Forum > Papercrafting > Topic

I've come here with a dumb question

Topic Closed

Jul '08 Notyetascrapper

Hi, I've been here b4 but it has been eons since I've visited.
Anyway, I'm a bit scared to do more scrapbooking because I have this mathmatical problem where I have trouble trying to measure. Such as making the boarders for my pictures.(I can't believe I'm makeing a fool out of myself in putting this up for everyone to see)When makeing the boarders, how do you measure out how big or small you want it? I know it's how ever size you cut your picture out but isn't there a rule that you use to go by?
Thanks for enduring me this
Jul '08 Kellymandoruth

RE: Notyetascrapper: Hi, I've been here b4 but it has been eons since I've visited. Anyway, I'm a bit scared to do more scrapbooking because I have this mathmatical problem where I have trouble trying to measure. Such as making the boarders for my pictures.(I can't believe I'm makeing a fool out of myself in putting this up for everyone to see)When makeing the boarders, how do you measure out how big or small you w...

I have no idea. . . I usually just cut one pic/matte and then use that as my "guide" for the rest. I would like to know how others do it. This is sooo not a dumb question or if it is I would like to know the answer too.
Jul '08 Moxiegirl23

RE: Kellymandoruth: I have no idea. . . I usually just cut one pic/matte and then use that as my "guide" for the rest. I would like to know how others do it. This is sooo not a dumb question or if it is I would like to know the answer too.

I do it by eyeballing it. No measuring at all.
Jul '08 TonyaB

RE: Moxiegirl23: I do it by eyeballing it. No measuring at all.

I usually add 1/8 over the size of my pic to my mat.
Jul '08 CMLeach

RE: TonyaB: I usually add 1/8 over the size of my pic to my mat.

If I mat a 4x6" photo, then I'll cut my mat normally 4.25x6.25" for a thin edging around the photo or for the first layer of a double mat. If I want a larger border, then I cut my mat to 4.5x6.5".

But, remember...when it comes to scrapbooking...the only real rules are the ones YOU MAKE for yourself.
Jul '08 Krissykat

RE: TonyaB: I usually add 1/8 over the size of my pic to my mat.

Typically, my mats are about 1/8 inch around the photo too. I just try to line it up using the ruler on my cutter. But, then again, some of my mats are just eye balled too.
Jul '08 SuperAllyFan

RE: TonyaB: I usually add 1/8 over the size of my pic to my mat.

Artistically the bottom border should be slightly broader than the other 3 sides as it's more pleasing on the eye. For example top, left and right are 1cm, bottom is 1.5cm.
Jul '08 Notyetascrapper

RE: Kellymandoruth: I have no idea. . . I usually just cut one pic/matte and then use that as my "guide" for the rest. I would like to know how others do it. This is sooo not a dumb question or if it is I would like to know the answer too.

Thank so much for saying that While I was putting that out there I thought what an idiot! Here I'm posting that I don't know how to measure. I don't know how I came out of school not knowing how to do that.
I want my book to look nice and someday come out looking somewhat like a pro.
Like what TonyaB says, she measures out an 1/8th of an inch. That's where the ruler comes in and I can't do that. That's where my math come in and I just stink. If someone can explain how to measure that part I would be a happyscrapper rather then a sad one I know I'm a moran.... I'm not good with eyeballing either.
Jul '08 Riorabbit

RE: Notyetascrapper: Thank so much for saying that While I was putting that out there I thought what an idiot! Here I'm posting that I don't know how to measure. I don't know how I came out of school not knowing how to do that. I want my book to look nice and someday come out looking somewhat like a pro. Like what TonyaB says, she measures out an 1/8th of an inch. That's where the ruler comes in and I can't...

If you stick to using only 4x6 photos, you can essentially solve this problem by just using photo mats that are meant to be used that way.

Check these out...

