What are your tips and tricks for even layering?

[SanFransister]

It can be a challenge to ensure that all the cut pieces of a card line up perfectly. And it seems nearly impossible with multiple layers and complicated card folds like a tri-shutter card.

Yet, many of the cards in the galleries are stunningly precise. How do you do it? Do you lay a clear grid-like ruler on the card edge? Use repositionable tape? Line things up on a grid? Use the Perfect Layers tool (which looks like it will be for sale once again in July)?

Inquiring minds want to know!:p

[Barbara Jay]

I use Perfect Layers. I bought it from Scrapnesia, but their site says it is inactive. Where is Perfect layers going to be sold in July??
I hope it comes back because it is a great tool.

[susie australia]

I use a magnetic cutting mat. The little magnets act like an extra pair of hands. It is also just practice. Distress ink around the edges cover a multitude of sins. Don't forget we are not machines and everycard is unique. Good luck. Now I am going to google "perfect layers".

[RubberLady603]

Ha! When mine are perfect it's a happy accident! LOL!

[pjw2855]

It's all in the careful measuring. If you don't have the right tools to measure and you are not willing to be exact, layering is not going to happen properly.

Patti

[craftdoc]

I agree - careful measuring. For example, when the mat needs to be 1/8" larger on each side, cut 1/4" more in each direction.

[purplewinkle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara Jay

I use Perfect Layers. I bought it from Scrapnesia, but their site says it is inactive. Where is Perfect layers going to be sold in July??
I hope it comes back because it is a great tool.

I agree, it is the only thing that always works for me. SU sold one a long time ago, I wish they'd bring it back. sigh

[SanFransister]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara Jay

I use Perfect Layers. I bought it from Scrapnesia, but their site says it is inactive. Where is Perfect layers going to be sold in July??
I hope it comes back because it is a great tool.

Thanks to all of you for your comments and advice! I recently purchased a more precise paper trimmer and will certainly try distressing.

Barbara Jay: Perfect Layers seems to be coming back. You can buy (or reserve for now) at their new website: perfectpapercrafting.com. Or you can buy it now on eBay.

I LOVE the idea of a magnetic cutting mat. If you can hold things in place, you've won half the battle.

Thanks fellow Split coasters!

[Cook22]

As far as layering goes, I usually stick my image panel to the next layer and then trim, using a clear ruler with a steel edge and a good sharp craft knife.

[RAWS]

A quilt ruler and a rotary cutter seems to work the best for me. Put your adhere the first layer on a larger layer and trim was desired. The quilt ruler is see-tru so it is easy to find you mark on the first layer. Just make sure to hold the ruler firm when cutting.

[shazsilverwolf]

I agree with cook22- I stick the panel onto card, then trim using a clear ruler ( I have the Tim Holtz one) and a scalpel. The Tim one is great because you have grids printed on it, so you can have layers of different widths. I have always found this easier than trying to place a panel onto a pre- cut mat.

[cat_woman]

After years and years of sewing, I'm pretty good at eyeballing it. They don't always come out perfectly even the first try and then I have to gently pry them apart and re-do it. If I can't get them apart, I pull out the quilting ruler and rotary cutter and trim in those cases.

[Scrapjanny]

I measure carefully and often use a grid ruler. I do eyeball things as well when I'm too lazy to measure. I just ordered the TH ruler because my bff, Tina (teegeedee), recommended it. I had the Perfect Layers set by SU and sold it. I never got a straight cut with it; it always slid at the last second - even when I used a magnetic cutting mat.

[southernstamper]

Thanks for the info....I have a problem lining my layers evenly and it drives me nuts!

[whoistracy]

I measure three times, cut, then eyeball everything to make sure it lines up. If it doesn't, then you measure again and see!

It gets easier with practice.

[Cartermrc]

I measure, cut the pieces and line up the sides and bottom edges and then everything is usually even. But if I blow it I trim with scissors-I can at least cut a straight line. I have the TH ruler, but want to get the Martha Stewart cutting knife. I need something comfortable to hold before I start using a craft knife. Darn things scare me!

[SanFransister]

The Scor-Pal thread also has a good suggestion for gluing the fave panel on to the card base accurately. Place your base card layer in a corner the Score-Buddy (and, if you want, temporarily adhere it to the base). Now you can use the grid lines to line the top pane
up perfectly.

[uncbballfan]

If I'm fully covering my card base, the ScorPal works great as Card fanatic suggested. Otherwise, I measure and cut carefully, and then just eyeball it.

99% of the time I get it close enough to perfect for me. Otherwise, un-du is my friend...

[monkeymama]

When my layers turn out uneven, it drives me nuts...I call it OCD! LOL For me, measuring and a good cutter are a must. If I have a panel that is bit off, I will line it up with a scrap of paper (to keep my cutting straight) and trim.

[turki]

This is why I love SCS.
I was googling all over the place for Perfect Layers, but couldn't come up with anything except old links to QVC and HSN.
Came across this thread, and Card Fanatic's note of the website for Creative Tools for Scrapbooking, Card Making & Paper Crafting!. According to their own blog, the site isn't supposed to be up and running until the 15th, but it's up now. So I have rulers #1 & #2 heading over to me, for a price that's a lot better than it's available on ebay.
Thanks!

[maryrose]

I have two tricks that I use. First, I tend to do my crafting on top of the SU grid paper. It makes it a little more precise. Second, I try to eyeball the layer, and then I turn it 90 degrees and adjust it again. I don't know why, but sometimes going from a vertical to a horizontal perspective (and vice verse) makes all the difference in the world.

[susie australia]

Traci I went to the website that you suggested.......$50 later and I am soon to be the proud owner of 3 layering tools and a square tool LOL. I never really had an issue with layering, but after watching the demo video's I can't see how I will ever make a card again with out these tools!!! Thanks for a great thread everyone. When the tools arrive I will let you know what I think. Thanks again Traci.