The Ultimate Crafter’s Companion

An all-in-one tool that allows you to score, measure, trim and create embellishments and so much more.

Highlights

Product Description

Reviews

1. Nifty All-In-One Craft Tote

   
   By Rose Ann Reynolds

   I was instantly impressed with all of the different functions and projects you can create with this mega tool!
   
   Upon opening the case, my first complaint was the fact that the pieces were not secured within the unit. I fixed that problem with a few Velcro dots after seeing how another paper crafter had done the same thing. This worked great for me!
   
   While I was leafing though the instruction booklet, I quickly became excited to try some of the cool projects. After getting confused with the different size terms on the board, I decided to watch the DVD along with using the book. This worked much better for me, as I am easily confused...lol! (I finally caught on after making a few cards.)
   
   Although it's nice to have a paper trimmer included in the unit, I will only use this as a "back-up" for my regular one. The trimmer in the unit is quite flimsy, and I failed to get the precise cuts that I desire.
   
   I made my projects, using mostly SU cardstock. I had much better success when I rubbed the cardstock with wax before trying any of the decorative embossing (as suggested on the DVD).
   
   Crafter's Companion makes The Top Score System and The Enveloper, products I was thinking about purchasing before getting this Ultimate System. The same features are included in the Ultimate Crafter's Companion. Making various sized boxes and envelopes were quick and easy to do. I also thought the Bow Maker with the peg system was easy to use, and provided great results.
   
   I think this product is such a great concept, and I love how everything is stored inside for convenience!

2. Great compact tool for on the go

   
   By Beate Johns

   I was excited to be able to have the opportunity to play with the Ultimate Crafter's Companion. It is impressive how many features it offers in one carrying case. I loved that the instruction manual comes with so many easy to follow photo tutorials. Getting started is quite easy. And if you want to dive in deeper, there is a three hour long DVD with the basic features and 12 projects included.
   
   First I tried the bow maker. I like that you still have both hands free to tie the bow when you use it. The bows are created fast and the come out beautiful. I also like that you can tuck away the pegs you need in the storage area of the companion. The pegs and DVD have areas that hold them in place. I wish there was a way to hold the cutting guide and scoring tools as well.
   
   Next I moved on to the envelope maker. I really like that the instruction booklet already tells you what size paper you need for what envelope size. The envelopes come together quickly and easy. I love the feature for the envelope box. It gives your envelope an 1/8" depth for your layered/bulkier cards (not that I ever create those ).
   
   I tried the paper trimmer with the cutting tool. Now me and sharp blades are not a good combination. If you already have a cutting tool, this one won't replace it. But when you go to a friends house and want to bring a cutter, scorer and embossing tool all in one, you can just grab this and be on your way.
   
   I was really interested to try the box making option and I have to say it does make easy and fast boxes. I used the scoring tool on patterned paper as well as on Stampin' Up! cardstock and didn't have any problems with it going off track for straight lines. Scoring the shapes and decorative lines though will take a bit of practice and peeking.
   
   All in all, I will use it again for making quick boxes, envelopes and bows. A great, compact tool for on the go.

3. The ULTIMATE Choice

   
   By Mary Brown

   It is always interesting when we get a new tool to try. Often it starts with looking at it and thinking, "Where the heck do I start?" I have found those companies that give you a DVD to look at with their product - it is usually a GREAT idea to start there. I liked the idea of the Ultimate Crafter's Companion but it felt overwhelming until I watched the DVD that came with it. The DVD is organized into categories by what you can do with the tool. There is card making, box making, bow making, and more.
   
   What I like about this: You get so many tools in one reasonably priced, easy to transport case! Instead of having to take a lot of different, bulky tools, you have so much in one slim, easy to carry case! When you take the plastic clip off the handle, the different boards can then flip open like a book. There is even room in there to store some extra paper! I would recommend adding some pieces of wax paper to this compartment. I'll explain why later!
   
   My three VERY FAVORITE features of this tool are the Box Maker, Bow Maker and Envelope Maker. WOW!!!! These could NOT be easier and your results are PERFECT every time! With the box maker board, you have one scoring side for the base and the other score side for the lid. The dimensions have been figured out for you to make the lid just slightly larger then the base for a PERFECT fit! For the bow maker you have pegs that fit snugly in holes in one of the boards. The DVD shows you how to use these pegs to make perfect bows of different sizes every time. Once you learn the basic wrapping technique (okay, took me two tries to get it right) it is as easy as can be. With the envelope maker, you can do any size envelope. The booklet gives you easy to follow directions to tell you exactly what size paper to start with and and which scoring lines to use. Follow the directions for perfect envelopes. On the DVD it even shows how to easily line the envelopes for an elegant, finished envelope. You can even make box-like envelopes for those 'bumpy' cards in your life.
   
