half circle on the edges of your cardstock too for some added interest or even the creation of a scalloped edge.
Pros:

• Allows for an easy way to weave ribbon and paper
• Allows for specific positioning anywhere you want on your project
• Easy to use and affordable
• Multiple ways to use the punches

Cons:

• Doesn't work well with multiple layers of cardstock
• Requires an additional mat and hammer
• I feel that the punches need to be cleaned out (where the paper gathers) often to ensure easy and smooth cuts

You can purchase this tool set in large variety of online and brick and mortar stores. I purchased mine at my local Michaels (with coupon), but I have seen them at my local Joanns as well. You can find them online here: Making Memories, Eclectic Paperie, Scrapbook.com.

The retail cost for this tool is $11.99 and I give it a rating of a 9 our of 10 as it's very easy to use.
I don't regret purchasing this tool set at all and believe that it has added that extra little something to my paper projects (for me mostly cards), but in all honesty, you can incorporate ribbon into any project and this tool set makes it easy to do so.

So do you think you see this tool set in your future? Share with us why or why not. As you can probably tell, I love it, but do you? We would love to read your comments whether they be yeah or nay for the Making Memories Slot Punch Tool Set. And if you've found a unique way of using this tool set, please share.