The Return of Decorative Scissors

Remember those decorative scissors you HAD to have and kept buying until you had every design? Those were the staple in everyone’s scrapbooking supplies back in the earlier days of scrapbooking. As the years went by, I slowly stopped using mine and ended up giving them all away. I had quite the collection, but I really only used a couple of them. I look back at the layouts I used all my scissors on and I cringe because I truly destroyed some of my pictures, most of which I had no way to get copies of. Since I used multiple styles of scissors on some of the layouts, the designs completely clash and take over the photos. I have to admit, I went a little overboard.

When I heard about six months ago that decorative scissors were coming back, my first thought was, “Oh no! I got rid of all of mine and I’ll have to buy them all over again!” Then I realized I had done enough damage with them and it would probably be better not to buy any more. But as I thought about it, I realized the designs of the scissors can really add to a layout, card or other project if they’re used the right way. After thinking about ways I could use them, I relented and bought a couple. Here are some ways I’ve liked using my scissors:

• Cut patterned or solid paper into strips to resemble ribbon or rick-rack. Ribbon is so popular now and this is a good, cheap way to imitate the look.


• Cut decorative edges on the photo corners to make it look like the corners are tucked in to the photo mat.


• Use some of the patterns of scissors, like Pinking, along the edges of your paper instead of sewing.


• Cut paper into strips of all sizes to add to the pattern of your background paper or even to create your own pattern.


• Cut circles and other shapes with them.


• Trim the edges of a picture; choose only one on a layout that you want to have stand out.


• Cut frames and mats with them.


• Cut the edge of the entire layout and mount onto another piece of paper so that paper shows around the edges.

As you’re cutting away, just remember to:

• Limit your use to one or two patterns of scissors on a layout so as to not cause it to be distracting. In my “Graduation Day” layout I used two different kinds: the Pinking scissors on most of the layout and the Torn scissors on the saying.


• Use the appropriate scissors for each layout. For example, don’t use a Victorian style on a layout of your child blowing bubbles.


• A few scissors that go well with everything would be Deckle, Torn and Pinking.


• Don’t overdo it and use the scissors on all the pieces of paper on your layouts.


• Don’t cut your pictures if you don’t have copies.


• Experiment with the scissors, preferably on scrap pieces of paper, to get the looks you want.

I wouldn’t suggest going out and buying all the designs, but try one or two of them and see how you like those and if you decide you use them frequently, then slowly buy some more. You’ll be amazed at the difference they can make.

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