Can anyone recommend an inexpensive circle cutter?

[BubblPopElectrc]

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive circle cutter (hopefully with an online source)? I am a college student so the less expensive the better.
Thanks,
Kyle

 

[piratesmate]

I really like the Coluzzle system for a cheap alternative to things like the Creative Memories system. The big thing with Coluzzle is that people sometimes complain that they have "trouble" with it. Someone told me that's because they haven't taken the clear film off both sides of the template before cutting. I've never had trouble after removing the film. Just practice a couple times first. The hardest part is cutting smoothly the little pieces that hold it all together (to keep the template together.)

Anyway, if you go to CreativeXpress.com you can get a nested circle for $5.02 - that size works for 4x6 photos. There's another for $13.39 that works for 8x10 photos. The cutting "system" is only $6.69 which includes the mat, swivel knife & snap blade (for separating it.) That's for the "Accessory Starter Kit". The "Complete Start Kit" includes an oval & heart puzzle template for $14.73, but frankly it's cheaper to buy the accessory kit & get exactly the templates you want. Shipping is $6.45 and I don't know about other states, but here in PA they charge us sales tax now.

The beauty of this system is that you can get other templates for it when you're ready - not just ovals & rectangles, but also file folders, library pockets, etc.

I know Michaels used to carry the Coluzzle basics, but I don't remember the prices. Pretty much I've found that I can do better at CX even with shipping than I can at Mikes with a coupon.

HTH

 

[TiggerFamily]

I would put the money out for the Creative Memories cutting system and you will never have to by another system. Start off with the circles and add to it as you need. I find most people start with ovals and then go to circles. That's my 2 cents.

 

[TammyNC]

I have to second the CM cutting system. I started out with just the circles and gradually added the other patterns. I use mine for not only scrapbooking but for making cards and the kids have used them for their Homeschool projects.

 

[MazdaUK]

I go with CM as well. I like the ovals best - you get 4 templates so thats 24 different size ovals, and some are fatter than others (if you see what I mean). I have 3 other sets of CM templates but I use ovals most because photos are rectangular

 

[Twigs]

The Fiskars Shape Cutter works really well, I don't rmember how much it is, but I have gotten the shape templates for around $5.00 each. DO NOT confuse this with the Fiskars circle cutter, which is a pain to use and freqently tears the paper. You can also cut out free form shapes with the Shape Cutter.

 

[piratesmate]

While I like the CM system, it definitely doesn't fit the OP's "inexpensive" criteria, which is why I suggested the Coluzzle. The other thing is that you can only get shapes that relate to cutting photos & mats - nothing like file folders or library pockets. For less than the price of the CM cutting system alone (no templates), she could order the accessory kit & two basic templates (like circle & oval) and still pay shipping. Shipping is a lot for one or two items, but the overall cost is still less.

I was just thinking that for a college student, Coluzzle might be a good, somewhat temporary solution. Then you'd still have it in the future for "odd" shapes once the CM system was within the budget.

I've heard good things about the Fiskars Shape Cutter also, Twigs, but haven't tried it. I did, however, try their circle cutter & hated it!

 

[New England Eeyore]

Just curious - how much does the CM circle system cost?

I have the Fiskars Circle cutter. It works well about 50% of the time so I hardly ever use it. I also have the Fiskars oval cutter and I have never been able to figure out how to use it! The two of them are sitting in the back of my closet.

 

[WDWAurora]

I'm going to agree with the Coluzzle suggestion. If you have a Michael's or AC Moore, you can go in and get it, but there are multiple online sources, as piratesmate suggested.

CM is $24 for mats and blades, $14 for the circles. I wouldn't pay that NOW, when I can use the Coluzzle system.

 

[BubblPopElectrc]

Thanks for the suggestions.

So I am thinking that I am either going to go with Coluzzle, or, just put down the money for the CM suggestions.

I have another question, and I hope you guys can help. I know that AC Moore sometimes does the 40% off coupons. Could I use the coupon on either of these two systems? I know there are some things that they won't take the coupon for and I feel like it might have said it couldn't be used for scrap booking supplies..

Thanks again guys.

 

[piratesmate]

You can use coupons at all 3 (Michaels, ACMoore & JoAnns) if they carry what you need. Creative Memories is only sold by their representatives - usually at home parties, but I think they're going to be allowing you to order directly from their Website soon.

The thing with Mikes etc is that the items retail for more than the standard price at CX for example. If you go to the CX site, they'll tell you what the retail price is & then show what theirs is. The other thing is that they don't always carry all the shapes...at least mine don't. I got my sister the accessory kit for Christmas, but the craft stores only had the Complete kit which retails for about $22.

