Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
I am so frustrated with myself. I have a great paper cutter and can cut good layers -- at least I think I do -- but I always mount them crooked. It really makes a difference. It looks so unprofessional when the layers aren't even.
Will perfect layers make a difference -- or will my layers still be crooked? Any tips on how to adhere them without making a big mess??? Thanks:mrgreen:
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
Sometimes my layers come out uneven too. I end up trimming and trimming till they look even. It is frustrating and I've ruined so many cards and scrapbook things.
I don't know what else to do except put my layers together without adhesive, and when it looks right, I put tiny pencil marks to align things, then stick them down.
By the way, I went to your gallery and your cards are beautiful.
I always do my mounting first, then trim around all 4 sides using the same mark on my trimmer. Then I mount my next layer. Working from the tio down instead of the bottom up. Does this make sense to you?
__________________ Jac-ee Former FSJ Founding Coach and SU! Demonstrator, now crafting for myself. "There is a fine line between 'HOBBY' and 'MENTAL ILLNESS'"
I have been having problems also with crooked layers too. I start with the image than mat (layer). It has been frustrating I tried to line it up with the lines in the middle of the cutter instead of bumping it all the way to the top. IE on the Carl cutter I slide the c/s down to the top line of the grid or even down then over to where I want to cut it and align it with the bar thing that helps to align it. I found that helps a little, but it is still frustrating.
I too was wondering about the layering tool.
I always do my mounting first, then trim around all 4 sides using the same mark on my trimmer. Then I mount my next layer. Working from the tio down instead of the bottom up. Does this make sense to you?
I do the same thing, too, and Perfect Layers makes this even easier! I have the same problem- crooked layers- plus I hate measuring. Perfect Layers has helped me avoid both those problems.
The only (slight) negative about it is that it can waste more paper than traditional measuring and cutting (since you have to make the mat a little larger in order to cut it down). But, since it sounds like you're wasting some paper trying to make things "perfect" anyway, you might not notice much of a difference.
I always do my mounting first, then trim around all 4 sides using the same mark on my trimmer. Then I mount my next layer. Working from the top down instead of the bottom up. Does this make sense to you?
I've been pleased with Perfect Layers too. I was having a WHOLE lot more trouble with layers not being just right until I started using it. I think it's worth the expense. There's little more frustrating in stamping/card-making then to have a card assembled & glued, and then it just look 'off'. I've had times when I look at a card I made and keep trying to justify using it (well, it doesn't look THAT off....). That doesn't happen nearly as often now.
__________________ Betsy
"All that glitters is not gold; all who wander are not lost"....Tolkien
I have tried mounting and then trimming and have had uneven results (no pun intended). I may buy Perfect Layers when I go back into buying mode, or maybe I just need to slow down!
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
Have you tried adhering your layers with Mono Multi glue? It takes a few seconds to dry, so there's a little time to wiggle the layer to get it perfectly aligned. I love Mono Multi for that reason, plus it sticks like crazy once it's dry.
Actually - I usually layer in rectangles or squares. So to start with I cut in this order
bottom layer: 5.25 x 4
next up 5 x 3.75
next up 4.75 x 3.5
and so on.
Or - if I'll adhere my top layer to bottom and trim (same technique as stated above - using my trimmer marks - same one for all sides).
That said - I usually have a much easier time if I am stamping and layering using the grid paper. Somehow lining up the bottom layer on the grid seems to help layer the next one up so that its straight. A visual eye trick maybe? but it works!
Happy stamping. COLTS ARE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS! Oh how I wish SU made a horseshoe stamp!
I also have perfect layers and like it alot. But I don't use it all the time.
What I do if I'm not using the perfect layers is to cut all the pieces (usually I layer in 1/8 inch pieces so if my top layer is 1 inch, I know to cut the layer piece 1 1/4 inch). I then take the 1 inch piece, put adhesive on it, and then line up the bottom left corner onto the 1 1/4 inch piece - leaving a 1/8 inch border of course. I find that I can estimate the corner quite well and then before sticking the whole piece down, I will line up the top left corner. Once those are lined up, you shouldn't have any trouble.
Also, I find that if you use the mono multi liquid glue, it gives you enough "wiggle room" to move the layer a little before drying.
Can someone explain how the Perfect Layers tool works please? I've seen it in the catty but it's a small pic and it looks like just a ruler to me! I'm curious as to how it works. TIA!
Location: In my stamp room getting ink on my fingers!
Posts: 5,080
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joan B
I am so frustrated with myself. I have a great paper cutter and can cut good layers -- at least I think I do -- but I always mount them crooked. It really makes a difference. It looks so unprofessional when the layers aren't even.
