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You still use your paper trimmer to trim your photos, but this is what you would use to mat your photos or what ever else you would like layered.
Debbie
Quote:
Originally Posted by allornothing
I'm intrigued. Could someone explain, without being too technical, how it works and why it's better than a paper trimmer. Also, does this mean that you don't use your paper trimmer anymore?
Since I am a quilter and use a rotary mat, rulers, and cutter, I cut my cardstock with those tools. They are all available at JoAnn's. I use my older ones for stamping. Remember cutting tools that you use with fabric will be dulled by paper. I use the rotary cutter blades that are too dull for cutting fabric in the rotary cutter I use for stamping. These tools are easier for me to get accurate cuts.
locoop
I feel really dumb but I cannot figure out how to use my perfect layers tool at all. I've only tried twice - I WANT to use it but just can't. My demo doesn't have it so I can't really ask her for a tutorial. My problem is that I can't figure out how to butt it up to the paper correctly. I bought SU's mat but maybe I should get out my CM one, as others suggested, and use that instead.
Another question - do you guys use the 1/4 mostly or do you use all the different inch options??
I feel really dumb but I cannot figure out how to use my perfect layers tool at all. I've only tried twice - I WANT to use it but just can't. My demo doesn't have it so I can't really ask her for a tutorial. My problem is that I can't figure out how to butt it up to the paper correctly. I bought SU's mat but maybe I should get out my CM one, as others suggested, and use that instead.
Another question - do you guys use the 1/4 mostly or do you use all the different inch options??
OK, I am going to try to explain how I use mine...I hope I can make it clear for you! The underside of the rulers have a lip on them. Butt the lip up to the top layer then slice down the outside layer of the ruler. For example, mount a photo on a piece of cs. Then, butt the lip up to the edge of the photo and cut off the excess cs that extends beyond the edge of the ruler. Clear as mud?!?! :rolleyes: Really, once you get the hang of it, you'll have a "DUH!" moment, just like me!! Good luck!
It's true you can cut your mats by measuring out your project. I do that on occasion..
However, I love PL for when I have an "odd sized" photo that I cropped. I don't have to bother trying to figure out 3/8" from 5/8" or 1/2" or whatever... especially because the measurement marks on my tools are not that precise.
I just line up the mat paper, photo and desired PL tool side and in a second I have a perfect mat.
It's great when your working at 2 am and your brain can't do math anymore..... LOL! :p
Debbie...an update...I got my mat and knife and was very determined to use my perfect layers that's been sitting in the drawer. After half an hour I was able to DO I RIGHT!!
I could only do it after using temporary dots on the between the layers. Does anyone permanently glue the top layer before you start layering?
Thanks so much for the ecouragement. If it weren't for you and this thread I would still be having imperfect layers!! :p ...g
Quote:
Originally Posted by Debbie8400
It is time to take it out of the box... All you have to do is butt up the ledge of the PL against what ever you are layering, and then take your blade and cut straight down the outside edge You are using the edge of the PL as your straight cut, and the inside ledge that is butted up against your picture as your layer.. Simple as that.. Each PL has I think 4 ledges for layering. This is one tool I can not live without... I hope I explained it right because I don't know what else to call the different sizes
Debbie...an update...I got my mat and knife and was very determined to use my perfect layers that's been sitting in the drawer. After half an hour I was able to DO I RIGHT!!
I could only do it after using temporary dots on the between the layers. Does anyone permanently glue the top layer before you start layering?
Thanks so much for the ecouragement. If it weren't for you and this thread I would still be having imperfect layers!! :p ...g
Definitely stick your first layer down before you cut the second! That's why I love my Perfect Layers. I'm fine with all the measuring and cutting using a paper trimmer and whatnot, but when it comes to lining up layers so everything's straight, I'm horrible! I'll think something looks great and come back the next day and see how horribly crooked each layer is - it's almost comical! But when I use my PL, everything's already stuck down as I cut the layers, so it's all straight and even and pretty! Woo hoo!!!
Hi. I'm new here. Just curious. Do you measure and cut your first layer with your paper trimmer before you mount it and use the PL? I have wondered how well the PL works and I'm convinced to give it a try. Just wondering if there was some secret code to measuring and cutting that first layer as well. I seem to make a huge mess when working on my layers. Thanks, Vicky
The best glass cutting mat in the world, tempered glass! I bought a very large glass cutting board from Wal-Mart (they are not cheap, but well worth the $$). One side is textured, that is the side use use as a cutting board, but the other side is smooth!
