Craft Gadgets

Crop-A-Dile: Eyelet and Punch Set

Shai — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:45:32 +0000

When it comes to crafting tools, the Crop-A-Dile Eyelet and Punch Kit (by We R Memory Keepers) has made its way in to my “must have” list from the moment I purchased it. Well, okay, maybe that’s an overstatement as I don’t own the whole kit. But, I definitely own a pink version of this Crop-A-Dile and I’ve been using it a lot for scrapbooking, making gift tags, card-making, art journalling, and more.

It’s definitely a very useful tool that I’m happy to have in my crafting cupboard.

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Zentangle Kit

Brother Sewing Machine: Best Craft Gadget of the Year 2008

Shai — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:18:13 +0000

If there’s one craft gadget that I’d award “Best Craft Gadget of the Year” for 2008, it’s got to be my brand new, first ever sewing machine. Yes, my BM2600 Brother Sewing Machine. I got it on sale at Spotlight one day in July this year (approx. AU$250). Even came with a free Brother electronic labeler (but that’s for another post).

It seems pretty basic - but it boasts of 57 Stitch functions including several for garment construction, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches - and even quilting stitches. It has free arm and comes with an auto threader (gotta love that threader!).

My only wish for it, really, is a one-step button holer (it comes with a 4-step). But, overall, I’m pretty pleased with it.

Seeing as I’ve never taken any sewing lessons, this machine is soooo easy to learn. And a joy to use!

Over the last few months, I’ve sewn bags, hats, kids’ clothes and costumes, soft toys, purses, and decorative items, among a few others. I’ve hemmed, done mini quilts, used bias tape, and played with sewing on paper. So yes, this thing has been through a lot. And, it’s still doing fabulously.

I’m not sure if this type of sewing machine will suit advanced folks, but for beginners and intermediate level sewing, I’m definitely happy to recommend this Brother sewing machine.

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To Knit a Scarf

Shai — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:34:24 +0000

Remember the ‘I Knit’ Kit I mentioned a while back? Well, after some prodding and poking from my 4.5 year old boy, I finally put the teeny tiny needles in to good use and made him a light winter scarf.

I had to buy a different ball of yarn from Cheap as Chips, though. But, that’s cool with me as I really like the look and feel of this one.

And yes, I managed to finish the project in just a weekend. I still don’t think I’d be a knitting machine, however. I like it, but it’s one of those things that I probably will just do when the mood hits.

Ah, well. Lots of crafts to do, too little time!

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On Moleskines and Memories

Shai — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:44:46 +0000

When it comes to premium quality journals and notebooks, nothing beats the Moleskine. It has such a history of famous people using this as a writing/sketching tool - Picasso, Hemingway…

Having said that, I must admit, I did not catch on to its beauty until just a over a year ago. My first order was for a couple of large sketchbooks and one mini sketchbook. I still have them, except for one that I gave to my late father. It was a gift that I gave him a year ago, when I last saw him alive.

In that moleskine gift, I wrote a letter telling him the things that he inspired me to do in my writing and art. I said I’m giving him back that gift by handing him his very own moleskine. He seemed very touched and happy, as he showed me what he started writing in it the next day.

I guess, just for that reason alone, moleskines will always have a special place in my heart.

But, other than that, moleskines do have a lot of qualities that really make it a favourite amongst journal, sketchbook, and notebook keepers.

They also come in a variety of styles - from cahiers (thin paper, good for writing and sketching and doodling) and sketchbooks (good for pen & ink, watercolour, and collage work) to organisers and city notebooks.

I definitely love ‘em.

What’s YOUR favourite moleskine?

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Becky Higgins: Top 3 Crafty Gadgets (Video)

Shai — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:15:27 +0000

Becky Higgins shares her top 3 favourite gadgets for scrapbooking:

1) Circle Punches
2) Clear Ruler
3) Paper Piercer

Watch the video to see how she uses them! I particularly found the use of the clear ruler quite interesting and useful. Inking the punched circles is a useful tip too!