Keep in mind, though, that JoAnns has Internet coupons for 50% this week - one for Fri/Sat and another for Sun/Mon. That might be cheaper if you can find what you're looking for in the store and can get there. I can use JoAnns coupons at my Mikes & ACM and vice versa.

What you can't use the coupons for are usually the Cricut machine and another one...can't think which though.

 

[BubblPopElectrc]

I really like the Coluzzle system for a cheap alternative to things like the Creative Memories system. The big thing with Coluzzle is that people sometimes complain that they have "trouble" with it. Someone told me that's because they haven't taken the clear film off both sides of the template before cutting. I've never had trouble after removing the film. Just practice a couple times first. The hardest part is cutting smoothly the little pieces that hold it all together (to keep the template together.)

Anyway, if you go to CreativeXpress.com you can get a nested circle for $5.02 - that size works for 4x6 photos. There's another for $13.39 that works for 8x10 photos. The cutting "system" is only $6.69 which includes the mat, swivel knife & snap blade (for separating it.) That's for the "Accessory Starter Kit". The "Complete Start Kit" includes an oval & heart puzzle template for $14.73, but frankly it's cheaper to buy the accessory kit & get exactly the templates you want. Shipping is $6.45 and I don't know about other states, but here in PA they charge us sales tax now.

The beauty of this system is that you can get other templates for it when you're ready - not just ovals & rectangles, but also file folders, library pockets, etc.

I know Michaels used to carry the Coluzzle basics, but I don't remember the prices. Pretty much I've found that I can do better at CX even with shipping than I can at Mikes with a coupon.

HTH

I went to order and my shipping came to nearly 9.00! Am I doing something wrong? I am from PA as well so I guess I will be getting the sales tax as well.

 

[MyGirlisaPrincess]

I love the coluzzle too.
I have other circle cutters, but find the coluzzle to be so neat and convenient

MyGirlisaprincess

 

[piratesmate]

I went to order and my shipping came to nearly 9.00! Am I doing something wrong? I am from PA as well so I guess I will be getting the sales tax as well.

What all did you order??? The last time my shipping came to $9 or $10 was in October when I placed an order with a friend and her portion of the bill alone was $80!! Just before Christmas I placed an order...maybe $35 worth of product and shipping was $6.45 and the tax was listed separately.

 

[piratesmate]

Wow! I just checked and it seems their minimum for shipping has gone up to $8.25! I'm sorry for misleading you.

That makes a difference to me for placing small orders. It went up last year from $4.95 to $6.45 and I found myself a bit more hesitant to place orders, but a nearly $2 jump?!?! Why??

Is there someone at school with you who's into scrapping that you could convince to go in on an order with you? It's not too bad if you split the shipping.

Or let me know if you have a JoAnns near you & I'll send you that 50% coupon for this weekend. You might end up with an overall bill that's about the same that way.

 

[fakereadhed]

I agree with Coluzzle. A few tips, though. Used to work in a SB store and there were lots of complaints about it-mostly cause they didn't know how to work it.

1. Don't throw the white mat away. It's not packing material. This is the only mat that works with this system.
2. As said above, peel the protective covering off both sides for easier cutting.
3. Hold your knife straight up and down and move your arm in a fluid motion.
4. Push your knife all the way into the mat. The further you push down, the easier it will be. (That's why the mat is soft- so the knife can go into it.)
5. Don't "think" about it, just move it around the template once the knife is in the channel. And don't use any other craft knife with it, because it will nick up your template.
6. Use sharp scissors to snip where the cutting lines stop. Those are there because if they weren't the templates would fall apart instead of being in one piece.

The best thing about Coluzzle is that there are alphabet templates you can add on. Much cheaper than the other die cutting systems out there!

 

[BubblPopElectrc]

Wow! I just checked and it seems their minimum for shipping has gone up to $8.25! I'm sorry for misleading you.

That makes a difference to me for placing small orders. It went up last year from $4.95 to $6.45 and I found myself a bit more hesitant to place orders, but a nearly $2 jump?!?! Why??

Is there someone at school with you who's into scrapping that you could convince to go in on an order with you? It's not too bad if you split the shipping.

Or let me know if you have a JoAnns near you & I'll send you that 50% coupon for this weekend. You might end up with an overall bill that's about the same that way.

It's fine! You didn't mislead me. It's weird how the website doesn't tell you the prices of the options for shipping.

I think I am just going to suck it up and lose a few dollars and order. Other places online seem to be more expensive.

Thanks guys! Everyone has been so helpful.