How do you cut your matboard?

[kermit]

Hi there!

I'm finally getting around to trying out the matboard journals that I've drooled over here for so long! I want nice straight lines, and wonder how you cut this stuff? Do you just cut with a regular scissors after drawing your desired size, or what about using a rotary cutter? Or a carpet knife? Thanks for your input :lol:

Jane

[palmettostate]

Cutting has been my biggest challenge w/ the mat board.

I asked here on SCS and most people said they either cut w/ a box cutter or a swing arm paper cutter. My mat board is so large that I couldn't get it in my rotary cutter to try cutting it, even though I don't think my rotary would cut through ... and I have trouble cutting straight w/ a box cutter and ruler.

I'd LOVE to hear from anyone else who has suggestions for cutting straight lines easily! I am also considering calling a print shop or frame shop to cut my board for me. What a pain that will be.

[Sherrie]

I cut it down to a smaller size with a utility knife (on the basement floor on a large, thick piece of cardboard). This is not a completely straight line.

Then I cut it to the size I need with my Carl cutter (it just takes a few times back and forth, and I use the straight edge of the mat board--there is usually one--to line it up). HTH

Sherrie

[kimorr]

I used my rotary cutter and self healing mat. Used my big clear ruler for sraight edge. It only took 1 cut for me. Have fun! We want to see what you make too!

[rlayton]

If you get it down to a size that will fit in the Carl Cutter, it works great, too. I have been using scraps I got from an artist friend to make pins and they are always small enough to get in my Carl.
Roberta

[pinefeather]

[quote]I used my rotary cutter and self healing mat. Used my big clear ruler for sraight edge. It only took 1 cut for me. Have fun! We want to see what you make too!

I about fell over when I tried cutting the matboard with a rotary cutter - it works SO GOOD.

Do you know how much matboard I cut throughout college with and exacto and metal ruler? And the whole time I had a rotary cutter and mat for my quilting? I could have saved myself many snagged edges and cut fingers if I had figured this out then!!

Heather

[Kerry D-C]

I take out my quilting tools. (which, btw, have not been used since I found stamping!) Use my hand held rotary cutter and large self healing mat and large clear ruler. I cut it into 6 inch strips then put it into my Fiskars rotary paper trimmer. This cuts through it just fine.

Now I know that many of you don't have the quilting supplies...but you could just buy the hand held rotary cutter and cut on on old table ore basement floor...etc....at least to get it small enough to put into your trimmers.

hth,
Kerry

[JJBrooks]

Just made some of these this week!
I used my rotary cutter, self healing mat and large quilting ruler! It worked like a jewl! WARNING*****I nearly cut my finger off with the rotary cutter!!! BE Careful!!!
Jen suggested getting a Carl cutter (that what she uses) I ordered one and can't wait to get it! They give demos a discount!!!!
Good Luck!

[stamper0910]

I buy my mat board at Michael's in the framing dept. and I just ask them to cut it 3 equal strips so when I need to cut it at home, I can use my Carl cutter but my Carl cutter is for 17" paper. Just a suggestion.
Barbara S.
Jacksonville, FL

[kermit]

Wow, thanks for the help! I also am a quilter who doesn't do much quilting as of late...but I'm glad to be able to use the tools that I already have! I don't own a Carl cutter (yet!), but it sounds like this will work. Thanks for all your help. My next post will probably resemble something like "can anyone help me download these pictures?" Thanks again

Jane