All of them are .5 bigger than a 4x6 photo. So you could just print your photos as 4x6 and adhere them to these. They come in other varieties too, but the only ones I could find in the superstore are listed.
Jul '08 BJscrapsalot

RE: Riorabbit: If you stick to using only 4x6 photos, you can essentially solve this problem by just using photo mats that are meant to be used that way. Check these out... All of them are .5 bigger than a 4x6 photo. So you could just print your photos as 4x6 and adhere them to these. They come in other varieties too, but the only ones I could find in the superstore are listed.

you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time.
Jul '08 KristeyK

RE: BJscrapsalot: you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time.

I use a clear quilting ruler or I eyeball it. (Usually end up eyeballing it.)
Jul '08 Kdkaboom55

RE: BJscrapsalot: you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time.

I don't measure mattes, either. And don't be ambarrassed, I have taught many, many folks who don't know how to measure. Just stick your pic in the corner of the cardstock you want to matte it on. Before you paste your pic down, eyeball the width of the border you want around it. After the pic is glued down, just cut away the excess on the other 2 sides until your borders look about even. NO measuring required. PM if you need more detailed instructions/pics of this technique.
HTH
Jul '08 Keleia

RE: Notyetascrapper: Hi, I've been here b4 but it has been eons since I've visited. Anyway, I'm a bit scared to do more scrapbooking because I have this mathmatical problem where I have trouble trying to measure. Such as making the boarders for my pictures.(I can't believe I'm makeing a fool out of myself in putting this up for everyone to see)When makeing the boarders, how do you measure out how big or small you w...

Check out this cool easy to read ruler marker! I hope this helps you as much as it has just helped me! Blessings, Keleia
Jul '08 Hdsue

RE: Keleia: Check out this cool easy to read ruler marker! I hope this helps you as much as it has just helped me! Blessings, Keleia

oh gosh not a stupid question i usually eyeball it and im also mathmatical dummie....sometimes im off a hair but no one the wiser but me....im with you not a ruler reader either so the above graph helps....you will get the hang of it....
Jul '08 NMlady

RE: Riorabbit: If you stick to using only 4x6 photos, you can essentially solve this problem by just using photo mats that are meant to be used that way. Check these out... All of them are .5 bigger than a 4x6 photo. So you could just print your photos as 4x6 and adhere them to these. They come in other varieties too, but the only ones I could find in the superstore are listed.

Are you not using a paper trimmer with measurements on it?
Jul '08 Amonika

RE: NMlady: Are you not using a paper trimmer with measurements on it?

I don't measure anything. I can't read a ruler to save my life and I've tried using my paper trimmer and it annoys me too. I just eyeball it and don't make large mats very often.
Jul '08 ~*~Kathie~*~

RE: BJscrapsalot: you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time.
BJscrapsalot Said:
you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time.

I was going to suggest the Perfect Layers too. It's funny, I can read a ruler and always measure, then add the amount I want, then cut with the paper trimmer, but I can't use the Perfect Layers which is so simple. Some of us just do everything the hard way. I've always been like that.
Jul '08 Lovemy2girls

RE: ~*~Kathie~*~: BJscrapsalot Said: you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time. I was going to suggest the Perfect Layers too. It's funny, I can read a ruler and always ...

I don't think there are any rules or "shoulds" in art. I know some people think things should be one way or another, but the person who has to like it is you! If you like it, it's great!! I don't measure anything when scrapbooking, all done with my eyes based on how it looks.
Jul '08 Kycatymoas

RE: Lovemy2girls: I don't think there are any rules or "shoulds" in art. I know some people think things should be one way or another, but the person who has to like it is you! If you like it, it's great!! I don't measure anything when scrapbooking, all done with my eyes based on how it looks.

I never measure ANYTHING!

It is an art, not a science...so don't let fear rule you, and do it like Nike....JUST DO IT!
Jul '08 MustBcrazy

RE: Kycatymoas: I never measure ANYTHING! It is an art, not a science...so don't let fear rule you, and do it like Nike....JUST DO IT!

I eyeball it too.

If the mats are not perfect who cares? Not the people that are going at your scrapbooks... When my family looks thru they go pretty fast, and don't notice the small stuff, and they still appreciate the work I did. Handmade isn't meant to be perfect.
Jul '08 Luvmyfam

RE: MustBcrazy: I eyeball it too. If the mats are not perfect who cares? Not the people that are going at your scrapbooks... When my family looks thru they go pretty fast, and don't notice the small stuff, and they still appreciate the work I did. Handmade isn't meant to be perfect.

