Early in 2019 my husband James found a unique tool while skimming through Kickstarter. He thought it was a perfect and unique gift for me to use with my journaling so he backed the campaign for £90 approximately $110 U.S.
The Iris circle tool by Makers Cabinet was scheduled for shipping in November 2019, just in time for my birthday. November came and went and in December he received a message stating that shipping had started and the tool would be received before Christmas. Christmas came and went and still no circle tool.
Now it’s the end of January 2020. After contacting the company, he was told we should receive ours soon. Fast forward to March 2020 the Iris finally arrived. After learning about this whole ordeal, the part that bothers me most is the company was selling the Iris on their website before the Kickstarter backers even received theirs, odd right?
The entire situation was frustrating to say the least, but aside from that here is my honest review of the Iris –
Pros-
- this tool is definitely unique and a conversation piece
- it’s sturdy and heavy
- measurement guide makes it simple to make the same size circle
- easy to clean with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol
- it has a beautiful brass finish
- fancy drawing tool
- has a rubber bottom to help keep the Iris in place
- easy to make graduated circles
Cons-
- largest circle size is limited to approximately 2.75″ (70mm)
- the brass tarnishes and smudges easily
- it doesn’t produce a smooth circle drawing (slightly bumpy)
- the price tag is hard to stomach
- opening and closing the Iris takes practice
The Iris is the second circle drawing tool I own and it definitely has a coolness factor to it. But, I would not buy it again. Here is a link to the circle tool I have used for years and will continue to use (it’s only $5).
