Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 65)

essential kit MAKING THE CUT The We R Memory Keepers crop-a-dile is a powerhouse of strength, and it can cut through paper, cardstock, thick book board, tin and plastic with ease. The flexible gadget has eight different functions, which means it can cut holes and set eyelets, snaps and washer combinations. Other features include a sliding alignment guide with metric and imperial measurements, which allows for precision hole and eyelet spacing. The rubber finger grips make it comfortable to use, while its locking mechanism means it is simple to store. The product has removable colour-coded cubes for switching between projects and it retails at around £35. “The crop-a-dile is a top-selling all-in-one tool,” says Jenny Hawkins from the product’s supplier, Personal Impressions. “It is perfect for the office, organisation, crafting, cardmaking, scrapbooking and more.” Personal Impressions, personalimpressions.com We asked some of the industry’s leading suppliers to pick their must-have crafting tools SMALL BUT PERFECT Crafter’s Companion launched the Gemini Junior late last year, and it’s already proving to be a must-have tool. The product comes with a starter kit that includes a 3D embossing folder and a six-piece die set. It is a compact portable die-cutting and embossing machine that offers crafters the versatility of a smaller format without compromising on power and performance. With a plate size of 6in x 9in, the Gemini works well with A5 size and provides a great introduction to die-cutting for beginners. It retails at £139.99. Crafters Companion, crafterscompanion.co.uk STAMPING MADE EASY Rock-a-Blocks is an innovative and unique rubber stamp mounting system that make this crafting speciality much simpler. Each stamp has a curved face and depth gauge, which ensures that pressure is evenly applied, resulting in a perfect result every time. Rock-a-Blocks retail at £9.99. Crafter’s Companion, crafterscompanion.co.uk TRIPLE WHAMMY Ideal for use in beading projects of all kinds, Creative Beadcraft’s three-in-one pliers are a crafting essential. “If I could take only one thing to a desert island it would be this,” says Laura Ells from the wholesale and retail supplier. “These quality pliers would prove their worth as a multi-purpose essential tool for jewellery making.” The slimline product is made from stainless steel with box-joint double leaf springs and comfortable foam handles. It incorporates round and flat nose pliers and cutters and is available in retail-ready packs at a price of £2.72 each. Creative Beadcraft, creativebeadcraft.co.uk craft tools craft focus 117