I am an accountant and do math for a living, but will readily admit that I am a total klutz at measuring things out. I use my Memory Makers trimmer which is a full 12x12 size, so it's easy to measure things. For the most part, though, I just eyeball things. The great thing about scrapbooking is there really are no rules. Just create what you think is nice. As for matting pictures, sometimes I do not mat them at all. When I do, I add about 1/4 inch to each side, cut the mat, and then center the picture on my cut mat. That takes care of any miscuts that I make.

Enjoy and remember....there are never any dumb questions.
Jul '08 Anne1701

RE: Keleia: Check out this cool easy to read ruler marker! I hope this helps you as much as it has just helped me! Blessings, Keleia
Keleia Said:
Check out this cool easy to read ruler marker! I hope this helps you as much as it has just helped me! Blessings, Keleia

I was going to look for something like this and you beat me to it LOL! I made a similar drawing for my daughter who is learning disabled (mostly math). She can do algebra but has a hard time with measurements and basic adding/subtracting! Strange I know, but true.
Jul '08 Alysse

RE: Anne1701: Keleia Said: Check out this cool easy to read ruler marker! I hope this helps you as much as it has just helped me! Blessings, Keleia I was going to look for something like this and you beat me to it LOL! I made a similar drawing for my daughter who is learning disabled (mostly math). She can do algebra but has a hard time with measurements and basic adding/subtracting! Strange I ...

I never measure anything. I use a mark on my paper trimmer. I attach my photo first. Slide the edge of the photo to the mark and cut. I do this with all four sides.
Jul '08 Mary W.

RE: Kdkaboom55: I don't measure mattes, either. And don't be ambarrassed, I have taught many, many folks who don't know how to measure. Just stick your pic in the corner of the cardstock you want to matte it on. Before you paste your pic down, eyeball the width of the border you want around it. After the pic is glued down, just cut away the excess on the other 2 sides until your borders look about even. NO measur...
kdkaboom55 Said:
I don't measure mattes, either. And don't be ambarrassed, I have taught many, many folks who don't know how to measure. Just stick your pic in the corner of the cardstock you want to matte it on. Before you paste your pic down, eyeball the width of the border you want around it. After the pic is glued down, just cut away the excess on the other 2 sides until your borders look about even. NO measuring required. PM if you need more detailed instructions/pics of this technique.
HTH

This is how I do it - no measuring! I actually learned this at a beginner's class several years ago. You learn to eyeball it pretty easily after a while. If I do need to measure, I use the ruler on my trimmer. I watch my mother scrapbook, and she measures everything! She is so anal about it! In the end, our layouts both look great - measured or not!!

-Mary
Jul '08 Lori_B

RE: Mary W.: kdkaboom55 Said: I don't measure mattes, either. And don't be ambarrassed, I have taught many, many folks who don't know how to measure. Just stick your pic in the corner of the cardstock you want to matte it on. Before you paste your pic down, eyeball the width of the border you want around it. After the pic is glued down, just cut away the excess on the other 2 sides until your borders look abo...

I used to measure exactly when I was doing all of my LOs from a book. I still measure some, but I'm getting a lot less anal about it now that I am creating my own originals. I do measure approx. the area I want something and then print/crop to fit. And I do measure to mat my photos.
Jul '08 Judy_Scraps

RE: BJscrapsalot: you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time.
BJscrapsalot Said:
you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time.

Another vote for Perfect Layers here. I don't have a problem measuring either by eye or with a ruler. Before I got Perfect Layers I did most measuring by eye. I like the Perfect Layers because it's simple to use and I know the mat will be even all the way around. It's fool proof. You can buy it from QVC.
Jul '08 Josiology

RE: Judy_Scraps: BJscrapsalot Said: you soo need to get a set of the perfect layers rulers! I totally LOVE them. They have an edge on each side of the ruler at different widths... you just glue your picture to the matting paper then use the ruler and a knife to cut away the rest.. it leaves perfect mats every time. Another vote for Perfect Layers here. I don't have a problem measuring either by eye or w...

