Fiskars Shape Cutter

Jul '10 Mo_Mamacita

I hate my Fiskars Shape Cutter.
I tried using it for cutting circles (photos, cardstock, paper), and could not figure out how to use the thing correctly. I made a mess and in the end used scissors.

Any hints or tricks or was this not a good purchase?
Jul '10 Rockmom

RE: Mo_Mamacita: I hate my Fiskars Shape Cutter. I tried using it for cutting circles (photos, cardstock, paper), and could not figure out how to use the thing correctly. I made a mess and in the end used scissors. Any hints or tricks or was this not a good purchase?

First makes sure the bottom of the template is down and not the top down. Next get the swivel blade going the correct direction, then use even pressure and that's all there is to it.
Jul '10 Lylacfey

RE: Rockmom: First makes sure the bottom of the template is down and not the top down. Next get the swivel blade going the correct direction, then use even pressure and that's all there is to it.

Go to Fiskars web site and watch the videos. The videos are a big help. I love my shape cutter but it took some practice. The videos were a huge help. There are some good ones on You Tube also. Now, I am a pro with that thing. I have several beautiful templates I use often.
Jul '10 Dotfree

RE: Lylacfey: Go to Fiskars web site and watch the videos. The videos are a big help. I love my shape cutter but it took some practice. The videos were a huge help. There are some good ones on You Tube also. Now, I am a pro with that thing. I have several beautiful templates I use often.

I have owned them for three or more years before I recently used them for the first time. I really liked how the shapes turned out.
Jul '10 Debby_westbrook

RE: Dotfree: I have owned them for three or more years before I recently used them for the first time. I really liked how the shapes turned out.

Make sure the Word fiskars is facing up and not down. I have a cricut now, But I still love and use my fiskars shape cutter.
Jul '10 Tammy Sue

RE: Debby_westbrook: Make sure the Word fiskars is facing up and not down. I have a cricut now, But I still love and use my fiskars shape cutter.

It takes some practice before you get it right. And I still find that I have to hold the template down really tight (do make sure it's facing the right direction!) and go over the same spots again and again until I feel each piece portion of the paper "release". You will know what that means when you feel it.
Jul '10 Pastor Joyce

RE: Tammy Sue: It takes some practice before you get it right. And I still find that I have to hold the template down really tight (do make sure it's facing the right direction!) and go over the same spots again and again until I feel each piece portion of the paper "release". You will know what that means when you feel it.

There's a wee bit of a learning curve for using the Shape Cutter, but I absolutely love mine. Don't give up! You'll get the hang of it soon.
Jul '10 Unknown

RE: Pastor Joyce: There's a wee bit of a learning curve for using the Shape Cutter, but I absolutely love mine. Don't give up! You'll get the hang of it soon.

I'm sorry I can't help you but if you don't get the hang of it, invest in the Creative Memories circle cutter. It is "idiot-proof" and you will love it. It is a little expensive but worth every penny. It also has other shapes like - ovals, waves, elegant. I bought mine eleven years ago and have never regret it.

Good luck.
Jul '10 Mo_Mamacita

RE: Unknown: I'm sorry I can't help you but if you don't get the hang of it, invest in the Creative Memories circle cutter. It is "idiot-proof" and you will love it. It is a little expensive but worth every penny. It also has other shapes like - ovals, waves, elegant. I bought mine eleven years ago and have never regret it. Good luck.

Thanks all!
I will definitely check out the videos. Great idea! I'll also need to check to make sure I'm using the appropriate side of the template...

Even though I couldn't get the Fiskars to work for me this time, my page turned out FABULOUS! Woo! (It was only my second one!)
Jul '10 Luvmyfam

RE: Mo_Mamacita: Thanks all! I will definitely check out the videos. Great idea! I'll also need to check to make sure I'm using the appropriate side of the template... Even though I couldn't get the Fiskars to work for me this time, my page turned out FABULOUS! Woo! (It was only my second one!)

I love mine.

When using the templates, make sure the templates are right side up (you should be able to read the Fiskars name).

If not using the templates, then keep the orange bottom on the cutter.

Play with the blade so that it is adjusted to the correct height.

Hold the cutter like you would hold a mouse.
Jul '10 Luvmyfam

RE: Luvmyfam: I love mine. When using the templates, make sure the templates are right side up (you should be able to read the Fiskars name). If not using the templates, then keep the orange bottom on the cutter. Play with the blade so that it is adjusted to the correct height. Hold the cutter like you would hold a mouse.

Oh....I almost forgot....these cutters were not designed to cut photos or heavy cardstock. You can still cut those items, but you need to go over them more than once to allow the cut to go through the thickness of the photo/cs.
Jul '10 Lylacfey

RE: Luvmyfam: Oh....I almost forgot....these cutters were not designed to cut photos or heavy cardstock. You can still cut those items, but you need to go over them more than once to allow the cut to go through the thickness of the photo/cs.

I forgot another tip too. Before you start cutting your shape. Run your blade over the mat like in a straight line. It does something like "home" the blade. It really works. Since I learned that tip my cuts come out great. I learned that tip from Julie on Scrapbook Memories. She has a Ph.D with those shape cutters. I swear she does.
Jul '10 Claggy

RE: Lylacfey: I forgot another tip too. Before you start cutting your shape. Run your blade over the mat like in a straight line. It does something like "home" the blade. It really works. Since I learned that tip my cuts come out great. I learned that tip from Julie on Scrapbook Memories. She has a Ph.D with those shape cutters. I swear she does.

I always adhere my paper/photo to the cutting mat with removeable glue dots, before I cut. This keeps the paper from moving. I find this technique gives me better cuts.
Jul '10 Jordannichole

RE: Claggy: I always adhere my paper/photo to the cutting mat with removeable glue dots, before I cut. This keeps the paper from moving. I find this technique gives me better cuts.

The one I have is attached. I think I got a broken one, but I HATE it!! Don't know about the Fiskars Shape Cutter.