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What are some tips you guys have for laying stuff down straight, especially when it comes to cardmaking. I have tried a few things, but I always still feel like there is a slight slant on my cards, I can never ever seem to lay something down straight the first time.
You might want to check out the "Perfect Layers" set. Lots of people really like them. Here is a link to them on Amazon. You can also google and find videos that show how to use them.
I have to stand to put layers on my cards. If I sit they are never are straight.
Usually if I close one eye and aim, I get it right about 85% of the time. If I am a little "Off" it really does not upset me. I always say little imperfections is what make a hand make card unique.
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
For me, it's all in the adhesive. If I use ATG the tape does not let you slide anything, nor does Scotch double-sided tape. I LOVE Zip Dry glue because it lets me slide the paper until it meets my 'eyeballing' test, AND any excess can be rolled up without smudges.
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I use tombow liquid glue and I love it because a little goes a long way and there is wiggle time. Once you lay your layer down you have a bit to nudge it straight. It's the only way I get things close to straight :-)
Standing helps more than I expected. If I planned well, I can use the Perfect Layers tools (love them!). I prefer dry adhesive (love my Xyron Mega Runners ... yep, I have 2) so I use 1/4-inch borders and grid paper (mine is from Stampin'Up) to align layers "straight enough" and remember I am not a machine so imperfections are (usually) acceptable.
I use Tombow Mono Multi liquid glue and I love it for the few seconds of wiggle time (as Minder's said). I've used it for years. And I love the square adhesive eraser (that looks like a giant square booger), so if you get a little messy with the glue you can erase it when it's dry.
I have a cutting mat marked with a grid, so I just lay my card down along a line, then lay my ruler down over the card along the line where I want to lay my matt layer.
The point raised above about cutters is a very good one. Be aware that with many cutters, butting your cardstock up to the edges of the cutter can be a bad idea. Often the edges of the machine are not perfect. Use any gridlines marked on the cutter instead.
I work on a gridded surface and line the card up that way. From there, I can see exactly where the image is going to land and whether it lines up parallel with the edges of the card.
__________________ Debbie "Make it work, people." - Tim Gunn My Gallery
More and more I find myself using Tombow multi glue for the wiggle time. If I used scor tape, I sometimes only pull the backing off the top piece first. If I pull the backing off of all of it and then it touches the base, it usually ends up stuck right where it touched. So I start by pulling the backing off the top and getting that lined up, then remove the rest of tape. This works most times. It depends on how much you embellished the card too. But as I said, Tombow is my favorite.
I use Zip Dry glue as well because of the wiggle time it allows. Sometimes though, as careful as I am, the odd line is not straight but I've quit worrying about it. These are hand crafted cards, not done by machine.
Standing is a must for me as well. No matter how careful I am while sitting I can not get my layer straight!
I also use the grid paper from Stampin Up as my stamping surface so I line the base of my card up on the grid lines, stand up, then line up the top edge and check that the side edge is leaving the same amount of border as the top and down she goes!
I use tombow mono aqua for the wiggle time, it's even more forgiving than tombow multi. It dries slower, goes on clear, dries clear, and is easy to clean up on your project with a glue eraser once it's dry. I don't care for the sticky fingers I get from tombow mono multi. I just can't get the sticky off my hands. Don't get me wrong multi has it's uses in my crafting. I like it for things that have to grab fast and hold tight...like bunny butts, and bows.
A good sharp blade in your reliable trimmer makes a huge difference too!
I use a couple of clear rulers for marking with a mechanical pencil. Also... Measure Measure Measure. But, If I stand over it. I can usually get everything lined up pretty good. Anytime I do is sitting down, it is ALWAYS off. lol
I have a small plastic 'T' square that I use when it really needs to be perfectly straight. I also have used the mini laser level which works pretty well. Liquid glue definitely gives some wiggle room if needed.
I use a lot of the suggestions already mentioned. I craft on a grid surface, and I stand up when crafting. But there's one other thing that seems to work for me every time. I lay the layer down, and then I turn the entire card on a ninety degree angle. So for example, if it's a vertical card, I turn it horizontally and then check the layer again. For some reason, seeing it at a different angle helps me immensely.
There are so many helpful tips here. Also, remember, the more you do something, the better you get at it!
Almost all of my cards are the same size layers, with 1/8th" increments on each layer. I have made so many cards like that, all the same size, and I've found I finally developed a good "eye" for getting my layers pretty straight.
If they are off a little bit, I don't let it bug me. It's the thought that counts. Hey, I made you a card and sent it to you.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
That kind of stuff makes me nuts too. Especially in mat layers.
I agree about the cutters. Why I got some dies that cut the layers. I did get the perfect layers but I have not used them yet.
I never heard that about abutting on the cutting tools. Holy gosh if that has been my problem all this time...i am going to try to line up to the grids and see!! That would be awful since that is exactly how they tell you to use them!
I am going to get a t square with my next art store visit, and some day maybe a laser if that doesnt do it for image and sentiment stuff.
That kind of stuff makes me nuts too. Especially in mat layers.
I agree about the cutters. Why I got some dies that cut the layers. I did get the perfect layers but I have not used them yet.
I never heard that about abutting on the cutting tools. Holy gosh if that has been my problem all this time...i am going to try to line up to the grids and see!! That would be awful since that is exactly how they tell you to use them!
I am going to get a t square with my next art store visit, and some day maybe a laser if that doesnt do it for image and sentiment stuff.
I've always lined up with the grid lines and held firm with my left hand while I cut. I've used this method on several different trimmers. I'll bet you will be amazed at how much straighter your cuts are!
It takes a little more time than just butting the paper up against the top - but I always say, I didn't take up this wonderful hobby to save time.:mrgreen:
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Also remember this is a handmade card made with love, slight imperfections make it unique and part of its charm...that is what I go with and it works for me
Also remember this is a handmade card made with love, slight imperfections make it unique and part of its charm...that is what I go with and it works for me
This is the best advice of all.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I use tombow liquid glue and I love it because a little goes a long way and there is wiggle time. Once you lay your layer down you have a bit to nudge it straight. It's the only way I get things close to straight :-)
I love TombowMono Multi because I can scoot layers for a few seconds to get them straight.
However, I've found over the years that the absolute best way to see if my layers are straight is to leave the card overnight and look at it again in the morning. :( But...you say that by then it's too late to do anything about it??? Well, yeah, that's true, but that's my experience. What looked perfectly and absolutely straight on Monday looks tilted to the right on Tuesday.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcbenjam
I love TombowMono Multi because I can scoot layers for a few seconds to get them straight.
However, I've found over the years that the absolute best way to see if my layers are straight is to leave the card overnight and look at it again in the morning. :( But...you say that by then it's too late to do anything about it??? Well, yeah, that's true, but that's my experience. What looked perfectly and absolutely straight on Monday looks tilted to the right on Tuesday.
Mary
LOL! SO true!!! Sometimes I think my eyes are crooked! ;-) :rolleyes:
OMgosh. That is so true!! I use the ATG when I look at it again, if its not straight. I use my heat gun to warm up the adhesive. It will release and remains reusable. I just readjust and place it back down. Friendly little ATG/Score tape or dry adhesive tip for the day. Heat it up and it will release!!
Laying stuff down straight
