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I would like to show you different cutting techniques.
We're going to cut out several images using scissors and then
an X-ACTO knife.
And basically I just want to show you how to approach
different ways of cutting.
So here I have an image that I pulled out of a National
Geographic magazine.
And I'm using small manicure scissors.
Usually small scissors are really helpful in you being
able to cut-out accurately and really pay
attention to close details.
So when you're cutting, try to convey the
actual edge of the images.
So for example, if there's very subtle texture, you want
to be able to convey that.
And the closer you are to that edge, the more accurate your
cut-out is going to look.
And let's say for example you had an opening that was very
small that you needed to cut through the actual image.
You can puncture it with your small scissors and then you
can go in and carefully cut it out.
So here's my cut-out with scissors.
And now I'm going to show you how you can cut out with an
X-ACTO knife.
Let's see, I have here an elephant trunk.
This is an X-ACTO knife.
You can purchase ones that have bigger blades, and it's
important to constantly change your blades to make sure that
your blade is very sharp.
When you're cutting out your collage using an X-ACTO knife,
it's important for you to have a cutting mat underneath it.
So it allows your paper to stay stable and also gives it
some padding.
So I'm going to hold the page in place, so I'm going to just
move very slowly and stay as close as I can to the edge.
I'm paying attention to all of the little variations within
the trunk's surface and I'm trying to follow them with my
X-ACTO knife.
You have to be careful not to allow your hand to slide.
You don't want to cut yourself.
If your blade is not sharp, if it's dull, your edge will
begin looking uneven and that can take away from the overall
quality of your artwork.
And if, for example, you cut too far, that's fine, too.
Just make sure you continue mimicking the surface.
So here you can see I cut out the elephant's trunk.
And now I can go in and I have a few areas that I can touch
up with small scissors.
And when you test both techniques you will see which
one works better for you.
Whether you like using scissors or the X-ACTO knife.