Anyway, for my letter "Z" I'm going to talk about the Zutter Bind It All machine. When I talked about tools for the letter "T" I forgot about this one because it is something that I have had for a while but don't use very much. It is a machine that you can use to make your own books with wire binding. I got it from Blitsy (an online creative supply store) during a sale for a steal.
It came with instruction booklet, measuring guides and wire cutters,
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| Wire cutters |
as well as several different sizes and colors of wire binding. There was also a project idea book with so many cute ideas for making different kinds of books and albums. Look at that boot!
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I got this cover set on sale and thought it would be a great one to use to make a book.
I can use those recycled pieces of cardboard and plastic that I keep saving to make something!
The first thing is to decide how long your project is and then use the guide to figure out how many holes you need. Then you put the paper in the machine with the edge of the paper at the edge of the machine and make your first punch.
You slide the paper along until you have enough punches for the whole length. For this 11 inch paper I needed 20 holes.
Once the holes are punched then you get the wire binding you want and cut it to size. After putting the wires through the holes, you set it in the machine again and squeeze the wires together. That's one of the tricky parts, you don't want to squeeze it too hard and you want it to be even all the way up.
Here's my finished binding. It looks like some are a little looser than others but I think it will be fine.
Well done for getting here! That machine looks a challenge to use, doing it bit by bit. We had one at work that could do an A4 page in one go.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Wendy. The trick is to keep the paper down so the holes are all even. That's probably why I haven't used it very often. Thanks for stopping by and leaving comments!
DeleteWell done for Z! Cute little tool, but yes, looks like you need time to make a A4 file 😉
ReplyDeleteI was actually surprised at how many pages of cardstock (which is thicker than regular paper) I could fit in one punch. Since I don't have to make 100 at a time, I think I'll be okay - LOL.
DeleteCongrats on a challenge well done Janet. I have a binding machine as well, but not the kind you have. I've done projects where I've had to spiral-bind dozens of booklets, and after a few you really do get better and quicker at it. Hope you have fun using it more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah! I found that I had less of a problem when I did it for this post so I am encouraged.
DeletePardon the all-caps, but THAT IS SO AWESOME!! You have the coolest tools ever.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching the end of the challenge!
Thanks Trudy! Now if I would only use the tools!
DeleteI'm glad you saved the Zutter for the end. What "Z" word is better than that?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on another successful round of A-Z.
Funny you should say that. I was going to make some cards with zebras on them and then I remembered this. Much more interesting I think!
DeleteYou made it! I loved seeing all your card making things. It made my little crafter's heart happy.
ReplyDeleteI too get stuck into the post-April slump. Last year was really bad, and I eventually took the whole summer off to recover from it, but this year doesn't seem to be too bad haha! But it is only the first day lol
It is much easier for me to keep blogging when I have some kind of challenge or theme to the month. I was a little surprised by how my little creations were so well received. Maybe I'll keep doing more of that. I am glad I found your blog. Happy May!
DeleteI have never heard of Zutter but I have come across binding machines. I guess you need to use it a lot if you invest in your own. You are certainly busy crafting a lot!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing A-Z! What a month!
Thanks Tamara! What a month is right. I am going to use it more now that I practiced again for this post and now that I have more work space in the new studio. It really is a cool tool. Thanks for your visits this month!
DeleteI'm here from the A to Z Roadtrip. I love this tool! I published a memory journal which someone bought in bulk. She then took it to a binder to have a spiral binding added for $5 each. It made it much easier to use the journals. I will check into getting one of these.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather! I was just thinking about the Roadtrip. It seemed that not too many people signed up to do that this year. The memory journal sounds great and how much better if you could add the extra $ to your price for binding! I got mine on sale through Blitsy and I know they are having a sale right now but I don't know if that is one of the items included. You can go through my link on the right side of this page if you want. Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by!
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