TappStampers

Paper Cutting Table - too cool!

This 'paper-cutting chart' is just too cool a tool; took me a bit to figure it out, but with a little help from my friends... Download PAPER Cutting Table Info-pdf

By using this chart, I can EASILY determine how to get the most out of my cardstock when making multiple cuts -- it even includes 12" cardstock!!  It is very easy to use; here are instructions

1. FIRST, note that the table continues from the top section, to the middle section, to the end.
2. NEXT, notice that each cell along the top row tells you the SIZE you want to cut.
3. FINALLY, notice that each column is in sequential increments of the # at the top (i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 -- each column is increments of the top # (measurement)

Now, let's see how to use this table.  A simple example is perhaps you want to cut something 2" wide x 2" wide, and you want to see how many 2" wide pieces you can cut out of your cardstock...

• Look along the top rows to find 2". 
• Now, look DOWN that column and you will see other sizes in INCREMENTS of 2".  The one below 2 is 4, the one below 4 is 6, etc. -- increments of 2.
• Sooooo, as you continue to look down the column under '2', you will eventually come to a measurement closest to the length of your paper and the width of your paper. 

• Look down that column and see that you can cut ...

  • 4 pieces out of a 8 1/2" piece of CS (see, closest # is 8), or
  • 5 pieces out of an 11 1/2" piece of CS (see, closest # is 11), or
  • 6 pieces out of a 12" piece of CS(you do see '12' here)
    • all, depending on which direction you cut your 2" wide pieces

Now, if you want to cut a different size, for example 2 x 2 1/2, look for BOTH numbers and see which direction to cut your card stock to get the most cuts...IS THIS COOL OR WHAT?! 

BIG TIPS FOR THE NEW SU! CLEAR BLOCKS

Well, those new CLEAR BLOCKS are all the buzz among us stampers!!!  Here are a few tips to get your stamp to adhere well to the blocks as you use them...

 

--BREATHE on the block just before applying the rubber stamp (like when you breath/huff on your rubber stamp after coloring with markers...breath from your lungs, don't just blow...). 

 

--Press the stamp against the clear block and try to 'get the bubbles out'.

BIG TIP #1:  I store my new clear block stamps IN their case - and then sit the case on a shelf (like books on a shelf) or in a 'CD' storage container (I cannot imagine storing them out of the pkg., as I would never find which stamp I wanted !!).  To make it even easier on me, I actually keep photo copies of each stamp set in a 3-ring binder.  I give each photo and each set a corresponding number.  Then, when I want to stamp, I just browse through my notebook, decide on which stamp set(s) I want to use, and then reach for that # on my shelf.  When I am through, it goes right back on the shelf.  EZ-PZ  : )

BIG TIP #2--How to mount your stamp arrow-straight:  Have you noticed how EZ it is to affix the words STRAIGHT when using your clear blocks?  First, place your clear blocks on your GRID paper.  When you put a word stamp on your clear block, you can just follow that grid line right through the clear block underneath the beginning of your word to the end of your word...and it is arrow straight every time!!  I actually do that with my wood block stamps too -- only the 'line' has to be sort of imaginary since I cannot see through the wood - lol!!

 

 

BIG TIP #3--What size clear block do I need?:  Make a template out of acetate for each size clear block.  Hold your template together with a key ring.  Now you can use your template to help you decide which size block you need to use or purchase for a particular stamp. 

 

Any questions?  Contact me:  Brenda / 919-929-1412 / btapp@msn.com

 

HAPPY STAMPING!!

Making a PUNCH Template !!

I am sure many punches can fit many sets.  So, this is how I made my own template...

• I ought a pack of 8 1/2 x 11 sheets that has pockets to hold biz cards (you can buy individual pockets, like name holders, but this was cheaper and took up less room and was EZier to use.  Each of my sheets holds ten cards).
• I cut scrap pieces of CS to fit into each pocket.
• Then I punched out a shape on a scrap piece of card stock for each punch I have (sometimes, I was able to punch more than one on punch on that size CS).  I also wrote the size/name of each punch on the front and back of each piece of CS.
• I have 3 pages and hold the pages together with 2 key rings.

Now, I have a template for every punch I own.  I simply slide the template over any stamp in the IB&C or stamp that I have to see which one best bits.  This actually did take me a bit of time, but it was worth it many times over!!! 

 

Since a picture is worth a thousand words: 

 

Now you all just contact me with any questions:  Brenda / 919-929-1412 / btapp@msn.com