By Creative Memories
August 29, 2024

The Official Guide To Creative Memories Trimmers

Get ready to cut loose and dive into a world of precision and play with Creative Memories Trimmers! Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker and/or crafter or are just starting out, you’re going to NEED to have trimmer(s) you can depend on. This blog post will guide you through the info you’ll want to know to select the perfect trimmer(s) for YOUR needs!

— Why Choose Creative Memories Trimmers —

While big-box stores offer a variety of trimmers, we’ve invested countless hours developing trimmers that are durable and precise, and made of high-quality materials. We’ve given thoughtful construction to all the features that will make scrapbooking and crafting easier for you and our trimmers pass vigorous testing to ensure they’re the very best on the market. Plus, our two bestselling trimmers — shown in the video below — include innovative features and unique storage solutions!

Key Moments:
0:04 – Superior features of BOTH trimmers
0:22 – Differences in uses and blades
0:36 – Maximum Ruler Arm extensions
0:52 – Storage underneath

— Explore the Trimmer Types —

When selecting the perfect Creative Memories Trimmer, consider your project’s specific goals. Below is an overview of the recommended trimmer based on the objective you’d like to achieve.


— 12-inch Trimmer —

The 12-inch Trimmer: Your Versatile Precision Tool

Designed for cutting Creative Memories paper and cardstock (like butter!), this bestselling trimmer delivers effortless cuts and stunning results with a safety-first approach.

Key Moments:
0:07 – Extendable Ruler Arm and measurement markings
0:20 – How to determine the common photo and mat sizes on your 12-inch Trimmer
0:27 – Self-healing cutting mat strip
0:40 – Ensuring straight cuts
0:52 – How to know where the blade will cut
1:03 – Making cuts with SightLine — totally unique to this CM trimmer
1:40 – Interchangeable safety blades
1:59 – How to use the trimmer
2:23 – Built-in storage
2:39 – Ruler Arm footrest for stability
2:57 – Additional trimmer features
3:11 – Removing blades / a few blade designs

Key Benefits:

  • Superior Precision: The aluminum double track and clear alignment guides ensure straight cuts every time.
  • Versatility: Interchangeable blade styles are available for varying effects on your projects.
  • Portability: The compact design and blade storage make it easy to take with you.
  • Easy Measurements: The high-contrast ruler and clear markings make it simple to measure and cut accurately (with common photo sizes highlighted!).
  • Durability and Safety: The safety blade cover and rubber feet provide stability and protection. The 12-inch trimmer’s blade only engages when pressed down, preventing accidental contact during cartridge insertion or cutting. This feature provides added peace of mind for parents, grandparents and anyone caretaking small children!

Get to know more about the 12-inch Trimmer in the video below!

Download the flyer here!

Considerations: The 12-inch Trimmer is compact to store, but if you have limited space for storage in your craft space, you may want to consider a smaller trimmer. If you’re looking for the cheapest trimmer on the market, this trimmer may not be for you. Retailing at $49.50 USD, Creative Memories’ 12-inch Trimmer costs more than trimmers at big-box stores, however, the price reflects our quality assurance and superior additional features.

Perfect for: Scrapbookers and crafters who want a durable, trustworthy trimmer for their projects, as well as the creative who likes to mix up blades for added effect on their layouts and crafts. Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker, a DIY enthusiast or a paper artist, this trimmer offers the precision and longevity you need to create beautiful, professional-quality projects. If you craft with paper and cardstock and value accuracy and versatility, the 12-inch Trimmer is an excellent choice.


— Photo Trimmer —

Photo Trimmer: The Precision Tool for Your Photos

Effortlessly trim your photos to the perfect size with precision and ease with the Photo Trimmer! This compact tool offers a seamless solution for your photo-trimming needs, ensuring clean, straight cuts every time.

Key Benefits:

  • Superior Precision: The tension-loaded spring guillotine ensures perfectly straight cuts, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
  • Easy Measurements: The high-contrast ruler and clear markings make it simple to measure and cut accurately (with common photo sizes highlighted!).
  • Additional Storage: Includes snap-and-tuck storage for your All-Purpose Scissors and Micro-Tip Scissors, keeping your workspace organized at home or on the go.
  • Compact Design & Portability: Compact size makes it easy to take with you on the go and nests on top of the 12-inch Trimmer for convenient storage.

Considerations: The Photo Trimmer is designed for trimming photos up to 8×10 inches. If you need to trim larger photos or larger paper/cardstock, the 12-inch Trimmer is a better choice. This trimmer only cuts straight cuts. If you’d like to cut decorative edges on photos or papers, you’ll want to use the 12-inch Trimmer instead.

Perfect for: Anyone who likes to trim photos! Scrapbookers looking to maximize photos on their layouts and/or remove unwanted visuals from their photos, those who prefer smaller album sizes such as 8×8 or 6.75×10, creatives who like to do photo journals or photo calendars — if you have photos, you’ll want this trimmer!

Proper Storage for Your Creative Memories 12-inch Trimmer and Photo Trimmer:

Keeping your trimmers organized and protected is essential for their longevity and performance. The Creative Memories Trimmer Bag is the perfect solution for storing your 12-inch Trimmer and NEW Photo Trimmer! Not only does it provide a safe and secure place for your trimmers, but it also makes them easy to transport for crafting on the go.

Want to get a Trimmer Bag like the one shown above? Keep an eye out for our brand-new color and restock in 2025! 


— 12-inch Decorative Trimmer —

12-inch Decorative Trimmer: A Wave of Whimsy

The 12-inch Decorative Trimmer offers a fun way to add a wave of whimsy to your layouts, cards and crafts! With its precision v-blade, you can create gentle waves or deeper curves in any size that suits your needs.

Key Benefits:

  • Creative Versatility: Adds unique, wavy designs, enhancing visual appeal and adding a touch of personality.
  • Control: The hardened steel v-blade ensures clean, accurate cuts, allowing you to create consistent and professional-looking waves.
  • Customizable Waves: Adjust the depth and frequency of the waves to suit your specific project and design goals.
  • Measurements: The built-in grid and extendable ruler provide accurate measurements, ensuring your waves are aligned and consistent. 
  • Durability: The construction and durable materials ensure long-lasting performance, providing longevity for your purchase. 

Considerations: If you’d like to have interchangeable blades where you can create more than the wavy designs offered on this trimmer, then you’d be better off going with the 12-inch Trimmer. If you’d like to have additional storage features, the 12-inch Trimmer or Photo Trimmer would be ideal.

Perfect for: Scrapbookers and crafters who like to add whimsical waves to their layouts, cards and crafts and those who appreciate the versatility of decorative effects to enhance their layouts with eye-catching details!


6 responses to “The Official Guide To Creative Memories Trimmers”

  1. This was a great video! I have never really used the smaller trimmer for whatever reason not sure! However I am going to order one!

  2. Amazing guide to all CM trimmers…almost have me convinced to buy new personal trimmer and bag and donate my hardworking older one to Volunteers of America!

  3. I would not be without all of my photo trimmers as they are top quality and the only ones I use! I have them in MInnesota and Arizona!

  4. I remember that CM had a cropper cutter in the 1980s. I don’t know how much different this is except for all the guidelines. Oh, I know the old one worked like cutting board with a chopper arm.
    This one is safer and more precise since you lock it down and push or pull the blade;)

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