3amStamping Pad

Welcome to the 3am Stamping Pad...

...Inspiration from the middle of the night.

Here you’ll find news, views and comments, along with project ideas, directions, tips and suggestions to make your rubber stamping, scrapbooking and papercrafting fun and first-rate.

Tearless Tearing with The Tearing Edge

The Tearing Edge (#102930) is a great tool for the "shabby chic" look as well as for projects that need an even ragged edge.  It is serrated on both sides, with the peaks closer on one side than on the other.  This gives you two different edges.

You will need to be careful because the edges are sharp!  I recommend keeping The Tearing Edge in its plastic sleeve to avoid nicks on your fingers.

To use this tool effectively (and safely), I find you need at least 1/2" of paper or card stock to grip.  Running a damp paintbrush along the Tearing Edge on the paper you want torn will make the tearing easier to do.  You will need to dampen the paper, especially if you have less than 1/2" available to grip.  I use an Aqua Painter (#103954) for this technique because it gives even dampness along the line I want to tear and saves me time and effort.

To order either or both of these tools, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Hearts for Haiti

There's still time to get the I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set (#117010-wood mount or #118571-clear mount, uses Clear-Mount Block C #118486 and optional Clear-Mount Block A #118487) and help out with Haitian Disaster Relief!  Over 7,000 of you have ordered these sets, which means $14,000 to the fund!  You can read more about it here.

Here is just one of the ideas you can do with this great collection of hearts for all occasions:

 

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 118571 I {Heart} Hearts (clear-mount)
• 118486 Clear-Mount Block C
• 115370 Teeny Tiny Wishes

Card Stock & Paper:

• 105130 Regal Rose Card Stock
• 115316 Rich Razzleberry Card Stock
• 101650 Very Vanilla Card Stock
• 115675 Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper

Ink & Color:

• 115658 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad
• 102283 VersaMark Pad
• 105542 Stampin' Pastels

Accessories & Tools:

• 113694 Heart to Heart Punch
• 116630 Modern Label Punch
• 105090 Word Window Punch
• 117649 Pinking Hearts Border Punch
• 102892 Sponge Daubers
• 101049 Stamp-A-Ma-Jig
• 103179 Craft & Rubber Scissors
• 104332 SNAIL
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals
• 100425 2-Way Glue Pen

To order what you need to complete this project, and help out the ARC Haitian Disaster Relief Fund, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

New Downloads for My Digital Studio

These latest downloads include Corduroy Buttons and Sending Love Epoxy Brads added to the embellishments!  Check them out in person during my demonstration on Saturday, February 13, from 9am to 10:30am or 10:30am to Noon.  Watch for your invitation coming soon!

If you can't make it, you can preview them in the online store.

Valentine Treats in a Jiffy

Need a ton of Valentine's for your child's class or your work unit?  Want to do something different and special?  Try the Love Bots on page 17 of the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog.  There are 30 easy-to-assemble and easyk-to-personalize treat boxes in each package: #118081 Love Bots-Boy and/or #118080 Love Bots-Girl.

 

I found some candy hearts in small packages (they called it the "classroom pack") that fit perfectly inside the 3" x 3" box.  I left the samples open to give you an idea of how they go together.  A sheet of clear round stickers is included in each package to close the filled box.

Tip: Write or stamp before you start assembling, while the box is flat.  I used #111610 Calendar Alphabet & Numbers on mine.

To order your own instant Valentines, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Aid to Choosing Your Clear-Mount Block

My friend Michelle Laycock of Laycock Designs (who did my site design for me) created this template to help you decide what block you need to order with your Clear-Mount stamps.  I was lazy and ordered the whole Block Bundle (#118491), but you might not want all nine sizes (even though you save almost $10 over buying them individually).  Click the button to download the template.  You may print it on vellum or transparency to use to pick out the block size you need: just lay it over the image in the catalog to get the right size.

