WHAT TO USE INSTEAD OF ...

[njelsmom]

Lots of times I need something NOW and don't have it.

What is your favorite substitute? For instance right now I'm trying to find the PERFECT substitute for a DISTRESSING TOOL (to do paper edges). I don't think I'd use one often, so don't really want to buy one.

What have you used (with reasonable success) as a quick substitute or maybe you thought it worked well enough you just keep using it???

[Julie Wehbe]

Open your scissor up all the way and use the sharp inside edge. Just drag it along the side of your paper and it will distress it right up for you.

Julie

[madreams]

Before I got a distressor ( I like the pink Heidi Swapp edge distressor - paid $1-2) I used a seam ripper I had.

[STAMPINGODDESS]

Substitutes for the distressor-

1. The edge of a sharp pair of scissors such as your SY Paper Snips
2. Your fingernail

[laura6]

an emery board works also, like you'd use to file your fingernails
-laura s

[Jeanne S]

I always use my fingernails. I don't lose them in the pile on my desk. ;)

[Happy Heart]

I use my old seam ripper. The only things I sew on now are my cards!

[tiffguam]

I recommend the seam ribber as well!!!!

[LMcAree]

I never thought of a seam ripper, so if I lose my distressor in a pile (like Jeanne ;)) I use my scissors!

*waving hi Jeanne!* :mrgreen:

[flyersgirl]

I use my exact-o knife. I may have to try the seam ripper, though.

[Jeanne S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMcAree

I never thought of a seam ripper, so if I lose my distressor in a pile (like Jeanne ;)) I use my scissors!

*waving hi Jeanne!* :mrgreen:

Hey Miss Lori!!!

[Jeanne S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyersgirl

I use my exact-o knife. I may have to try the seam ripper, though.

Ackkkkkk.... sounds like an accident waiting to happen. At least it would be in my hands.

[steubner]

Me too, Jeanne. I cut myself last night with my craft knife. LOL

I like using my bone folder...doesn't tear the edges, just folds them up a little. And I also use my scissors.

[NikiE]

I have used scissors as well. They work great and the look is a little different than what you get with an edge distressor. I do love my distressor, too, though. :grin:

[Jeanne S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by steubner

Me too, Jeanne. I cut myself last night with my craft knife. LOL

I like using my bone folder...doesn't tear the edges, just folds them up a little. And I also use my scissors.

Put away the sharp things Miss Shannan. ;)

Missed you at CHA. I didn't have anyone to matchy match shirts with this time.

[Riorabbit]

Finger nails. lol. I actually started distressing edges that way before there was any form of commercial edge distresser out. It was kinda via accident. I scratched the edge of a paper and decided to just go with it. Decided I liked the look.

[RubberLady603]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanne S

I always use my fingernails. I don't lose them in the pile on my desk. ;)

ROTFL!! Sounds like my bench somedays!

[TeeGeeDee]

Well ... it looks a substitute distressing tool is covered!


My paper piercer is often buried or otherwise unable to be found (I think it runs away with my stylus) so I often use a pushpin.

As for the stylus, if it is for scoring I can usually use the scoring blade for my paper trimmer. For use with stencils if I can't find it I have to go to Plan B (a card/design that doesn't need the stencil!)


Great thread topic!

[njelsmom]

One time I wanted to do a bunch of cards (for a swap thing) and didn't have or want to buy some buckles to run my ribbon through. So I took the tops off of pop cans, shot them (front and back) with some gold spray paint from a project long ago and voila' I had cute buckles for free.

Everyone thought I was clever.

[whoistracy]

You can also use a bread knife as a substitute for a distressor, or a nail file. Same thing.