I can't seem to get away from using pictures in their original square/rectangle form!!! I don't really have any other tools for cutting photos!! How do I get out of this rut?? I look in the gallery and see awesome ideas, but I just can't seem to change my picture style!! Any suggestions on tools for photo cropping??

I just use my paper trimmer,,,,,,

Do you mean in shapes like circles and stuff?

Yes...sorry!! I didn't re-read what I typed. Like circles and ovals....

do you have a cricut? you could cut circles/ovals, etc out of photos using the center feature.

I like an occasional photo cut in a circle/oval. But do like to overdo that. To me it reminds me a bit of the creative memories old style.

Just remember -- according to Huey Lewis -- "It's hip to be square"

You can use the "poor man's method" to cut a few photos and then if you like it you ccan invest in a cutting system. You might find a couple layouts using circle shaped photos and you are done.

poor man's method
- freehand cut with scissors
- position a cup (plate, any shape) on the photo, trace around it and cut with scissors
- print a few simple circle and oval shapes using your computer. Cut them out and then position over your photo and cut around paper guide.

Another suggestion: why not leave your photo as is and place a (shaped) frame over it?
I've included a bunch of examples of what I'm talking about.
Or, if you have a Cricut, why not search through your carts and see what you can come up with?

When I started scrapbooking about 10 years ago cutting your photos seemed to be really instyle and now i'm not fond of that but more than anything I wish I hadn't used origional photos.

But I have seen some really cute lo's done with the ovals.

Fiskars shape cutter works real good...

I have a baby bug and use it alot, but I've never cut photos with it!! I will have to try that!! I have a Fiskers shape cutter somewhere it my stash!!! Great ideas! Thanks ladies!!

And yes I do like the square and "The News"!!!

The old Creative Memories style was what sprang to mind when I read your post and I cringe when I look back at my early albums I must admit.

I love the frame idea placed over the top to give the effect of a shaped photo - I wish I'd done that with all mine rather than now having to sort through 1000s of negatives to reprint photos.

I only occasionally cut my photos into circles or ovals, but imo, the CM cutting system is still the easiest way to do this if you want to give it a try

I've never done CM...it always seemed to structured to me! I like loading my pages with lots of embellies and I very rarely ever use stickers.

Val I love love my Spellbinders I've used them a lot on my cards I have from the big to the very small they do great cuts!

I have been wanting several of the spellbinders but as of yet I can't bring myself to pay $24 for a few pieces of metal. I keep telling myself I really don't need them....since when did I start listenting to myself!!! I think I may break down this weekend and buy a set.

I never paid full price for mine - always used 40-50% off coupons

I use the Coluzzles. You can still find one for sale once in a while.

Why not leave your pictures alone and do circles for backround. Also use parts of circles behind and on photos.

The center point feature is not part of the baby bug unfortunately, although you could probably cut reasonably accurately using the "select paper size" feature where you align to the far corner of the cutting mat.

I like to use a nice big circle punch because I can frame up the cut and see exactly where the cut will be. Then I cut a mat 1/4 of an inch larger than the punch.

There is also a 3" punch I use.
Marvy Uchida Clever Lever Giga craft punch circle, 3” diagonal, GCP-40