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I've been stamping for about 2 yrs now, and although I'm not really a crafty person (no creativity), I LOVE it. For some reason though, I have become unable to cut in a straight line - I don't know what's going on!!!
I had all day today set aside to stamp (dh was at mil with the kids). I had all of the cards ready that I was going to CASE (again - no creativity). But I ended up wasting THREE sheets of cardstock (yes - ALL of the celery cardstock that came in my assorted package (sniff, sniff...)) just trying to get the dimensions right and with a straight line!!!
I'm using the Fiskar's rotary cutter (which I initially loved), but now I can't get accurate measurements or a straight line!!!
has anyone else ever had this problem? I tried changing the blade (made it worse), and flipped around and over the little cutter-into-thing. Anyone have any suggestions or tips?
I've tried standing up to make sure that I'm putting even pressure on the blade, tried cutting in the middle of the cutter instead of lining up the paper at the top or bottom (which used to work for me, but now doesn't seem to).
make sure the blade is tightened down firmly and also make sure you push the metal bar down[mine has to sort of snap] I wish you luck! Frustration[sp]
is not good for creativity ;)
__________________ Dawn
member #1989
if you don't talk to your cat about catnip who will?
Sorry to hear that your tool is frustrating and discouraging. I have my moments with my Fiskar trimming tool to get straight lines tool. I think being a perfectionist does kill my ability to be creative. However, don't throw away your paper in the future since it can be used to be layered on top or under another piece of paper for a card or scrapbooking page. You may want to consider buying a trimmer. Good luck.
start practicing on scratch paper until you get the hang of it. Maybe use construction paper since it's thick like cardstock. I'd invest in a paper trimmer, myself.
Here's a paper trimmer.... . This is a really common one, I use it and I love it. You can even get scoring blades to help out with folds for all those cute little boxes you can make!! This particular trimmer is less than $20!
I also have a hard time cutting things straight. I always make sure my blade is very sharp and sometimes, I use a piece of scratch paper underneath my cardstock and that helps a lot!
__________________ Blogblogblog
I'm not lazy, I just don't care ~Peter Gibbons
Thanks everyone for your help. I'm still not sure what the difference is between a paper trimmer and my rotary trimmer - I have both, but when I got my rotary trimmer, I stopped using the other one (it was the one that rangrwife recommended), because that one had too much "play" on how you held the blade and I'd get different measurements if my hand was tilted too much to the left or right... maybe I just need to hire someone to cut the paper for me!! ;)
I have problems with my Fiskars 12" Trimmer and even though I have read different threads on what to do to get it fixed, I just haven't found the time. However, if I want things really straight and exact, I use a metal edged ruler and a hobby knife to make my cuts. I used to sew and had a 12" x 18" green self healing mat and I use that constantly now to line up my cardstock and ruler on. Works great for right now. I don't make a lot of cards at one time since I work full time and am raising a 2 year old grandson so I never seem to find a lot of time to get the cards done before he wants to "help"!
I like using either a trimmer or a square (L - shaped ruler) and a quilters self-healing rubber mat. The mat has mesurements on it to. Another trick is to measure at the bottom, top and middle of the piece you want to cut. Lightly mark this w/a soft pencil on the backside of what you are cutting. Line your trimmer or square or metal ruler along the measurements and voila, nice straight line.
IS the plastic strip ( the part that the blade hits ont he cutter) really knicked up? You might need to flip it over or replace it if both sides are worn....
My Carl 12" is acting like a spaz.. really ticked me off this week.
Here's a paper trimmer.... . This is a really common one, I use it and I love it. You can even get scoring blades to help out with folds for all those cute little boxes you can make!! This particular trimmer is less than $20!
This is the one I have too and I love it. The thing I love most is that I can cut paper with it on my lap while I watch TV (multitasking is great!)
As for a rotary cutter, I have used one for quilting for years and aside from practice, using a thick plastic guide (like 1/4" thick) really helps. It gives a nice edge to really roll the cutter up against for a crisp, straight cut.
__________________ Amy, mom of 2 not so sweet, but amazingly lively and fun little girls
I know this won't work for every situation that requires cutting but have you considered making irregularly shaped cuts on purpose? instead of that perfect square or rectangle, a rhombus or trapezoid can be equally or even more pleasing. deckle-edged scissors can be very effective as a design element. don't let the original you're CASE-ing stop you from making that card your own design. think of it instead as a starting point that you already like for something that furthers your creativity and/or originality.
"I know this won't work for every situation that requires cutting but have you considered making irregularly shaped cuts on purpose? instead of that perfect square or rectangle, a rhombus or trapezoid can be equally or even more pleasing. deckle-edged scissors can be very effective as a design element. don't let the original you're CASE-ing stop you from making that card your own design. think of it instead as a starting point that you already like for something that furthers your creativity and/or originality."
ooh - thanks! don't know why I never thought of that... I really love the way perfectly aligned frames/squares/rectangles look - but if it's impossible for me to do it (which dh has confirmed), you've given me hope that I can still stamp!
I never used (or even saw a fiskers rotary blade cutter before) what I use is a matt board, a ruler(to guide the blade) and an craft knife (kind of a mini exacto knife with replacable blades). Would the ruler work with your rotary cutter to steady your hand a bit. From the photo I saw on the web it might work but again, I've never even seen one in person let alone use one. That paper cutter looks good too.
I always say I couldn't cut straight to save my life.
I do agree that good tools are essential. I'm looking forward to buying the perfect cutting/matting system. That's going to be great for layers!!!
I don't really have advice, just wanted to lend some moral support & tell you that you aren't alone out there!
I can't do it... :(
Me too!
