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Review: Crafter's Companion Diamond Press Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine

Hey Crafter's,

It's been awhile, but the sweet sixteen that I was helping with is finally over.  There was a lot of cutting, I went through several Cricut and Silhouette cutting mats.  It was my nieces birthday party so I was glad to help.  Crazy me, I didn't take pictures like I normally do, of the stuff I'm working on.  I'm going to ask my sister to send me a couple, and will try to remember to post them later.

Now onto the topic at hand the Diamond Press by Crafter's Companion.  If any of you watched HSN's craft day back on January 26th then you know what I'm talking about.  Just in case you missed it here's a picture.

This apparently was the world launch, and HSN sold them with two different options, single ship or auto-ship.  I think single ship may still be available just not for the same price as on the 26th. I'll explain single and auto-ship a little bit later.  As you can see the bundle they sold came with the machine, cutting dies, stamps and one ink pad.

Okay, so let's talk about the machine. I LOVE IT.  I know that does not really give you any details, so let me further explain.  

First, the foot print of the machine is very small, I can leave it on my work surface and still have room to create.  Because it's not a very large machine, it's perfect for putting in a regular tote bag, or craft bag and taking to crops or just another room to work. The size also means that your not weighed down with this machine in hand.  So this is definitely a plus.

Second,  it is so much better to be able to cut the little dies that you may use to decorate a project without having to takeout and clear room for a bunch of pieces.  Now that's not to say that the Cuttlebug's, Evolution's et al of the world, don't have a good seat at the table because they do. However, think about all the times you just want to cut a little banner, oval or word die.  Did you really want to break out the platforms and the mats or plates?  Did you really want to fire up the Explore or Silhouette in order to cut one little piece?  Say it with me, the answer is NO! You didn't! That's why I'm going to enjoy this little machine. It doesn't take the place of the stuff that you already have, but it will allow you to use what you got more often (you know you have small thin dies you don't use because it's to much work).
Third, the embossing. Again no extra plates, just take your embossing folder and the paper you want to emboss and run it through the machine.  The folders that came with the bundle give a good impression, plus on that day they had additional folders you could buy (I bought them).  If you have folders from other companies that will fit through the opening then I think they will work with this machine. 

Now time for the cons, which this machine does have, just not enough to make me not love the concept.

The biggest con is that it does not appear to have a great deal of suction.  I placed the machine on several flat surfaces even pushed down on the top and the pulled down the handle.  This made the machine suck onto the table, but not really tight.  Bottom line is your still going to have to hold onto the machine while cranking the handle.  So to me they exaggerated the suction hold, while presenting the machine.

Now let's talk about the cutting folder.  In keeping with the machines ability to die cut thin dies, you don't have to worry about one plate being thicker than then other or whether you need a shim.  Now that part is definitely what throws this little machine in to the Love It category (so why did I place this under con? ).
But alas there is a con to these cutting folders.  If you use this machine often to die cut, you are going to go through those folders like hot cakes. Now I've only had the machine for 1.5 days, and the folder is seeming a little worse for wear.  It's real lucky that the bundle came with a A & B cutting folder. One being longer than the other.  The directions say to switch sides and I have folded the folder one way and then the other. But the folder has truly taken a beaten, and another small folder will be needed soon. So, if this is your only die cutting tool, your going to go through a lot of those cutting folders.  According to the instructions it's time to stat using a new one when your dies appear to no longer cut.  If you got the auto-ship you'll get a cutting folder in each shipment.  Also it looks like if you bought  any of the companion dies (I got the nesting dies) a cutting folder comes with the item. I was lucky enough to buy the replacement or extra folders when they were in stock,  I don't think those items are available to purchase anywhere else.  If they are please let me know.

Now HSN did have additional dies, cutting folders, embossing folders and a storage folder that were additional items that you could purchase.  Most of those additional items sold out on the 26th, so you'll have to wait to see when they get them back in stock, I mentioned earlier something about auto or single ship.  HSN sometimes offers additional items through an auto-ship option.  This means that the items are released certain times during the year and you are automatically billed and the item is mailed to you unless you cancel or delay the shipment.  The single ship is when you just get the original item ordered with nothing additional coming in the mail.

