Handmade Detroit

Photo snapped before peeling.

This is what I get for buying something on clearance.

I keep buying these Martha Stewart craft kits to review hoping that the quality control will improve. So far that hasn’t happened, and the photo frame kit is a perfect example of that. While they look cute in that photo, they’re currently a disaster in my family room.

Assembling the frames wasn’t too hard. Basically you had to sandwich a piece of glass, photo mat, easel backing and photo/art of your choice. Finish with metallic tape around the edges and you’re almost there. No problem. Sure, the fit wasn’t exactly right on with some of the frames, but they weren’t too bad. HOWEVER, the velvet finishing tape (Martha sells many decorative tapes in her craft line) was the disaster element of this kit. The sticky backing on the tape must have been good for just a week after production because it immediately rolled right off the tape. And this happened on all the frames. The following day after making my frames, the velvet fell off, leaving the metallic tape sticky and a mess. I tried hot-gluing the velvet back on, but it wouldn’t stick.

This would have been a great kit, if it weren’t for, once again, the quality control issues with this brand. Am I the only one having these problems? I don’t think I’m alone.

THIS IS WHERE MY RANT TO MICHAELS BEGINS

One of my co-workers has gone through three “scalloped heart punches” trying to find one that actually finishes the paper punch. We tried different techniques at work trying to fix it, but it just wouldn’t punch. She’s officially given up on it.

I’ve been meaning to write a post griping “officially” about these kits for a while now. It all started when we couldn’t use our discount coupons on her craft line. I don’t know about you, but $19.99 seemed a little steep for some of those kits. Once we could start using our coupons, I started trying the kits out to review and they always either had not enough supplies, too many supplies, crappy directions, inaccurate descriptions on difficulty levels, etc. You get the idea.

I think it’s the kits that are the problem. I’ve tried her stickers, more basic punches and tools, and those have been fine to work with.

Now, my crafting happiness isn’t going to rely on whether or not I have a Martha Stewart craft kit. I’m a crafter who makes many things and these kits were for reviewing. BUT, there’s a whole group of people out there who’d love to have a cute, all-in-one craft kit, especially parents shopping for kids, to take home. I’m hoping that someone from Michaels might be out in the blogosphere doing product feedback on the line…

• Working with floral tape

• Product review: Autumn wreath kit