Yesterday I test-drove the new 5-in-1 tool in the Donna Dewberry Line of Studio by Sculpey.
I tried to like it. Really. But it fell short of my expectations in a number of ways.
The idea was brilliant: a stylus type tool with interchangeable tips to make clay work more efficient. The set includes a ball tip, a blade, a needle tool, a chisel tip, and a bullet tip, all with a handy tip holder. So I crack it out of its packaging, and I start to remove the tip that in the stylus. So I start to twist. And twist. And twist.
What? It’s not a twist-in thingy? Oh….. ! It’s a magnet! Duh! So I pull it out, and fit the next one in, which is the blade with a protective cap. So I try to take off said protective cap. And the whole thing pulls out. I try this 3 times, trying to insert the blade and THEN take off the cap- which would be the safest way to do it. But no. You have to take off the safety cap, and then insert it with the blade exposed. This gets a big thumbs-down for safety reasons.
So, then I get to craftin’ with the blade, and I notice that it spins in the stylus. (Remember, magnet, not twisty-thingy.) What this means is that if you are trimming around a firm object, you can’t get as much leverage. This is terribly inconvenient. Also, the blade is thicker than an Exacto blade, which makes it not-so-good for cutting edges or trimming. Half-way through, I gave up on the Sculpey tool and resorted to my handy-dandy tissue blade. If they had made the blade thinner and/or made a notch in the stylus and tips to keep them from spinning, it would have worked way better. Thumbs-down on this aspect, too.
Still undaunted, I moved to the bullet tip to smooth out some seams. Guess what? Because it’s made of plastic (and not rubber, like most clay smoothers) THIS SUCKER HAS A SEAM IN IT. Really. The tool that is supposed to help you smooth your clay left LINES IN MY PROJECT. What is up with this thing???!!!
So, I basically give up, and go to put it away in the bottom of my clay case. It tips over. I think, no prob, it’s in it’s little handy stand, they won’t fall all over. But they do! Because there is no magnet at the bottom of the stand to HOLD IN THE TIPS! (Can you tell I’m getting steamed by this point?!?) So they fall all over. Why wouldn’t they put a magnet in the stand? I don’t know, but I’m gluing one into mine, just to make it functional.
Oh, and speaking of functional, there is no place in the stand to hold the stylus. Really. (???!!!!!!???) Again, one small thing – like making a place to “park” your stylus in between uses, and for storage – could have made a big difference.
The verdict? A craftastrophe. Good idea + poor design = frustrated crafters. Save the $14.99 retail price and get yourself a nice set of authentic clay smoothers and keep your Exacto blade handy.
Interested in more Studio By Sculpey reviews? Read my posts on the Studio by Sculpey Clay and Super Slicer Tools.
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Nancy says
Hi!
I, too, was very enthusiastic about trying this new line of tools.
I bought the “Etch ‘N Pearl” which is a set of piercing rods that have opposing concave ends. My verdict is that they bent (right out of the package) and I cannot get them straightened out. Bent rods are not very useful! They looked like they were stainless steel in the package but they act like they are soft aluminum.
I’ll go back to my less expensive brass rods and tubing from the hobby store. They bend less easily.
sandrar says
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. 🙂 Cheers! Sandra. R.
plastic crate says
simple I may have to get some of these