Will perfect layers make a difference -- or will my layers still be crooked? Any tips on how to adhere them without making a big mess??? Thanks:mrgreen:
Yes it will! I love my tool for this exact reason. Perfect layers works because you actually mount/attach the cardstock to the other piece of cardstock prior to cutting. Essentially, you create the mat around the piece so you have a perfect measurement going all the way around the piece. And then if you choose to mat that piece the same holds true (because you have permanently attached the piece you're trying to layer before you cut the mat).
If you want to try the concept of the perfect layers in a small, inexpensive way, try a small, six inch clear ruler by June Tailor that I found at WalMart. It was only $2.12 and I had seen a video on the CK website by Erin Licoln that showed how to use such a tool. Check it out, then buy the ruler. I have used it so much - it's a small handy tool that may help you decide whether or not you want the larger Perfect Layers tool. Even if you have the PL tool, you may want this small, handy tool - it's definitely worth it! ;)
Another vote for perfect layers! I love mine, although I don't use it all the time because I get lazy. Having a sharp hobby blade and a cutting mat are a must though to use with perfect layers. In order to save paper I usually mount my first layer to the corner of the paper (and eyeball it), and then I use the perfect layer tool to cut the other two sides.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FubsyRuth
Can someone explain how the Perfect Layers tool works please? I've seen it in the catty but it's a small pic and it looks like just a ruler to me! I'm curious as to how it works. TIA!
Yup, it is kinda like a ruler (but there are two of them). And they have little lips on them that you line up against the edge of your first layer so you can cut the layer underneath. Between the two rulers there are 8 widths (2 on each side).
If you want to try the concept of the perfect layers in a small, inexpensive way, try a small, six inch clear ruler by June Tailor that I found at WalMart. It was only $2.12 and I had seen a video on the CK website by Erin Licoln that showed how to use such a tool. Check it out, then buy the ruler. I have used it so much - it's a small handy tool that may help you decide whether or not you want the larger Perfect Layers tool. Even if you have the PL tool, you may want this small, handy tool - it's definitely worth it! ;)
Jutta
Which video is it? There are a lot on that website.
Have you tried adhering your layers with Mono Multi glue? It takes a few seconds to dry, so there's a little time to wiggle the layer to get it perfectly aligned. I love Mono Multi for that reason, plus it sticks like crazy once it's dry.
This is what helped me with making my layers perfect too!!!!
I think it is one of the cutting basics, but I can't be sure because I can't get the blinkin' things to play this morning. But what it shows is what a previous poster mentioned. You can stick the upper layer on the next, then use the clear ruler to measure and cut a perfect mat. I bought the dinky ruler because it's easier to store in my pen and tool basket and haven't found the need to buy the longer one yet.
i finally got the video to run. It is cutting basics #1. Go to CK, then click on Let's Scrapbook, then click on video. Then click on cutting basics on the right hand column. I wish I knew why I can't get these things to run smoothly. They stop and go and make me crazy!! Don't let that deter you though, the videos are great! I've watched every one and learned a lot in the process and I've been scrapping and stamping for years. Check out the cutting basics #2 also. Have fun! ;)
I am so frustrated with myself. I have a great paper cutter and can cut good layers -- at least I think I do -- but I always mount them crooked. It really makes a difference. It looks so unprofessional when the layers aren't even.
Will perfect layers make a difference -- or will my layers still be crooked? Any tips on how to adhere them without making a big mess??? Thanks:mrgreen:
I have difficulty as well, Joan, but not usually with narrow margins; I can trim those on my 12" Fiskars very well, but, it took me like 10 years to nail it :oops: When I started, there were no Perfect Layers . . .
I seem to have the most trouble when I'm mounting a smaller focal image and there's like a 1-2" margin all around.
I can NEVER get it on dead-center! Drives me !!!!!!!!
Anybody got a solution for that????
I know that in part, it may be due to the fact that I *desperately* need a new eyeglass prescription . . . they told me I needed bifocals . . . I've been stubborn . . . for the last 3 years . . . snort!
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Here's a tip I haven't read yet about the placement of your layers. If I read it correctly, Joan's concern was not so much an issue of measuring and cutting exactly, but more an issue of placing the layers crooked.
What I do is use my CM cutting mat (any mat with a good grid pattern will do, or even the SU stamping pad) and lay my bottom piece exactly lined up with the lines on the grid. Then when I go to place the next layer on top, I use my knuckles to hover the piece over the first layer as I visually line up the edges with the grid markings (most of my layers are 1/4" difference, which align perfectly with the grid). Then I lower the piece down.
Sorry to say I do not know what CK means. I googled CK and got Calvin Klein underwear, for goodness sakes!
