Scrapbooking Paper Trimmers - Why You Need One

New scrapbookers might look at the variety of specialized tools and equipment and wonder why the heck they need to buy any of this stuff. After all, when you're just getting started, investing in items like eyelet setters, hole punchers, and yes, even paper trimmers can seem as silly as ordering an egg separator or cherry depitter from a late-night infomercial.

Though there are a lot of scrapbooking tools I don't recommend beginning scrapbookers purchase, a paper trimmer is high on my list of must-haves. Forget about using regular scissors to trim paper; if you're at all serious about your scrapbooking, you need a paper trimmer. Here's why:

They're inexpensive. Sure, you could order one of those $500 laser paper trimmers, but you certainly don't have to (in fact, I've been a "professional" scrapbooker for years and I don't have one!). You can get a good-enough paper trimmer for less than $20, which is about the same cost you'd pay for a pair of good scissors.
They're easier to use than scissors. Rare is the person who can eyeball a straight cut with a pair of scissors, but paper trimmers are so easy my five-year-old is a pro.
They're safer than scissors. And speaking of my five-year-old, paper trimmers are much safer than scissors. I've sliced my finger numerous times with my scissors, but never with my trimmer. Some even come with safety locks or other mechanisms to keep out curious little appendages.
They give a better cut. Please tell me I'm not the only one who tries to cut wrapping paper straight across, only to end up with a cattywompus crooked line! The same thing is true for most people when they try to cut patterned paper, cardstock and photos by hand. And trust me, the last thing you want to do with your wedding photos or the pictures of your baby's first tooth is to make them all cattywompus.
They're fun! Face it, having the right tools makes you feel like a big shot. And if you can feel like a big shot for less than 20 bucks, that's enough reason right there to invest in a paper trimmer. Besides that, some trimmers come with a number of different blades -- scoring, deckle, scallop, etc. -- that will add a little pizzaz to your projects.

Once you have a paper trimmer in your house, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. Your kids will use it for school projects, your husband will use it to trim his toenails (JUST KIDDING!), you'll use it for cutting apart school and sport photos... the uses are practically endless.

About this Author

For more tips on scrapbooking supplies, check out Lain Ehmann's blog at http://www.layoutaday.com. She's full of great advice, inspiration, and ideas for making your scrapbooking fun, fast, and fabulous!

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