Cutting Tools

Cutting Tools

One tool rarely works for every situation.  What you cut with depends on what you’re cutting and where. There are a few to choose from…

Paper Trimmer - A paper trimmer is for making long, straight cuts on cardstock, photos, and specialty papers.  They come in many sizes; a 12” trimmer is equipped with a swing-arm ruler, accommodates a variety of paper sizes and is as functional at home as it is on the go. 

Die – Cut Machines - Like a punch, die-cutting tools cut shapes and letters form a variety of materials, but dies allow you to get bigger sizes and more intricate designs.  Personal tabletop and hand held versions are great at home or at a crop.  Use them to cut your titles or create custom embellishments 

Electric cutters –   Electronic cutters have a wide range of creativity.  They allow you to cut creative designs and alphabets with a range of different sizes. Electric cutters can cut a variety of materials including then chipboard.    

Straight-edge scissors – A pair of microptip scissors I a must have for your scrapbook supplies and can make detailed cuts through paper, photos, vellum and more. 

Cutting Mat – You will need a cutting mat when working with a craft knife or shape cutter. They come in a variety of sizes and you can choose one made of glass or self-healing rubber.  Most have a grid that can help you with measurements.

 Craft knife – A craft knife is used when you need control for detailed task such as hand-cutting titles or embellishments. 

Decorative scissors – Available in a plentiful variety of edges such as scalloped, postage-stamp, deckle, wave, and so much more, these scissors are terrific for creating borders or adding a funky touch to photo edges.  It’s easy to get hooked on these fun tools. 

Shape cutters- adjustable tools make it easy to cut circles or ovals out of photos or cardstock.

Ruler- Although 12” plastic or wood varieties work fine for taking measurements, metal is sturdier and acrylic has the added grid to allow you to see your project as you work, making cutting photo masts a chinch.           

 Punches – Ranging in size from ½” to more than 3” and offered in a variety of shapes, using punches is an easy way to create paper embellishments.  Sets of nesting punches let you layer the same shape in a variety of sizes.

Here are a few cutting tools for your craft supplies

http://www.crafts2u.com/scrapbook-supplies/cutting-tools.html?p=2

Storyboard Shooting

Taking a series of shots is a fun way to convey the personality or mood of your subject.  This is a great technique to use with children.  Their face and body language is often as animated as it is endearing.  This is also very effective for couples or showing a relationships between people & animals.

This technique is easy to achieve if you switch your camera setting into “Burst” or “Continuous shooting” mode.  This will allow you to fire off more than one shot at a time.  Play around with grouping them in 2,3 or up to 5 in a row to create this fun storyboard effect!

 Tip and photo by www.photojanestudios.com

MOVE IN CLOSER

A common mistake made by photographers it that they are physically too far from their subjects.  This results in the subject being a small speck on the picture instead of the main event.  Too much background or space over top of the subjects head can turn a WOW opportunity to a hum drum photograph very quickly. 

Start by filling the frame of your camera with the subject.  Shoot your picture then move in closer.  Take another shot then move in again.  Keep going until the face of your subject is the only thing in the frame.

Practice again & again and enjoy the new impact your photos will make!

 Tip and photo by www.photojanestudios.com

Tip of the week – Part 2 of 2

Choosing the right adhesive for your next craft project:
Photo Corners, Dots, Foam, Sheet and Remover. 

adhesives

 Dots (permanent bond):  Adhesive dost are perfect for the bulkier objects such as buttons and beads.  You’ll find the dots in a variety of sizes from mini to 3-D.  A must have in your craft supplies! 

Photo corners (permanent bond): Photo corners give you the most flexibility for your photos to and from your scrapbook, corners are the safest option for one-of-a-kind shots.  Since the photos actually slip into the corners and don’t touch adhesive, they’re a smart option for irreplaceable heritage prints.

Foam (permanent bond): When you’re looking for a little dimension on your page, reach for foam tape, dots, or squares.  They actually lift photos and embellishments off the page for a dimensional effect.  Try this with photos, die cuts, and journaling blocks.

Sheet (temporary or permanent bond):  Found in sheets or rolls, this sticky stuff offers a strong, smooth bond on flat surfaces when you need greater coverage.  It can be applied by hand or with a machine like the Xyron.

Adhesive remover:  Let’s face it, sometimes you want to  unstuck what you stuck, and a photo-safe adhesive remover will do the trick.  A few drops neutralize the adhesive, making it possible to cleanly lift off stickers or anything else adhered to your project. 

A must to have in your scrapbooking supplies.

Click here for more adhesive tool ideas:

http://www.crafts2u.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?q=adhesive&x=10&y=5&cat=389

 -Come back next week for our tips on choosing the right cutting tools for your next craft project!