Coluzzle

I've had mine for several years now and love it.

You do have to use the knife that comes w/ it. It has a swivel blade so that the blade can maneuver around the curves and edges. Some peoples problem may actually be that they try using a regular blade. That would be catastrophic to your template. You just have to practice. You can't push the blade just let it roll around the corners, etc.

As for the mat, they really do last longer than you'd think. I can't say just how long because I don't use mine often enough. A tip I read said to only use one side of the mat and it'll last longer. This is true because if you use both sides then you will eventually cut through it. I never ever thought to pay any attention to something like that until I read it. I checked my mat and sure enough it was pretty beat up on both sides. Just mark it w/ a marker to keep track of sides. To check it I hold it up to a window on a sunny day. You can see the cuts that way. The templates are thick so only the very tip cuts into the mat, depending on how hard you're pushing.

I only have circles, ovals and a couple of other shapes. I'd love to have some of their alph templates. Just haven't wanted to part w/ my money yet. As far as tag templates go, I use the Deluxe Designs ones. They have several on a page and they're nested too. It's just thin so you have to trace and cut them.

If part of your problem is that you can't cut a straight line, I have to ask. Do you have a paper trimmer? If not that really should be your next purchase. Most people here either have the Fiskers or the Cutterpede. Myself, I have both and the fiskers hasn't been used since I got the cutterpede. For me, the cutterpede cuts a straighter line.

Hope I helped. It seems I rambled a bit.

Katrina in KS

Thanks for the info.

I have a rotary paper cutter from Fiskars I bought a few years ago. I do ok with it but it is still no guarantee that I will cut straight or the right size.

I am the type that could measure 3" wide or something a dozen times and still not get it right. That is why I haven't done a lot of scrapbooking yet. I want to, but I want to be able to matte and frame my pictures, so the Coluzzle looks like a great way to go for the money.

I will also consider a new paper cutter. I am going down to Michael's today and I have a 50% off coupon. I was tempted to get a Cricut machine since I can get it for $150 with the coupon. But, then looking at the price of the cartridges I don't think it is something I would use because I wouldn't pay $80 for the cartridges. So I think the Coluzzle is still a better choice for now.

I do have the Personal Cutter from Zyron besides.

Robert

Robert,

I too have had several of my basic shapes coluzzles for 3 or 4 years now and use them regular.

I posted a thread on Coluzzle tips which may help you a lot.

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

I just got mine, and it was instant love...

I worked it out in thirty seconds flat. It's not really hard to use at all. But you have to use their special knife and cutting mat or it doesn't work! The white thing that comes in the starter kit is NOT a piece of disposable packing :P (before I bought mine I looked up reviews on the net and a lot of people said they accidentally discarded their first cutting mat because they didn't know what it was...)

I don't know how long the mat will be good for, but they're not very expensive and I'm going to buy a spare just in case... the templates really don't work on a regular mat - that's how they get nicked and damaged.

I have never had any luck with Coluzzle although some seem to have the knack. The best tool to cut rectangular and square mats for photos in my opinion is the perfect layers kit, you mount the photo and then choose the size of the border and simply cut it with a utility knife on a soft self healing mat. It works perfect everytime.

Thanks Scout Lady, I will look at that as well.

Robert

Well, I got the starter set it included the two knives, cutting mat, and the heart puzzle and nested oval templates. Came home and in less than a minute has a nice over and frame. I just kept my wrist locked and moved my arm. Easy as pie. Now to buy of templates.

Robert

That is what I am ordering from Deb!! Someone sometime ago talked about it and I really hate trying to cut and measure and then place the picture so I am getting one. plus the more people I see their work personally, pictures that are matted really do look better and neater. especially when you double mat and use a contrasting color in the middle or first layer under the picture to make it stand out!! Very effective!!

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

I LOVE that perfect layers tool, a friend of mine has one, and I want to get it everytime I see it on QVC! I use my 12" fiskars paper cutter. I have one Coluzzle, the circles. Once you get the knack of letting the blad swivel, it works fine! I'd like to have the envelope template too! Sometimes I make cards, and then I dont have an envelope to fit it. **adding it to my wish list.....

Linda

Discontinued ones = Collectors items! Tell that to anyone that says you don't need them you have too many as it is!

Robert

I have also used that white disposable packing as a cutting mat. Sandy

I gave up on the Coluzzle. I had bought the circles, ovals and frames and 2 alphabet sets. I wound up giving them to my niece who was able to do it within a few minutes of trying. I think part of the problem is that I am left handed.

Being left handed could make it... interesting.

Robert

I LOVE mine!!! I have most of the templates our there and use it quite often. Been using it for about 5yrs and haven't replaced the mat yet but they are fairly inexpensive anyway. Just go slow when you first stare and don't force the blade if it gets stuck lift the knife out put it in the other end of the track you're doing and go that way. when the cut you get doesn't look crisp-change blades! Have fun it's a GREAT investment! Barb:o)

I bought the envelope template and I've already used it half a dozen times in a week! It's wonderful to be able to make 5x7 envelopes to put slightly larger things in...

It's funny - I'm left-handed and haven't had a problem... I just had to be careful to insert the blade facing the right direction. But the person I bought some templates from said she couldn't use them for love nor money, so it must be a personal thing. I'm having a lot more trouble getting the knack of using the Fiskars shape cutter - it's a pain in the rear having to adjust the blade height for different thicknesses of paper :(

It might be like using your two fingers to whistle with. I can't do it for the life of me. My sisters and brother can with no problem. Maybe they got the finger whistle gene and I got the Coluzzle gene. Wooooohooooo, I got a better gene!!

Robert

The colluzzle gene's more useful :P (I can't whistle like that either!)

I am unable to get the knack of using the Fiskars shape cutter as well. Of all the things that I bought and can't use for some reason the money wasted on that really bugs me. I guess it is because because the video at AC Moore made it look as easy as slicing a piece of cake LOL.