Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
I'm on a limited crafting budget lately (I just bought myself a new home recently - so I'm pinching my pennies for a while)
I only recently stumbled upon the Perfect Layers rulers on the internet and have been thinking about purchasing a set to easily create different size layers on my cards. Before I invest the $20 or so for the set, I was wondering if any of you have any feedback on the product. I absolutely hate having to do the math when trimming my layers on cards and thought that these rulers might make things easier.
Since I've restricted myself from spending crafting money (as much as possible) I'd hate to buy another gadget to only find I don't really use it. (We all know how that story goes!!) :shock:
Would love to hear some feedback on whether it has been a good investment for others.
Even if the top layer is not thick enough to "hook" onto it, you can still eyeball it and trim. I have found that applying more pressure helps. I love mine....they really add to the beauty of the layers. I'd give them 9/10...nothing's perfect!
I think everyone is different in their comfort level using tools.
That said, I know there are many card makers who use their Perfect Layers on every card they make.
I bought a set a couple of years ago, but really did not like having to use a craft knife. I don't know why, but I really don't like using one. I'm quite good with my hands (type 80 words per minute), so it's not a dexterity issue. Maybe sharp things just make me nervous, lol.
Anyway, I much prefer to measure and use my paper trimmer. I sold my Perfect Layers to someone that I'm sure loves them.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Unlike Bugga, I'm happy with a scalpel in my hand - lol! I probably started using one way before anybody these days would think it safe to let a child loose with one. Perhaps because of that, I do like my Perfect Layers rulers. I don't use them all that much but when I do use them, they're really useful. Anything with straight edges is fair game so you can mat diamonds, hexagons etc and even irregular shapes as long as they're straight sided.
If you hate the math and/or eyeballing to make sure your top layer is straight on your mat then you'll probably love them.
If your top layer is not that thick, just run your fingernail under it to raise it slightly before you snug the ruler up against it and then smooth it back down once you've cut the mat.
I'm one who didn't like the Perfect Layers and sold them to a friend. I have arthritis in my hands and at times my hands are clumsy and holding a craft knife with unsteady hands wasn't working for me. I usually just eyeball my layers and use a paper trimmer. The friend who bought the Perfect Layers is still getting used to using them and isn't sure if she likes them or not. Another friend loves hers.
I love the Perfect Layers Tool and use it all the time!
I used to just eyeball and put a little pencil mark - didn't really measure. Which was fine for getting the size I wanted - but after cutting the pieces, the part that frustrated me was adhering the top layer to the mat/bottom layer. Too often I wouldn't get it centered correctly.
With Perfect Layers, you adhere the piece first and then cut the mat/border/bottom layer. So it's already in place and perfectly centered on the bottom layer.
If the top layer is a thinner paper or cardstock and the Perfect Layer Tool slips or doesn't grab on as well as I'd like, I run the tip of my blade under that top layer just a little bit. You can't even see it, but it raises that layer a teeny little bit and then the ridge of the tool butts up against it better.
I'm so happy to have this tool now - I rarely make anything without using it!
I love my Perfect Layers rulers . I want my layers to look perfectly even.
Even when I cut the layers perfectly with my paper trimmer I rarely get them precisely even when I glue them down :oops:
__________________ "I have not failed . I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" --Thomas A. Edison
Love this tool since I got it years ago on QVC. If the edges aren't thick enough to grab, you can bend them a little. Also I always use an Olfa rotary cutter with 45 mm blade...makes cutting easy peasy. HTH
For those who dislike using a craft knife, perhaps you'd be more comfortable with a rotary cutter (like those used for fabric/by quilters). I love using a rotary cutter because there's no catching/dragging.
I LOVE my Perfect Layers Tools (rulers) and use them on every card I make now. Before I had these tools, I used to eyeball it and I would always trim one side a little too much which would annoy me because I like things to look even (I am fussy that way for my own cards). So, I would trim the other sides down to match and keep trimming....trimming......oh, I could NEVER get it right because I have had some problems with my eyesight in the last couple of years which makes the process so difficult for me! The PLT just made things alot less frustrating and waaaaay quicker. Yep, I love the tools
Thanks for everyone who responded. I've decided to take the plunge and buy a set of these rulers. Can't wait to get them and start putting them to use!
I use mine on pretty much every card and layout I create. I've had mine for years (bought long ago from qvc) and couldn't craft without them. Hope you enjoy them!
Perfect Layers - Ruler Set
