Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
I have a vision problem that makes judging if something is straight difficult. For instance if I try to center something it will usually be off center but look right to me at the time. I can use a ruler, but that usually means leaving pencil marks on things and very often they don't erase right.
And then when I try to put something in place I sometimes have to reposition it either because I've tried to judge the placement by eye or because I've just plain put it down wrong.
So, any suggestions on lining things up and I also need to know about adhesives that let you reposition something without tearing paper or cardstock.
One of the simplest and least expensive ways to line things up is to use a see-through t-square that are sold at craft and art supply places, and on line. Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Acme-C8735532...words=t-square
You simply butt the small end to the side of the paper if you're lining up across the page (or butt it to the top of the paper if you're lining up vertically/down the page), and use the long part as your line, so to speak. It will be at a perfect 90 degree angle.
Some wonderful person here - I wish I remember who - recommended these to stick to the bottom of rulers (or t-squares) so they won't slide. They're extremely thin so barely raise the ruler up.
If you're just talking about stamps, a Misti can work well, using graph paper for positioning the stamp, then removing the paper and putting your card stock in its place and stamping. Lydia explained that after I was having a duh moment!
A last way, is to work on top of a light box, taping graph or lined paper down and your cardstock over it (with removable tape). If the cardstock isn't too heavy, and the lightbox good enough, you'll see the lines. This is more of an investment and you'd want to test it to make sure you could see your lines.
Others will chime in with great suggestions I bet. : )
I often use a centering ruler (something like this one https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Ruler.../dp/B00161W7GC ) when I want to be sure that I have something exactly centred. I'll use a regular ruler, perpendicular to that, to butt the panel I am attaching to the base up against. I work on a mat with a grid, so I make sure that where the edge of the panel will be is lined up with one of the grids, that way I can be sure I'm keeping my ruler straight. Sorry, I'm sure it would be better with pictures!!
Well this is a nice coincidence. I was looking for a video of how to use a t-square for lining up, but this video shows the t-square, lining up with a Misti, plus one more idea - adhering your craft sheet to a Dahle cutting mat - and the lines show through. Of course the lines wouldn't show through your cardstock, but you'd see lines to the sides and above/below the card.
My favorite ruler is the C-Thru. They have a nice red grid and come in a variety of sizes. I like the 6" and 12" and they are architecturally correct. They are made with a centering guide so you don't have to make tic marks. Also, they are inexpensive.
One thing you may not know is that all rulers are not correct. You should check your rulers to your trimmer/paper cutter to make sure they are the same.
Location: along the bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River
Posts: 4,146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You may have tried this or found the above advise works well but I learned from Kristina Werner of K Wener designs that the pencils with the thin, little lead you click up at the end like an ink pen erases really well.
She uses it on many cards to make light marks that she erases.
Just a thought!
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
I tend to place my ruler across my card, add a bit of low tack tape to keep it in place, then butt my matting layer up to that. One way to give yourself a bit of wriggle room with tape- if you use DST on your card, peel off the backing them smear a little silicone glue onto the sticky side. This will let you slide it a little, instead of grabbing straight away.
I was thinking grid paper under your card and a stamp press over it to look through might do the trick, but dang!, Dini, that perfect layers tool looks sweet! (and less complicated ...)
__________________ If you don't want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values, because you don't. ~ Jimmy Carter
I say don't sweat it! it's handmade and it is just one of its charms if it's slightly off kilter, it makes it unique....that is what I tell myself & I am sticking to it!
I'd recommend the Misti! You can line up your stamp before inking and see through the lid, then fix it if you need to. (I think the mini-Misti is a featured product on the home page right now.)
Being a sewing person I resurrected my Omni-grid ruler and rotary cutter. Gives me perfect 1/8" borders every time. I have also used Lydia's laser level too.
Wow! Happy to have spotted this thread!
Vision is a pressing issue for me, so I'll definitely be trying the C-thru Ruler.
Dini's mention of the Perfect Layers tools is a good suggestion for straight-line purposes as this tool has a unique 'ledge' for snugging up against paper/cardstock edges. It's a nice tool to use with a craft knife or even pencil line.
It's hard to explain but here goes - because the marker moves, you can place the edge of the ruler against the edge of your piece and then push the tab to the edge of the card. Want to make sure the other side is the same distance away? Just flip the ruler the other way and measure it against the other side. If everything lines up, you are centered. Like I said, this is easier said then done but it's a gadget I reach for all the time.
If I just want to line up something, I generally use a quilting ruler. It's gridded in 1/8' increments, and makes it pretty easy. I also have a Tim Holtz centering ruler--same gridding, plus the center mark. I've seen Darlene DeVries use her MISTI if she's layering 2 pieces that are the same size (like a full-size card front on a card base). Just place the bottom layer in the corner of the MISTI, and butt your top layer against the corner when you adhere the panel. I also have the Perfect Layers rulers (all 3). Great tools, and I have never regretted the purchase! The only kicker to those is, if your top layer is thin/lightweight, the lip on the ruler may not "catch" against it. I have that problem especially with lighter weight patterned papers. The ruler can also slip when you're cutting against it, if you don't hold it down really well. Just a couple of things to consider!
As for glue, I like tombow mono multi glue. It gives you wiggle room if it isn't down straight.
Absolutely correct! Tombow mono multi glue allows a less than perfect "plop" onto the card base and a bit of time to scoot it into correct alignment. It's my go-to adhesive when I know I can't take a chance of messing up on alignment.
And it's so dang easy to use and inexpensive compared to tape runners, why not use it? 8-)
Guess I need to go find my laser level because THAT idea is awesome!
I happen to be blind in one eye and have issues if my good eye is in any way stressed!
I also use omni-grid rulers and I have one of these: center point ruler. https://www.amazon.ca/Center-Point-12-Ruler-CenterPoint/dp/B00PUUHK9Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475277206&sr=8-2&keywords=Center+point+ruler
It's different than a center finding ruler. With this one you place the ruler along the edge and whatever the measurement is, you simply look at that measurement on the half scale ruler on the other side. With a center finding ruler, you have to move the ruler back and forth until the measurement is even on both sides. The center point ruler is faster and easier. I have a 24" one I used for sewing but it's too long for my craft space so I need a 12" one.
I also use omni-grid rulers and I have one of these: center point ruler. https://www.amazon.ca/Center-Point-12-Ruler-CenterPoint/dp/B00PUUHK9Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475277206&sr=8-2&keywords=Center+point+ruler
It's different than a center finding ruler. With this one you place the ruler along the edge and whatever the measurement is, you simply look at that measurement on the half scale ruler on the other side. With a center finding ruler, you have to move the ruler back and forth until the measurement is even on both sides. The center point ruler is faster and easier. I have a 24" one I used for sewing but it's too long for my craft space so I need a 12" one.
If you do need to use the pencil I have a Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser that has never failed to remove every bit of pencil mark without harming the paper. Still haven't learned how to post a link so I apologize for that. I got my eraser in a pack of three at a local art store........gave one to my crafting buddy and hubby seems to have wandered off with the other one!
I was watching a 2015 video about masking, and at 11:25ish, using a T-ruler (to line up a sentiment in this case) without having to draw a line is briefly shown. : )
I just saw the presentation on this gadget on HSN. It's by We R Memory Keepers and looks like it would work very well for those who need help lining things up. Here is a link. There is a video on how it works.
I thought I was the only one with this problem. Every single photo I take needs straightening. I thought it was my eyes, but alas ... it's probably my brain. I'm going to need one of these tools!! Thank you for sharing!
Lining Stuff Up
