Any tips or tricks for paper tearing?

[scrappin scientist]

I was wondering if anyone has any tips for paper tearing. It seems straightforward but when I tore paper for my daughters invitation I really stressed over how it looked. It might sound crazy but I wanted a certain amount of uniformity (maybe I just need to loosen up :oops: ).

TIA

[melsewell]

I use a ruler, but the "trick" is to tear toward you. For example, hold your cardstock/stamped image that you want to tear, place the ruler over that image and then tear from there. Then I "rough up" the edges with my fingernail when I'm done. I hope I explained that ok...

[LadyDye]

If you like perfect tears, you might like the tearing edge.

A uniform tear takes a bit of control.
I hold the paper firmly in my left while tearing with right hand. Tear a bit, move your left hand down a bit. Tear a bit more.....etc.

HTH

D.

[ncgrits]

Somewhere (probably on SCS) I read about using your aqua painter to "paint" a line of water on the card stock and then tear it. I have used this technique when I was wanting to tear some CS but my tearing edge and rulers were hiding. Worked like a charm! Thanks to whomever originally suggested this.
HTH,
Rena

[WaterPixie]

You can also use your Aquapainter, or a brush and water. Just apply it to the area you want to tear. For cardstock, you need to go over the area a few times. It will make the paper softer, and easier to tear.

[WaterPixie]

D'OH! Rena beat me to it!! That's what happens when your Mom stops by and the exact moment your DH calls and the kids go bezerk.

:shock:

[scrappin scientist]

Thanks to everyone for the great tips. I will definitely try them out - I feel my SU wish list growing!

Dana

[scrappin scientist]

Edited to remove double post. Sorry about that :oops: .