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Because There Was Jealousy and Discontent… Sharp Scissors: A Tutorial

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Our friend Kim just went to Holland to visit family. She’s the super-stylish mom of Eve. While there she not only collected craft intelligence for an upcoming Crafty Bits: Holland edition, she brought these back for us:

I can’t get enough of them. They’re just so cooool. Problem is, all of the other hard-working not-as-pretty scissors were upset. I heard whispers of “just because you’re the coolest thing since Hammer pants doesn’t mean you get to come in here and upset the workflow around here with your distracting beauty.”
So I had to try to pretty some of the others up. It was only fair. How about you? Would you like some sharp scissors?

If you want to do it too, here’s what I used:
– steel (rust-resistant) scissors
– scrapbook paper
– Mod Podge Outdoor
– paintbrush
– pencil
I don’t scrapbook much anymore. Fabric has taken over, so my scrapbook paper pickings were slim. Next time I may print something specifically for this purpose. I might just go crazy with it. For now, nice little sweet flowers.
I traced the outline of each blade on the back of the paper, checking to see what part of the image I was catching on the printed side.
I trimmed until it fit the area I wanted to fill. I tried to make sure the paper fit just inside the angled edges so they won’t get caught or rub on surfaces and peel away.
After I was happy with the trimming, I pressed the paper over that little round rivet to give myself an outline to follow and trim out a hole. If you have scissors that don’t have a rivet in the blade section, you can skip this part. This would be where you get to have a relaxed cup of tea while others cross eyes cutting out this tiny circle somewhat neatly.
I used Mod Podge Outdoor for the application. That was my best guess as to what would be most durable from the choices I had on hand. I applied one coat to the surface, applied my piece of paper and then painted a thin coat on top.
Ta-da! Repeat on the other side.
Decide you haven’t had your fill yet. Repeat with magazine pages.
And now there is peace and harmony in my home once again. At least among the scissor population.  (Not the fabric scissors. Those are so shiny and pretty as is. Or the kitchen ones. Those get wet. They’re already confident in their amphibious awesomeness.)
I’m thinking I have a few crafty friends who might enjoy customized scissors. I’m thinking of one right now who’ll swipe these if I don’t make her some of her own. I think you all may have met her.
I’m also wondering whether I have incorrectly used “scissors” versus “scissor.” I seem to remember some discussion of that in an English class back in the day. Any English teachers reading this? Or any of the kids who remember such a discussion?

Comments

  1. Shannon says

    Susan- I love your brassiness. Your blog style suits me just fine! My own cutting utensils long to be on par with yours. Alas- I was excited just to buy the Spring 2 pack of Fiskars. Keep inspiring (in so many ways!)

    Reply

  2. Chacoy says

    oh my goodness, now i have to go around the house and do this to all of my scissor{s} because i absolutely love it;}
    thank you for the great tutorial!

    Reply

  3. Stacey says

    If I could find any of my non-fabric scissors, I’d be making a pair right now. Lovely. Wondering if the kitchen scissors would work if you used contact paper vs. scrapbook or magazine paper.

    Reply

  8. Kyra says

    Thinking personalization as well for people like my teacher mom, who’s kid’s are always swiping her supplies from her desk. Neat idea.

    Reply

  17. Ann @ makethebestofthings says

    This is super awesome! I’ll be doing this to all my scissors and I have ALOT of ’em but it must be done. Your blog has given me the imperative. I can see personalizing a whole little gift set this way…scissors, pin cushion, plastic tape measure from the dollar store. You guys rock. Love your style, too.

    Reply

  23. Lisa says

    Hello. Not sure if this thread is still active. Just wondering how those “Sharp” scissors held up over time…..Also wondering if you have tried doing something similar with washi tape. Very cute idea, BTW, and I do like your style (your “sass”…..)

    Reply

    • Susan says

      Hi Lisa! I think they held up well for a year or two. Depends on how you use them of course. Cutting material like cardboard ends up rubbing on the outside of the cutting surfaces. A stronger sealant – like Outdoor Mod Podge or maybe Hard Coat Mod Podge – would probably help. Thanks for the compliment! :)

      Reply

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