Video from Creating Keepsakes

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Ali Edwards’ Favourite Crafty Gadgets (Video)

Zentangle Kit

Shai — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:32:08 +0000

When I first encountered the idea of Zentangle Kits, I was a bit skeptical. But, when my kit arrived in the mail and I gave it a go, I really enjoyed making my first Zentangle. The idea behind it seems simple, but really effective. I love how it encourages experimentation. And, there are allowances for mistakes and imperfections. My kind of mantra!

The kit costs $49 (+shipping) and can be ordered through the official Zentangle site. Each kit contains 34 ’tiles’ (high quality watercolour paper that’s pre-printed with some info on one side), 2 micron pens, 2 pencils, a sharpener, an Instruction book and companion DVD, and an icosahedron. Although the instruction DVD and booklet aren’t really too helpful, but the whole thing’s simple enough to understand.

Other than the kit, the shop also sells supplies. So, you might want to put together your own kit, if you wish.

If doodling is something you wish to try, but with a fresh slant, then check out Zentangle. Even if you don’t fancy yourself as an artist, it’s definitely worth checking out. Lots of possible uses in craft projects and ideas. I’ll share some projects in the future!

Anyway, here’s my first Zentangle -

[rating:4.5/5]

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Zutter Bind-It-All

Shai — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:16:11 +0000

One of my favourite gadget finds this year is the Zutter Bind-It-All machine.

I’ve been wanting to make my own books, journals, albums and mini books. And, this machine made it a lot easier to do! So, it’s definitely a keeper for me.

This machine punches rectangular-shaped holes and it binds (with the use of coils, need to buy them separately). It’s relatively easy to do, once you get the hang of it. Although there IS a bit of a learning curve there, when it comes to finding the best way to work with it.

When you purchase your Bind-It-All machine, it comes with a mini booklet/manual and an instructional DVD. They’re quite helpful to get you started, but you’ll probably find it best just to experiment a bit.

In terms of size, it’s quite compact and light. Not like those bulky office-type binders! And, although it only punches a maximum of six holes at a time, its settings allows you to bind even bigger projects. The price is also quite reasonable!

[rating:5/5]

Other supplies that you might want to buy include (you don’t need them, but they’re kinda cool to have too): Zutter’s Bind-It-All Tote Bag (makes it easier to carry and store your Bind-It-All machine), coils (come in various sizes and colours), pre-cut chipboard covers (various sizes and colours), pre-cut cardstock (various sizes and colours), and the Bound 2 Bind Book. The book contains some project ideas and tips on how to use your Bind-It-All machine.

Random Reads:

‘I Knit’ Kit

Shai — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:45:03 +0000

This is a basic kit that I found through Mahar Dry Goods.

It consists of a pair of very small knitting needles (good for little hands and small projects), two small balls of yarn, an instruction pamphlet, and a needle. All in a cute mini pouch.

It’s basically just for kids or beginners (who don’t mind working with such small knitting needles). The instruction pamphlet gives the learner some basic info on how to complete a couple of projects. Not really that helpful, unless you have someone around to show you what needs to be done.

The biggest pull? Its cute factor!

[rating:3/5]

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Tab Craft Punches

Shai — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:25:17 +0000

If you’re into any kind paper craft (scrapbooking, cardmaking, etc), then you might want to grab one (or more!) of these tab craft punches.

Pictured here are two craft punches from McGill. The one on the left is Mini Tab File craft punch and the other one is the Round Tab punch. You can use them for creating tabs with cardstock or paper.

Some uses: Creating address books, labelling or decorating scrapbook layouts and mini-books.

[rating:4.5/5]

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Ali Edwards’ Favourite Crafty Gadgets (Video)

Ali Edwards’ Favourite Crafty Gadgets (Video)

Shai — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:36:21 +0000

Ali Edwards is a popular graphic designer / scrapbooking guru / author. In this video from Creating Keepsakes, she shares some of her favourite tools for crafting.

Some of the things she mentioned include: Square punch, tab punch, and a retractable craft knife.