Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Circle Cutting Made Easy

I am in love with my EK Tools Circle Scissor Pro! This is in stark contrast to my Martha Stewart Circle Cutter which I used only a couple of times, and then promptly kept in storage where it remain to this day. Let me explain...

Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Cutter
First, the Martha Stewart circle cutter. I decided to buy this product since I love anything Martha and thought it would be a much wiser and economical investment versus buying several sizes of individual circle punches. I was greatly disappointed however. It was really hard to cut a circle in one smooth stroke, and doesn't cut all the way through thicker papers like photo paper and cardstock. I also had to make sure I hold the outside rim with a good amount of pressure for it not to slip. I did try to practice since I read that I just have to get the feel for it, but I just got more and more frustrated as I practiced!

EK Tools Circle Scissor Pro
And so, after not finding the 2" circle punch that I requested, my cousin sent me an EK Tools Circle Scissor Pro. Naturally, after my first circle cutter experience, I eyed it with a whole lot of suspicion. But surprise surprise, I gave it a go and there it was-- my first perfect circle in just one rotation of the tool! Somehow this cuts smoother, and the handle was way easier to manipulate. No wrist twisting needed! Another plus for me is that this circle scissor has horizontal and vertical grid lines in the middle that goes from end to end. This lets me easily align the center of the tool with the center of a photo or picture that I need to "circle-cut." I also had no trouble letting it cut through a laminated project, which made me super happy and very satisfied!

Let me just add that for both products, you need a cutting mat, and it'll be wise to tape the edges of the paper to the mat to prevent any possible movement that would render your circles imperfect. Both products have a built-in storage system on the handles for the extra blades.

Below are video tutorial links that both brands have up on YouTube that you might find useful--
Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Cutter
EK Tools Circle Scissor Pro

Happy crafting!

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