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I've seen some great cards here, some that have an oval cut out with a mat effect. I have the coluzzel and it works well but the mat is fatter than I would like, the coluzzel makes mats in 1/4" incraments. What do you use to cut ovals and create a great mat? For that matter if anyone has any good tools for cutting mats of any shape I would welcome the input.
I don't recommend the Fiskars oval cutter. I got the cutter and it was awkward to use, and even after I got the oval cutting template (so you could easily adjust the size of your cutter to exactly what you wanted and know how it was going to turn out) I found the process more frustrating than rewarding. I don't know of any other way to do ovals than punches (but the ones I've seen are small and not sold in nesting sizes) or the Fiskars shapecutter templates (which I actually can use comfortably and happily). I hope you find out how those folks do it! Maybe try PMing one of the artists who've done what you are wanting to achieve...?
I have both the coluzzle and CM circle patterns.between the 2 of them they both work great for me.
__________________ WHAT IS A STAMPPIN ADDICT!
It's someone who buys stamps they didn't normally like at first,only to see it in Split Coast Stampers gallery in a different perspective.
I have both the coluzzle and CM circle patterns.between the 2 of them they both work great for me.
I haven't ever used them for this, but I've always thought about digging out my CM cutters and using them for cards. Maybe that's something I will have to do this week.
All cutters take *time* to get used to. Best to try out a variety (between my scrapping friends they own most) before purchasing. I LOVE ovals. I have had success with Fiskars shape cutter on a variety of templates. Yet their oval template doesn't have the variety I want. Without a doubt, for my tests, the CM oval cutter had the variety of ovals and EASE of use. The first time I used it I cut 60 ovals for x-mas cards. Each of the 3 cutting tools has the blade "offset" by 1/8" and are color coded. The 1/8" mat can be achieved by merely changing to the next color of cutting tool you use. If you skip the middle color and use the next on the mat will automatically go to 1/4".
I am a huge fan of the CM oval and circle cutting systems, and have been using them for several years now. I seem totally incapable of using a hobby blade (it would be a safety hazard around me :rolleyes: ), so I don't think that I would ever even try the Coluzzle.
__________________ Judi (mom of Jackson-19 and Hunter-15) Mom's busy stampin'.......go ask Dad.
I prefer my colluzzle over the cm ovals. The cm ovals don't put a uniform mat around your picture, but the colluzzle does. After I followed all of the excellent advice on the colluzzle, it was easy, and I use it often now.
Good luck!
Erin
For those who use CM, when do you have to replace your cutting blades? I just pulled mine out (DSM gave it to me about 4 years ago) and am enjoying it quite a bit. But after mass-producing about 50 cards requiring 2 circles, I'm wondering when I'll need to replace the blades. Do I just find a CM consultant to order those from? I don't scrap or know any CM people at this point (DSM is no longer a consultant).
I have both the Coluzzle and CM cutting systems. I prefer the CM though. With the Coluzzle, the blade keeps coming off when I stick it in between the slits. I thought it was a bad piece, so I bought another one. It was doing the same thing. I never had that problem with my CM tool.
For those who use CM, when do you have to replace your cutting blades? I just pulled mine out (DSM gave it to me about 4 years ago) and am enjoying it quite a bit. But after mass-producing about 50 cards requiring 2 circles, I'm wondering when I'll need to replace the blades. Do I just find a CM consultant to order those from? I don't scrap or know any CM people at this point (DSM is no longer a consultant).
I replace mine when my edges start to look "ratty." I usually notice this sooner on pictures than paper. You do need to order them from a CM consultant. I'm sure there are some on SCS here who could help you. If not send me a PM and I'll put you in touch with my friend who deals.:p
BTW...I love my CM cutters and have most of their shapes. They are the best investment I have ever made in any company!
The Companion Oval template (Coluzzle) will create mat layers 1/4" larger, providing a 1/8" border all around.
I bought this in last year's catalog - but I think they removed it from the offering in the current catalog. I was disappointed - b/c I like the smaller mats and now - I can't sell the companion. Please correct me if I am wrong about this.
I love my CM cutters. This past weekend I was able to try the Coluzzle system at a class I took at the Akron OH Stamp convention and I wasn't impressed at all. I thought it was so much more difficult to use, and confusing. I do agree tho, you have to use any system a few times to get the hang of it and I didn't have that opportunity. Maybe after a few tries, it would of been easier?? I know I can get a smooth even cut with my CM's.
I had a few other cutting systems, but when I bought Colluzzle I stopped using the other ones. I love it. I guess I'm lucky as I don't have a problem with the blade coming off, or getting stuck on the template. If I have a frame to make I can position the picture with no problem. My other ones are now collecting dust. My girlfriend has some systems, but kept borrowing my colluzzle. I bought her one for her birthday.
I bought this in last year's catalog - but I think they removed it from the offering in the current catalog. I was disappointed - b/c I like the smaller mats and now - I can't sell the companion. Please correct me if I am wrong about this.
Yeah, to my disappointment, the Companion Oval and Circle Templates were removed frm the catalog this year. :( I don't get why . . .
But, I still use them. The whole Coluzzle system just works for me; I can't get enough of the templates and just keep building my collection! :grin:
I nearly PIMPd when I saw the latest ones showcased at CHA back in Feb--I can hardly wait to get m' hands on 'em!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
CM ovals are my favorites. Coluzzle is a close second.
__________________ Dee
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".
Erma Bombeck
What is the best tool for cutting ovals?
