Here on CraftTestDummies we’ve been systematically going through the new “CraftGeek” line of Crafty Tools by Purple Cows. Today we kick the tires on “Pin It“- a tool for attaching decorative staples anywhere on your page.
“Pin It” is described on the website like this:
- CraftGeek Pin It magnetic alignment system makes it easy to add a metal embellishment anywhere on the page
- Can be used with paper, cardstock, vellum, ribbon, fabric or craft foam
- Pin It Pins are available separately in 5 styles
- Transparent plate and magnetic alignment for easy pin placement
The set includes the 2-piece unit and 5 pins to get you started.
If you can see, there are 4 magnets that align so that there is only ONE way that you can put it together- very nice for craft test dummies like me- and yet you can position the tool anywhere on your project.
To use it, you slide the purple base under your project to the desired position. Then you place the hinged lid on top. 
There are 2 slots in the clear portion, and your pin slides right in,pretty side up. You really cannot put it in there wrong! 
Then you lower the “lid”, press down, and presto! Pretty pin placed perfectly!
(OK, sorry about the illiteration. Couldn’t help myself.)
The amount of force you need to place the pin is about that of using a paper punch- maybe even a bit less. It’s designed to press down with the palm of your hand, so you don’t have to worry about hand strength or fine-motor coordination. My first-grader had enough strength to place the pin.
Back side:
As you can see, it also tucks the pins very neatly to the side minimizes any pokey bits.
Of course, the next thing to do was to try it on various materials.
Attaching ribbon to a journal page- 2 layers of organza ribbon and 2 layers of paper.
Attaching Paper Veneer to the journal page- 1 layer of veneer, 1 layer of paper.
As a photo corner- 1 layer of cardstock.
Six sheets of scrapbook-weight paper.
The Pin It is very easy to use and I foresee using it to attach fun items into my home-made Smash-type book- so much more decorative and fun then just stapleing.
I found it online at the Purple Cows website, and retails for $14.95 USD. Pins come in 5 styles: Spring, Summer, Solstice, Winter, and Fall- and they come in a pack of 20 for $4.95 USD. (Each pack as a variety of copper, silver, and gold finishes.) I really, really, really hope that they will expand the pin styles and include some pewter, black, and white finishes. If they do, they will find a repeat customer in me for sure!
Disclosure: Sample provided for review purposes.
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That’s pretty cool! I hadn’t seen this before. Yes, going to need more colors too!
Oh, Jenny, I’m always looking for something new and cool. This will be on my wish list for sure. One question: in your sample, when you show the flip side of the circle-displaying the back look – it looks like the circle has a fold/bend in it. is that from the purple cow or was that already there? The front picture doesn’t show it. Just wondering. Thanks for all the great reviews.
Mary: The Pin It didn’t buckle the paper at all – it was just my handling it. Thanks for asking!
Got these for a Christmas present and want more of the pins but my husband doesn’t know where he got the kit. Could be JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Thanks for your reply.
I have this, I like to put it on the sentiment on the inside of my cards. I haven’t used it in a while, thanks for reviewing it to remind me 🙂