Today we are going to talk about a product that is timely for the holidays- Martha Stewart Ornament Templates! These templates are made by EKSuccess brands. I tried out the Small Rectangle Ornament Template, Small Triangle Ornament Template, and Large Rectangle Ornament Template.
The website has the following to say about each of these:
Small Rectangle Ornament Template:
Craft your own paper lanterns and other party decorations in no time with this small rectangle Ornament template set from Martha Stewart Crafts™. Template holds standard 6in x 6in paper securely for precise cutting. Cutting tool uses standard utility knife blades and features retractable safety blade cover. Includes template and cutting tool.
Small Triangle Ornament Template:
Craft your own paper flowers, snowflakes and other party decorations in no time with this small triangle ornament template set from Martha Stewart Crafts™. Template holds standard 6in x 6in paper securely for precise cutting. Cutting tool uses standard utility knife blades and features retractable safety blade cover. Includes template and cutting tool.
Large Rectangle Ornament Template:
Craft your own paper lanterns and other party decorations in no time with this large rectangle ornament template set from Martha Stewart Crafts™. Template holds standard 12in x 12in paper securely for precise cutting. Cutting tool uses standard utility knife blades and features retractable safety blade cover. Includes template and cutting tool.
Each kit contains the template and a cutting blade. No paper is included. The cutting tool uses standard utility knife blades and has a safety feature to prevent cutting yourself.
Each kit also includes instructions. I found them to be somewhat incomplete and difficult to follow. I did muster through each of the kits with the instructions that are included.
I started with the triangle kit. I cut a variety of different papers.
The “top” side looks great on each one (pictured above). However, there is some tear out on the back of the paper (pictured below).
The tear out was worse as the paper got thicker. I was really unhappy with some of the tear out on my paper.
Other paper was not as bad. Since I had three templates, I tried the knives in each template. Some of the knives worked better than others. They still seemed to dull very fast. I would say if you are doing a project that will require that you cut multiples of a thick paper, I would buy some replacement blades before you start.
Now onto the confusion with the instructions. Only one of my kits had instructions on which direction you are to cut. See the illustration below.
There is an actual arrow on the template in one direction, but you are supposed to cut the paper in the OPPOSITE direction. I would have not known this on the two kits where the illustration was missing.
The instructions for putting together the projects was also slightly confusing on the triangle version. I believe I ended up doing it correctly. I made multiple ornaments and put them together into a large star.
With the large lantern template, I made just one large lantern. Each of these takes a 12″ by 12″ sheet of paper so it will make a large statement on it’s own.
I made a bunch of the small lanterns however. I put them together into a garland. You can get more information on this garland along with some more pictures on The Country Chic Cottage today.
If you need to make multiples of these projects for a party or wedding, these templates are definitely the way to go. They make cutting these projects fast and efficient. I would recommend a stock of replacement blades if you are using thick paper or making multiples. The blades tend to dull and tear out on the back side of the paper increases. I would try to find a you tube video or further instructions if you are confused by the small sheet of paper included with your kit. All in all these are excellent for all paper crafters that would like to make these ornaments for decoration.
Disclosure: Product was purchased by CTD for review purposes. If you’d like to purchase Martha Stewart Ornament Templates, please consider using the links below as it supports free content for you!
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Jenny Rohrs says
Angie- thanks for the honest review. I love your paper lanterns!
Mary Ann HT says
Thanks, Angie. Appreciate your very clear and thorough reviews. The lanterns are great–will have to think about getting these templates.
Ramona Winkelbauer says
Found one of these (large rectangular template) I’d bought on clearance. Since I also have a number of those “No Sew Throw Kits” I was contemplating using the MS template to cut the “fringe” of each throw before knotting them together. Thoughts?