Best way for cutting images: Paper snips or craft blade?

MadgeRPh · 03-08-2009

There have been stamps I have refrained from cutting out images because the thought of cutting them cleanly is overwhelming!

What is the best way you have found to cut out images?

I cannot control the hobby blade correctly and sometimes the image is too complicated for scissors. I usually use the SU paper snips. Is there a better scissor alternative? Is the hobby blade really best?

I have been stamping for 5 years and I still can't get it right.

MSBetsyZ · 03-08-2009

Oh, dear...tough choice! I think the hobby blade is best, but if you have a hard time with it, that's kind of a moot issue. Have you ever tried using a glass mat when using a hobby blade? That really makes a HUGE difference in the ease of cutting.

As for scissors, I do love my SU snips for most things. Still, on something really intricate, itty bitty decoupage scissors are the best. They actually look like the little scissors you use to cut babies' nails...the blades are very thin and curved. Also, practice turning the paper as you cut, rather than your hand with the scissors. This makes for a cleaner, smoother cut.

Charlee · 03-08-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSBetsyZ

Oh, dear...tough choice! I think the hobby blade is best, but if you have a hard time with it, that's kind of a moot issue. Have you ever tried using a glass mat when using a hobby blade? That really makes a HUGE difference in the ease of cutting.

As for scissors, I do love my SU snips for most things. Still, on something really intricate, itty bitty decoupage scissors are the best. They actually look like the little scissors you use to cut babies' nails...the blades are very thin and curved. Also, practice turning the paper as you cut, rather than your hand with the scissors. This makes for a cleaner, smoother cut.

What she said. I couldn't have said it better myself.

mtgchic · 03-08-2009

Have you tried the fingertip craft knife? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001480O26

I like it much better than a normal craft knife.

buggainok · 03-08-2009

I have a pretty steady hand and a "good eye" but I've had no luck at all with using an Exacto or craft knife to cut things out.

I use the Cutterbee scissors, and the technique mentioned above: cut slowly and turn the paper rather than the scissors.

Like any other skill, cutting things out improves with practice. Remember, it's just paper!

Have fun.

MadgeRPh · 03-08-2009

Thanks for all your suggestions ladies.

I'm going to give them a try!

stamp luvr · 03-08-2009

I use Cutterbee as well, turning the paper as I go.

Jeanne S · 03-08-2009

I'm not sure there is a "best" way. I think it's the one that suits you better. I prefer small sharp (very important!) scissors.

Jeanne S · 03-08-2009

Another thing.... cutting thinner paper is much easier than thicker, so you may want to keep that in mind when stamping images that you plan to cut.

Ellibelle · 03-08-2009

I love to cut out images! I use cutterbee scissors. Love them.

stamphappy1650 · 03-09-2009

I prefer cutterbees and I use craft knife for the tight cuts. But, mainly it takes practice. Another tip is instead of putting your ring finger in the bottom hole/handle of the scissors, try using your ring finger instead. You have much more control. It takes a little getting used to the feel, but it does work.

Also, my hobby knife is actually Husky utility knife. Don't let the bulky look scare you away. Because the knife has a bigger surface to hold you have more control, you can get titanium (spelling?) blades that stay sharp for a long time, and it folds up for storage. Not feminie? it comes in pink and purple! I used to get cramps in my fingers from my old craft knife, but never with the husky. Here is what they look like:

http://www.dealplumber.com/Husky-Fol...fe-8-74-/15168

MrsDeadman · 03-11-2009

I cut all of my images out...don't ask me why... hee hee! I use my cutterbee and turn the paper as I cut. And for the small spots I do use my Exacto knife (just a cheap one from Walmart or something like that) and I love it! It does take practice to get used to.
I turn my image when using the Exacto instead of cutting in all different directions, which I find helps a ton!

Seaside Rose · 03-11-2009

I'm another one who uses Cutterbees for general cutting, turning the image as the other gals do, and then using a a craft blade for the picky detail spots.

If I'm cutting out something that's very intricate, I don't use watercolor paper, even though I watercolor most of my images. Like someone else mentioned, I use the thinnest card stock I can get away with. I've learned to watercolor with minimal water and then to iron the image so I can get away with a very thin card stock.

HTH!

Seaside Rose · 03-11-2009

One other thing, change your craft blade frequently. It might seem to be sharp but if it doesn't slice through the paper easily and cleanly, it's not sharp enough for detail work.

NikiE · 03-11-2009

I use small detail scissors, too. I have heard great things about the Fiskar's finger knife, though, and plan to try one when I get a chance.

Erica Fields · 03-11-2009

I absolutely love the Fiskars finger tool. But you need to replace the blade regularly to get the best control. I use Cutterbee scissors for all other paper cutting. Recentlly I bought a Singer craft scissor. It's small and sturdy. I can't give a recommendation as yet, but Singer is well-known for the cutting implements. I also have that Husky Utility knife mentioned a few posts back by stamphappy1650. I always use it to cut open my SU boxes. Now I'm gonna give it a try on my card projects. BTW, since becoming a paper crafter, I own 7 pairs of scissors.

misssez · 03-12-2009

Another cutterbee fan- I also use tiny applique scissors with a curved tip for really tiny intricate work- look for them in the sewing department.

kmrrdh · 03-14-2009

I also use a small 3 1/2" scissor for cutting detailed images. It's actually for Scherenschnitte (schear 'en-schnit-tah) german word for the ancient craft of cutting paper into decorations. I only know this b/c it says it on the package! Just what we need, another paper craft! LOL! I've had it forever so don't know where I got it from but I believe I have seen it in the craft stores. It has stayed very sharp and it's always my "go to" scissor for detailed images. I definitely don't use it for regular cutting b/c I want to keep it sharp! I do use it for ribbon though if I need to. Hope this helps!

diane617 · 03-14-2009

I use SU or Cutterbee-I have both and then if I have a small cut I trim with exacto using a #16 blade. I first learned about this blade from Popups by Plane Class. It's much easier to control than standard #11 that comes with knives.
It's all I use to cut these cards made with the templates from Popups

loxykelly · 03-14-2009

I always end up using both a craft knife and snips.

BevMom · 03-14-2009

I'm in agreement with everyone here! Cutterbee scissors/SU! Scissor Snips rock!
I use a combination of the craft knife and scissors.

My recommendations is plan what your going to want this image to look like. If you are cutting out..say a stack of cupcakes, and you want the parts between the cupcakes to be cut out too (and you'll need your craft knife for that), not only stamp it on thinner paper, but also cut the inner parts out with the craft knife first and then cut out the stack of cupcakes after. By doing this you have more paper to hold on to while using the craft knife, and you can be more exact.

HTH!