HAND CUTTING METHOD
There are 4 pages in the DIY Quilling Strips PDF file, containing varying widths of 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch markings on top and bottom. You'll see the measurement listed along the top left. Ensure your option for "Page Scaling" is set to "None" when printing, so it comes out at actual size.
You can certainly print these markings right on top of your sheets of 8.5x11 inch paper, keeping a margin all around so it's tangle-free during storage after cutting. However, I know some people who are aghast at any paper wastage, and if you are one, keep reading.
Option 2
Another way to cut your strips and use every inch of it is to print the file and slice off the markings.
Place the paper you'd like to cut on your cutting surface. I've taken metallic envelopes apart to use for quilling strips in this way. Align the paper edge with the first marking, then tape the markings in place above and below - ensure they are parallel or else your cutting will be off. Align your ruler to the markings and start cutting away. You can re-use this method many times over.
If anyone uses these files and found it helpful, I'd love to hear about it!
Hi Cecelia, I love the DIY Quilling Strips Tutorial - I don't have a machine, but I'll try your tip of cutting them by hand, I think the strip across the top is ingenious! I have tried cutting my own strips in the past when I have needed a specific paper/colour etc. and it was a bit hit and miss! the problem was the paper kept moving, no matter what method I used to stick it down, with your method I think the problem will be solved. I will give it a try! Thank You for the tutorial and the .pdf file. Karen x
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, I'm thrilled to know you might be able to make good use of this simple method. Can't wait to hear how it turns out for you!
DeleteCecelia
Just tried it - works like a dream! Cecelia you are a star!!! Thank you so much. xxx
DeleteSo happy to hear that Karen! Thank you for letting me know :D
Deletethank you have a nice weekend greetings jose van der wouden
ReplyDeleteThank you Jose! I hope it works well for you.
DeleteWhat a good idea to print out the markings so that they are perfectly aligned!
ReplyDeleteThank you Honey! In truth, it's because I'm so laaaaaazy!
DeleteGreat idea
ReplyDeleteHi Ridma, I'm happy to hear you think so. I'd love to hear if it works for you!
DeleteThanks for sharing! I use my paper cutter since it has 1/8ths marks. I'm not fan of the thinness of quilling strips either. What paper(s) do you like best?
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, thanks so much for asking.
DeleteI love Daiso paper which is found in a Japanese dollar store. They offer just two sets of soft colors and I enjoy the smaller jump in shades, unlike the shades I normally see (light pink, pink, red). I show the paper on this past post here:
http://paperzen.blogspot.ca/2013/04/die-punched-leaves-and-daiso-paper.html
I have used Canson Mi-Teintes paper, which is 98lb or 160gsm. It is thicker than Daiso paper so I can't achieve the tight inner coils I enjoy because it tends to split the paper. So I am forced to use a thicker needle (I think it's a bookbinding awl) when quilling with it. Here is more info about Canson paper:
http://www.cansonstudio.com/en/canson-mi-teintes-dual-sided-textured-fine-grain-98lb-160gsm-sheet.html
Here is a project where I've used the Mi-Tientes paper, which was really needed when working on such a large piece:
http://paperzen.blogspot.ca/2013/02/year-of-snake-quilling.html
AWESOME tip! I will definitely try this:-)
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry, I'm happy to hear you'll give it a try. Please let me know how it turns out for you!
DeleteCecelia
Thanks for sharing, I will try this. TY
ReplyDeleteHi Butterfly Lady, I'm so happy you want to give this a go. Please let me know if it helped you?
DeleteCecelia
I've cut some of my papers using a paper shredder.
ReplyDeleteHi kayeminoagra, that sounds like a great option too!
DeleteHi Cecelia - I looked at your 4 pages of your DIY cutting strips and they're all 3/8" wide markings. Am I missing something? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello Erin, thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
DeleteIt's quite strange, but when I view my PDF on my phone, it does appear as if the markings are all 3/8" wide. However, when I view it on my computer, it seems to be OK. I am not sure why that's happening.