I cut off the rubber feet and attached it to my stamping counter top with glue lines.
This is the best investment I've made! The craft knives do not harm the glass, it is easy to cut on, stamp on, clean up! Just joy to work on!
Perfect for my Perfect Layers too!
__________________ Karen
...My life is like a stroll on the beach...As near to the edge as I can go...Thoreau...
Hi. I'm new here. Just curious. Do you measure and cut your first layer with your paper trimmer before you mount it and use the PL? I have wondered how well the PL works and I'm convinced to give it a try. Just wondering if there was some secret code to measuring and cutting that first layer as well. I seem to make a huge mess when working on my layers. Thanks, Vicky
You cut your picture or stamped image, then mount it on your next piece of paper. Then using the PL, cut the bottom layer to the size you want, then continue until you get the desired look
I am so happy that you finally were able to use what will now become your new favorite toy... Glad I was able to help...
Debbie
QUOTE=graciez;6037150]Debbie...an update...I got my mat and knife and was very determined to use my perfect layers that's been sitting in the drawer. After half an hour I was able to DO I RIGHT!!
I could only do it after using temporary dots on the between the layers. Does anyone permanently glue the top layer before you start layering?
Thanks so much for the ecouragement. If it weren't for you and this thread I would still be having imperfect layers!! :p ...g[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the info. That was how I understood it, but wanted to make sure. I am going to order my PL when I place a workshop order this weekend. Vicky
also does anyone have the link to the perfect layers tutoria? Someone here posted a great tutorial with pictures on how to use it and I can't find the tutorial anywhere now.
I have had this set for several years. My daughter ordered 2 sets of them (she does scrapbooking) for us. However, I have never used them. If I am reading these messages right, instead of building a card up from the cardstock base, you work backwards - working from the top most layer down to the card base. Is this correct? I have a hard time getting the layers even and don't like the crooked look.
locoop
Yes, you are correct, never thought of it that way, but you are work from the top layer down...picture (image) then cardstock and so on... Give it a try you'll see, you will love it...
Quote:
Originally Posted by locoop
I have had this set for several years. My daughter ordered 2 sets of them (she does scrapbooking) for us. However, I have never used them. If I am reading these messages right, instead of building a card up from the cardstock base, you work backwards - working from the top most layer down to the card base. Is this correct? I have a hard time getting the layers even and don't like the crooked look.
locoop
What kind of mat do you use with the tool? I have a CM and fiskars one, and I do like the CM one, but I am thinking I need to get a GLASS mat..thoughts??
I love my glass mats. There are a couple of different sizes and I recommend getting the larger size. They are great for cutting on and for providing a firm surface for stamping.
I don't think there was a tutorial here on PL. I may be wrong. It does come with pretty good insructions though. good luck..g
It wasn't an official SCS tutorial, rather a member here (a man, I think) did it on his own and posted a link to a pdf file or some sort of file with pics it was SO helpful and I should have saved it dangit.
I use my CM one... But when I originally purchased it, it came with a self healing mat... That is what my friends use... I guess use what works best for you.... If you have a mat in the house, use what you have, no need to go out a purchase an additoinal one...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hockeyrabbit
What kind of mat do you use with the tool? I have a CM and fiskars one, and I do like the CM one, but I am thinking I need to get a GLASS mat..thoughts??
Okay, I'm in the same boat as Graciez. I've had mine for forever and thought why did I buy it. I will be trying it this weekend on my dd album. How to you go about cutting down the large mats to save paper or do you worry about it? You ladies are all so wonderful and great at sharing...
Okay, I'm in the same boat as Graciez. I've had mine for forever and thought why did I buy it. I will be trying it this weekend on my dd album. How to you go about cutting down the large mats to save paper or do you worry about it? You ladies are all so wonderful and great at sharing...
Dawn
Hi...First of all, I can use the PL now...but it takes me forever to do that I get very impatient. I keep thinking I'm going to get faster at it. I'll keep plugging.
There has to be some secrets to using PL...anyone know any???? g
I love my Perfect Layers � when I was on the phone with SU once I asked her about it, how it worked and so on� And was surprised when she talked me out of getting it. Then I was watching QVC one day for a scrapbooking special and saw them do a demo with one. My order was placed before the end of the demo. Love, love love it.