Product Review: Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Cutter

Product Name:  Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Cutter

Price:  $17.99, also available are Replacement Blades (set of three) for $5.99.

Product Description: 

With the Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Cutter, you can cut perfect circles from 1" to 5 ½" in diameter.  The measurements are in increments of 1/16^th of an inch, so creating layers, mats, and rings is quite easy.  Because the blade is double-sided, both left-handed and right-handed crafters can use it with ease, as the blade cuts in both directions.  The comfortable handle also houses refill blades, three of which are included with the tool.  The safety cover that slides over the blade allows you to change blades without ever needing to touch them.

In Use:

Circles are one of the most basic shapes that you can use in your crafting projects.  There are many uses for them on cards and scrapbook pages, as well as home décor and school projects.  I can honestly say that circles are my go-to shapes, and the Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Cutter has quickly become my go-to circle tool.  It's portable and easy to use, and the circles turn out perfectly.

The best thing about this circle cutter is that the sizes are 1/16^th of an inch apart.  This allows for perfect mats - even multiple mats, if you like.  Rings are easy too.  Just remember to cut the inside of the ring first, and then cut the outside without moving the paper.  The cuts that you get with this tool are perfectly smooth, with no jagged or torn edges.  I've cut both thin and thick papers and cardstock with it and haven't had any problems with either.  (I don't think it would cut chipboard, though.)

Although the center of the tool is clear, which allows you to see exactly where your paper is, it is very difficult to cut a photo or stamped image into a circle, because you can't exactly determine where you will be cutting.   The only other drawback I see is that the numbers are sometimes difficult to read.  It would be better if they were printed in dark black.  Clear directions and examples would be very helpful too, but there is a very good instructional video on Scrapbook.com that you can watch.

Tips and Techniques:

• Use a glass mat.  This is essential to getting a smooth, clean cut. 
• It is occasionally necessary to tape down some papers with removable tape in order to keep them from sliding, but most papers don't require this.
• Press straight down with the cutting tool, and make sure that the blade is completely engaged in the template's opening before cutting.
• Avoid the temptation to keep going around and around.  You will feel when the cut is complete, and repeated cutting might cause the blade to make accidental cuts in the circle.
• Keep out of children's reach.  Even though there is a safety cover over the blade, this is still a very sharp tool and requires adult supervision.  Always remember to put the cover back on the blade.

Circles are not only trendy, but they are a basic shape that has stood the test of time for crafters, designers, and other artists.  With the Martha Stewart Crafts Circle Cutter, you will be able to include circles in your projects after just a little bit of practice.

Project Ideas and Examples:

Here are some projects I've made using the Martha Stewart Circle Cutter.