I must say, I love my Clear-Mount stamps!  They take up so much less room and are easy to place.  If you need exact alignment, you still need to use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (#101049).  I used both methods for this card:

 

You can also use the round Sweet Treat Cup (#116802) and fill it with actual small jelly beans or other treats!  I will be using this design in an upcoming class next month, so check back in a week or so.

What I Like Best

I've been thinking about my favorite thing to being a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator.  I've decided that the one thing that's particular to my business is the feeling I get when someone at a workshop tells me they're not creative, then changes my design and is so proud of doing it themselves.

Do you think you're not creative?  Here's a secret:  you don't have to be!  There are so many ideas you can copy, it makes planning a workshop a breeze.  Most of these resources are available to you immediately and at no extra cost when you join the Stampin' Up! family.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, give me a call at (707) 542-3696 or (707) 695-3571, or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat with you about my business and talk about what the possibilities can do for you.

Capture Your Child's Imagination

One of my grandsons drew me aside the other day and told me a story he'd made up.  He's 4 and the story was about some of his favorite fictional characters.  It was so cute how he told me about it, that I got the idea to scrapbook it and any of his other stories.  Here's what we'll be doing:

• I will be making a book with a page (or a layout) for each story.
• He will be dictating to me and I'll print the story out to put on the page.
• He will stamp some images to go with it and we'll lay out the page together.
• Each page will go into a page protector, then into an album.

I think the OnBoard Album (#112456) will be perfect for this project, since we'll be able to decorate it easily.  Plus, you can fit extra pages inside, so it will hold a lot of stories!  I'll post pictures as we go.

What are some of the things you do to scrapbook your child's life?  Share your ideas in the comments section.  Click on "comments" below the post to bring up the comment block.  If you don't see comments, click on the post title and they'll show up.

Help for Haitian Disaster

From now until February 28, 2010, Stampin' Up! will donate $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set you buy to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. This money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name                                    Item # 

• I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount    118571

• Clear-Mount Block D         118485 (you will need this to use the clear-mount stamps)
  

• I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount    117010

To order, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Simply Easy Surprise Box

Do you need a super-fast gift or treat?  Try this quick & easy Mini Milk Carton!  You can fill it with tiny treats that you can pour in (M & M's, Skittles, Jelly Bellies, or Cinnamon Hearts, etc.) and your gift recipient can easily pour out!

The finished size is 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" x 3-1/4."  The photo makes it seem larger than it really is.  Here's all you need to make it as shown:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 112476 Bella's Border
• 118590 Tiny Tags (Clear-Mount)
• 118487 Clear Mount Block A
• [or use 118091 Tiny Tags Wood-Mount]

Card Stock & Paper:

• 100475 Cameo Coral Card Stock
• 102316 Naturals White Card Stock

Ink & Color:

• 103035 Cameo Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
• 100814 Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad
• 101199 Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Around Cartridge

Accessories & Tools:

• 109038 Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
• 109857 Mini Library Clip
• 113439 BigShot Die-Cut Machine
• 113476 Premium Crease Pad
• 117310 Stampin' Up! Mini Milk Carton Bigz L Die
• 102971 Stampin' Around Handle
• 117190 Medium Jewelry Tag Punch
• 108362 Crop-A-Dile
• 101227 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch
• 104294 Sticky Strip
• White embroidery floss or thread (available at sewing, craft or dry goods stores)

How To:

1. Cut out a Mini Milk Carton from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" card stock.
2. Wheel design along carton base.
3. Fold carton according to directions that come with the die.  Adhere sides, base and half of top (the side opposite the spout) with Sticky Strip.
4. Punch 1/8" hole in top close to spout.  Tie ribbon through hole and knot.  (For those of you not bow-challenged, you can tie a bow.)
5. Stamp tag images and punch out with matching punch.  Punch hole in top with 1/16" circle punch.  Thread floss through tag and ribbon knot and tie off.
6. Attach library clip as shown.

