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There are a lot of stamps that I will not fussy cut because I know I will not be happy with the results. I'm sure with lots of practice my cutting skills would improve, but I haven't found a pair of scissors that I'm happy with yet. So I guess I'm looking for suggestions for the perfect pair of fussy cutting scissors.
I have tried numerous scissors and have found Martha Stewart's small scissors are the best. They're a bit smaller than CutterBee's small scissors and Stampin' Up!'s Snips (small scissors). I have big hands and MS work perfectly. The secret is to move the paper, not the scissors; and always cut the most fragile part of the image first.
I find it relaxing; I can let my mind wander (sometimes it doesn't make it back home!). And I use "long" scissors, the Fiskars spring scissors, so that my hand only has to do half of the work. One might think they can get into tight areas better with short blades, but I find the opposite to be true.
The secret is to move the paper, not the scissors. And never cut until your blades completely close: about 1/2" from the end, open the blades and continue to cut in a fluid motion.
Can you tell I watched the Carol Duvall Show?
Me too! I can sit and fussy cut all night long!
I've found that Martha Stewart's small scissors work the best for me.
Yes, I learned that secret from Carol Duvall also! ;)
Always cut around the most fragile part of the image first, then continue with rest.
I can do it, but hate it as it hurts my hands. I prefer to buy stamps that have matching dies for that reason. It is more expensive this way but much more enjoyable for me as I have more options for my stamps.
I am thinking of getting an electronic cutter that can scan and then cut which will pay for itself in die savings rather quickly.
I will fussy cut if I HAVE to, but do not like doing it...............and am not good at it. I flunked scissors in 1st grade But, since reading here at SCS, the tip to move the paper not the scissors, I find it is easier. But I will probably never be a fan of fussy cutting.
__________________ Mary ~~ QFTD #152, FS#514CC Guest Design Team 2012, 2013, 2017 & 2022 2014 CAS Spring Design Team MemberSC Guest Design Team 2015 & 2022 Dirty Dozen Alumni SU Consultant "Life's greatest adventure is finding your place in the Circle of Life" - Lion King
I agree with Sabrina on the self-healing mat vs the glass one. I gave away my glass one when we moved last year and I haven't missed it yet! That thing was a pain to store and even worse to drag out every time I wanted to use it. I have a small (7" square) rotating mat (actually on a turntable) that is designed for use in quilting, and it's very useful! I also use the Fiskars finger knife - MUCH easier than a regular one! I'll have to look into the MS scissors - sounds like something I need! Great thread...
I LOVE to fussy cut. It is relaxing and fun for me. I have an old pair of Wiss scissors that I was given as a kid as we cut out paper dolls, greeting card images to make gift cards and wrapping paper decorations and pattern pieces (my mother sewed everything and I got the job of cutting each pattern piece to size) I don't like an outline around the image except on rare occasions and cut close to grass, antennas and whiskers as well as inside bent arms and crossed legs. I'm not so good with an Exacto knife unless it involves a ruler, and even then it is iffy. Die cuts I own are for round, oval or other mostly smooth curved shapes that are difficult to make look good if they are not perfect.
I love to fussy cut. I can either cut a little white border or cut close the to image. I do not have great success with die cuts and stamps that match. By the time I figure it out, I can have the image cut out a few times.
__________________ Susan
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:8
I hate fussy cutting. I have a problem with the nerves in my hands and they shake really bad. It's been like that since I was 14 or so.
I love the look of fussy cutting so I am so glad for a cameo. I cut everything out with that. I can make border as big or small as I want.
I am with you Leona. I just turned 74 and find that my hands seem to shake when I want to do something intricate putting small beads where I want them, fussy cutting, etc.
Most days now my eyes can't focus on things close up - I need longer arms (those of you over 50 like me will know what I'm talking about)
I have excellent distance vision. But I need glasses to see my computer screen and things that are approx. 2 to 4 feet away. Then I need a second, stronger pair of glasses for reading, fussy cutting and Copic coloring.
I have a pair of bifocals but for some reason they make me dizzy. Maybe it's time to give them another try. That way, I won't have to sit in my craft room wearing two pairs of glasses at once--yes, I sometimes do that if I'm coloring and watching Netflix on my computer monitor at the same time. :shock:
I do not like fussy cutting. I bought a lot of stamp sets with dies. The final solution was buying a Cricut Explore. It can print then cut or I use my Close to my Heart cartridges. I became a consultant because I was so impressed with their images. I love designing cards in my iPad. It has forever changed my idea of "cutting out" images.
I don't mind fussy cutting as long as there's not too much of it. Most of the time I don't want any white showing, but on occasion that's the look I want. I would usually rather cut out an image rather than use a die that doesn't get really close. I will stamp flowers or leaves on scraps, color them & then cut them out while watching baseball or football on TV.
Melody-what a good idea! I am going to try that-stamp on scraps. Then if I mess up cutting I wont feel like I wasted paper on top of time. (I dont know if I will ever shake the wasting paper neurosis). Or I can practice like that. Not even color the images. Just cut for practice. Thanks!
I actually enjoy fussy cutting. Most of the time I will stamp whatever it is and save the cutting to do while I'm sitting in front of the TV at night with hubby. I'll do this for my bulk cards that I'm sending out for a holiday. The only time I'm not crazy about the fussy cutting is when I HAVE to use an exacto knife. Then I have to bend over the project and the arthritis in my neck and shoulders flares up too much.
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