a thought on FUSSY CUTTING

Fussy Cutting is a commonplace technique in the quilting world. The paper art industry has ventured into fabric so I think it is only right we borrow some great techniques from the fabric world. Fussy cutting being one that many  paper artist seem particularly fond of using. With all the beautiful paper we have to choose from WHY NOT!  
 Fussy cutting is a great way to use the supplies you already have to create unique embellishements.  You can single out a design on a pattern paper (or even use your packaging from other supplies), use fussy cutting in your clustering and layering, and you can use fussy cuts to create photo placement by simply cutting along a pattern line and tucking your photo into the slot.

We have a few thoughts on fussy cutting that we put into thoughtorials I hope both of these are helpful and encourage you to try your hand at fussy cutting.

Fussy cutting to create you very own embellishments

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here are a few more thoughts on fussy cutting:

HEATHER’S  thought: First, I want to say that fussy cutting adds so much fun to your layout-- I just do not do it enough. I chose a paper line for my layout because it had some awesome flowers that I thought would look very nice fussy cut and pop dotted on my layout. I used a sketch as a beginning point, but I changed a few things along the way. For example, I matted my photos, which consequently made them larger, and so I could only fit four photos on the page instead of five like the sketch showed. I fussy cut several rose clusters and individual flowers. In addition to the banner, the flowers are my only embellishment, demonstrating that fussy cutting can be a budget friendly technique!  While creating this layout I used three clusters of flowers to incorporate the design principle of a visual triangle.

 

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SALLY’S thought: Fussy cutting is one of my favorite techniques.  Today, there are so many manufacturers making fun clusters and elements on their patterned papers that can be fussy cut to add some fun and whimsy style, as well as making it possible to have a unique layout. I chose to work with a fabulous line that I hand cut the flowers/journaling block as well as a bird from a pre-printed patterned paper.  I added dimension and visual interest to the layout I adhered the fussy cut bird to the layout with a pop dot. Another thing I love to do is take a paper with an allover pattern and hand cut a border using the shape already printed on the paper, such as chevron, hexagons, beehive print, etc...  Therefore, that is what I chose to do with this pink pattern.  It does take a little bit of time but I love the unique quality that fussy cutting lends to a layout.  I added a little bit of stitching and mist to increase the texture and visual interest

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BETH’S thought: Fussy cutting is one of my favorite techniques! When choosing paper, I look for a design that can be fussy cut and used as a design element or an embellishment. On this layout, I chose a patriotic paper. It is a perfect example of finding a design in a paper and using it as an embellishment. Quilts remind me of our heritage and feel as American as baseball and apple pie :)  I cut the "Dresden Quilt" (a pattern used in quilting) pieces from a sheet of 12x12 patterned paper, inked them and then layered with coordinating die cuts and foam squares. The rich colors of the papers complimented this photo of my daughter and her friends at sunset and contributed to the homespun feeling of this layout.

 

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AMANDA’S thought: I’m pretty sure that fussy cutting is called that because that’s how my attitude turns when I attempt it….fussy…yup, just like a tired baby. However, for this assignment, I put my big girl panties on and dealt with it. I realized as I was pulling paper that fussy cutting does not have to be intricate, elaborate or curved things. It can be straight lines too! That is great because my fine motor skills are not very good (which is why I get fussy) and it is difficult for me to cut a beautiful curved line. However, with the help of a ruler and craft knife, I was able to easily fussy cut the straight lines of the hexagon pattern in this paper. The great thing about fussy cutting is that it is a very budget friendly way to add a lot of pizzazz and elements to a page. I used two sheets of 6x6 papers and one sheet of cardstock to make a page that had a lot of Wow without a lot of POW to the wallet.

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ANDREA’S thought: I LOVE to fussy cut! It is one of my favorite things to do and when I buy patterned papers I always look for the papers that will allow me to fussy cut (that is if I do not buy the entire line)! For this, LO I was working with the MME Follow Your Heart "Blue Doily" paper. I thought that fussy cutting the small doilies would be perfect for a banner and the different sizes of the doilies would allow me to mix up the banner a little bit. Look for patterned papers to fussy cut! I am sure they are right in front of you! 

 

 

 

 

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Laura’s Thought: Fussy cutting is a great way to use your stamps.  I think just stamping straight on your paper can look very flat and cutting them out and mounting them, just makes them pop.  You can stamp, color in, leave blank, and cover with dimensional glaze or tape.  It is a great way to use a supply that might be neglected in your stash.

 

 

 

 

 

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ERIKA'S thought: I love fussy cutting!  I love to fussy cut when I quilt and when I scrapbook. I like the effect that pulling a little detail from a bigger paper and creating a unique embellishment. When I saw this paper I loved it, but I knew it would overpower my photos and the idea of fussy cutting out just a few of the flowers seemed like a perfect solution. I enjoyed adding dimension to my layout. I love the delicateness of fussy cutting and how it shows such a great attention to detail on your work.  I like that when I look at this page it shows how very much I care about my craft. I often fussy cut images I stamp for cards and other projects and it is a truly effective way of drawing out the details!

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Now we would love to see and hear your thoughts... please share with us your creations!

Be blessed friends and  don't forget to like us on Facebook! 

 

Comments

[Erin Blegen]

I am a huge fan of fussy cutting! I'm also a huge fan of Webster's Pages, which is made for fussy cutting :). Just wanted to share with you a layout I created using a fussy cut wedding cake, which I used to embellish my "Sweet Cakes" layout for my sweet little boy. I like to dress up my fussy cut images- in this case I added some liquid pearls as "frosting" and created my flower cluster around it.

[csewy]

Great fussy cutting on your layouts, ladies!! I do fussy cut when I need something extra on my layouts, not real comfortable with it but getting better! Great ideas!

[Stephanie DiSabato]

I can't say that I have been a huge fan of fussy cutting. It just seems to take a lot of time, and I don't get a lot of time to scrap. However, when I have used it, I have loved the effect!

[Steffanie S]

Fantastic thoughts and layouts on fussy-cutting, ladies! Thanks for sharing!

[Laurie]

I like the dimension that fussycutting adds to a LO, but I am not great at it.

[ScrappinEweRobyn (Robyn)]

Love all your Los ladies...........terrific fussy cutting.
I love to fussy cut................time sometimes is not on my side, though.