X-acto-ly!

Whether you use an x-acto knife, Coluzzle, or some other shape cutter with a blade (I love my circle/oval cutter by Creative Memories), here a tip for you:

Replace that self-healing cutting mat with a glass one.

Yes, you read it correctly -- a G-L-A-S-S cutting mat!

It may feel foreign for a couple of times, but very quickly you will find the glass cutting surface makes the cutting process easier, the cuts cleaner, and keeps blades sharper, longer.

Where do you get a glass cutting mat? Here are two inexpensive suggestions:

The Hardware Store -- They will cut it to any size you request.
An Old Picture Frame -- Remove the glass. Discard the frame.

With either of these options you will want to cover the raw (and very sharp) edges with masking tape.

Additional 'Glass' Tips:
*To promote smooth cutting, keep the glass clean.
*Avoid setting the glass on uneven surfaces - if any pressure is then place on top of it, a heart-sinking 'snap' will be heard.
*Do not use the glass mat when setting eyelets.
*For safety sake, when transporting, wrap well or box (I use and old, flat stationery box), and label "Glass" or "Fragile."

Note: I'd like to credit Courtney Ricker, an instructor and stamp designer at Your Maine Stamper for sharing this this tip with me five or six years ago.  It transformed me from being x-acto phobic to x-acto competent.

Comments

[Donna]

Great tip, Susan! A glass mat is definitely the way to go -- I've used them, and I'm a believer!

[sharon in ne]

I'm gonna have to try this one out to see it for myself. (I love my self-healing mat and a cold glass just doesn't seem as good, so I'm a little skeptical.) But, there's very little cost involved, thanks to your helpful tip. (This is the kinda tip I really like.) Thanks.

[Heidi]

What an awesome tip! I am going to rummage through my frames and grap a piece of glass! It's definitely worth a try! If this works well with my I might pass this info on when I write my article for craft critique about my Coluzzle! Thanks Susan!