Friday, March 8, 2013

Scrap That! Fussy cutting tutorial


Happy Friday, everyone! Sandi here today to share a few fussy cutting tips with you! The Meg's Garden papers in the March Scrap That! kit are so perfect for cutting out specific images and using them on your designs almost like embellishments! 

Any time I have papers such as these, the first thing I do is to start cutting! Why? Because if I hesitate, then I might be tempted to use the papers "as is" and loose the unique opportunities that fussy cut images provide. So, dive in! You won't regret it. 

If you have never done any cut work, below are some tips. (I only have a few photos as it is hard to photograph with scissors in one hand and paper in the other. Right?) 


Select a section of the paper that has some images that look promising to use as embellishments or borders. I like to cut a larger section out before I actually start my fussy (or detail) cutting. 



Having the right tools is key to good results. You will want a pair of small, detail scissors such as these pictured above or Cutter Bee Precision-cut scissors and/or a good, sharp craft knife. I use both. The craft knife works great for very fine detail work and for getting "into" spaces within the design. 



Then, start cutting around the designs you wish to use, in this case the flowers and leaves. You will get the best results by holding the scissors steady but moving the paper as you cut, rather than the other way around. You'll get more fluid edges rather than ragged. 



In this case I used a large section of flowers although I could have cut it up in smaller increments if I had wanted. When I've finished cutting, I like to ink my edges for definition. This also helps to cover any smallish detail or white space that you've missed. 

I thought it might be helpful for you to see a video of someone doing some fussy cutting. Since I am not equipped for doing videos myself, I've selected one that I liked by Janine Koczwara.  She does such beautiful work, I hope you'll take time to watch. 

Here is the link: 


Here is how I used that piece:


and another example:

See how open the leaves are at the top? I used the craft knife for this area. 

Thanks for coming by today! 

~ Sandi ~ 


10 comments:

  1. Very pretty work Sandi! I think people often overlook fussy cutting... It is not easy & always seems to have great results! Yours looks so pretty on your work!

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  2. Cool work!! It takes a lot of patience to do fussy cutting and inking the edges makes it look outstanding!!

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  3. These pages are beautiful, Sandi!! I love how used the fussy cut elements on them.

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  4. Beautiful layouts Sandi, I love fussy cutting i find it so relaxing!

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  5. Oh Sandi, how I have missed your incredible scrappy style.....so glad to be back and I can't wait to get all caught up with you!
    Blessings,
    Kim xXx

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  6. Wow, what gorgeous layouts! The fussy cutting is more work, but these finished layout are proof that it's totally worth it! Just gorgeous! Beautiful photographs too :)

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  7. Oh WOW Sandi totally stunning. LOVE to fussy-cut myself too. It does look great!!

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  8. WOWZA!!! Both layouts are fabulous! Both the photos are beautiful too, pretty girls!

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  9. Beautiful layouts, Sandi!! I love to add fussy cuts to layouts, too!! Hugs!!!

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