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I personally hate this thing - wondered if anyone has a slick trick in how to use it - Used it at stamp camp last night and the customers didn't like it either - we used the first cut out from the coluzzle as our pattern instead. Is the blade supposed to be wobbly? It appears to be pushed in as far as it will go.
Sometimes the blade itself comes unscrewed, which can cause problems. about an inch above the blade there is that ribbed section - that sometimes works loose so if it is screw it back on tightly
Another thing to try is make sure that the blade is pointed the right way. The actual tip of the blade should be pointing AWAY from the direction you are cutting, so make sure that is how you are using it.
I hope one of these works for you. I have had mine for years and loved it and our demo used it at a workshop Saturday and everyone bought the kit and update set!
I'll check to make sure it is in there tightly, as you described - got the blade going the right way - even outlined the circles and ovals in different colors to make it easier. Thanks for the info
i love my coluzzle...I have I think about every template they make LOL. It is a little tricky to use at first but once you get the hang of it you'll love it. Another tip is to make sure the knife is held straight up and down. Check out the Coluzzle site for more tips...they have a great Q&A section
make sure you are using their mat (which is kind of like styrofoam) under it. It's a lot easier if you do. That being said, make sure the surface underneath is stable and flat. Don't push down too hard on the template - that will force the guide to tighten and now allow the floating knife to follow smoothly.
I had problems at first and wondered why I bought the darn thing in the first place. Now I love it - I've bought other templates & just love them - especially the tag one.
I didn't like mine at first either. But now that I know how to use it properly it's not that bad.
First, take the protective plastic off both sides of the template, it should be clear plastic when you are done.
Make sure you have the Coluzzle mat, it is almost the same as the underlay for our laminate flooring, this is what I use. The knife needs to be held straight up and down. Put the pointy part of the swivel blade in the groove with the straight part touching the plastic joining things. Pull the blade thru the groove, lift it out and put it in the next groove. I have a circle template that has maybe eight grooves, I used a sharpie marker and coloured everyother groove so that I don't accidently put the knife in the wrong groove and make a lopsided circle.
I hope this helps.
Another trick is to go around small curves and corners slowly. The knife must be up and down, not slanted, and it should be slightly loose. I love my coluzzle!
I hate this thing! I know, I'm not supposed to hate an object. This thing annoys me and I wish I had the receipt to take it back. And how do you make that matt not slide? My paper just slips and I end up with ruined card stock. Not being negative, just need help.
I do think that I am slanting the "cutter" when I put it around the circle or oval - my upline already pointed out to me to make sure I had all the plastic off - I can't feel any more on there and I always use the syrofoam sheet underneath - I don't have any trouble with it sliding around - it is just that blasted little blade that I don't like. I like to have a moma jama knife to cut everything with - so I feel like it is not doing the job and I always = always have the same spot that doesn't quite cut through - obviously meaning I am not applying enough pressure - I am going to see if I can find some other templates - if I can find a tag template - that would be easier. I am still practicing!!!!
I have found if I use alot of pressure my paper doesn't slip as much, but boy is it frustrating when it does move. Try using some repositional adhesive on the styrofoam mat and maybe on the paper. I have used my xacto blade and it doens't work at all, actually it will cut into the template.
Adding temporary adhesive is a good idea...FYI don't use anything but the coluzzle knife, nothing else will work because they make the blade the correct length to be able to go through the template without cutting it...I learned that the hard way too. I also started with the jigsaw puzzle template (what was I thinking??). I ALSO never took off the plastic on both sides. That makes a huge difference when you are trying to use the templates! See, now you can learn from everyone else's mistakes, and you'll look like a pro when you use it!
Two tips that helped me love my coluzzle (either from Beate or Jenn) Keep your wrist stiff...like driving a stick shift AND once you start your cut DO NOT STOP until you get to the other side. A firm pressure on the template keeps my CS from slipping around. Love it now...just did 26 ovals for a kid class (picture frames)! Keep trying!
Is there a trick to using the Coluzzle?