The new Bigz L Die fits almost exactly on the Standard Cutting Pads (#113475).  I recommend using the Premium Crease Pad (#113476) to get the best fold lines.  Without the Crease Pad, you run the risk of cutting through your folds.

The Mini Milk Carton is so much fun!  I can think of a dozen ways to decorate it.  What about you?  How would you dress up your milk carton?  Put your thoughts in the comments section below so we can all share.  If you don't see the comments link, click on the title and it should show up.

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And don't forget to leave your comments below.

Easy to Make Jewelry in a Snap!

I had a dinner party to go to last night and wanted to accessorize with the jewelry in Stampin' Up!'s new Simply Adorned line.  It took me about 15 minutes to make the inserts (including getting out all the supplies and unpacking the chains and charms) and about 15 to put together the necklace and bracelet.  I took so long because I have large fingers and thick nails, so it was harder for me to attach those itty bitty clasps.

Here I am in all my finery:

 

And here are closer looks at the collection.

 

One thing I realized as I wore my creations was that I needed to have higher contrast on the inserts.  Next set, for Valentine's Day, will be much brighter so people can see the images better.

Each Simply Adorned Charm comes with templates so you can cut your inserts to the right size.  The templates and a padding layer in each charm let you know how thick your insert can be.  My rule of thumb is the 5/8" charms can hold 2 "pages" of card stock and the larger charms can hold 3 (or 2 pages and a thin embellishment).  I can't wait to play with them some more!

If you have played with the Simply Adorned line, share your projects!  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you are a newsletter subscriber, include the list of supplies used and you'll be eligible for my monthly contest.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Card Contest Entry-Honorable Mention

This Christmas card was so cute that I had to share it with you.  It came in second behind the winner and it was a very close race.

Designed by Jennifer Varley.

My papercrafting contest monthly and is for mailing list subscribers only.  To get on my mailing list and sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Sweet Treat Cups for Your Valentine

Here is another new product-just in time for Valentine's Day!  I think Stampin' Up! is giving us a Summer Mini Sneak Peek, but we certainly need it for our Valentines!

 

The Heart Treat Cups (#120435) match perfectly with the Full Heart Punch (#113093) and the Sweetheart Stamp Set.  The stamps come in both wood-mount (#120415) and clear-mount (#120780) versions.

The first batch of the cups will be in limited supply, so be sure to order yours right away.  Just click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.
 

New Products Now Online

It's the season for Sale-A-Bration AND the new Occasions Mini Catalog.  Check out the exciting new product lines:

Occasions 2010 Mini Catalog:

New Clear-Mount stamp sets!  You get the advantages of a clear block with the quality of a deep-burn rubber stamp image, plus the stamp storage case saves space!!

The Simply Adorned line is now available, except for the 1-1/2" x 2" Rectangle Charm (I'll keep you posted).  See pages 32 & 33 of the Holiday 2009 Mini Catalog for the images.   Also, the Charming stamp set on page 32 is still available-its images are perfect for the charms.

Additions to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Collection!  Both stamp sets and dies!  The complete line is available, but not all images are shown.  You can see them on pages 34 through 37 of the Holiday Mini.

New Punches in an easier-to-use, space-saving style!  My 4-year-old grandson has tested these, so I know it's true!

And much more!

Also available from the Holiday 2009 Mini Catalog are all 3 Shimmer Paints shown on page 27.

Sale-A-Bration:

Everything listed in this brochure is FREE with an order of $50 in product.  There is no limit!  If you order $100, you get to pick 2 free items, $150 = 3 free items, and so on!

For the first time, catalog merchandise is ALSO available for free with a $50 order.  You must use the special numbers in the Sale-A-Bration brochure to order your free items.  If you order online and a dollar amount other than zero shows up on your SAB item, delete it and refer to the brochure for the correct number.

