Well, I'm not always right and some of my tips aren't for everybody. But these are pretty good.
If you're anything like me, you put off changing the blade in your paper trimmer for as long as you can...
It isn't that they're outrageously expensive- they just aren't any fun to buy.
Also, it can turn into one of those things that you just FORGET about- you know what I mean. You're busy and you cut a strip and think, 'time ta change that blade!' Then, you turn back to what you're working on and forget all about it...
What I do, to make a raggedy cut look just as crisp as with a brand new sharp blade, is to just pick up my handy Tim Holtz sanding block and lightly drag it across the edge of the paper. Not really ANY pressure beyond the weight of the paper pushing agains the block
Yeahp, it's as easy as that...
Now, say you're laying out your photos- and you notice something. DAMMIT THERE'S A GLARE IN AN EYE!
Yeah- you went through all the trouble of standing around the photo printing computer at Wal-Mart for an entire hour, and never thought to check for any glares to correct.
Pick up one of your INCREDLIBLE brand new Tim Holtz Distress Markers (I grabbed Walnut Stain) and color the glare!
See? That's it, in the upper left. Same photo. NO GLARE. Not even noticeable. I know, I know. I've been singing the praises of these markers. And I've only got ten of them so far. They really can do it ALL.
As Brini Maxwell always said, 'Now, why didn't YOU think of that?'
-kory
i hear ya on the blade..mine needs changed right now..i prolly have one somewhere but where the hell is it? i'll eventually go buy some (again) but i'll lose those too before i actually put one on. lol thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteI got an American Crafts rotary trimmer and I'm having the hardest time figuring out why I can't get it to cut a straight line- the blade wobbles or something! So far, my cheap Fiskars works the best!
Delete-k
I have the cricut one..it's like 5 bucks at joann's with a coupon..works great. I haven't tried a rotary trimmer yet.. maybe it's a good thing?! Fiskars products are great! I'm a Fiskateer..are you?? :)
DeleteOh, and when you get a chance can you post a new easy sketch, please? I need some inspiration! Thanks in advance!
I'm even lazier than that. I use a craft knife and ruler for most of my paper trimming. When the blade blunts, you just snap the end notch off and there you have it, sharp as you like. But no, I just keep going, hoping that somehow, magically, the very act of cutting paper will sharpen the blade again. I'm the same with razor blades. Oh for the days when I could look creative with a hint of stubble instead of old & grubby. Loving your tip for the distress markers. Hope Tim is paying you a commission lol. Pxx
ReplyDeleteI've tried to cut with a ruler and a knife. Sometimes it works. Like, maybe one time. The rest of the time, I get the curviest line possible and a torn piece of paper. I'm just not as coordinated as you!
Delete-k
great tip .... although i was finding i was cutting things sharp and even then bashing the bejeezus out of them with a ditresser!!..??
ReplyDeletexx
heeheehe, YES! But sometimes, I do like a straight line. Barely ever, but sometimes. ;-)
Delete-k
That's a good tip about how to get rid of the glaring eye. I don't have any of those distressed markers... will have to look for them. Thanks. When I was at Michael's on Tuesday they had, maybe, a total of 15 Tim Holtz items. I was mad.
ReplyDeleteI've been picking up the markers a few at a time. The local stores near me have the singles, Hobby Lobby has sets of 5. Which is a good deal- but still, I like picking up one at a time, for some reason. Gives me something to look forward to, I guess.
Delete-k
I have the sanding block!!! Great tips Kory, thank you so much!!! Hope you are doing well my friend!
ReplyDelete-Frank
hahaha, and here I thought you had a tip to sharpen the little beggars. I am going to follow your blog, as you have had me laughing for the last 15 minutes just reading some posts. You need to write a book, lol.
ReplyDelete