Susan's Crop-A-Dile.

So this week we decided to have a product review. Now to clarify we are NOT being paid to do this review, nor did we receive anything from We R Memory Keepers which actually produce the Crop-A-Dile. That being said, lets get started!


Now this may look like a mid evil dungeon torture device, which is the first thing that came to my mind when I first saw it, but what it is in fact is a 1/8 inch and 3/16 inch punch that can set eyelets and snaps, not to mention it can punch through any material: paper, chipboard, fabric, plastic, acrylic, wood, and the occasional unruly hubby. Okay maybe not that last one but one can hope. ;)

Now my Crop-A-Dile is purple which to my understanding is a discontinued color. They still offer the pink and now they have an aqua color. There are even lime green ones out there in some places. They no longer sell them with the case but sell it separately to have it just be an option. The Crop-A-Dile retails for $33.99 at Hobby Lobby which is probably why I never bought one (Thanks a million Christy). But with a coupon (rubs her hands together evilly) $20.39 plus tax. Definitely worth it to use a coupon. This price is also without the nifty case which is $11.99 and comes with 240 eyelets.
Speaking of eyelets! There are tons of different ones out there. Just take a look at the Eyelet Outlet! They have every type of brad and eyelet known, or at least dang close!

Projects! Still think this is an over grown hole punch? Not so, just look at the accent possibilities. Take tags for instance, here you have plain boring tags, but when you add an eyelet, it becomes a durable, reinforced, hole for ribbons, flourishes, or anything else you can stick in there. You can add movement by setting and eyelet and inserting a brad to make anything turn, wings to move and so on. What this is, is a multi weapon perfect for any scrapbook or crafters arsenal.

This tool makes it easy just to punch, pop an eyelet in and set it with a simple flick of the wrist. It even adjust the depth/reach into the paper so you can set it and get the same result every time for multiple projects. The black cubes are also adjustable. Each giving you a different setting to your eyelet pending on your project.

Final thoughts? I like it, it's durable, comfortable to use, and comparable to similar tools out there the price point is good. Its multiple tools so take that in consideration when looking at purchasing anything else.

Tip #1: There is a small learning curve when setting an eyelet. Don't Smash! This takes a bit of finesse. Ease your grip on the handle to make sure you do not crush your eyelet. You can watch the distance between the back of the eyelet to the front, get the feel for it

Tip #2: Make a cheat sheet. Punch some holes and use the different settings on the black squares to press eyelets, so then you can have a reference for what you need for the project you are doing.

Tip #3: There are a lot of bad reviews for fabric punching. My advice is to add a piece or two of cardstock to give the punch something to grab on to pending on the fabric. :)