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Have searched all previous posts and threads and am hoping to find advice on how to make absolutely perfect rectangles, of all sizes, for my cards. IMHO, nothing spoils the effect of a wonderfully created card more then a rectangle that is not perfectly executed.Thanks so much in advance !
I use my Making Memories Precision Paper Trimmer to make my rectangles, and they look pretty good to me if I line up the paper correctly and hold it firmly when I cut.
If you don't want to use a paper trimmer, you might check out this new series of dies by Spellbinders for perfect rectangles:
I would say try sizzix for some framelits or spellbinders. OR Kiwi lane designs have some "photo mat" sets that have the sizes on them. Very inexpensive too.
I have the Perfect Layers system. I find that it works very well. Before I had it, I used a quilters ruler/square and a craft knife and get the same effect for less money. With either one of these, the key to good layers is a sharp craft knife blade. Good luck in finding something that works for you.
Yes, lots of folks swear by this tool. However, each layer you cut depends on the preceding layer. So if your first rectangle was not perfectly square, the others would be slightly off as well. Also, I am craft knife challenged, so I know I would have problems with this.
I'm not super particular about this kind of thing, and as I said, I just use my paper trimmer to make all my mats and layers. I'm one of those "lucky" people who have what they call a "good eye" and can line things up straight. It comes in handy when you are sewing a seam, too.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I have all the sets of Evo Templates...It is such a shame that Evolving Images closed their doors, their acrylic templates are the best...Maybe you could find some on ebay?
__________________ Karen
...My life is like a stroll on the beach...As near to the edge as I can go...Thoreau...
I have Perfect Layers as well and I find it indispensable for what I do. I have a very nice set of rectangle dies from MFT, but they don't always give me exactly the size I want. Yes, you do start with a rectangle and then work outward, but you do not have to permanently glue your layers down. I often start with a rectangle, Dotto it onto cardstock and use my perfect layers to make another one a specific size bigger and then separate them. You can make any size you want.
And of course Spellbinders has plain rectangles in both the classic large and classic small, so if you get both sets you are getting rectangles in ever increasing 1/8 inch increments from 3/4 X 3/8 up to 3 and 3/4 X 2 and 7/8.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I'm with Bugga on this one. I use my cutter - and actually, it has to be a CORRECT cutter - I have a Fiskars that I use that is much better than my Carl. Sometimes they are close to perfect - and I am not a perfectionist so close works for me (usually)
I'm with Bugga on this one. I use my cutter - and actually, it has to be a CORRECT cutter - I have a Fiskars that I use that is much better than my Carl. Sometimes they are close to perfect - and I am not a perfectionist so close works for me (usually)
After reading the original post I started to wonder how imperfect my rectangles are because I haven't noticed I have an issue with my fiskars cutter. I just measure down 1/8 to 1/4 from the last mat (ex for a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 card I cut the mat to 5 1/2 x 4" and I'll get a 1/8" border on all sides when I glue it down. I don't think I'd buy another tool for this.
There is a lot of 31 Evo Templates on e-bay right now as a buy it now for $19.99 + $6.00 shipping. They are rectangles, octagons, ovals & frames. If I didn't need to save my crafting money to buy supplies for Christmas gifts, I would be deeply tempted since I always seem just a smidge off using my trimmer to cut cardstock.
After reading the original post I started to wonder how imperfect my rectangles are because I haven't noticed I have an issue with my fiskars cutter. I just measure down 1/8 to 1/4 from the last mat (ex for a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 card I cut the mat to 5 1/2 x 4" and I'll get a 1/8" border on all sides when I glue it down. I don't think I'd buy another tool for this.
After reading the original post I started to wonder how imperfect my rectangles are because I haven't noticed I have an issue with my fiskars cutter. I just measure down 1/8 to 1/4 from the last mat (ex for a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 card I cut the mat to 5 1/2 x 4" and I'll get a 1/8" border on all sides when I glue it down. I don't think I'd buy another tool for this.
This is how I do my layers, too. I just size down 1/4" on measurement, which gives you a 1/8" border all around. I usually jot down the measurements on a scrap to remind me, just in case, lol. Remember the carpenter's rule: measure twice, cut once!
