Fiskars Orange Templates--how to use?

[Challenged Stamper]

I have 3 Fiskars orange templates. I didn't buy the cutter at the same time
because....don't really know why, but, didn't do it. Now, I need to make several circles (for my Easter Bunny Cards) and can't seem to make a good clean cut. I have tried scissors & craft knife. Do I really need their cutter or is there a better way? Would a circle cutter accessorie work better? I like having 3 different shaped templates and the circle cutter only cuts circles.
Help please.

[Sandhills Stamper]

I just started using my orange templates and I don't know how I would have done it without their SHAPE cutter. It's a little tricky at first but then you can cut any of the orange template shapes. I'm using the tag template now and it's great. I got mine with a 40% coupon at Michaels and it was less than ten dollars. I still use the circle cutter just because I got one. They are great for making any size circle you want but I like the versatility of the shape cutter and templates better. Hope this helps!

[amajae2000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Challenged Stamper

I have 3 Fiskars orange templates. I didn't buy the cutter at the same time
because....don't really know why, but, didn't do it. Now, I need to make several circles (for my Easter Bunny Cards) and can't seem to make a good clean cut. I have tried scissors & craft knife. Do I really need their cutter or is there a better way? Would a circle cutter accessorie work better? I like having 3 different shaped templates and the circle cutter only cuts circles.
Help please.

I got the templates w/o the cutter (as you did) and found out that I too could not make a clean cut. So I spang for the cutter and WOW, I love it!!!! I used it with other templates as well that are NOT Fiskars! Go and buy it you won't regret it!

amajae2000

[denarod]

I was looking at these orange templates today, because I want to make squares and other stacking shapes (something I can buy at Michael's w/ my coupons instead of ordering online). But I wasn't sure if anyone has used been using these lately and like them. Is there anyone else out there who might suggest this for shapes other than circles. It seems like all there is out there is circle cutters, but what about other shapes?? YES or NO?

[TheOtherMeg]

I put my orange templates away a long time ago because I couldn't get nice cuts even with the proper blade handle thingy. Then I went to a craft class and the teacher used the templates (and proper cutter) on a GLASS cutting mat. OMG, the difference!!! I never use my self-healing mat anymore. Everything cuts so much smoother on the glass mat.

On a self-healing mat, the blade skips or gets caught at the curves & corners. On glass, it just gliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiides.


I had to snag the templates back from my kids. I was letting them use them as stencils!

[ShortWizard]

I do most of my cutting on glass, it just makes it so much easier. I have a large piece that I got a few years back and keep it on my stamping table. I have heard that it doesn't dull blades as quickly but I don't know if that's true or not. The blades just glide so much easier on glass, I haven't used a cutting mat in a long time!

[demodebi]

I also have the orange templates and I have what I think is the cutter ... is it round blue???...but now and then I pull them out and just can't get a clear cut......so back in the drawer they go....

Can you use any piece of glass?..I use to do stained glass so have plenty around that I can use (safely of course)....???

I would love to get this straight...it's frustrating to me not to do this....,even if I end up giving them up in the long run...it's a challenge to me...:twisted:

[uncbballfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by demodebi

I also have the orange templates and I have what I think is the cutter ... is it round blue???...but now and then I pull them out and just can't get a clear cut......so back in the drawer they go....

Can you use any piece of glass?..I use to do stained glass so have plenty around that I can use (safely of course)....???

I would love to get this straight...it's frustrating to me not to do this....,even if I end up giving them up in the long run...it's a challenge to me...:twisted:

I took a piece of glass out of a picture frame, backed it with a quarter-inch thick piece of plywood (my hubby's a woodworker, so he cut it to fit for me), and taped the edges all around with duct tape. I've used this for years with no problem. The shape cutters, circle cutters, craft knives - all these types of cutting tools are easier to use with a glass cutting mat.

[denarod]

Oh yeah. I am glad I asked. Thank you so very much, off to look for a peice of glass : )

[ILdyson76]

I agree with everyone else about using the glass mat for ANY cutting. I always had issues with my cutter on the plastic self healing mat, and didn't use it much. With the glass mat, it's so much better! I bought the large circles (they're purple) and LOVE those too. I like layering with them. I have other shapes too on the orange templates. Circles are the most used.

[fura]

Here's a great video for the shape cutter. I had some trouble using it in the beginning. It is easier with a glass mat and even more so with a video tutorial.