If you would like me to send the template to your email address, I would be happy to do so. I can be reached at paperzeninfo@gmail.com
Cecelia
I am having the same problem. This is genius and I would love to try it! Ill e-mail you. Thanks! -Leah DeLauder
DeleteHi Leah, there are 4 pages in the PDF file, so please scroll through them to find the size you need. Happy quilling!
DeleteCecelia
Hi zen, I just purchased cricut explorer air 2 I'm am trying to get the strips loaded but it isn't working, can't upload to cut it, not sure what I'm doing wrong
Delete, thanks
Hello Unknown, here are some instructions to import SVG files into Cricut Design Space:
DeleteLog in to Design Space
Click the Create New Project button
Click the Upload Image button
Click the Vector Upload button
Click the Browse button and locate your svg file that you want to import
The file will be uploaded to Design Space and will appear in the Uploaded Images gallery. From there you can access it and work with it.
For more help with Cricut Design Space please visit them here: http://us.cricut.com/home/support/design-space
Cecelia
Thank you
DeleteWhen I click on either file it says it's not there anymore. Have you moved this somewhere else? I have a new silhouette machine and would like to try this. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello Rachelle, sorry about that. DropBox changed their settings. I've updated the links. Can you tell me if it works now? Thanks for letting me know.
DeleteCecelia
What cutting setting do you use (1-10)? My strips keep coming out with rough edges.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirsty,
DeleteIt really depends on the thickness of the paper I'm cutting. When I'm cutting a new paper, BEFORE I release the mat from the machine, I will lift up one strip to see if it got cut all the way through. If it's not, I will ask the machine to cut it once more, then lift and test again. If it's still coming out rough, the perhaps it's time to use a new blade.
When I release my paper from my mat, there is a way to do it to keep the strips straight. You can see how I do it here in my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/qzK94jX8YKU
I hope that helps you!
Cecelia
Thanks! I'm trying to open the SVG file, but it's not working :(
DeleteHi Kirsty,
DeleteSVG files are for electric cutting machines such as Cricut Explore or Silhouette SD with compatible programs. If you are trying to cut by hand, then I would suggest using the PDF files instead with Acrobat Reader.
Cecelia
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi Kirsty, yes I can if you supply an email address. However, I would assume the SVG files I would be emailing are the same as the ones you've already downloaded, but we can give it a try anyway.
DeleteCecelia
thank you, thank you, thank you, this is a great download for
ReplyDeletemy cricut..
Robin
Hey Robin, so glad to meet another hybrid crafter! Thank you for leaving a comment! I'm so glad my files could help you!
DeleteCecelia
Wonderful diy tutorial. I love paper quilling so much!
ReplyDeleteHey Kelsey, happy to hear you liked my tutorial. Have you been quilling for while?
DeleteI am looking to buy a machine to cut my strips, which one do you recommend, the cricut explore 2 or the silhouette cameo? I'm clueless
ReplyDeleteI have owned a Silhouette SD, then a Cricut Explore Air. I prefer the Cricut Explore 2 because:
Delete• I can import SVG files for free (you pay $50 for Silhouette Design Edition to import SVG files)
• Cricut Explore has a greater cutting force (350 grams vs 210 for Silhouette Cameo 3)
• I find the software easier for beginners to understand (I'm a graphic designer so I use Adobe Illustrator)
Here is another great article that might help you decide:
https://personaldiecutting.com/cricut-explore-air-vs-silhouette-cameo-3/
I hope that helps you!
Cecelia
as someone else mentioned above. They are only printing out in one size. I see all four different sizes on my computer screen, but when I print it's just one size and the page says 3/8 inch. even though it's not. Just a heads up.
ReplyDeleteBTW. If you save the file to your computer, then click to open and print from that file rather than from just the link above. I get all four size strip pages. really strange it does that.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne Marie, thanks for the head's up. I thought I had fixed the file, and when I download it, it seems to be fine. When you saved the file to your computer (which is what I'm doing), did the sizes print correctly?