I definitely, DEFINITELY recommend the Making Memories paper trimmer. I'm a draftsperson so measuring is what I do on a daily basis at work, yet when it came to scrapping I could never get my lines or cuts to come out straight. This trimmer is like gold to me.

It has the markings right there for whatever size you need...it's great.
Jul '08 Bashfulscrapper

RE: Josiology: I definitely, DEFINITELY recommend the Making Memories paper trimmer. I'm a draftsperson so measuring is what I do on a daily basis at work, yet when it came to scrapping I could never get my lines or cuts to come out straight. This trimmer is like gold to me. It has the markings right there for whatever size you need...it's great.

I'll put in another vote for Perfect Layers, from QVC. It's by far the easiest way, for me anyway, to get a matt that's the same size all the way around.

However, I still eyeball sometimes if I'm too lazy to find what I did with my Perfect Layers rulers. And I agree that the eyeball method is just fine. Scrapbooking is something I do for fun - it shouldn't involve something as "un-fun" as math.
Jul '08 SammyDeO

RE: Bashfulscrapper: I'll put in another vote for Perfect Layers, from QVC. It's by far the easiest way, for me anyway, to get a matt that's the same size all the way around. However, I still eyeball sometimes if I'm too lazy to find what I did with my Perfect Layers rulers. And I agree that the eyeball method is just fine. Scrapbooking is something I do for fun - it shouldn't involve something as "un-fun" a...

I just eye ball it as well. I try to scrapbook for fun so I can't stress out about every little detail.

XOXO,
Sammy
Jul '08 Unknown

RE: Bashfulscrapper: I'll put in another vote for Perfect Layers, from QVC. It's by far the easiest way, for me anyway, to get a matt that's the same size all the way around. However, I still eyeball sometimes if I'm too lazy to find what I did with my Perfect Layers rulers. And I agree that the eyeball method is just fine. Scrapbooking is something I do for fun - it shouldn't involve something as "un-fun" a...

Shoot, I eyeball mine. I put the picture on it, figure it out, then cut. I can read a ruler but I don't like using them. I had the Making Memories paper trimmer and couldn't stand it (I know, I'm alone here). I've found it much easier just to eyeball mine even when I double matte my photos.
Jul '08 Notyetascrapper

RE: Unknown: Shoot, I eyeball mine. I put the picture on it, figure it out, then cut. I can read a ruler but I don't like using them. I had the Making Memories paper trimmer and couldn't stand it (I know, I'm alone here). I've found it much easier just to eyeball mine even when I double matte my photos.

Now that I have read all of your posts to this thread, I want to thank all of you for giving me such great tips and encouragements. I baught all of the stuff I need for scrapbooking, have a closet filled with the accessories and have done a couple of pages but they stink so bad. I've had to have help with them. I feel so much better with what you all said about measureing and I know I'm not alone. I'll have to get that Making Memories measurement board that makes the mattes. That seems like it would be something to have.

Thanks again you all are very nice and helpful too
Jul '08 Margy

RE: Notyetascrapper: Now that I have read all of your posts to this thread, I want to thank all of you for giving me such great tips and encouragements. I baught all of the stuff I need for scrapbooking, have a closet filled with the accessories and have done a couple of pages but they stink so bad. I've had to have help with them. I feel so much better with what you all said about measureing and I know I'm not alone....

Another vote for the Perfect Layers, I never have to worry about perfect measurements now! It is so easy, and it was a great investment! I use it every time I create a page!
Jul '08 AmandaSue24

RE: Lori_B: I used to measure exactly when I was doing all of my LOs from a book. I still measure some, but I'm getting a lot less anal about it now that I am creating my own originals. I do measure approx. the area I want something and then print/crop to fit. And I do measure to mat my photos.

I normally stick my picture to the paper and cut it out from there lol Im lazy

I&#039;ve come here with a dumb question

I've come here with a dumb question