Definitely Decorative Additions:

The Definitely Decorative Catalog Insert adds a Chalkboard vinyl to the Decor Elements line.  You may have gotten a sneak peek of this with the 12 Days of Holidays sale that included Chalkboard and colored Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets.  The sheets are available in the On-line Store under Die-Cutting > Raw Materials.

Click on the buttons at the right under "Catalogs" and see what's new!  If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with me by phone at (707) 695-3571 or email to mary@3amstamper.com.

Getting Ready for the New Year-Class Ideas Contest

The Holidays this year have been especially hectic, and are continuing in that vein for at least another week.  I'm behind on getting my classes scheduled, so I wanted some help from you.

What type of classes are you interested in? Please post your suggestions in the comments section below between now and January 5th.  I will enter your name in a drawing for a selection of exclusively colored eyelets from Stampin' Up!'s retired accessory line.  Please post one suggestion per comment.  There is no limit on the number of comments you may post and each one counts as an entry.

I am preparing Classes by Mail and Classes On-line in addition to in-person classes, so you won't have to miss out!

Holiday Faces Adorn Tree Page

Today's page continues my theme of circle portraits.  I love the Ornament Punch (#116794) and thought the ornament shape would make a cute frame for my subjects' faces.  Then I used the Stampin' Up! Pennant Bigz XL Die (#110483) to make the tree branches.  By the way, this die is on sale until 12/22 at great savings!  Click here to see all the BigShot deals, including Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets in a rainbow of colors.

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets & Wheels:

• 115114 Wonderful Favorite
• 114968 Fundamental Phrases
• 111610 Calendar Alphabet & Numbers
• • Tip: Stamp the "0" of the "20" first, then line up the "20" and the "9" on either side.

Card Stock & Paper:

• 102482 Real Red Card Stock
• 102935 Brushed Gold Card Stock
• 112160 Old Olive Patterns

Ink & Color:

• 101731 Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad
• 105021 White Gel uni-ball Signo Pen

Accessories & Tools:

• 104827 Red Gingham Ribbon
• 108362 Crop-A-Dile
• 116794 Ornament Punch
• 104403 1-1/4" Circle Punch
• 104332 SNAIL
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots

You can cut all 4 pennant halves from Designer Series Paper at one time.  Use 8-1/2" x 4" pieces and line up at the point because you don't need the fold-over at the top.  The smaller pennant half uses about 4" x 3-1/2", if you want to make a smaller tree.

I attached the ornament frames (faces to be added later) to the ends of the "tree branches" first, then adhered them one at a time to get the placement I wanted.  I trimmed all the excess afterward.  The page has room for journaling as well as the names of the "ornaments."  There's room for more ornaments, too, if you need them for your own page.

To take advantage of the 12 Days of Holidays BigShot sale and order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Stick It Down and Get a Lift

I use 3 adhesives on almost everything I make: SNAIL (#104332), Mini Glue Dots (#103683) and Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430).  Today's sticky tool is Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stampin' Dimensionals are adhesive foam hexagons that are really, really sticky. They are also 1/16" high, so you can use them to raise an image or embellishment off your project.  The hexagonal shape makes them easy to stack, as well.  I frequently stack Dimensionals double and I've been known to stack them triple, too.  Haven't needed 4 in a stack yet, but you never know!

The hexagons are adhesive on both sides.  I have yet to find one that has dried out like most foam tape does.  At 300 hexagons per package, one package lasts a long time.  I've had some for several years and they are as sticky now as when the package was first opened.

You only need a few Stampin' Dimensionals for any given project.  I usually use one or two for smaller image layers, unless I'm "trapping" wide ribbon underneath.  I only use 4 (one in each corner) for card fronts, unless there's a heavy embellishment that needs extra support.  And don't forget about the "frame" around each sheet!  You can snip the strips to fit or use them has 1/2 Dimensionals.

