How long does it take to cut a POP-UP?
In our sessions with first time users, we've found that most will take 15-25 minutes to complete their first POP-UP card, using a one line template (THANK YOU, JUST A NOTE, etc), or a bit longer for a 2-liner (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MERRY CHRISTMAS). After a bit of practice, your time should improve considerably. Our expert can cut a THANK YOU in 3 minutes.
Each template has notches in each side of the template to line up on the fold. The key to perfect POP-UPs is the 3 parallel folds. The template and FOLDING AID are designed to make those folds perfectly parallel.
Is there a trick to cutting the small areas?
On small areas such as the areas in the A, N, M, W, etc., always cut toward to sharpest point (bottom to top on the A). This will lessen the tendency for the card to tear. Keep in mind, the letters will be quite small after being cut, and a dulling blade may cause the card stock to tear. Also, because of the angle of the blade, it is impossible to get all the way into a corner. After making a cut into a corner, reverse the direction of the knife and make a small cut in the corner to complete the cut. If, after making all cuts, the card stock does not come out easily, you may need to get into the corners a bit more.
Can I use a swivel knife on the curved letters?
NO! The best blade to use is the #16. With practice, and a flexible wrist, cutting the curved letters will be a snap. Keep the hand position comfortable. You may want to make several cuts on a particular letter, from different directions. Reposition the card as necessary to make the cuts as easy as possible.
Regular card stock works well. We do suggest using paper or lightweight card stock when first using POP-UP templates as the cutting will be a bit easier. After some practice, you can cut POP-UPs out of card stock up to 120 pound. Some card stock will contain fiber or other material that make it a bit more difficult. The key to great cuts is a SHARP blade. One user has reported making a POP-UP out of the new "wood" paper.
The templates are designed to make 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cards, but will work for any larger size also. Scrapbookers use the template to make pop-ups for their scrapbook pages.
Does it make a difference which direction you cut?
Different strokes for different folks. Whatever feels comfortable, but normally toward you. Always cut out from the corner, in both directions. This will give you the cleanest cut corners. Keep fingers out of the line of cut, just in case your knife slips. If you apply pressure downward and, at the same time, side pressure against the template, you should not have any slippage problem. Go slow and steady. The Swivel Clip, from Alextamping is an excellent aid in positioning the paper for easy cutting.
Why do you recommend the #16 blade?
We recommend the #16 blade for two reasons. The angle of the blade is not as steep as the #11, and will less likely tear the card stock when held in the normal position. Also, it puts more of the blade in contact with the template, making it easier to follow the template and not "climb" the template edges.
What accessories do I need in addition to the template?
Letters are cut using an Exacto or Excel type knife. We recommend a #16 blade which has a less severe angle on the blade, versus the standard #11 blade. You should do the cutting on a cutting pad such as those offered by Excel and Olfa. Use a good quality removable tape so as not to damage your card stock. Our FOLDING AID is a must to help you make perfect folds. An engineer's ruler is about the same size and will also work. The key to a folding aid is the height, which must not exceed 1/2 the height of the letters (about 1/2").
How long should my blades last?
Since you are cutting along a brass template, the blade will dull after a few cards. In our experience, we have been able to cut 7-10 cards before we replace the blade. The length of time will vary with individual cutting styles. You may get more or less. Try to keep the blade as parallel to the template as possible to get maximum usage out of your blades.
Because of the angle of the blade, you can, and it is highly recommended, that you hold the knife straight up and down. The palm of your hand will NOT be touching the table. Only the tip of the blade and a finger or two, to steady the knife, will be touching. This gives you maximum flexibility when cutting. Also, in this position, you can rotate the knife in your fingers in order to make it easier to cut around the curved letters.
How do you fold the ghost and tree?
The ghost and tree were designed larger to give those cards multiple dimensions. But, because the figures are larger than the letters, they need to be folded first, and then the letters are folded.