Making Memories Tag Maker

[LeslieinTN]

The Making Memories tag maker - has anyone tried one or seen it used? I still like to use the metal rimmed tags and this new tool interests me. It comes with templates and several metal rims to make the tags. The idea behind is that you have the exact size template for each tag they make and can use it to mark the cut for any paper. I know I have a hard time with making them fit exactly. I use a Creative Memories circle punch and the punches are not the exact size. Here is a link: http://www.makingmemories.com/products/tools/tagmaker.cfm I think they sell for around $25. Croppers has them too, I noticed a few weeks ago.

Reviews, anyone?

[LeslieinTN]

Hmmm. . . maybe I just got my answer! After a search on another MB, I read these two posts concerning them:

Then there was the Tag Maker - it probably wasn't the wisest decision to make the Tag Maker NOT punch out the paper for the tags, THEN make the tags the most odd size as possible so you can't even use a regular square or circle punch to punch them out.

and

You not only have to cut your paper with the template BUT then you have to trim the shape AFTER using the template and cutting it the size of the template as the shape you cut from the template is too big. I have used so many rims and ruined them B4 getting the hang of this tool. I have checked every circle and square punch--and I have them all--and none of them punch the sizes at all. You can't even use a craft knife to cut the shapes out from the template. I am not the best free hand cutter in the world and really had to practice with that.


and

My DBF just bought me the tag maker on our LSS excursion, and now I wish that I'd wanted something else. I've had lots of trouble getting the the shape to fit perfectly in the rim. If I put it in as is it seems to bulge, but if I trim it down a hair then it won't stay in the rim when I've crimped it. I love being able to make my own tags but it's almost more trouble than it's worth. IMHO

Okay, back to doing the "old" way! :neutral:

[PamelaECU]

Sorry Leslie....I've seen them in the stores but haven't seen them in action. Glad you got your answer before you bought one. I have to say that the tag maker excited me as much as the notch cutter. Quess I'm still way too new to scrapbooking.

[LeslieinTN]

Well, if you ever get into making your own tags, then you'll know that the theory behind the tag maker is a great one. I just like how the metal rimmed tags can be made into the perfect embellishment for my LOs - print something off on the computer and put it on a tag, put a sticker on a tag, cut a photo to fit the tag, etc. Just handy little embellishments when you can't find what you're looking for! LOL I've seen a lot of complaints about some of Making Memories' latest tools and products (stamps) though. Oh well! (Insert shrugging shoulder smilie here!)

[BriannaL]

Leslie - how do you make your tags right now??? Do you buy the pre-made tags & remove the inside & replace it with a custom CS or PP piece??? Love the way these look, but don't know how to do it.

Brianna

[LeslieinTN]

The size I used on your LO was like 1 1/4 inch which I had a Creative Memories punch to fit. I just put the punched circle over the vellum insert that was already on the tag. Originally, I was going to tie the ribbon through a hole in the tag and tie a knot but it wasn't working correctly so I ended up using just a brad to fasten it on there. I liked how it looked so I used it on my last LO I uploaded here. You may have already noticed. I think most of the tags I have are by Making Memories. I had a larger one before and I tore out the inside, traced the circle and cut it to fit BUT I have a hard time cutting straight so cutting a circle is even harder (the trace wasn't that clean) so it looked a little wonky! LOL

In Word, I "drew" a circle and then formatted the size to the size of the inside of the circle tag. After I created my "word art" to go in it, then I made the lineof the circle white so it wouldn't show when I printed it. That is probably the better way to do any size tag - measure the inside of the tag, create a circle to that size, type whatever inside it and then instead of making the line white since you want to cut it out, you could make it a faint gray color to cut on.

Does that long explanation tell you what you wanted to know???

[BriannaL]

it makes sense - I'll have to try it out. Thanks

Bri

[LeslieinTN]

I found it a little interesting after my inquiry about this tool that it was featured in an article in the recent SS. Of course they don't mention any disgruntled scrapbookers OR even hint that you have to hand cut the shape after you "trace" it with the template. Oh well! They had sent it to a scrapper free to use on a LO and card for the article and I probably wouldn't have complained either if I got it FREE! ;)

[Angela]

Has anyone heard any reviews about the new CRICUT cutting system? I heard it is able to do letters, shapes ect, up to five inches. Just curious. Micheals has it advertised on their web site. Angela