When I heard that Making Memories was coming out with a Hands Free Kit for the Slice, I knew I just had to have one. As Qwowi readers know, I have been a big fan of this handheld digital die-cutting machine ever since it was released. If I had to choose one thing that I don’t absolutely adore about the Slice, it would be having to hold it while cutting. Apparently the folks over at Making Memories read my mind. And an extra kudos to them for creating something to add on to the Slice instead of forcing Slice owners to buy a newer model.

The Hands Free Kit consists of a magnetic collar that, when placed over the Slice, allows you to cut, emboss or draw without having to hold the machine with your hands. Also included is a double-sided 12 “x 12″ glass mat that can be used for cutting (glass side) or embossing (foam embossing mat).

When trying out my new Hands Free Kit, I used some of Making Memories’ brand new repositionable spray adhesive, but of course you can also use the original glue that comes in a tube. I was impressed with the spray adhesive, though I need to become more adept at figuring out exactly the right amount to use for optimal cuts.

It wasn’t hard to figure out how to use the Hands Free Kit, especially if you are somewhat familiar with the Slice. After following the simple and easy-to-read instructions, I was pleased to have success with my first hands-free Slice die-cut. In my opinion, the Slice cuts every bit as well (if not better) with the Hands Free Kit than it does without, with the added bonus of — of course — freeing up your hands!

I was so in love with the cuts I was making using the Hands Free Kit and the new Paws & Claws Design Card, it was hard to stop. (I can also vouch for the new Bon Appetit and Summer Design Cards that I was thrilled to try out. Trust me, you’ll love them. The ice cream cone on the Summer card alone is so cute it’s worth buying the whole card just for that! Check out what talented designer Laura Vegas did with it and you’ll know what I’m talking about.)

I know that having the Hands Free Kit will motivate me to use the Slice more often, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has the machine or is considering buying one.

Making Memories has really stepped up to the plate yet again, giving scrapbookers and cardmakers exactly what we’re looking for. With that in mind, I’m going to be greedy and spill the beans on my ultimate Slice dream: if Making Memories could devise a way for us to use the Slice without having to deal with adhesives at all (some sort of built-in adhesive perhaps?), I might be moved to tears. Until then, I’ll keep on cutting.

The Slice Hands Free Kit is available from Two Peas in a Bucket for $39.99.