Hey Crafter's,
I picked up the We R Memory Keeper's Fuse when HSN did their 24-hour craft event. I got it home, but didn't immediately get to try it out, but I finally gave it a quick test. So I thought I'd give you my first impression. So here goes:
The tool it not hard to set-up, you plug it in and put it on the stand that comes with it. It's not hard to use either, just put the tip in and let the tool heat up and then roll it across the plastic. The thing that really gives this tool a learning curve is how quickly to move the tool across the plastic. My First attempt, I rolled to slow, which had me melting a hole through the sheet protector. The second attempt had me rolling to fast, which made and impression on the sheet protector, but fused absolutely nothing. I tried a couple of more times on that same sheet protector and finally found the right balance. Once that happened I was fusing away. Now you need to think about the thickness of the plastic your trying to fuse, and work out the roll time for each.
Now this kit came with four (4) different tips, and those tips get hot quick once the tool heats up. So if you are changing them, you need to use pliers or some sort of tool to unscrew the tip and change it out. The silicone mat is definitely needed so that you don't mess up you work surface. I really like the fact that the mat doesn't slide around.
Now lets talk about what other things came with the kit.
First, there is the paper. This paper does not have a card-stock feel, but I guess that's a duh statement since it's decorative fusible plastic paper. If you use up what came with the kit, you will have to wait for it to be sold in the big box stores. I picked up the auto-ship, so I should be getting some more paper soon.
Second, the kit comes with some of the decorative fusible paper already cut it to shaker cards. Now I did one of these cards, but I need to work on my timing of running the tool across the paper. I don't like the weight of the completed card even with the embellishments fused to it. I think I will use the Fuse to put some die cut shapes on the specialty paper and then still use tape to put that piece over a piece of regular card-stock.
Third, it comes with plenty of little pieces that you can add to your projects and sequin to make your shaker cards
Over all this is going to be great to make custom 12 x 12 pocket pages. It will also be useful for making custom sleeves for storing your stamps.
This tool is not bad to add to your collection if you do 12 x 12 pages, or want to make custom sheet protectors. If your primarily a card maker this may not be for you, but the jury is still out on that one. I like that rolling some of the decorative tips over the paper can add a texture element to your cards or other projects. However, I'm not a fan of the marks left, when you need to tack the pieces down on the specialty paper.
This is just my beginning impressions of the tool. I will continue to use it and keep you guys posted on how it goes. Let me know how you like your Fuse, or what you plan to use it for the most in the comment sections below.
HAPPY CRAFTING,
LEGALBEAGLEPANDA
