I decided to set myself a few scrapbooking goals this year to encourage me to make for time for this lovely hobby. I enjoy working on projects so much, and I think having a few specific goals will help me focus. I'm going to make renewed effort to take my camera everywhere, which I'm not bad at, and to USE it. And most importantly of all, I'm going to print pictures every month so that I have inspiration and stories at my fingertips. My goal is to make at least 12 pages. That perhaps doesn't sound like much, but it would be a decent increase on last year!
I made this paper cut over a few days, sketching out a template on scrap paper, tracing round it onto white cardstock and then gradually snipping it out with scissors. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and it will make a pretty and delicate first page in an album of my 2016 pages.
I enjoy cutting out paper designs like this, partly because it's a design and style I like, but it's also quite theraputic and it's easy to do in front of the telly at the end of a busy day. I like that I can do a few minutes here and there and end up with an embellishment that is then a big feature of a page, and that will make an impact. And all you need is paper and scissors! My Mum gave me a new pair for Christmas as I like the little tiny scissors usually used for sewing threads, but mine were wearing themselves down a bit.
Something new I'm going to try this year is making paper cuts with a craft knife. I've done significant research (ie I googled it and watched a YouTube video) and I'm going to practise to improve my dexterity with a blade. I will keep using scissors, but I think if I can get comfortable and confident with a knife, I'll be able to cut out even more detailed designs.
I ordered myself a craft knife and cutting mat from Amazon (thanks to my brother for the voucher her gave me for Christmas!) and I've had a quick go. I tried for long enough to convince myself that it's harder than the people on the internet make it look. But I'm going to stick with it and see how we go!
Here is my first, wobbly attempt. I need to work out a system: do I use a template and cut round it? Do I cut two layers at once? Design on tracing paper and then cut through that and my final paper? I suppose I'll have to figure out it. But I very much hope the end results will be worth it!
Kisses xxx
P.S. Any tips from craft knife ninjas greatly appreciated; going round curves is hard!
I love this! It looks really impressive and certainly not easy! I think managing a craft knife is a bit like sewers who cut their patterns out with a rotary cutter. Looks awesome when they do it but even after years of sewing I don't think I could manage it!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love your full page lacy cut. I cheat and use my Silhouette Cameo! :-) I've never been much good at fussy cutting and I've been impressed with your ninja scissor skills for some time. My efforts tend to look more like my toddler did them! How did you learn to do this with scissors, or is it just from practice? It may be true of the craft knife approach too...
ReplyDeleteI think your scissor cuts are amazing! The only think I would say about cutting with a knife, is try and get hold of a soft grip knife. I have one exactly like yours and it really hurts after a while. Keep at it. xx
ReplyDeleteThat's really pretty, and amazing that you drew and cut it by hand.
ReplyDeleteI love your lace page, it is so pretty! I also really like the idea of having a cover/title page in albums, I do it for all my mini albums but never thought to do in my 12x12's... Lots to think about :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you did that with scissors...it's awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I find cutting with scissors easier than a craft knife.i have very tiny swivel blade craft knives too. It's just easier to do the curves by turning the paper as you cut with scissors. I cannot always get the craft knife blade to swivel when I want it to. Long straight lines, craft knifes and a metal straight edge are great.
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