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I usually just go by how it looks & eyeball it. Something Bugga said caught my eye, I did a lot of sewing when I was younger, so maybe that has something to do with visualizing it...I never thought of that before.
That said, I like the Spellbinders dies. I like the look of the diecuts instead of the plain flat edge, just as a change sometimes.
I just wanted to add how much I LOVE my bone folder. I can't overstate how important it is to give a perfect crease to the card. It really helps make that rectangle perfect, in my opinion.
I use my Making Memories Precision Paper Trimmer to make my rectangles, and they look pretty good to me if I line up the paper correctly and hold it firmly when I cut.
If you don't want to use a paper trimmer, you might check out this new series of dies by Spellbinders for perfect rectangles:
I have these and love them. I thought it might be a waste of $$$ but nope, they are wonderful.
I have the Perfect Layers system and I still seem to not be able to cut them straight and I wasted more paper than with the matting basics. What is excellent about the matting basics is if you want to cut frames you layer two dies and cut a once for a perfect frame.
I use my Making Memories Precision Paper Trimmer to make my rectangles, and they look pretty good to me if I line up the paper correctly and hold it firmly when I cut.
If you don't want to use a paper trimmer, you might check out this new series of dies by Spellbinders for perfect rectangles:
I use my Fiskers paper trimmer. Not only can I get the standard 1/8" or 1/4" border, I can get just a tiny edge showing or any size I want. If course I have loved fractions since I was a kid, so the figuring process is fun for me. I can also "eyeball" it and take off slightly more and more until it is just right. I think people that have trouble with their trimmer are probably pulling or pushing the blade away from the edge of the trimmer which causes the paper to go wonky a bit.
How are these new Spellbinders different from the original classic rectangles?
I took a look at them and on first glance it seems to me that, unlike the classic rectangles which increase in size proportionately, the Matting Basics don't. If you look at the A set you can see what I mean.
Ideally, I guess you would want both sets of the Matting Basics and both of the Classic Rectangles if you want to be able to cut most of your rectangles with your die cut machine.
It seems like a lot of money to spend when you can use a cutter to cut whatever size rectangle you want. So my question is: Why would I want to have them? Maybe someone who has them can answer both our questions.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I took a look at them and on first glance it seems to me that, unlike the classic rectangles which increase in size proportionately, the Matting Basics don't. If you look at the A set you can see what I mean.
Ideally, I guess you would want both sets of the Matting Basics and both of the Classic Rectangles if you want to be able to cut most of your rectangles with your die cut machine.
It seems like a lot of money to spend when you can use a cutter to cut whatever size rectangle you want. So my question is: Why would I want to have them? Maybe someone who has them can answer both our questions.
I have sets A & B and I'm not sorry that I have them. Yes, I can easily cut the layers with my trimmer, but not perfect every single time especially when making 1/8" cuts. Also, I find it annoying to cut frames and I really prefer frames over layering. Having both sets of mats gives me a wide range of frame options.
I can't say that everyone should run out a get the sets, but for me, they are well worth the money because they are something that actually works like expected.
Oh the spellbinders Matting Basics are fabulous!! I use them now all the time....!!
Bonnie, do I need to get both sets or is one enough? Do they work with the classic rectangles? I like the 1/4 inch borders on my cards most of the time.thanks in advance Marge
If I want perfect mats using Spellbinders rectangles I just run my rectangle through again shifting the paper further down which cuts off a small sliver. I use tape to keep the paper in straight. But most of the time I use my Guillotine cutter which always cuts a perfectly straight line. As long as I align the paper using the grid, I always get perfectly straight cuts and perfect rectangles. For cuts less than 2", the guillotine cutter guard blocks that area and there are no measurements less than 1", I use a Martha Stewart cutter which I find cuts pretty straight.
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
I took a look at them and on first glance it seems to me that, unlike the classic rectangles which increase in size proportionately, the Matting Basics don't. If you look at the A set you can see what I mean.
Ideally, I guess you would want both sets of the Matting Basics and both of the Classic Rectangles if you want to be able to cut most of your rectangles with your die cut machine.
It seems like a lot of money to spend when you can use a cutter to cut whatever size rectangle you want. So my question is: Why would I want to have them? Maybe someone who has them can answer both our questions.
