***Newbie to stampin with questions***

[Simone]

Hello everyone! I started stamping my Christmas Cards after my first SU party this past year and loved it so much that I decided to stamp birthday cards throughout the year! I bought the "Layer Ease" but am unsure as to exactly how it works. Does it only trace for you and then you cut it out or does it cut it out for you as well? How does it keep on track of the object you're tracing with those discs?

Other than that, I've been cruising the forums and galleries and must say, this site is very impressive..I'm so ready to start turning out those cards! lol

[stampinstepmom]

Hi Simone! Welcome to the wonderful "underground" or rubber stamping!

I had the same questions about the Layer Ease as you did. The Layer Ease does not cut, it is simply used as a tool to trace around the image or object you want to layer. Place the disk next to the image so that the edge of the layer ease is against the edge of your image. Use a pencil with a sharp tip, insert into the disk of your choice and trace. I have found that it does take some practice and a steady hand. Also, if you are tracing something that is thin (like copy paper) it can be very difficult. It works best against something that can withstand a little pressure. Once you are done tracing, use a pair of scissors to cut out.

I'm interested in seeing if anyone else has any good tips. I've never completely warmed up to my Layer Ease.

Enjoy making all of those cards!

Mary Ann

[mamie114]

Simone,
Mary Ann is correct. The layer ease does take practice, and does not cut. It helps to use a light touch to trace your image. I love the layer ease, but primarily use it in my scrapbooking, more than in my card making. With practice, it does get easier. Good luck!

[Simone]

Thank you...so you have to cut out the image closely first, preferably cardstock (?) so that you can trace it lightly without damaging or bending the image on a different piece of paper.....Got it!

[Anonymous]

I love the layer ease. I found it helped to attach the picture I want to trace to my paper first. This was my picture was sure not to move.

[braggingran]

I use my layer ease often. What has helped me is to first trace the image on a piece of thin tag board, like what is in with Cardstock or often in with packaging. Then I cut that out as a template. I then can use the layer ease a bit easier since the image is sturdier. I have a file to keep these templates and can use them over and over.
Hope this is a helpful idea :-)
Wendy
aka, braggingran

[Simone]

Yes, that's a wonderful idea and will use it