| Overview: In addition to their terrific professional-grade laminators, Xyron makes a lot of great crafting gadgets, including the items in their Create-A-Sticker series. These devices make it possible for anyone to create his/her own stickers and labels for use in scrapbooks, greeting cards, correspondence, and more. The biggest product in this line is the 500 model which is easy to use and affordable, in addition to being one of the safest crafting tools out there. However, it does have one major drawback which is mentioned below. Keep reading to learn all about this product and then decide for yourself if this is the right device for you. Features/ Strengths: - This is the largest of Xyron's three label-making machines. It can produce labels that are up to 5 inches wide, while the 250 and 150 can only produce items that are 2.5 and 1.5 inches wide, respectively.
- The adhesive used with the 500 is acid-free, so you can use your labels and stickers in your scrapbooks. It comes in a cartridge that's easy to install. Both permanent and repositionable adhesive is available, and the 500 even comes with a cartridge to help you get started. (It also comes with a booklet that's full of ideas.)
- You can make just about anything into a sticker when you use the 500, including paper and more three-dimensional materials such pressed flowers. Since the 500 will provide you with edge-to-edge adhesive application, you can even make stickers from items that have intricate designs. And if there's a little bit of excess glue, it can be easily rubbed away with your fingers, kind of like rubber cement. (But without the smell and toxicity of that particular bonding agent.)
- Kids would probably have a lot of fun with this machine because it's easy to use. Also, the 500, like the other Create-A-Sticker products, stands on its own and doesn't need an outside power source to be used. That way, it's safe for everyone to use, even the little ones.
- This device is small and not heavy. It is easy to move around.
- The 500 costs just $32.99. It won't kill your budget, but it will provide you – and your kids – with a lot of fun.
Limitations/Weaknesses: - Although the 500 is available for a low price, for just a few dollars more, you can purchase Xyron's Creative Station 510. The 510 can not only make stickers, it can help you make your own magnets as well as laminate small items. It offers a more comprehensive crafting solution for not a lot of extra cash.
- The 500 is made up of mostly plastic, so there's a good chance it will need to be replaced at some point in the future.
- The purple color of this device might not be to everyone's tastes.
Recommendation: Out of all the Create-A-Sticker models, the 500 is the one to get just because it can produce the biggest stickers. If you are just going to be making stickers, this gadget is a good choice, but for the serious crafters out there, forking over the additional money for the Creative Station might be a better decision. |
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