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How do you get your layers even? Do you have any techniques or tricks - especially if they're quick and/or easy? I feel - let's say "not smart" - for asking this, but always feel like there's something wrong with me when I layer, even simple squares. Even when I use rulers I can manage to have uneven boarders or end up taking too much of my little time!
I'm sorry I'm asking - I searched the forums for help for a few days, but couldn't find anything.
Please help if you can!
Do you mean when you are layering and want a slight border around your elements?
I like to use the cricut cutter and cut two layers the same size and then take the one I want smaller and cut a slight bit off then center on the other...hope this is clear...someone surely has a better tip...
Never feel bad about asking! No question is bad on this site. The people here are very helpful. For me I cut the inner most shape and then just put the next and cut an even space on all side using my cutter. Hope this helps! Everyone comes up with what works for them. Godd luck. Have fun stamping!
Thanks for the tip Claudie. I can and have cut mats 1/4 in. bigger but when I mount the item, it's crooked. I remember going to a SU event at a friends house years ago and I think the demo had a tip, but cannot remember the tip. Since it was before I got married, it could have been 10 years ago, so was wondering if there were any "new" tips to allign things up so they're even.
Have you considered the Perfect Layers tool? SU used to sell it but doesn't carry it any longer. I'm sure it's still available though, maybe on QVC or HSN. You adhere your layers then use the Perfect Layers tool and a craft knife to cut a perfectly straight border. It really works!
I also cut my cardstock 1/4" bigger for my mat layer. To get it mounted evenly, I start by aligning one of the top corners first. I just eyeball it, attach the very tip of the corner and pivot the piece until it is where I want it. Once I feel that the spacing is even on the top and side of this corner, I lightly lay the rest of the cardstock down. As I do this, if I notice that it is not quite right, I usually can still lift and pivot. If my cardstock is stuck down already, I will shimmy a piece of dental floss underneath it to loosen it from the layer, then try again.
Sometimes, using this method I have a bit too much layer on the opposite side or bottom, so I might use the paper cutter to trim those, but at least everything is lined up straight.
I also start with my smallest piece. Then with a square or rectangle for instance, I lay it down on the next layer as straight as I can on the two sides. I like 1/16" matting usually so I space it that way on the two sides that make up the right angle. I have a Fiskars cutter so I lay the two layers down and slide it under the bar that holds down the paper. There are ridges on the underside of that bar. I pull the matted paper under the bar until I feel the top piece bump into the ridges. That's where I cut. I repeat that for the remaining side. Hope that makes sense. I had a gal at the LSS show me that and I have done it that way ever since.
Circles and stuff, I use the CM forms with the different color blades. Plus if it's off a little, that's what makes it look handmade ;-}
Even layering suggestions/tips needed
