coluzzle or CM cutting system

[disney funseeker]

I was going to purchase a coluzzle template and cutting knife but just came back from a CM open house.

I think I like their cutting tool better. Its easy to use.

Probably been asked before here, but what are your opinions on either?
CM is much more expensive but in the long run would I be better off with the CM cutting system?

 

[piratesmate]

I have some of both. I like both, but have had some trouble "learning to use" both I guess.

CM - limited # of shapes
Coluzzle - wide variety of shapes, including popular things like file folders & library pockets

CM - limited sizes of each shape
Coluzzle - sizes seem limitless so it's easier to get the mats you want

CM - somewhat difficult to cut the "odd" corners (like on the heart or "gem" shapes) & I still can see my starting & ending point at times...I guess it shifts
Coluzzle - I find it easier to go around the corners, but you have to cut all those little tabs that hold it together...I can do it so you don't see them, but not quickly. I have to take my time.

CM - must buy from a consultant & wait after ordering; expensive & no sales or coupons
Coluzzle - crafts stores have them for immediate pickup; they're on sale periodically and you can use those 40% or 50% coupons from the Sunday papers (In fact, CreativeXpress has all Coluzzle on sale at 50% off through Monday (It appears to include the starter kit & templates.)

 

[lewdyan1]

Deb...You are costing me money again! I left this board for a while to save money, because I was always falling victim to the "great deals" and now that I am venturing back here again, I am going to this site and you also led me back to bargainpack for their monthly club! Thanks!

 

[tubachick]

I have both, and use both differently. They both have pros and cons like piratesmate said. I find that on both you can see your starting and ending point if you shift it even slightly, and the shapes can be limited on both depending on what you are cutting. I do enjoy the alphabet that coluzzle has and the puzzle peices too. and the CM on is very durable and doesn't break as easily as the coluzzle templates. but its JMO

 

[piratesmate]

Oops! Sorry Dyan! The problem is that I love looking - even when I can't buy...and then I know I'll feel better if at least someone else can take advantage of the "great deal"!

Oh - another note about Coluzzle. When I was trying to decide which to buy a number of people said they had difficulty using them. I asked about it at Mikes one day & their instructor gave me a demo. She told me that most people don't peel the film off of both sides of the template & that makes it more difficult to cut/get a clean cut. I don't know how much truth there is to it, but I always peel the film off & don't have trouble with the template slipping. The plastic under the film has a strange feel to it - not rough & not sticky but something like that.

 

[disney funseeker]

Ok, now I'm back to considering the coluzzle system instead bec of cost and variety.

I went to the Provo Craft website and read the instructions.

Then I read the cheating tips on making the shapes smaller or larger than the templates, which would increase the variety of shapes. Never thought of that possibility. I have to learn to think outside the box.

Thanks for your opinions and information.

I started scrapping bec of these boards. You are all so helpful.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I'm an oddball and don't like the colluzel. I loved the font styles they had out way back when there weren't many choices, but I just never could get the hang of it well, so I chucked it into my yard sale pile and unloaded that problem on someone else. I use the Fiskars system. I love the extra large templates that are out now, and I have gotten to where I can even use my cutter free hand.

I don't do CM products, but I did use a friends CM cutter at a crop once and I was pretty impressed, it seemed to be a good quality tool, but for me a bit much of an investment at that time.

 

[Nank]

CM All the way!

I hated coluzzel and gave alot of it away.

 

[WDWAurora]

LOVE Coluzzle! I had never heard of it before I used these boards, but now I would never consider the CM. I can't imagine paying that much, especially for the quality and ease of use I get from Coluzzle. I've heard that a lot of people don't remove all the plastic as well. If your template isn't 100% clear, there is still plastic on it. I love that you can make a mat for a picture so easily. You can also see the exact same size that the end product will be from the template, which you can't do without that clear plastic piece from CM.

 

[piratesmate]

LOVE Coluzzle! I had never heard of it before I used these boards, but now I would never consider the CM. I can't imagine paying that much, especially for the quality and ease of use I get from Coluzzle. I've heard that a lot of people don't remove all the plastic as well. If your template isn't 100% clear, there is still plastic on it. I love that you can make a mat for a picture so easily. You can also see the exact same size that the end product will be from the template, which you can't do without that clear plastic piece from CM.

You know, that's what I hate about the CM system. I'd forgotten about that. It's so hard to see exactly what size you'll end up with if you don't use the clear plastic piece....but you can't cut with that on the photo! I find it difficult to use the clear piece, put the template on and then pull out the clear piece without shifting the template or photo. I guess on reason I mind it so much is that DH tends to "fill the frame" when he takes photos - so there's very little to crop away in the first place!

 

[ffindis]

I love the CM custom cutting system. I've used all the shapes but really love the circles and ovals!!! Don't know anything about tthe coluzzle.

 

[ElizK]

I hated my Coluzzle. Sold it all on Ebay. I don't have the CM set, but I'd really like to. Some day.... when I'm rich instead of so good looking!

 

[becky7953]

I have the CM and love it..... but I just (thanks to Deb) ordered Coluzzle! $40.00 later!! I can't wait to play! I the the starter set, an alphabet and a couple of the other templates

 

[bubbasmom99]

I have both. I had the CM system first, but then got the Coluzzle. I use it for tags and file folders mainly. No alphas but I have a wishblade so I don't need to cut alphas... but if I did, I would... it's really easy to use the Coluzzle. I like that you can see exactly where you're cutting, if you need to line it up. I felt like I was still guessing a little bit with the CM system.

Either one is fine for circles and ovals and such though...

 

[disney funseeker]

After looking at the pros and cons and reading everyone's opinion, I decided on the coluzzle. It should arrive here next week. Can't wait.

But I'm glad I went to that CM open house because I won a 7 x 7 album (wow, just looked in the catalogue. It's an expensive album)

 

[TiggerFamily]

CM all the way, love it!!!! It's pricey but will last you for a long time. I've had mine for about 4 or 5 years and I've purchased a new red blade once. Nancy