another hybrid question: how are you cutting pages?

[meems]

Are scissors okay? Is an X-acto better? If using an X-acto, how often do you change the blade?

I saw Susan mention using a craft knife . . . is that an X-acto? Or is that something different?

thanks!

[Brynn Marie]

I have a 12 in paper cutter but I prefer to use a craft knife and metal ruler for cutting straight lines.

For detailed shapes I like to use a pair of small sharp scissors. My favorite pair is this pair by Cutter Bee.

[digi-gee]

I also use the cutter bee scissors. I love cutting as much as a kid! For really tricky angles that I can't get into with my scissors, I use an exacto (craft knife).

[meems]

thanks, guys!

titanium, wow!

[pbumbaca]

Yep, I use all of the above, a paper trimmer, an X-acto knife, and my Cutterbee scissors.

[Julie Billingsley]

I used a pair of regular sharp scissors because that got close enough. But I did sand the edges of the paper to get it that perfect size. It looks awesome that way!

[Paula]

I prefer to use an Exacto knife too.

[rochelle789]

Another Cutter Bee fan here. They're great little scissors, and very sharp. I haven't used them for a hybrid project, but I did use them quite a bit in my paper days.

Good luck!

[meems]

Originally Posted by juliebee70

I used a pair of regular sharp scissors because that got close enough. But I did sand the edges of the paper to get it that perfect size. It looks awesome that way!

so do you sand after the paper is adhered to the album . . . I'm assuming so but I wanted to make sure . . .

[ashleyprugh]

i love my x-acto knife. and i have little scissors like the cutterbee ones (except mine are from Stampin'Up!). great for little details.
never really tried the sanding thing, but i'd assume that it would be done AFTER the paper is adhered to the album. that's what i'd do, at least (comes from doing nails and all that; when we do a silk or fiberglass wrap, we adhere it to the nail, and file off the rest of the extra wrap..)

[Teresa]

Originally Posted by meems

so do you sand after the paper is adhered to the album . . . I'm assuming so but I wanted to make sure . . .

Yup Works like a charm! I like to trim as close as I can with a craft knife, but then a sanding block works great to get in really close.

I have a 12 inch Making Memories self-sharpening paper cutter (awesome), craft knife and Cutter bee scissors. 40% off coupons at Michael's are my friend.

[Paula]

I sand too, but I like the distressing that the sanding does. LOL

[Teresa]

Originally Posted by Paula

I sand too, but I like the distressing that the sanding does. LOL

Me too!! I was working on a project yesterday and must have gotten a little too sandblock happy 'cuz DH was wondering what the heck was going on in here. lol

[Heather Roselli]

Using a sanding block - especially the kind for acrylic nails is really THE way to go IMHO. It gives you a professional, full-bleed look that is flawless. I cut my pages leaving a 1/4 inch border all around the page, crease it over the edge and then sand away. If you hold the sanding block as perpendicular as you can to the paper, it won't remove any color/ink from the top of the paper (if you like a clean look). Angle the sanding block more towards the top of the paper for a worn, uneven look. After you sand you can ink or paint the edges for even more looks. Instructions on sanding are included with all of my albums.

[ashleyprugh]

Originally Posted by Heather Roselli

Using a sanding block - especially the kind for acrylic nails is really THE way to go IMHO

AND if you need to buy those sanding blocks, and you're in the US, you can buy them at a beauty supply store like Sally Beauty. and they're cheap. lemme know if you need any. i can probably find some and mail them.

[Robin Carlton]

Well I was cursing trying to cut out my first tag album with a retractable craft knife and after about 2 pages I gave up and cut with scissors. Then I went to Michaels and happened to find this little guy...

http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t...aft-knife.aspx

And he is my new best friend! I use an 8x10 piece of glass I took out of a picture frame as my cutting mat (just tape the edges with masking tape) and with the smooth no resistance glide of the blade on glass and the fingertip precision control of my new best friend, cutting out the bracket album was an absolutel breeze. It's just $4.99 too!

Good Luck!
R

[meems]

thanks, Heather, those are great tips! and good to know where to get a sanding block.

thanks, Ashley, I think I've seen a few Sally Beauty Supply shops around here. And Ulta would probably have some too, right? LOL, I never though I'd be going to a beauty supply store for craft supplies.

Robin, that finger tip craft knife looks cool!

[ColleenSwerb]

Yup I use all 3 too. (paper trimmer, scissors, and craft knife) I def need to get some of the nail files though. I've got regular sand paper, but I bet those blocks would work WAY better. I LOVE a sanded and inked edge, I do it all the time.

[Mandy]

I do like Heather does.
I trim with scissors or craft knife (xacto) then sand. I like the distressed look.
I have to go to the attic now and find my dang Tim Holtz inks. (I don't like the attic) LOL