Cutting Templates

[bakerbabe]

There are such wonderful templates out there that talented people are so willing to share. Any suggestions on cutting out these templates so they don't look like a first grader cut them. TIA

[Indy_Patti]

I am certainly challenged when it comes to cutting things out - but I think I do a little better when I use good scissors (the small sharp ones with a very pointy end). And someone suggested to move the paper, and the not the scissors. That does make a difference. I also have to pay attention to which side of the image the scissors are cutting - if I can see the image or not. ITs easier if I keep my scissors to the right of the image (I'm right handed).

It is a talent I want to cultivate though. Way too many beautiful cards out there with lots of cutting!

[LeisaJane]

Cutting things out is one of my favorite things to do. I think it is theraputic. I love to put cut out images and pop them up. I am addicted to dimensionals too. What can I say...I like it.

I use scissors that are just for my card paper, that way they stay sharp and not sticky. I don't use the very tiny scissors either. I like large handles that are easy to grip and a 'medium' sized blade. If you need to cut out something that is extremely tiny, you can always use an Xacto knife. Like the inside loop of the mitten string seen here: Certainly Gray Pacific Bundle

One thing that I also discovered I really like to do is to leave a rim around the image. I got this idea from looking at cards in the SU catty. It gives a clean look and leaves more paper so that the image is less likely to tear. Like this example: Pink Chocolate Dogwood

Hope this helps! Happy Cutting!!

[Stampnf1n]

My cutting looks pretty bad too. What I do to help a bit is I use an Xacto knife for the straight lines. But curved ones I am not talented enough with the Xacto knife for that.

Bonnie

[bakerbabe]

I think I am going to practice on scrap paper.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bakerbabe

I think I am going to practice on scrap paper.

You said the magic word, practice. Cutting things out is like any other skill. Some people have a little more natural talent to start with, but it takes practice to be good at anything.

I fall into the category of having a little natural talent for doing small detailed work with my hands, like coloring small spaces and cutting things out. But I am a grandma, and have had lots and lots of practice.

The relationship between your hands and your brain is not what people think. Practicing doing things over and over with your hands actually "rewires" grooves in your brain, so it gets easier the more you do things.

Good sharp scissors are a must. I personally prefer the small ones, like Cutterbees. I don't cut anything but paper with them. Cutting ribbons or fabric will dull your scissors quickly, and I have others for that.

Keep cutting things out and I promise you will get better as you go along.

[craftdesigns]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bakerbabe

There are such wonderful templates out there that talented people are so willing to share. Any suggestions on cutting out these templates so they don't look like a first grader cut them. TIA

Here's some cutting tips...

http://paperfriendly.blogspot.com/20...oes-it_15

[bakerbabe]

Thank you everyone!

[Dotty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeisaJane

Like this example: Pink Chocolate Dogwood

Hope this helps! Happy Cutting!!

I don't mean to hijack here, but holy smokin' scissors girlfriend, this card is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!!

[BabyNurse]

is to always use SHARP scissors or xacto blade or whatever. I am the world's worst to use an xacto blade till it starts chewing the paper even though I know that a nice fresh one glides through the paper or cardstock. I love Nancy's idea to rest your forearms on the counter top and hold the scissors straight out in front of you.