Making Memories Grommet Kit

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Reported by Julia Stainton

I think every crafter is on the look-out for new tools and crafting ideas. While this Making Memories Grommet Kit has been on the market for quite a few seasons, I was recently quite taken with the idea of larger grommet embellishments and purchased it for myself. Grommets are essentially jumbo sized eyelets and provide an interesting dimension and unique look to your project. They look really great on their own or mixed with eyelets and can be used in pretty much the same way you would use an eyelet.

The Making Memories Grommet Kit comes in a great rectangular shaped tin that keeps all the parts neatly together and safe from loss. Each kit comes with two 'anywhere' hole punches in 1 inch and 1.5" sizes to coordinate with the different grommets available. I love how these punches can be used anywhere in a project or layout to punch holes, as there is no limitation as with regular punches. Also included are the two setting handles, one self-healing mat, one setting tool that works with both sizes and six grommets in both sizes so that you can get started right away. One other product that you do need that does not come with the set is a hammer. You can purchase a Making Memories crafting hammer separately, in their basic tool kit, or just use one from a tool box.

Word Grommet and eyelets by Making Memories, Rub-on Transfer by Basic Grey,
rhinestones by Me and My Big Ideas

The Making Memories Grommet Kit is very easy to use...

1. Place self-healing mat under project. Place desired sized punch on top of project where you want the grommet to go.
2. Hit top of anywhere punch repeatedly with hammer under hole is cleanly punched.
3. Set grommet in hole. Turn to reverse side.
4. Press down tabs on back of grommet with setting handle.

To make the Making Memories Grommet Tool even more interesting, there are a few different grommet options that you can purchase. The basic circles come in pastels or in metallic finishes and for a fun look you can purchase flowers and butterflies in pastel colored grommets. My favorite grommet product has to be the silver grommet words. Each grommet word package contains 12 grommets: 2 in each of six sentiments. You can choose from Expressions 1 & 2, Wedding, Baby, and Travel, for only $2.99 per pack (USD), giving you lots of options to add to your designs.

Stamps by Cornish Heritage Farms, die by Spellbinders, Grommet by Making Memories,
Ribbon and flower by Prima, paper by Basic Grey

When I sat down to design with this product, I did encounter a few things that I would like to mention. This tool kit is not for the faint of heart! Punching these large holes, even in just a single layer of cardstock, requires quite a lot of hammering and noise.

Although I thought up quite a few ways to using this product, from having patterned paper, photos or embellishments peeking through the grommets, to tying ribbons and closures through the holes, I found this product harder to work with than I had hoped. Perhaps it just didn't work as well with my style, or perhaps it was my lack of patience and the amount of pounding involved, but it is definitely not at the top of my must-have list.

Pros:

• comes with almost everything you need to get started
• adds a unique touch to your project
• grommets can be set anywhere in your project...no edge dimension limitations
• comes in a great storage case making it easy to store or pack for traveling
  

Cons:

• this product is noisy to use
• you need to purchase a separate hammer
• this product really only works with Making Memories grommets giving it limited usability
• I'd love to see a greater color variety in the grommets
  

stamps by Cornish Heritage Farms, paper by Fancy Pants Designs,
Thickers by American Crafts, grommet by Making Memories

The Making Memories Grommet Kit is available at many local scrapbooking stores, Michael's, and at on-line stores including direct from Making Memories. The Grommet Tool Kit retails at approximately $19.99 USD. This is a well-designed tool but taking into account its flexibility...I'd rate the value at a 6 out of 10.

I've had a lot of fun trying out this product, and love its clean look as well as the unique and cool size. This tool set is sturdy and well-constructed, and sure to last for years. For me though, the cost, as well as well as the amount of hammering involved has me thinking twice about purchasing more refill packages of grommets. I love tools that are super flexible and tools that I turn to time and time again. I have a very tiny work area with limited storage and need to be very careful what I keep and what I don't. If you're thinking of purchasing this tool, evaluate your style, your patience with noise and effort and, if possible, try it out at your local store. You may love it, or, like me, you may decide it's not for you.

Do you own the Making Memories Grommet Tool Kit? What do you think of it? Perhaps you have some tips or ideas you'd like to share. We'd love to hear from you!