   Okay, now to that wax paper I told you to store in your case. One of the BIG features of this tool is using it for scoring cards, boxes, and decorative lines. In the DVD it talks about using pearlized paper for easy scoring. I didn't have any of this. A LOOOOOOOONG time ago when I was first starting to stamp (okay, we're talking around 14 years ago) a wonderful owner of a stamp store who was showing me how to dry emboss told me the secret to great dry embossing is wax paper. Put your stencil down, lay your paper on top of it, lay a piece of wax paper over it and then emboss away. PERFECT embossing every time! That is what I found to be the secret with this if you are not using pearlized paper. I had no problems with the embossing as long as I used the secret ingredient. The kit comes with two different embossing tools and I found the smallest ball head worked the best.
   
   The final feature of the tool is the cutting feature. I tend to want very precise cuts and I had a difficult time getting that with this. Now don't get me wrong, it does work. Takes a little practice and it works just fine but it wasn't quite as precise as I would have liked it to be. But if I would have forgotten my cutter and needed to make some cuts would it work? Absolutely!
   
   I think this would make a WONDERFUL Christmas gift for the crafter in your life (or to give a hint to your family to give to you!). If you are starting out and don't have a lot of the fancy tools out there, I think this is excellent bang for your buck. I know for myself I see me using the box, envelope and bow maker features on a regular basis. It really is the Ultimate Choice!

4. The Purple Queen of Embossing

   
   By Angel Wilde

   The Ultimate Crafter’s Companion is quite aptly named. This lightweight bright purple case with over 50 score lines, patterns and shapes will be a tool I will turn to again and again. I really liked the fact that all of the tools store on-board and there is even room for a project or two.
   
   Of the ten functions listed, I think the only one I will not use is the paper trimmer. I did not find that it had enough measurements or met my paper cutting needs completely. It may, however, work in a pinch.
   Basic scoring was a breeze, but even with the help of soap or wax (suggested in the instructions), I did not master some of the more intricate patterns. I do think those may get easier with practice. Bow making took me a few tries. Eventually I made some beautiful bows. The instruction DVD was what helped me learn this feature.
   
   I have to admit. I’m a simple girl, and 99% of my cards are basic half-fold cards. In trying The Ultimate Crafter’s Companion, I found making gate-fold, tri-fold and accordion cards was easy as pie. Even K-cards, jump-up or pop-out cards were not too difficult. Being able to make envelopes was another great aspect of the purple case. The booklet lists the correct paper sizes and score lines for 12 sizes of envelopes. I love the four elegant embossing designs for the flaps.
   
   My favorite function was most definitely the box making feature. In the past, I’ve spent countless hours online searching for the right sized template or box tutorial. It literally took me only 5 minutes to make a box and lid with The Ultimate Crafter’s Companion. The “Magic Ruler” technique (outlined in the instruction booklet) aided me in selecting the correct score lines and paper dimensions for a perfectly sized box. I was impressed! I plan on making several boxes for Christmas this year. My friends and family will think I spent hours on them. (Shhh!)

5. A Template Paper Crafter’s Companion

   
   By Ashley Newell

   The Ultimate Crafter's Companion possesses many features that allows paper crafts to create countless projects. To start, the embossing capabilities are endless. From a simple score on cardstock to building boxes, this tools allows you to to emboss straight and decorative lines and shapes. The Ultimate Crafter's Companion provides guides to follow and also offers instructions on project ideas. When scoring textured cardstock, I had a difficult time applying the correct pressure; however, scoring smooth and shimmer cardstock worked very well. My favorite project to score is an envelope. The instructions were extremely helpful and my envelope was created quickly and accurately.
   
   The Ultimate Crafter's Companion also provides a paper trimmer and paper cutting tool so that everything is altogether. The paper trimmer fits inside the fold of the kit and is portable; however, it would not be my trimmer of choice. It is perfect for on-the-go crafting because it is provided in the kit. Embossing tools and pegs for bow making are also provided. Although the embossing tools are provided, a bone folder works with The Crafter's Companion as well. The bow making pegs are helpful for making the perfect bow. However, if you are a crafter who ties ribbon bows directly on your project, this tool will not be as helpful. For adding a bow to projects, this tool works like a charm!
   
