DIY Tools: Cutting, Trimming, and Cornering Paper

For some of our DIY projects it might appear that I tried to use every tool I owned. Remember appearances can be deceiving. If you're going to be handling all of your paper goods yourself, here are the tools I whole heartedly recommend.

Guillotine Paper Trimmer

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A guillotine paper trimmer is absolutely a life safer for quickly trimming stacks of papers down to size. You'll save a lot of time starting with this tool and then using the rotary paper trimmer for more precise cuts.

NOTE: No matter how inexpensive the Tonic brand Guillotine Paper Trimmer (pictured below) is DO NOT get it. This was one purchase where in hindsight I think not buying the cheapest one out there would have been smarter.

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The blade does not cut straight and dulls very quickly. The guard for holding paper in place is too close to the blade. The only "injury" I sustained when making the invitations and envelopes was from this tool.

Rotary Paper Trimmer

Fiskars 12" Rotary Paper Trimmer for Crafts

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Free - I've had it for years.
Typically $59.99, but with a 50% off coupon from Jo-Ann Fabrics $30.00

Pros: Can cut, deckle, score all with the same trimmer just by changing the blade

Cons: Depending on the weight of the paper can only cut three to five sheets at a time. If you don't apply even pressure as you pull towards yourself it sometimes don't cut all the way through the paper.

If money is no object (they retail for $175+), get a Dahle trimmer. If you have a friend with access to one, beg, borrow, or steal it! Luckily a friend had access to the 20 1/8" cut length Dahle trimmer (pictured below) and we were able to fold our sheets to quickly bring the pages down to manageable sizes for our other paper cutters/trimmers. (For cutting large sheets of handmade paper, I so would have loved the 37 1/2" cut length Dahle trimmer.) One thing that took a little getting used to was the automatic paper clamp. Once you master it (or just move it aside) you'll want to trim everything in sight. Trust me on this.

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Magnetic Cutting Board

If you're cutting at angles, a cutting board with a straightedge that doesn't move is a must. I primarily used the We R Memory Keepers Magnetic Cutting Set for trimming the envelope liners. It was nice to not have to worry about the paper or blade slipping.

We R Memory Keepers Magnetic Cutting Set

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$15.00 (used a 50% off coupon).

Typically $29.99, but be on the look out for 30% and 40% off Scrapbooking Tools Sales or use 40% or 50% off coupons

Corner Punches

Shaped or rounded corners make everything look more elegant. Be sure to get a punch where it's easy to line up the corner and make a consistent cut.

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Fiskars Corner Squeeze Punch:
Something Old, Something New

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$4.80 (purchased during a 40% off Scrapbooking Tools Sale).

Typically $11.99, but be on the look out for 30% and 40% off Scrapbooking Tools Sales or use 40% or 50% off coupons

Pros: Can easily line up your punches

Cons: Can only punch 90-degree corners; can't punch thick paper; cut pieces end up all over your workspace

What tools did you find you couldn't live without? Did you go cheap to save money and wish you hadn't?