Paper: Tear or Cut?

[Jennifer McLean]

Ooh, that’s a good idea! I’ll go try it, gotta find my dropper.

[Sharon Nolfi]

Kate, do you have the paper right side up when you tear?

[Sandra Strait]

If worse comes to worse, a spoon will do the same thing.  I find it a little more difficult to handle but it works.

[Jennifer McLean]

Sandra, I have always cut my paper, use a ruler, draw a pencil line then cut it. I wish I could get the decal edge though. I’m afraid it won’t rip right, I guess it probably has something to do with being left handed and unconsciously thinking it won’t rip for me, silly I know as it wouldn’t make a difference. I’m actually thinking of buying a wire bound 9×12 stillman and birn so then I can just rip out the paper and cut off the bits, it’ll keep the paper together in the wire binding but I can also be free to work in one sheet instead of a bound book. Haven’t decided yet.

[Sharon Nolfi]

Jennifer, do you cut with scissors or a paper cutter?

[Sandra Strait]

Jennifer, I was afraid to rip paper for a long time (I’m a leftie, too) but once I discovered how to apply pressure, I now find it much easier than cutting, as long as I have a flat surface to work on.

[Jennifer McLean]

Sharon, if I had a paper cutter I’d be all set, lol. Nope, just up until about 2 weeks ago, dull scissors. I finally replaced them with newer ones that work better. I’m kinda picky with straight lines and I can’t even tear out a page from a magazine straightly so I’m paranoid about wasting paper! I’d love a really good paper cutter

[Jennifer McLean]

sandra, I seriously suck at it. :o(

[Sandra Strait]

If you have heavier watercolor paper – 200-300 lb – here is another way of doing it that doesn’t require cutting or tearing, except for an inch or so.  How to Tear Watercolor Paper by Birgit O’Connor.  It does require a fairly large flat surface and doesn’t work very well with lighter paper.

 

[Julia Proulx]

What a cool trick! Thanks for the link Sandra!

[Sandra Strait]

My pleasure! I’m glad I remembered it and was able to find the video again.

[Jennifer McLean]

Thanks Sandra, can’t wait to watch it. Now all I have to do is find a quiet place without people!

[Sandra Strait]

The video’s pretty easy to follow even without sound!

[Jennifer McLean]

Ok, finally got away from everyone, they’re watching beauty and the beast, lol. Love this little video, Bergit makes it look so easy. I can’t wait to try it! She’s such a great artist!

[Sandra Strait]

She comes up with very practical advice, too!