   The Ultimate Crafter's Companion is perfect for the paper crafter who creates a lot of templates. All of the necessary tools are combined into one kit, which makes it convenient and easy for the crafter. The tools that are in the kit can fall out of place in the compartment and jiggle around, which may cause the kit not to close completely. Additionally, when scoring and/or embossing, it may be difficult to follow the guidelines; however, the errors do not typically show on the embossed side. Crafters may also use tips, such as a dryer sheet or wax paper to make scoring and embossing apply more smoothly.

6. A Great Multi-Tasking Tool!

   
   By Jeni Allen

   I was really excited to open my Ultimate Crafter's Companion, but I have to admit that in the same breath, I was also a bit nervous. I have some products that I love and use on a daily basis, and I wasn't sure about adding another tool to the line up of things I love, to cut, emboss, score and so on. I'm pretty minimal on the extra steps to create with, so I was a bit unsure if I'd really enjoy this product, or if it would end up being a nice purple shelf warmer. I'm happy to report that there are several things about The Ultimate Crafter's Companion that I LOVE. I'm really excited about this product and really enjoyed working with it!
   
   This tool is a great multi-purpose tool. The range of products that can be accomplished using The Ultimate Crafter's Companion is amazing! One of the great features about this tool is that it came with an informative DVD. I sat down with my Ultimate Crafter's Companion and my DVD and had a really informative lesson on just what this tool was capable of. I think the DVD was great, informative and clear to follow. I'd say it was a great help to understanding what all the pretty lines and markings on this lovely purple tool are for. I think the DVD idea is great. I can always pop it in again if I need a refresher! I also really appreciated the manual that came with the kit. It is a great informative and easy to follow manual. With the DVD and manual, you're guaranteed to make some fantastic projects that will get a definite "WOW!"
   
   I really loved the box making feature of The Ultimate Crafter's Companion; it might be my favorite. Yes, I already have a great handy tool to score with, BUT The Ultimate Crafter's Companion takes the measuring out of the equation for me, and that helps make my productivity speedy. I think one of the great features about the box maker is that you can use any size paper--so the fun will never have to end. You can make boxes in all shapes and sizes! I love that making a box is as simple as having 2 pieces of paper that are the same size! The directions for the box are simple and so FAST! I was really happy with the resulting boxes and am sure that with how fast and easy it is to create a box using this tool, I'll be making many more gift boxes in the future!
   
   The Ultimate Crafter's Companion has a great number of embossing details. I liked the decorative edges, scallops and so on are always a great addition to any card-or scrapbook page. However, there are way more possibilities for the embossing than just a decorative edge! I love that along with great scoring lines, finer detail embossing, there are fun shapes to emboss with as well. I had a great time making some of the cards that looked a bit more complex than I normally create, but found that they are super quick and not much more effort at all! For example, the pop-out cards went really fast, with instruction from the DVD and manual that came with The Ultimate Crafter's Companion. I know I'll be back to making these more detailed cards, because they are easier than they look and they are something a little bit special!
   
   Another great feature of The Ultimate Crafter's Companion is the envelope making tool. I love that I can make custom envelopes with just 4 score lines! The guess work--or figuring--has already been done for me! There is a chart in the manual that tells me exactly what score lines to use for a specific size card--and it's really as simple as 4 score lines! I'm excited for more custom envelopes!
   
   The Ultimate Crafter's Companion also has a cutting blade and bow maker feature that are great, but features I might not use quite as much. I have several other paper cutting tools that I love and will mostly likely stick to, but yes, the "Ultimate" allows you to even trim your paper for each project! I did enjoy the bow maker, but think that I'm ok with my "by hand" bow tying...but I'm sure there will be certain occasions when I'll be really glad I can get that perfect bow-using the "Ultimate" bow maker!
   
   I think The Ultimate Crafter's Companion is a great tool. I'm excited to have been reviewed it and would recommend it for someone looking for a multi-purpose tool. I appreciate that a lot of figuring and decision making has been done for me, and all I have to do is score here and there! I can see why The Ultimate Crafter's Companion was the "winner of CHA's most innovative scrapbooking & paper arts product award for 2009!"

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