X-acto Knife

[reikiart]

Originally Posted by CreativelyMe

That is true, about it being a trade name. I have to say, I have been trying to overcome even picking up a xacto knife or box cutter...about 13 years ago, I was cutting some cardboard to use to make something for my son's birthday party, and I was running it along a ruler, and it slipped up and over the ruler taking a piece of my finger with it. I bled a lot and boy did it hurt. It took so much of it, that after it healed, if I would push right on the spot, I have no feeling. It wasn't just a little line, it caused a flap of skin (sorry for the grossness), and I think it must of cut some nerves. When I get near one, my stomach turns. So I am really trying to get past that, if I plan on using a knife. I bought one, and I have picked it up to get the corner up from a paper block..so I am making progress in having one in my hand again. Funny what we get phobias to. But it hurt and I don't want to go through it again. Been wondering about getting some of that Aqua Color that Tom Jones was using, if I can't get past my queasiness of holding and trying to use the knife. That is why I was wondering about technique. Didn't want to use it in a way that would injure myself again.

You know, Lisa, there are other ways of getting the effects you want without having to use an x-acto if you are not comfortable with it, and without having to use masking. You can get those shimmer effects just by the way you hold your brush against the paper, and for whiskers you can also try wax resist, like a white wax crayon, candle wax, or even tracing over wax paper and transferring the wax to where you want it. Then, when you lay down your wash, the parts with the wax resist the color. Just a thought.

[CreativelyMe]

Yes, so many choices. If I was to use wax, would I scrape it off after I am done painting? Just trying to figure out all options. Thank you all for helping me.

[Cyntada]

Stewgold: Me and you both

Lisa: I totally feel you on the knife phobia. I don't have one of exactos, but I did have a run-in with some of those giant copper staples you find at the bottom of heavy-duty boxes. My folks bought a mini-fridge and gave the box to preschool-aged me for a fort, and then pulled me out of it to determine the source of all the blood! I hadn't even noticed I was cut but soon as they pointed it out, the pain kicked in. To this day, Giant Copper Staples are evil and only to be approached with caution and a big pair of pliers

I think you can do this without using an exacto at all... life's too short. I predict that a big steel pin will do a fine job on whiskers and such. Margarete's suggestion of a safety razor is even better.

[CreativelyMe]

Thank you...I really wonder if a dotting tool would do it. I have one for nail polish...wouldn't hurt to see what it does. It isn't sharp though...I think I may go looking at other tools and see what I can find. Who know's...may be even a small knitting needle. LOL I thought I could overcome this fear of the box cutter, but I am finding it very hard. Don't like how nervous I get and that I know isn't going to help me be able to use one safely.

[sashntash]

I second the idea of a big steel pin or a strong carpenter's nail with a sharp point.

You can definitely get the same effect without using a knife.

[reikiart]

Originally Posted by CreativelyMe

Yes, so many choices. If I was to use wax, would I scrape it off after I am done painting? Just trying to figure out all options. Thank you all for helping me.

No, once its down, its permanent. Just put your colors over it and you'll see that it where the wax is resists the watercolor. Practice on just some scrap pieces of paper first and see if you can get the effects you want.

[CreativelyMe]

Thank you, that is what I thought. Yes, I will have to give that a try. Thank you for giving me another option.

[M.L. Schaefer]

Actually, you CAN remove the wax! All it takes a piece of brown butcher paper...paper bag, etc. Lay it over the wax you want removed, and use a warm iron. You will see where the wax is being removed on the paper. It may take a few "swipes" with the iron, but it will take the wax off.

And, I did NOT know or have ever thought of using the wax paper and a fine point to draw whiskers...That is a good idea. I use a dip pen and masking fluid, which works marvelously for me, but the wax paper may even work better So many great ideas!

Margarete

[reikiart]

Originally Posted by M.L. Schaefer

Actually, you CAN remove the wax! All it takes a piece of brown butcher paper...paper bag, etc. Lay it over the wax you want removed, and use a warm iron. You will see where the wax is being removed on the paper. It may take a few "swipes" with the iron, but it will take the wax off.

And, I did NOT know or have ever thought of using the wax paper and a fine point to draw whiskers...That is a good idea. I use a dip pen and masking fluid, which works marvelously for me, but the wax paper may even work better So many great ideas!

Margarete

Thanks, Margarete - I didn't know you could take the wax off. Yes, the wax paper is a tip I found in one of the threads in the Handbook - very cool!

[StewGold]

Sorry there's laughter here, use a WARM iron, oh dear. A long time ago, and trying to be more romantic that was sensible I'd lots of candles lit in here. Well they worked and in the heat of the moment, and of the candles, a big candle dripped off the stand and covered the new carpet. Well old carpet was wool, so brown paper and a hot iron. Shame the new carpet was synthetic. Hot iron melted the carpet fibre and welded the paper to the carpet. Ever had to shave a carpet? it's not all that easy. so Yep, warm irons everytime

[M.L. Schaefer]

Sorry, Stewgold! Can't seem to stop laughing! Quite time consuming, shaving the carpet?

Margarete

[CreativelyMe]

Now that is a picture...shaving carpet! Love it!