Decorative scissors tips

So...some of you have come clean and confessed to having a collection of scissors much like mine....so I thought I would share with you some tips to keeping your scissors working in top condition. Many of these tips I learned while becoming a certified Fiskars demonstrator; so they work for straight as well as decorative scissors.

The most important tip is to keep your scissors clean. When you are cutting your scissors will collect small paper pieces and lint; simply wipe your scissors blade clean with a lint-free cloth when you are done cutting. You can even clean and condition your scissors with household oil; you wipe the blade down with the oil and then clean it with a cloth. You'll want to cut through a few pieces of scrap paper to ensure you removed all the oil from the blade before starting your next project.

The next tip is how you can keep your scissors cutting well....this one requires cutting every so often through wax paper and aluminum foil. This works for both types of scissors (and all those punches you know you are hoarding too). I cut through foil after I have used my scissors a lot and this helps to keep them fresh and cutting like new.

Never force your scissors to cut through paper. Certain types of cardstock and even some heavy weight pattern paper is just too thick for decorator scissors to cut through. If you have to strain your hands while cutting you risk damaging your scissors.

The most important tip is that you get what you pay for...don't be surprised if that pair of scallop scissors you picked up in the $1 spot at Target don't cut anything at all! My recommendation is to save those coupons that are in the Sunday paper and stick with the brand name decorator scissors; you won't be sorry.

I hope you found these tips helpful and pull out those scissors and tune them up for some Spring Training!!

Happy crafting.....Lynda