I know this was a long post on a little machine.  I will keep you updated on how it continues to work. Let me know if you got one of these machine bundles and what you think about it.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA 

Crocheted Animals

Hey Crafter's it's been awhile.  I hope everyone has started their holiday projects.  I am just getting started on mine.  I have been busy doing save the dates, invitations and things for a party.  But the good news is that I am coming to end of the road with that project.  But I wanted you to see some of the crafty things that Panda of LegalbeaglePanda has been doing.
She loves to crochet and I finally got a couple of pictures to share with you.  I am working on having her do a guest post giving out tips and tricks on crocheting. But for today I got pictures of a beautiful crocheted owl & crocheted monkey.  Both items got quickly scooped up by some children who fell in love with the two animals.

I'm not sure of the dimensions, but once I have them the post will be edited so they are included.

HAPPY CRAFTING
LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

We R Memory Keeper Fuse Review

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

Get Organized with Close to My Heart & More

Hey Crafter's,

I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew about the great Constant Campaign going on at Close to My Heart this August. Getting organized just got easier.  This month Close to My Heart is introducing storage for your markers and embellishments.  But of course that's not all, with purchase of either, you will get a free gift.  Look below, to check out all the details, and then click the Shop with Me in order to buy yours today.

Now for the more . . . . There's a new cartridge.  Close to My Heart has a new Cricut Cartridge called Artistry.  It is a fabulous art cartridge that has coordinating stamps.  Of course this is sold in a bundle, but there's an option of two different bundles.  If you have one of the Cricut legacy machines (i.e. expression, expression 2, etc.) you can purchase the physical cartridge.  If you have the current Cricut Explore, you purchase the digital set.  If you still want the physical cartridge and you own and Explore don't worry.  Remember you can link your physical cartridge into Cricut Design Space with your machine.

So here are the details, with the Physical Cartridge you also get a paper pack, and three stamp sets.

The physical cartridge bundle (item #Z3167) is $99.99

With the digital bundle, you will get a code to enter to access your digital content, the paper pack and three stamp set.

The digital bundle (item #Z3190) $79.99.

To see more items or to order from Close to My Heart click here .

Father's Day Card

Hello Crafty People:

I know it's been a long time since I posted.  However, I thought that I would show you my Father's Day Card for this year.  I've been a little busy doing other things and didn't realize the day until it was basically upon me.  However, I saw the cutest box card by SVG Cuts, it's called the Toolbox Box Card. These fun type of cards are still going strong, and  most people are still excited to get one.

Of course since the card was last minute I used the paper's and supplies I already had on hand.  I was glad that when I looked through my stash of stuff, I saw I had brads that looked like screw heads (Recollections).  It was also what the designer (Mary) used when she did her card.  I used some of my Close to My Heart products (Exclusive Ink - Flaxen (Z2642), Holiday Tags Stamp Set (D1560), Assorted Edges Stamp Set (D1635) and some scraps of paper that I had from a retired paper pack called Timberline).  Thanks goodness, that I reorganized my paper or I would have never found the silver metallic textured card stock from DCWV.   Well here's the photo of my card:

Until next time,

HAPPY CRAFTING
LEGALBEAGLEPANDA

CTHM Cyber Monday Deal 2014

Hey Crafty Friends,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I know it has been awhile since I have posted or put up a video, however this coming month I hope to get back on track.  I haven't had a chance to craft as much as I'd like, but I have some serious vacation coming up and plan to catch up on my crafting.

That being said, I had to do a post about the super deal that Close to My Heart (CTMH) is doing for Cyber Monday.  So here goes . . . On December 1, 2014 and only for that day, all Cricut Cartridge Bundles will be 20% off.  No you didn't read wrong, all the Cricut Cartridge Bundles 

                                              Artiste                                          Art Philosophy

                                          Artfully Sent                                       Artbooking

are 20 % off.  

If you have been on the fence or waiting to pick up one of these bundles, do it while they are on sale. Remember that these cartridges are exclusive to CTMH.

WAIT it gets better!  For the whole month of December, CTMH is doing a promotion.

Oh and guess what, there is no limit on the amount of stamps you can buy at that $10.00 price once you qualify for the special pricing. 

Now don't forget if you qualify for the Deal of the Decade you will also be able to pick up the Stamp of the Month for $5.00.

So if you are picking up a Cricut Cartridge bundle on December 1st don't forget to take advantage of the Deal of the Decade promotion as well as your Stamp of the Month set. If want to order any of things mention go ahead and click the Shop with Me button on the right.

HAPPY CRAFTING

LEGALBEAGLEPANDA