Sunday, April 27, 2014

Tips for trimming narrow strips of cardstock


Earlier this month, I posted a card that incorporated a background that came from a bargain box of invitation blanks. 


The box of 50 invitations and 50 response cards (and envelopes) was originally $24.99,  marked down to $3 and it rang up at $1.


This is the card and you can find the full post HERE.


In order to use the decorative silver striped edges, I needed to trim the sides.  This piece was from the top of the large invitation - I trimmed it off to use a punch on the hearts (I will show that card tomorrow).

When you have a thin strip of paper and need to trim it evenly, there are a couple of things you can try.  For this strip, I used my Cricut trimmer which has a clear line indicating exactly where the cut will be made.  Just a couple of strips of washi tape will hold the piece of cardstock straight for an even cut.  Washi tape is so thin that there is no effect on the cut.  It also removes easily.


Here is another trick if you want to trim just the edge of a piece like this striped border.  Just take a post-it note and attach the border to the sticky area.  This will give you enough to hold on to so you can keep the piece straight while you trim.


Here you can see the result - I was able to remove a very thin strip from the edge of the border.


I used these two piece of border to make the card that I will share tomorrow. 

I hope these two tips are helpful - I used to get out my quilting rotary cutter and mat until I figured out these simpler methods.

I am still suffering from a cold and/or allergies and my blogging schedule is a little off so I am trying to catch up.  I love Spring but it isn't agreeing with me this year!

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3 comments:

  1. Great tip. Cutting thin strips has been a challenge for me. I'll sure try both.
    Feel better
    Linda in Stanwood

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  2. Thanks for the great tips. I've had frustrating experiences trying to trim small strips. I didn't realize the Cricut trimmer had the line indicating the cut. That's really handy!

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  3. Thanks for the tips. I had never thought to use post-its--what a clever idea! Hope you're feeling much better soon!

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