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I recently purchased the PERFECT LAYERS TOOL!!!! What was I waiting for??
Roxie Glaza (Rox71 here on SCS) makes gorgeous cards with impeccable layers and has always talked about the Perfect Layers tool.
I finally jumped on it and I'm so glad that I did, and I have a couple of reasons why. I always thought I was doing just fine putting my little pencil mark and using my guillotine trimmer. But what I've really been messing up lately is adhering them - maybe it's my new contact lenses, I don't know! But too many times I've found that after attaching my cut layers, they aren't centered just right.
I watched the video the other day and ordered the set of 3. I was so excited to use this new tool and in particular was looking forward to not having to use my big ol' guillotine cutter to trim tiny little pieces. And it was watching the video that it dawned on me - you attach your piece to be matted before you cut! That would solve my other problem!
It works wonderfully ~ I love it. It takes up so little space too - I have my self-healing cutting mat from my big Scor-Pal to my right and keep the PL edges right there.
Here's the tip. If you use thinner cardstock (A Muse, SU), butt the edge of the cardstock up against the ridge of the tool but don't push too hard or it will slide right under the ridge. Once it's touched and it's lined up there, press good & hard on the top/surface of the tool to keep it in place. I tended to really want to push that cardstock inward tightly but you really don't have to - once it's lined up, it's top down pressure you need.
Matting smaller pieces is a breeze, and all of my layers are properly attached to eachother. Stress free. THANK YOU, ROXIE!!
I keep looking at them, too - I guess I should just get them, already! They're cheap enough, and would save a lot of aggravation all around. Thanks for the review!
I'm happy it works so well for you. Gotta love a tool that gives a good result!
Myself, I am Exacto-knife challenged. It's strange, because with everything else, I'm good with my hands and dexterity.
I had the Perfect Layers set and just didn't ever get comfortable using it, so I sold it. No fault of the tool - it was me. I know lots of people who feel like you do, and wouldn't do without it.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I'm happy it works so well for you. Gotta love a tool that gives a good result!
Myself, I am Exacto-knife challenged. It's strange, because with everything else, I'm good with my hands and dexterity.
I had the Perfect Layers set and just didn't ever get comfortable using it, so I sold it. No fault of the tool - it was me. I know lots of people who feel like you do, and wouldn't do without it.
Bugga, I'm also challenged when it comes to using X-Acto knives. I recently borrowed a set of Perfect Layers from a crafting buddy, and I used my Olfa rotary cutter � it worked beautifully! I'm seriously considering getting the Perfect Layers, if only for the smallest mats.
Does anyone have advice as to best pricing and customer service for buying them?
Bugga, I'm also challenged when it comes to using X-Acto knives. I recently borrowed a set of Perfect Layers from a crafting buddy, and I used my Olfa rotary cutter � it worked beautifully! I'm seriously considering getting the Perfect Layers, if only for the smallest mats.
Does anyone have advice as to best pricing and customer service for buying them?
See, I told you I was challenged - I didn't even spell "X-Acto" right!:mrgreen:
Good idea about the rotary cutter, but I've skidded into the ditch with it also.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Thanks for the tips! I just got a set and haven't tried using them yet. I need to do it when it is quiet as the knife thing makes me nervous. I got two new ones to try, one a fingertip one I watched Julie use and the Tim Holtz retractable one..I will give them a shot, and if no luck, I will try a rotary one.
Lola G., I wondered the same thing. If I'm going to order online and pay shipping, I also usually check to see if what I'm looking for is at a store where I may want other items, too. But all I could find through Google was the company that makes it:
Does SU still sell it? I bought a set years ago and love it! I thought it was retired though.
SU does not sell them anymore. I have some that were gifted to me from another SCS'er who didn't use them. I haven't tried them yet either. I need a tutorial. Maybe I will check out youtube and see what I can find.
I don't know why I had the idea in my head that it would be cumbersome or too involved compared to the way I used to do it. It's just really easy! I think maybe I just didn't want another thing on my table. But it's a lot better than leaving my guillotine cutter out.
I used to eyeball the distance I wanted and mark with a pencil. Rarely measured. But now it is even more simple. I've used it for everything I've layered since they came. The only thing I've used the guillotine for is the card base and if I have a layer that covers the front. And this tool is so much better for really small pieces.
The worst part is probably that I don't take my Nestabilities out often enough as it is... now I want to do straight-edged pieces so I can use the PLT ;) .
I've been using the Perfect Layers FOR YEARS and LOVE THEM!! I actually just became a brand ambassador (basically just put an ad on my blog), but if you order thru me, you can get a 5% discount! follow the link below!
I bought them on HSN years ago and I think they are terrific. That being said, I find myself eye-balling most of the time and not really doing a ton of layering. I do, however, LOVE LOVE LOVE the exacto knife that came with the set. Not sure if it's the same one they include now, but mine is really substantial and has a blue cushioning on it. I think I've had it for 7 or 8 years and I can't think of ever using another craft knife!
Just received my Perfect Layers 1 and 2 and Perfect Square!
I just had to let everyone know that ordering from Perfect Paper Crafting was a wonderful experience. They are the nicest people to do business with. I placed an order on Mon. It being a holiday the order was mailed out on Tues. and I got it today-Thur.!
Because of my own forgetting I ended up talking/emailing with both Edie and Ellie. Talk about helpful and nice. Now I can hardly wait to try the tools out!
Just received my Perfect Layers 1 and 2 and Perfect Square!
I just had to let everyone know that ordering from Perfect Paper Crafting was a wonderful experience. They are the nicest people to do business with. I placed an order on Mon. It being a holiday the order was mailed out on Tues. and I got it today-Thur.!
Because of my own forgetting I ended up talking/emailing with both Edie and Ellie. Talk about helpful and nice! Now I can hardly wait to try the tools out!
Texasrose, enjoy your new tools! I got my Perfect Layers last week, and I think they're a terrific addition to my crafting collection – especially with my handheld rotary cutter (which I just ordered replacement blades for). Since I can't use X-Acto knives, I thought the PL wouldn't be an option for me, so I was thrilled to find out just how wrong I was!
I love this tool as well and use it with a knife or rotary cutter. The original tip to apply downward pressure on the tool is the lesson it took me a few times to learn. Excellent advice for a new user.