Cutting card stock

[B & A Mom]

Ok I know that I am going to sound like an idiot, but here goes! I am having trouble figuering out how to cut my paper, I have two paper cutters, one large with an arm that comes out, and a little bit smaller. I know that it is grided out and stuff, but is the paper 8 1/2 X 11? For some reason I can not get it straight or the same size all the time.

I am new to this site, and so far I love it!!!

Thank you for not laughing at me!!!

[The Dahl House]

the paper is 8 1/2 x 11. if you are using one with the swing out arm and the size you are cutting is on that arm it is hard to get the same cut every time. If you are using a fiskars with the swing out arm, when you press down on the cutter, the little track where the orange cutter is, pushes down and will also cause distortion.
i have a large bed fiskars rotary that doesn't do that because the bed where you cut doesn't move and you have the flat bed to lay your cs on to cut it the same every time.
I also have a 12/12 Carl that will cut about 6 or more pieces at the same time because the arm 'locks' down. it, too, is a rotary. AND you can get them at 1/2 price on the website (let me know if you need this link) if you are an SU demo. You just give them your demo number and you are IN!

[thuskins]

I have the Fiskars rotary trimmer that locks the paper in too and also the hand held rotary trimmer. One thing about those trimmers with the arm is that you can do swing cards ( I love those) will them and I can't make them with mine. I think they do take a little skill to use them though because my stamping group met to make swing cards and I was the only one who didn't have that kind of trimmer and the only one who couldn't cut my card right. How embarrasing. If no one else has any tips, I'd just keep practicing because the other girls just love their cutters and the cuts look great.