The best thing about Stampin' Dimensionals is that one can hold just about anything to your project.  Try snipping the legs off a Build-a-Brad (#109108-Antique Brass or #109128-Pewter) and adhering it with a Stampin' Dimensional.  One fits under it perfectly!   You can do the same with the Rhinestone, Jumbo and Designer Brads, using snips from the edges for the smaller sizes.

Tip: Snip the Dimensionals with Craft & Rubber Scissors (#103179) - they are easier to clean, snip closer than the Craft & Paper Scissors (#108360) and don't stick as much as the Paper Snips (#103579).

To order, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Quick Change Centerpiece

I made a new belly band decoration for my big candle (see previous article here), then decided I wanted it on a different candle.  Here is the new look for my candle holder embellishment:

I changed the band size to make it a little easier to fit the curve of the jar and to slide in the ribbon.  I also scored the band so the inside fits all the way to the fold and the ribbon won't catch.  The shorter segment is on the outside.

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 116517 Delightful Decorations (my other new favorite - it's only available until January 4th!)

Card Stock & Paper:

• 102482 Real Red Card Stock (1-3/4" x 4-1/4", scored at 1-1/2" & 3-1/16")
• 105122 Handsome Hunter Card Stock (4-1/4" x 5-1/2")
• 102935 Brushed Gold Card Stock (2" x 3")

Ink & Color:

• 105239 Handsome Hunter Craft Stampin' Pad
• 101017 Gold Metallic Encore Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 113439 BigShot Die Cutting Machine
• 114506 Stampin' Up! Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die
• 116821 Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows for the Movers & Shapers Die (only available until January 4th!)
• 113459 Leaves #2 Originals Die
• 116794 Ornament Punch (only available until January 4th!)
• 105826 Mat Pack
• 100663 Stylus
• 102845 Blender Pens
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals
• 115617 Chocolate Chip 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (24" for an almost 5" in diameter candle)

Tips:

1. Use Mat Pack and Stylus to draw veins on the leaves, then accent them with a Blender Pen dipped in the Gold Encore Pad.
2. Mark the Blender Pen you use with the metallic ink pad and use it only with metallic ink pads.  This is so the metallic effect doesn't transfer to another project.
3. If you're piecing scraps for the die cuts, be sure you don't overlap the paper.  The piece on top will get a line from the underneath piece.
4. I cut the bird and another window with the Movers & Shapers Die by putting the windows in the magnetic opening and covering with card stock.

If you'd like to make this or a similar project, let's plan a workshop together.  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  I look forward to tailoring the project to you!

Quick & Easy Hannukah Card

Tomorrow is the first day of the Festival of Lights, or Hannukah.  You can get this card out in the mail before the postal carrier reports to work! (Luckily, the Feast runs 8 days, so you'll still be in time!)

Supplies:

Stamp Sets & Wheels:

• 111686 Shalom Sayings
• 116586 Many Merry Messages (inside: "Joy expressed,/Love shared,/a Miracle celebrated."

Card Stock & Paper:

• 100730 Whisper White Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2" & 2-1/2" x 2-1/2")
• 100867 Night of Navy Card Stock (3" x 3")
• 107301 Whisper White Medium Envelope

Ink & Color:

• 102977  Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 104332 SNAIL

Directions:

1. Fold and crease large Whisper White piece to create card.  Stamp message inside with Night of Navy Pad.
2. Tear about 1/4" off the front side edge of the card.  Open it out and use the Night of Navy pad to scrape over the rough edges.  This is called the "Direct-to-Paper" technique.  Let the card dry flat.
3. Stamp the Menorah on the Whisper White square with the Night of Navy pad.
4. SNAIL to Night of Navy layer.
5. SNAIL layer to front of card.
6. Sign card, seal in envelope, address and mail!

Tip: Substitute Ballet Blue Card Stock (#100613) and Ballet Blue Classic Stampin' Pad (#100907) to match the colors in the flag of Israel.  I always do Ballet Blue, so I thought I'd be different this year.

