I’m ashamed to admit that with my vast array of stamps and art supplies, I have great difficulty getting handmade cards created in time for birthdays and holidays. Â That said, it is one of my goals to work on this year. Â In fact, this pin on Pinterest caught my eye and gave me some motivation! Â And if I’m going to be making a lot of cards, I definitely need a good scoring tool – so I was excited to give this little Scor-Buddy by Scor-Pal a try. Â You can see right on the packaging that it sells itself as a “card maker’s dream tool.” Â I wanted to find out if it really is!
I took the took out of its packaging and was struck by how slim and lightweight it was. Â Very nice. Â I certainly don’t need anything heavy or bulky added to my stash! Â And the size is great. Â Not that much bigger than the palm of my hand, it fits easily into that “little clear work space in the midst of the disaster” on my work desk. Â (I know I’m not the only one whose desk is like this!) Â It also comes with a handy little zippered storage bag, which would be great for when you are taking it along to crops or for travelling.
The board itself has a place for the scoring tool (aka bone folder) right at the top – and I was very impressed by the fact that there is actually a little spring-action button that you push which then pops the tool right out! Â For me, because of my weak hands (due to neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis), this is a MAJOR plus – I have a hard time digging things out when they are stuck into a space. Â That said, it’s great that the tool does click into place, so that it won’t easily get lost. Â Additionally, you can see that there is a ruler across the top and down the left side, and a fence on the left side to put your paper against. Â There are score lines every 1/4″ across the board, and every 1/8″ for the farthest 1″ on each end. Â The score lines appear to be nice and wide.
One more awesome thing – like the larger Scor-Pal (which Jenny recently reviewed here), the Scor-Buddy has a magnetic area in the upper left corner, so that you can place any metal embellishments you might be working with there and they will stay put! Â I loaded it up to see just how much stuff I could add, and I got all of this to stick. Â I was able to pick it up, shake it, etc., and nothing fell off! Â Pretty cool, right? Â Again, for me, with my difficulty picking up small items, this is a major bonus.
So I wanted to try out the markings on the ruler across the top, which are guides to help you fold specific types of cards. Â I started with a standard half-sheet greeting card. Â Simply score at the asterisk, fold, and you have a perfect card. Â My only previous experience with a scoring tool is the Martha Stewart Score Board, and I have to say that while I do like that one, I felt that the Scor-Buddy scoring tool did not jump out of the scoring lines like I’ve had problems with the MS Score Board doing to me sometimes.
I was very pleased with the crisp, even fold, and the sides lined up perfectly. Â (Note: if you have never used a scoring tool before, you should always fold the card so that the “bump” is on the inside of the fold.)
Next, I tried a gate-fold card. Â Again, there are markings on the top ruler to show where to score, making it very easy.
Once again, the card came out great and the sides lined up perfectly. Â This couldn’t be easier!
Finally, I wanted to try one that wasn’t completely laid out for me. Â There is an upside down triangle on the ruler that indicates where to score if you wanted to divide an 11″ cardstock into thirds to make a brochure. Â I didn’t want to do that, but I wanted to do a card with a flap. Â I started by scoring at that triangle mark.
Next, I flipped the card over, and placed my first score line against the fence on the left side of the board. Â I then scored at the triangle again, creating the flap.
This is the result – a flap card.
I even used the Scor-Buddy to create a wrap for the completed card, by scoring in the same places, but also scoring a second line 1/8″ away from each line, to allow for extra room so it would be able to slide on and off the card.
A little embellishing, and my finished card –
The Scor-Buddy is priced at $19.99 (the same as the Martha Stewart Score Board, by the way). Â You can also purchase a separate mat that works with the Scor-Buddy – it’s a cutting mat on one side and a non-stick work surface on the other; it’s priced at $7.00. Â Or there’s a special value pack right now for $26.99, which includes the tool, the mat, and 2 rolls of Scor-Tape. Â Whatever way you go, I personally think it’s a great little tool. Â Would I get rid of my MS Score Board? Â No…because this one really isn’t big enough to do things like larger boxes, big rosettes, etc., that I would use my larger board for. Â But I definitely see a place for the Scor-Buddy in my craft room, for card-making. Â I love the markings that make fast work of the most popular cards; I love how easy it is to grab the bone folder; I love the magnetic corner…and I love the size. Â For me, it’s a keeper!
What about you? Â Do you have a scoring tool? Â Do you have more than one? Â What’s your favorite?
Disclosure: Sample provided for review purposes.
If you are considering purchasing a Scor-Buddy, I hope you’ll use my affiliate links:
- Pat Catan’s Craft Stores Acquired by Michael’s - February 2, 2016
- Vicki’s CHA Trend Sightings - January 20, 2016
- Vicki’s Favorite Picks from the CHA Top 20 Products - January 10, 2016
- CHA Show 2015: Behind the Scenes with Vicki - January 30, 2015
- CHA 2015 Day 2 - January 20, 2015
- CHA Show 2015 – New Jewelry Products to Watch For - January 19, 2015
- CHA Show 2015: Yarnia - January 15, 2015
- CHA 2015: Day 1 - January 11, 2015
- Craft Product Review: Mod Podge Furniture in 3 Finishes - January 5, 2015
- Trend Report for 2014-2015 – Home Decor - November 26, 2014
Dee in N.H. says
I have the full size Score-Pal and just love it!! I keep eyeing that cute little Buddy though!
debb says
I have a Scorepal and a MS score board but I think having this handy little one would be a great addition- just the right size for a lot of projects! Thanks for the demo.
Brandi Schoch says
Sweet setup…gonna have to check it out.
Krissy says
I LOVE my Scor-Buddy! I don’t think it’s ever seen that cute little storage bag, though, since I keep it on my craft table and use it everyday!
Jenny says
The size definitely sells me on it. Yes, my desk becomes a disaster too while I am creating but as you said there is always that little work space and this little guy would fit great in it. I have the MS scorer but I feel like I can the best of both worlds with this little Scor-Pal too. Thanks!
Michelle jadaa says
ooooh i want one!I have a cricut cutter that you can change the blade on but its not nearly as useful as this!
Meg K says
Pretty card, great idea! I have Stampin’ Up!’s version, but I love the magnetic part of this one & the small size too 🙂 Thanks for sharing this 🙂
sherry says
Hi,
just a little note, you can purchase Martha Steward score board, $19.99 at Joanns and Michaels and use the 40% off coupon.
thank you,
sherry
huda says
I just wondering, does the scor buddy can create shutter card or for shutter card required 12by12 scor pal?
Jenny says
(Note- I no longer have the score buddy- I give it to my mom) I believe you could- you’d just have to find the right measurements and then score, flip your card, and score again.