Ellison Pad-It X-Press Kit

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Reported by Lexi Daly

I often receive questions about how I make my own notepads, so I thought I'd review the tool that helps me do it, the Ellison Pad-It X-Press Kit. Other than my paper cutters, this is probably the oldest and most used tool in my studio. Here's Ellison's description:

"The Ellison Pad-It X-Press is an innovative press that holds any shape stack of paper firmly in place while you apply padding compound. Just paint on the padding compound with a paint brush and turn stacks of die-cut shapes into instant notepads. When dry, lift the handle to remove creative shape booklets. The Pad-It X-Press Kit includes everything you need to get started: the Pad-It X-Press Machine, 1qt. White Padding Compound, 6 Sheets 9" x 12" Chipboard, and 2 Glue Brushes."

The two main items in the kit are the Press and the Padding Compound. As the description states, the Press is used to press down and hold paper into place so you can apply the Padding Compound. You print, stamp, and cut any kind of paper you'd like to turn into a pad, and press it down in the Press, leaving the edge you want to bind facing out. Then you simply paint on the Padding Compound and let it dry.


Because of the size of the Press, you can do multiple pads at one time. I've found it's best to stack pads of the same size in the same stack, but as you can see above, depending on the size of your pad, there is plenty of room for more than one stack--they just have to be the same height. Once the pads are dry, you take them out and separate them. I prefer to use a craft knife to cut them apart because it's neater and more precise. The drying takes a little time (especially if you live in the damp south!), but otherwise it's a very quick process. When the pad is dry, the Padding Compound holds the sheets together until you're ready to tear them off. The results make great gifts--who doesn't use note pads? And a special design or personalized one is even better! Here are some examples:

checklist pads to throw in your purse

small decorative pads to leave by the phone

game pads to toss at the kids

morning routine checklists to get kids involved

For the most part, I create my designs on the computer, cut them to size and stack them in the Press. In addition to what I've shown here, I do a lot of simple name pads in these and other sizes. And don't forget the reason Ellison gave--turning die-cut shapes into pads. The possibilities really are endless!

To sum things up:

Pros

• easy to use
• sturdy
• can pad multiple pads
• can create pads of varying shapes & sizes
• compound lasts a long time

Cons

• a little pricey ($99)
• large in size/hard to store
  
• only available online

So there you have it, another tool to add to your collection! The Ellison Pad-It X-Press perfectly coordinates with the many supplies paper crafters have and makes it easy to create some really cool, useful gifts. If you ever wondered how you could make your own notepads, now you know and you can check it out for yourself!