Cc International Ultimate Crafter's Companion Ultimate Tool -- 10 Paper Crafting Tools in a Convenient Carrying Case

The positives1. The DVD instructions are clear and easy to follow, I'm not one to read manuals so I was very happy about this.2. Everything is set up for you, all measured out so you don't really have to calculate anything, except if you're using a much larger paper size.3. It's multi-functional, you can do several things with this kit that you would otherwise have to buy equipment separately.The negatives1. The kit design, although compact, you need to be careful when opening and closing because the tray flaps are not securely closed and the stuff inside can fall out if you don't open properly.2. Guard that little black plastic clasp (the one that keeps the kit fastened) with your life, because if it breaks or you lose it (which is easy to do because it is not attached to the kit) you can't close the kit and keep the contents secure. You're gonna have to find a way to keep the handles closed in with something else.3. The cutting guide is soft plastic and wobbly, so you need to press firmly and push it up against the side to keep it straight while you cut and you don't get 100% straight, neat looking cuts, which is a big disadvantage.4. The blade doesn't give a clean cut when cutting through a thicker cardstock.Overall, I paid quite a bit for it (it was $59 at the time) so I'm making full use of it, the box making and envelope making features are cool, but apart from that, you're better off with a guillotine.

I was really excited about getting this but find I never use it. The pieces fall out of their slots and rattle around in the case. The ruler that fills in the center when the Crafter's Companion is open is wobbly and useless and the cutter is too bulky to make good cuts. The embossing tools had plastic seams on them that I had to file off because they kept slicing through my paper. Also, I tried storing paper and scraps inside the case only to have them fall out of the closed case. I notice that it is now listed as a "childs" crafting set. I suppose they changed that because the quality leaves a lot to be desired.The only thing I routinely use this set for is making boxes. I find myself using the Martha Stewart board for everything else because I find it to be higher quality, easier to transport and does everything I need.

For the price--beats the "Cricut" type machines--it's very nice. It opens like a book--several "pages" (boards) in between. And...PROS - it takes up little storage space, all is neatly contained, has many different designs carved in (embossing), & the booklet & DVD that come with it or VERY helpful & contain many unique ideas. Also scoring & pressing tools.CONS - I found it to be basically an Embossing Kit. (I might add, in embossing, I recommend you use Card Stock paper; regular PC paper is too thin to really show up well). Though it does have a cutting method for straight pcs., all the intricate cutting like on the expensive machines you have to do yourself.

I loved what you can do with this tool ! It keeps me busy and creative. It is very easy to use and to carry. I take very good care of it and so far I didn't have any issues. Thank you !

I received the tool very promptly. The cover was dog-eared but the contents were obviously new and unused. The DVD is very professional, has extensive tips and exhaustive projects. I'm especially pleased at the simplicity of the projects and appreciate seeing all the steps in real time. I also appreciated the alternates that were offered. Can't wait to get started.

I loved this item. So many uses for it. However in the item came a dvd to show many ways in which to use it and many other ideas. The dvd that came with mine however did not work at all. I tried my home dvd, my computer and my laptop and still nothing. I contacted the seller but got no response. Now I will contact the actual maker of the product to see about getting the dvd that will work..

Exactly what I was expecting. Read a lot of the low reviews and wonder what they thought it would be. I just wish it was not so pricey and that it was available in the US. I would like to give one as a gift.

I had seen this product used at one of my monthly craft meetings. Although the person who purchased it stated that they could have created their cards, envelopes etc without the Crafter's Companion, I found that the ease of use with the Crafter's Companion makes it easier to create. The video and idea book that came along with it is a great jumping off place to create other items using the inspirations presented.

This is a great bit of kit, but has one major flaw for anyone not using US size stationary. I saw this on a TV programme and thought it was very expensive at the time so I shopped around and found it here, I was overjoyed because I could use my gift card to pay for it. When it arrived, I eagerly opened it up and tried to follow everything I'd seen on the TV. That's when I got that screeching to a halt sensation.... all the paper scoring lines are marked for US size stationary, not UK sizes. I was a seriously disappointed and unhappy bunny when I discovered this as the ability to score the centre of an A4 sheet of card without having to measure it was one of the biggest draws, along with the envelope board, of course. None of the score lines are marked with UK sizes so I'm kind of stumped..... So not a happy camper. Still, at least the enveloper works for both flat envelopes and box envelopes, which is a relief as the one I got made by the other major craft tool company doesn't.

This product is so easy to use, I love it & am so happy I finally decided to make this purchase. My 10 yr. old keeps pulling it out to make cards for family & friends. With the crafter's companion I am no longer having to get after her for using too many stickers from my stash, she can dress up her handiwork quite nicely with the embossing tool.The only downfall of the product is that items don't snap into place properly, I am going to put some magnetic strips on the cutting tools to at least keep them in place, don't think there is much I can do to keep the embossing sticks from sliding around.

This is brilliant and had so much enjoyment with it so far. Love the dvd which is helpful. Does so much in one job I don't need loads of equipment.

Boxes do not come out ok, The top is always too large or the bottom to small depending on your opinion, not as shown in videos. I've tried different thickness of material but the same problem always occur. The cutting ruler is the pits, it moves when you use it to cut, no wonder they don't use it in the videos. The envelope maker is very good though, would recommend this product just for the envelopes. Would not recommend this.

I have yet to figure out all the neat stuff, but i love it so far