DeleteAre you able to explain in more detail about how to got the error the first time? I somehow can't seem to replicate the error, so I'm not sure how to go about fixing it.
I really struggled with creating my own paper strips. I have a new Cricut Explore 2 and its been a steep learning curve because of my limited time. Your SVG files are incredible and your organizing system is superb. Thank you, Quilling Diva :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Quilling Diva. Congrats on your new Cricut Explore 2 - that's the same one I have! I simply love combining my two loves of quilling AND die cutting. I hope to see your work one day!
DeleteYou're a rock star. Thank you for the files. They worked perfectly with my Cricut. Also just a cool fact Amazon sells those negative storage sheets you refer to in your post about storing your strips. https://www.amazon.com/Printfile-357B25-Negative-Storage-Sheets/dp/B0044TOZGI/ref=sr_1_4?crid=18XYJV4U2F2MZ&keywords=negative+sleeves&qid=1580947873&sprefix=negative+%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-4
ReplyDeleteSo thanks again.
LOL!!! That's the first time I've been called a rock star! Thanks for giving me a huge laugh and smile today Lake_Girl! So happy to hear my files worked perfectly for your Cricut. Thanks also for the link to those sheets - priceless, right? Thank YOU for following me!
DeleteThank you for the tip and the SVG file. Had problems in the beginning getting the paper off and went and purchased an 8" tape knife back in hardware (wide enough for 8-1/2 x 11 sheets of paper) to remove and it worked great.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Linda - glad it worked out in the end. Oh a tape knife - cool idea!
DeleteHi, Is there a way to cut the .25 inch on a 12x12 sheet of paper?? I tried making it bigger but I distorted the size
ReplyDeleteHello, unfortunately, there isn't a way to easily enlarge a PDF in just the length while leaving the width the same. That would require customization of the files.
DeleteLove your download, just started quilling this week and I'm loving it. I have a cricut explorer air and have lots of scrap pieces of paper that I would like to use up (6" x 11"), for making strips. How do I create these lines, I maybe overthinking on how to do this, can you please help me with this?
ReplyDeleteHi Rae, you can simply use my files to cut, then stop the Cricut by pressing the pause button when you reach the end of your sheet. Then you can cancel the rest of the cutting of the file.
DeleteI thought about that, but sometimes the machines doesn't always start at the beginning of the cut, will start at random spots. I will give it a try, it's just scrap paper and I have a lot. Never know when you may need that little piece of scrap. I'm so excited to start this new craft. Thank you for your help.
DeleteIT WORKED. Thank you for the help.
DeleteThat's great to hear Rae! Now you're off to the races! :D
DeleteHi Cecelia,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful tutorials. I just bought your uppercase alphabet set and I'm hoping to make one as wall art for a child's birthday. Thanks also for the strips SVG. I added a different color line to the top and bottom and cut those last- worked like a charm!
That's wonderful to hear you're finding my tutorials and files helpful - thank you so much for your kind words and for buying my book, and for giving me a huge smile today!
DeleteI wish it was metric. I like all my strips to be 3 mm
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny, I wrote a new blog post and the files include 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 mm widths. Here's a link: https://paperzen.blogspot.com/2020/03/3-ways-to-cut-quilling-strips-by-hand.html
DeleteCecelia..love you quilling wisdom and the bonus quilling paper (where you write messages on the 7mm strips. My question is...can the font be changed...I am using the strips as a story telling quill where I write the message and attach to a base page. Sometimes it makes the reader turn the page to read the message..hope this makes sense..anyway, I would like to use BLOCK letters instead of the script and be able to BOLD them for easier reading. Also if the strips could be made in 10mm that would help..thanks and I really have learned (I've only been doing this for about 6 months) so much from your page..
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this is a PDF file that I do not offer as a customized file. I'm happy to hear you're enjoying my tutorials.
Delete