Best way to cut straight lines w/o paper cutter?

[TheOtherVillainess]

I didn't realize how sucky I cut straight lines until I started this scrapping project. I've asked DH to get me a paper cutter for Valentine's Day (which is also our 6 year anniversary ). But I don't want to wait until then to finish the layouts I've been doing. So what's the best way to cut a straight line w/o a paper cutter?

HELP!

TOV

 

[TN Traveler]

I know EXACTLY what you are talking about -- I can't cut a straight line either! BUT I have found a way that helps....I measure everything and mark it w/a pencil and then cut that way. For example if I want to put a border or mat a picture, I'll lay the cropped picture on the paper I want to be the mat, then mark 1/8 " around the picture by making a pencil mark on all corners and about half way between on all 4 sides. Then I'll lay my ruler down and connect the lines and cut along the lines. This usually works for me altho I still use my cutter faithfully. GOOD LUCK!
Karen aka TN Traveler

 

[Stephres]

I used a ruler and an exacto knife before I bought a paper trimmer. If you are careful you will get straight lines every time.

 

[T16GEM]

I used a ruler and an exacto knife before I bought a paper trimmer. If you are careful you will get straight lines every time.

This is my preferred method too. Just make sure that you use a suitable board to score on otherwise you will end up cutting your table!

 

[Stephres]

Yes, I have a couple of scratches in my dining room table!

 

[WDW*3]

Hi everyone,

For cutting paper and photos, Creative Memories has terrific items. They sell an awesome personal trimmer for photos and smaller sheets of paper and a 12 inch pattern with cutting blades and cutting mat that have changed the way I scrap!!! If anyone is interested in learning more, let me know.

 

[JudithM]

For cutting paper and photos, Creative Memories has terrific items. They sell an awesome personal trimmer for photos and smaller sheets of paper and a 12 inch pattern with cutting blades and cutting mat.

I use the personal trimmer, for small items. Before I bought a 12" trimmer, I used to use the CM 12" pattern with the blades. I love my 12" trimmer though!

 

[Pammy jo]

Do you have an exacto knife? Line a ruler up where you want to cut, hold it down firmly and use the exacto knife to cut along the edges.

 

[QuiltTeddy]

I'm not a scrapper, but a quilter. You could probably also invest in a rotary blade and mat.

 

[scrapperjill]

But if your going to invest in a rotry blade and matt you'd be better off investing in a 12" paper trimmer. I have the plan old fiskers 12" and love it. I don't think they cost all that much either. I just got the new fiskers 12"...and for some reason it has a catch in it...about the last 1/2 inch just becomes REAL sticky. I'm thinking I'm going to have to take it back.