In papercrafting, there are crafters and then there are CRAFTERS. You know, perfectionists. Every line must be straight and perfect. Well, CRAFTERS, I’ve got the tool for you- the KellyCraft Get-It-Straight Laser Square.
Here’s how it’s described on the website:
The Get-It-StraightTM Laser Square is the only tool you need to quickly and easily laser align elements on your scrapbook pages or any other projects. Utilizing our patented sliding laser design, you can easily position the laser alignment line precisely where you want it on your project. No more crooked titles or ribbons, and all your pictures will be in perfect alignment with each other! Benefits of the Get-It-StraightTM Laser Square include:
- Takes the guesswork out of aligning multiple elements!
- Enables you to do more complex layouts in much less time!
- Enhances your ability to do intricate designs with precise alignment!
- Reduces waste and helps to eliminates do-overs!
- Allows you to spend less time being frustrated and more time enjoying your favorite hobby!
- Click HERE to see a product video!
Let’s take a closer look. It’s actually very simplistic design: a right angle of plastic (in which each arm measures about 13 inches, to accommodate 12 inch square projects) and a sliding laser light long the right hand edge. It runs on a 9-volt battery and has one simple on/off switch. The light shines across the space until something interrupts it.
Now, this unit is sold alone- no mat underneath.
There is a magnetic mat that has been introduced, but I wasn’t sent that to review. So I am reviewing the KellyCraft Get-It-Straight Laser Square as a stand alone product.
You might find that if your surface is bumpy or warped, the line might be a bit wonky.
Here you can see the paper is warped, which affects the line.
Since there is no way to anchor the paper to the tool, you will have to rely on some Washi tape to keep things flat.
The laser glides smoothly in the carriage- and I LOVE the large numbers. It makes it very easy to see the increments. There is no “click” for them and no way to “lock” the carriage into a position. So be careful not to jiggle it!
My first test was with a wood-mounted stamp.
Wood Mounted Stamp
This did not go particularly well. I had a hard time lining up the block against the light and being able to see it and position it accurately. This is not the fault of the laser square, per se. It’s just that the wood block obscures the light.
The next test was with a clear, cling-mount stamp. SO MUCH BETTER! You can see the light through the acrylic block and line up your stamps in a snap. I love the KellyCraft Get-It-Straight Laser Square for this application!
Now, let’s look at positioning embellishments.
Again, it is really lovely to have the laser light there so you can make sure your embellishments or design elements line up just-so. Love, love, love.
Now, I tried some handwriting. 
Uh-oh. If you are right handed, your hand will obscure the light completely. However, I have an easy fix for you.
Turn the unit around 180 degrees so that the angle is at the lower left of your table.
Now you can see to write perfectly!
Last, I lined up a few rubber stamps. These are from KellyCaft- new Easy De’s cling-mount stamps designed by Ann Butler.
Again, I could see right where I was lining up my stamps and it was so much easier (not to mention more accurage) than eyeballing it!
The KellyCraft Get-It-Straight Laser Square is retailing for $69.99 on their website (or only $49.99 for a “whitebox” version which means it’s not in retail packaging), which is a bit of an investment. However, with the holidays approaching, you just might want to make the investment if you are creating your holiday cards (as I am) and want that perfect-placement. OR put it on your wish list!
I have to admit that if I was rating this tool I’d give it an 7 on a scale of 1-10. The only thing that keeps me from being totally in love with it is that it doesn’t come with a work surface attached. I’d like a way to secure my project to the tool. (Again, I know that there is an add-on tool for that, but it comes separately. Not even available at this writing.)
SO. For the perfectionist crafters- are you in heaven? I’d love to hear your thoughts and read your comments!
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How does this compare to SLiderwriter which you reviewed Marc 12, 2013?
Phyllis, I’m glad you asked. I’ll be doing a side-by-side comparison post very soon. : )
I have the Laser Square and I love it. The mat that I work on has strong magnets that came with it, so that works for me when using the Laser. It was not bought as part of the Laser. I just lucked out! Anyway, I love it. I love that I can line up stickers and stick on letters or any type of letters. (And Yes, I am one of those… perfectionists) LOL I always have had trouble getting them straight and now with the Laser I can put them on in any direction and not have a problem. The only downside that I noticed is it is a bit awkward to pack to take to a crop. I would have loved it if it was foldable, but it’s not, so it is a bit difficult when trying to pack it. Other than that, I love mine!! A couple of my friends have it too, and they love theirs as well!!! SO if I was rating it, I would give it an 8.5!!! I take off the 1.5 for the awkwardness of it when packing!!!
I recently purchased the Laser Square and I have to say, I really like it. Granted it doesn’t come with the Multi-Mat but it’s a great tool to have. I sent in questions to KellyCraft support and Jimbo Kelly called me personally with answers to all my questions. Jimbo said the Multi-Mat platform is like a docking station for the Laser Square. He was so nice to talk to and is including one of the skins and the magnetic plates for free with the Multi-mat that I ordered. Once I have it all together it should be a breeze doing my paper crafts a whole lot faster. The only thing I think would be missing is a nice padded carry bag for it, but I know I have something here that I can use.
I’d love this tool but the price stops me from buying it. For the commenter above, it doesn’t fold because that would mean it could misalign, defeating the purpose of the tool.
It would be great if there were a way to align both vertically and horizontally at the same time, but I’m guessing there’s no good way to have laser lines cross each other and still be visible! Still, I thought this was a great idea when I first saw it a year ago. Keep an eye out, I’m guessing you can find this discounted on certain DOD sites!