The Fiskars ShapeCutter, Templates, and Cutting Mat comprise a great set of tools.  No matter what level of scrapbooker you are, you will find these items easy to use.  You will soon be able to create unique shapes with easy.  You will find that the ShapeCutter cuts complete and uninterrupted shapes.  Every collection of scrapbooking supplies should include these tools.

Insert or replace the ShapeCutter blade as needed.  To do so, turn the knob counter-clockwise to remove the knob from cutter.  Grasp the blade carriage by orange casing and drop the blade, metal tip down, into the body (where the knob was removed).  Replace the knob and turn clockwise to tighten.  For freehand cutting, turn the knob only until all threads disappear into the ShapeCutter body.

For freehand cutting, grasp the cutter body with one hand.  Place your other hand on the paper being cut to prevent shifting.  Try this with some extra paper you have in your supplies before you work on the final project.  Different papers will have varying thickness and you will need to adjust the blade pressure accordingly.  While applying consistent pressure, slide the cutter across the paper to create your desired shape.  Move the cutter slowly at first until you get the hang of it and can determine the amount of pressure you need to apply.

Now retrieve a Fiskars Template from your scrapbooking supplies.  Place the template face up on top of the paper you are going to cut and place a Fiskars Cutting Mat beneath that to protect your table.  The contoured grid marks will be facing down, toward the paper and the Fiskars logo is facing up.  Grasp the cutter body with one hand and place your other hand on the template to prevent shifting.  Place the ShapeCutter on top of the scrapbooking template with the blade inside the shape to be cut.  Make the orange blade carriage flush with the inside wall of the template, keeping the blade flush against the inside wall.  Move slowly, following the shape until you make a complete cut.

If the blade does not complete cut through the paper, turn the knob clockwise to increase pressure.  If cutting is difficult or paper is tearing, turn the knob counterclockwise to reduce blade pressure.  This is just one of the great features of these great scrapbooking supplies!

When you have the pressure regulated, you are ready to cut.  Follow the steps above before using the cutter on your final project paper or photo.  Remember, if you change paper types or thickness, you will need to adjust the blade.  When you are finished, return the ShapeCutter to the base to store it safely and protect the blade.  As always, keep these and other scrapbooking supplies safely stored away from young children.

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