Tag templates-how to use?

[nmslmomto3]

I got a package of 10 templates from a local scrapbook store, as it had tag templates on it. I took a picture of the front of the package, so you guys can see what I am talking about, but now my question, how the heck do I use these? Trace them with a pencil, then cut them out? Any help would sure be appreciated. The picture does not show them at the full size, as it is just the front of the package, each sheet is 8-1/2 by 11.

Thanks!

[PaperRapt]

You can generally tell what type of template is it by the weight/thickness of the plastic. If they are thinner, more like a stenciling tool, easily rolled up, the shapes are meant to be traced and cut. If they are thicker/nearly rigid in weight, then you can use a cutting tool with them. There is a very cool little tool, I have used my friend's and it is on my wish list, called "blade runner" (I think)--I would know it if I was it in a store. It is a little acrylic barrel, 3"-4" long, that you can see through with a little knife at the end. It has a small channel above the knife that you place those thin templates into. You then look through the barrel and cut your shape. It does take a bit of practice, like with any of the shape cutting tools, but wow--it gives a whole bunch more options with the shape cutting.

Annette
http://stamponthis.com

[nmslmomto3]

These ones are pretty thick in weight. They could be rolled, but if I did roll it, I would be afraid it would crack..does that make sense? I think that I could use a brayer over some of the picture ones, but didn't know about cutting it out directly. I think Walmart has a blade runner. Will have to get one. what do I do about the little tabs on the sides holding the template pieces together? just cut and not cut that part, then use small pointy scissors to cut those parts out?

Thanks,

[TMRoberge]

DON'T CUT THE TABS OUT!!!!!

If those are like anything like the ones I use, they are actually 2 tags in one. One for the 'inside' tag and the outer edge (where the tabs hold) creates the 'mat' tag. If you cut them out, you would only have 1 tag each. Does this make sense?

If not, just shoot me an email and I'll try to explain it better.

Theresa

[tishintexas]

dont use an exacto knife I chewed mine to peices, they make a tublar thing and I am sorry I dont remember what it is called, but it has a guide for the template to slip in to than a small knife int he middle of it, do go around your template but it wont eat it up if you slip becuase it has its own guide. HTH

[justheather]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaperRapt

There is a very cool little tool, I have used my friend's and it is on my wish list, called "blade runner" (I think)--I would know it if I was it in a store. It is a little acrylic barrel, 3"-4" long, that you can see through with a little knife at the end. It has a small channel above the knife that you place those thin templates into. You then look through the barrel and cut your shape. It does take a bit of practice, like with any of the shape cutting tools, but wow--it gives a whole bunch more options with the shape cutting.

I borrowed one to try it out. I hate, hate, hate the Blade Runner. It chewed up some of my templates and I could never get it to work right. Love the theory, but I could never get it to work.

See if you can try it before you buy it! (And I've gotten every other cutting tool I've tried to work...)

[nmslmomto3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tishintexas

dont use an exacto knife I chewed mine to peices, they make a tublar thing and I am sorry I dont remember what it is called, but it has a guide for the template to slip in to than a small knife int he middle of it, do go around your template but it wont eat it up if you slip becuase it has its own guide. HTH

Can you tell me what this is called, so I know what to look for? This sounds exactly like what I need to use these. Thanks for the help!

Lisa

[lindalee]

If you use the Blade Runner, make sure you have a glass mat underneath. It doesn't work as well on a regular self-healing cutting mat! I'm not crazy about the blade runner but some people like it--you just have to get the hang of it.