To order what you need to complete this project, and be ready for next year, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Pop-Up Christmas Tree Versatility

I finally got to play with my Stampin' Up! O Christmas Tree Pop-up by Karen Burniston Bigz XL Die (#116822) and its coordinating Sizzlit Die, Stampin' Up! Tree Decorations by Karen Burniston (#118140) on the BigShot Die Cutting Machine (#113439).  The tree is well-engineered and the directions included with the Bigz XL Die are great, but you need to take your time and follow them patiently.

The tree is really cute and a row of them will fit over my fireplace (it's mantle-free).  I thought: what about putting miniature photos on the tree?  Would it work to be a photo-ornament?  Here is the result (without pictures, just circle mounts for them):

 

The 3/4" Circle Punch (#107217) is the best size to use for the photo mounts.  The circles aren't too large for the tree and they still allow the tree to lay flat when you put it away.  You make the tree from 1 6" x 12" piece of card stock plus 3 6" x 6" pieces of card stock because you need 4 each of the medium and small tree pieces.

Since today is Scrapbook Theater day, I wanted to do a page, too.  I attached the pop-up tree above for effect.  If I was making a page with the tree as a pop-up element, it would be attached with the base piece showing and the tree would be at an angle.  However, I think you get the idea. Notice how beautifully the tree flattens.

I created this page with My Digital Studio (#118108), scanning in the flattened tree on Merry Moments Designer Series Paper (#115672), then inserting it as a photo on the page.  The ornaments added to the page are from the new Digital Download: Merry Moments Photo Card Kit (#120883).

This page would be neat as a hybrid page: put in the photo and print out the page without the tree, then attach the tree and its photos.  It's also a great page layout plan that you can print out on plain paper as a guide, then re-create it with card stock, stamps, etc.

The O Christmas Tree (#116822) and Tree Decorations (#118140) dies are only available through January 4th, when the Holiday Mini Catalog ends.  To order, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Personal Cutter Tips & Tricks

The Personal Paper Cutter (#104152) is designed to cut single sheets of paper or card stock up to 12" wide and can measure lengths to 15-3/4" long.  The transparent cutting guide is a double-sided ruler measuring ujp to 12-1/4" inches on one edge and 31 centimeters on the other.  This lets you easily measure and mark those in-between sizes before you cut.

In addition to the ruler markings on the paper platform and the swing arm, the Paper Cutter is also marked with the most common cropping measurements so you can easily cut things to measure.  There are guide marks for:

• 2" x 3-1/2" (horizontally and vertically)
• 3" x 5" (also horizontally and vertically)
• 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"
• 4" x 6"
• 5" x 7"

A quick switch of the cutting blade turns the Cutter into a Scorer (#104154, Cutting & Scoring Blade Refills).  The scoring blade is a blade, so you shouldn't press hard or you risk cutting the paper.  I usually recommend you run the blade through the paper only once, whether you're cutting or scoring, so you don't misalign the paper on the second cut.  Some materials (such as # 114323 Medium or #114324 Thick Window Sheets) will need the blade run over them more than once to get a good score mark.  For these, you will usually get better results using the Cutter Kit (#106958-see more here) or a straight edge and Bone Folder (#102300) or Stylus (#100663).  The Stylus or Bone Folder can also be used to score by drawing them along the cutting path between the guides.

Sometimes the cut edges of some papers or card stock will appear frayed, even if you've just put in a new blade.  This is most common with the ultrasmooth-milled Whisper White (#106529-12x12 or #100730-8-1/2x11) and Very Vanilla (#106530-12x12 or #101650-8-1/2x11) Card Stocks.  When this happens and you know the blade is not dull, try cutting with a sheet of plain paper on top.  The slight extra thickness seems to help.  This can work with Designer Series Paper, too.

To order your own Personal Paper Cutter and see for yourself how it can help you, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.