I have always wanted to try a craft iron, so when I was asked to review the Purple Cows Melt Tool– which comes with a craft-iron attachment – I was totally on board!
The Melt Tool is one of two heat tools by Purple Cows (Sizzle is the other). Â Melt is a lower to mid-temperature tool, while Sizzle is the higher temperature tool. Â There are a variety of accessory tips available for each of the tools, depending on what you would like to do with the tools, as well as encaustic wax and hot-fix crystals and nailheads for decorating. Â I have to be honest – I was by far the most excited by the wax potential…encaustic painting and just plain beeswax has been intriguing to me for a while now! Â So that is what I focused on the most!
To start off, the main Melt tool comes with 6 tips – including the craft-iron tip, a wire brush, a wax pen, a mini flow (for creating small dots, circles and shapes), a taper (for creating detail or cutting stencils), and a chisel (for lettering, shaping and fusing techniques). Â The Encaustic Wax Kit, which I also received, included a small block of clear wax, plus the craft iron tip, the wire brush, and the wax pen, and a sheet of sand paper (for cleaning the tips). Â I received additionally a package of primary-colored Encaustic Wax (red, blue and yellow) and a package of metallic-colored Encaustic Wax (gold, silver, and clear). Â Finally, I received the Gem Setting Kit, which included 6 assorted tips for using with hot-fix gems/crystals and nailheads, along with a nice assortment of colors, sizes and shapes of gems and nailheads.
Per the website, the “Melt dual temperature craft iron is a mid-temperature heat with 2 heat settings and 6 interchangeable tips for even more creative techniques.” Â Techniques listed include:
- Encaustic wax painting, collage and mixed mediaÂ
- Hot fix gem and nailhead embellishment setting
- Embossing techniques
- Textile distressing
- Quilt and applique fusing and pressing
- Leather branding
- Image transfer and more!
Finally, one last application using the craft iron tip – fusing fantasy fibers and fantasy film. Â You may recall this project from my Art Institute Glitter review a while back. Â What you may not have known is that I used the Purple Cows Melt craft iron to do the fusing! Â How wonderful it was not to have to drag out my big regular iron to do the job!! Â This tool is truly versatile!
Now, when I listed the tips, both in the original kit and the Encaustic kit, you may have noticed the “wax pen.” Â I was very intrigued by this. Â I will admit that it took me a few tries to figure it out – including a failed attempt using crayon wax! Â BUT, once I received the wax blocks from Purple Cows, OH MAN – this is cool! Â Basically, the tip works just like a regular dip pen – like you would dip into India ink. Â Only this one gets hot, and then you “dip” it into a block of solid wax – which it then melts, fills the “barrel,” and then allows you to write with it! Â In WAX!! Â How unbelievable is that?! Â I really did not believe it until it worked for me! Â Ha! Â And then it worked, and I was in awe. Â It truly does work. Â Totally fun! Â It does seem like you’d go through quite a bit of wax if you were to write anything lengthy, but to just write a title or a key word for emphasis – very cool!
Samples provided for review
If you are considering purchasing this product, I’d appreciate it if you used my affiliate links:
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jengd says
While I’ve never really considered getting a tool like this (though some of what this one can do might make me rethink that!), this one would definitely be one I’d be checking out in a big way- it certainly seems versatile!
Jenny says
Jen- this IS a versatile tool- it’s one of those ones that when you have it, you’ll keep finding new uses for it….I use one for “melting” organdy material in fabric art….-Jenny
Anon says
Who in their right mind would pay YOU to craft since your work is mediocre at best. Get over yourself and have some class.
Jen Clark says
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and leaving a comment, Anonymous. I just wanted to clarify that as a member of the Craft Test Dummies team, I do not receive payment for my reviews. I receive products to review, in return for my impartial review and write-up. I am actually proud to call myself an artist, and happily sign my name to my artwork and my reviews. It appears that you, however, chose to hide behind anonymity in leaving your comment – which I dare say you would not say to any person in real life, as it defies general human kindness and compassion. I always welcome comments about my reviews of the actual products. -Jen Clark
Jenny says
Having some class would be making constructive comments relevant to the content and being respectful of the time and effort it takes to create FREE informative blog posts without hiding behind “anonymous” so you can spew anger without being held responsible. But that’s just me.
Theresa F says
This looks like a really cool tool. It was fun seeing all the different ways you can use it. I esp love the butterfly and the tag you made.
To Jen, I love seeing your posts and reviews.You make me want to try new crafts and techniques, so thank you 🙂
(Comment edited to remove inappropriate language.)
Beth says
What a shame, anon – you are a shallow being for leaving a comment as you did – Jenny – you are my hero – and I know for a fact that tomorrow you will be your kids hero!!!!!! Happy Halloween!
Betsy says
Anon must be an idiot looking for attention but ashamed to show his/her inadequacies. I love your blog and value what you do. Please try to let this roll off your back. Keep up the good work, Jenny, and continue your valuable inspiration and guidance.
Teresa Jaye says
WOW! What a neat tool! Thanks for showing so many different ways to use it. I love your art journal page and the tag made with the Styrofoam stamps is awesome! You always put so much time, thought, and creativity in to your reviews, I really appreciate that!
Jen Evers says
I realize I’m commenting on a very OLD post in your eyes, but it’s new to me!! I got a Purple Cow tool just like yours and was looking for information on what to use it for. This was incredibly helpful to me, thank you so much for making it!! xoxo Jen