The way I understand it is that these are sized to go with a regular 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card so that you will have an even border all the way around if you center the rectangle on the card front. In other words, they are proportioned in the same way as the card. The regular rectangular nestabilities are not proportioned the same and don't leave even borders on all 4 sides when centered on a card. Clear as mud?!?
The other advantage is that you can emboss and/or sponge along the edge of the die for an added touch. Can you tell I'd like to have these? ;)
__________________ "When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad, and that is my religion."
--Abraham Lincoln
How are these new Spellbinders different from the original classic rectangles?
The matting Basics A2 line of dies are made at the perfect scale of the A2 card. Whereas the Rectangles are a great rectangle, but are not to scale of the entire card.
I wanted too mention that I bought the Perfect Layers tool after reading a thread here on SCS and am horribly disappointed. I also bought a brand new craft knife. Here is my problem. The cardstock edge has a slight "lip" or "edge" to it when I cut with my knife. Unlike with a paper trimmer which cuts perfectly smooth. ALSO, I find it impossible to cut a straight line. I don't know if I am just lame at it, or if the tool moves or what, but I quickly put the Perfect Layers tool away after just one afternoon!
The way I understand it is that these are sized to go with a regular 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card so that you will have an even border all the way around if you center the rectangle on the card front. In other words, they are proportioned in the same way as the card. The regular rectangular nestabilities are not proportioned the same and don't leave even borders on all 4 sides when centered on a card. Clear as mud?!?
The other advantage is that you can emboss and/or sponge along the edge of the die for an added touch. Can you tell I'd like to have these? ;)
Ha! What she said! We were typing at the same time.
Bonnie, do I need to get both sets or is one enough? Do they work with the classic rectangles? I like the 1/4 inch borders on my cards most of the time.thanks in advance Marge
If you want the option of layering at the 1/8" increment, you will need both sets. If you are OK with the 1/4", you are good with the one set. And, no they don't coordinate with the classic rectangles. They are a "wider" rectangle if that makes sense. The scale is different.
You will not regret getting both of the new sets of card creator dies. I have them both and they are FAB!!! These 2 sets take all the guess work out of cutting and layering. Get them...you won't be sorry. Watch the spellbinder videos on these two sets. Nestabilities
I wanted too mention that I bought the Perfect Layers tool after reading a thread here on SCS and am horribly disappointed. I also bought a brand new craft knife. Here is my problem. The cardstock edge has a slight "lip" or "edge" to it when I cut with my knife.
I, too, do not like the curled cut edge produced by an X-acto knife when using with a quilter's ruler to cut evenly all around a layer mounted on a piece of contrasting cardstock.
I much prefer using my Fiskars rotary hand cutter, with plain or deckle blade. To keep the ruler from slipping I have put on several Leaf-Its by Sailor, which I originally bought from Evolving Images to use with their templates.
Since they are actually traction finger dots used by hand quilters, they may be available wherever quilting supplies are sold.
I wanted too mention that I bought the Perfect Layers tool after reading a thread here on SCS and am horribly disappointed. I also bought a brand new craft knife. Here is my problem. The cardstock edge has a slight "lip" or "edge" to it when I cut with my knife. Unlike with a paper trimmer which cuts perfectly smooth. ALSO, I find it impossible to cut a straight line. I don't know if I am just lame at it, or if the tool moves or what, but I quickly put the Perfect Layers tool away after just one afternoon!
If I'm understanding correctly what you mean by "lip or edge" I just run my bone folder along the edge of the cardstock after it's cut. Flattens out the edge just fine. I also have that problem with some paper trimmers. HTH.
Dea
I just wanted to add how much I LOVE my bone folder. I can't overstate how important it is to give a perfect crease to the card. It really helps make that rectangle perfect, in my opinion.
I score every card I make with a Scor-Pal and then use my bone folder. If you hold your bone folder flat it will not make a mark on your cards.
If I'm understanding correctly what you mean by "lip or edge" I just run my bone folder along the edge of the cardstock after it's cut. Flattens out the edge just fine. I also have that problem with some paper trimmers. HTH.
Dea
I never thought about that cut edge lip thing, Michelle, but now that you've said it, I will! So thank you, Dea, for providing a solution, since I do own and use Perfect Layers.
But I also use Nesties for layered rectangles (and squares). It really depends on what I'm trying to accomplish.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Perfect rectangles