So....could ya help me out here? :o)
__________________ SuzyQue in Texas Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons
for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
(borrowed from the quirkey card sayings thread).
Ooops! I should have spelled it out! It's the web site for the Creating Keepsakes magazine. It's www.creatingkeepsakes.com. It's worth a look at the videos and the tips and tricks section. ;) Of course, the Calvin Klein underwear site might have some interesting images too......
Location: keeping my 7 yr old still, while I'm in stampin' bliss!
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I LOVE my Mono Multi glue just for this purpose alone! I put 4 SMALL drops on each corner and then I have time to "wiggle it around" to make sure it's straight. 2 minutes later it's dried and I'm set.
Did I say that I LOVE my Mono Multi????
I have the Perfect Layers and don't like it. I can't seem to use it correctly. It always moves on me and I end up with a wiggle waggle line. I have ruined more cardstock trying to figure out the darn thing. It sits in my drawer (along with 20 other things I HAD to have but haven't used yet) begging me to use it. Maybe I'll get it's lonely self out and try it again.
I use a quilting ruler. I line up the grid squares so it is even, then but the edge of the layer up against the edge of the ruler, check the left and right alignment, and then lay the whole thing down. Works great for even spacing in grid layouts as well.
I'm with Joan...I can cut just fine, but come morning I look at last night's project and wonder what the heck I was thinking?! I coulda SWORN it was straight last night! This is my favorite thing about Perfect Layers. It eliminates that problem entirely. Julie has a problem with 1 or 2" layers, I had a hard time with 1/16" ones. Could NOT get it right to save my life.
Julie...have you tried just taking your glasses OFF, lol? Even after I got my "old lady" lenses, I still found myself taking them off to see things better.
These are all great ideas. I'm not sure whether I'm cutting impaired or adhering impaired!! I am going to slow down and see if that improves things and also try using the grid on my mat.
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
Location: Saskatchewan, Land Of Living Skies Canada
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jutta how long did it take to watch that video. OMG the waiting is horrible. I couldn't do it. Its a good idea to have these videos but it takes for ever.
I love Perfect Layers! I don't use it all the time because sometimes I'm too lazy to pull it out but I love the results when I use it. My layers are actually *perfect* However, that said, I do eyeball a lot and my layers are usually off when I do it. . .I know it bugs me way more than the recipient though.
__________________ Kathy
Proud Mama to Mason 4/3/99, Miles 5/25/02, and Maya 8/26/04
Ooops! I should have spelled it out! It's the web site for the Creating Keepsakes magazine. It's www.creatingkeepsakes.com. It's worth a look at the videos and the tips and tricks section. ;) Of course, the Calvin Klein underwear site might have some interesting images too......
Jutta
:lol: :lol: :lol:
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Just watched the video at Creative Keepsakes. WooHoo!!! I think I can save the price of Perfect Layers tool and get one of those gridded rulers instead.
I use my CM cutting mat and the original blade to cut my layers. But I will say on triple layer items the going is tough... I tend to use Bazzill and SU alot in combination for scrapbooking.
Really want to invest in a good cutting system for my cardmaking, but Perfect Layers are out. I had it and sold it to my sis. Could not (and still don't) use an exacto style knife very well. :(
I find I'm pretty good at "eye-balling" my layers and getting them lined up evenly. I think that a good deal of that has to do with working on a big cutting mat with grid lines. If I'm ever feeling iffy about a layer, I can set it down on the mat and double-check the alignment against the grids.
Then again, I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to even spacing; to the point that crooked layers and uneven spacing gives me a headache. When I took my first journalism class in high school my teacher drilled the concept of internal margins (a one-pica space between all page elements) into us. I've been seeing things with a kind of virtual matting on them in my head ever since. It makes things like this scrap squares card easy peasy.
If you don't "see" spacing, you can help yourself see it by marking it with a pencil or subtle marker. Using a ruler, practice marking just inside the 1/16, 1/8, or 1/4" margins on your scraps and mats. A little bracket in each corner or a dashed line would be enough to help you see them. Then just line up your top layer so that it just covers your marks. If you cut your layers/mats precisely, you should be able to line up just two corners and have everything else be even. It does slow you down to start with, at least until you get used to seeing and judging the spacing without making the marks or using your ruler.
You know I am one of the fortunate ones that can cut and layer pretty straight. But my mother on the other hand has an awful time of it. I told her that it is ok to be off center. It just adds to the "unique-ness" of the card!
__________________ Take a looksie at my blog HERE
While your at it stop in at my SCS gallery HERE
*Proud SCS Fan Club Member*
Crooked Layers!
