Get The Technique
In honor of the new Martha craft book, and well, crafting in general, I share my favorite tool...scissors!
The large tailor's shears above were the first pair I ever became obsessed with. They belonged to my father and I recall as a kid loving them and needing to use both hands when he occasionally let me hold them. Now that they are mine, I leave them out on my home desk to enjoy the sculptural shape and to grab when I am cutting fabrics (NEVER paper!)
Since then I have acquired many. I have never counted, but I have all sizes and shapes. At least one pair lives in every room of my home. Sometimes more. The collection spills over to work as well, with some favorite old ones on display at my desk, and another ready for use.
Something to keep in mind is to maintain scissors for different uses.
Fabric only for fabric, paper for paper, a strong pair for in the kitchen and so on. Labeling them is a good idea, so if other people pick up a pair they know what to use them for. Also, it's important to care for them on occasion.
But not only do I love scissors for function, I love the form as well....
1. My all time favorite fabric scissors by Ginghers. 2. A sweet pin for accessorizing by CK Metalsmithing. 3. Music to craft to by Scissor Sisters. 4. Bookends to keep craft books organized. 5. Scarf from Snoozer Loser. 6. Cuff bracelet by Toy Me! (it moves!) 7. Great graphic tunic dress by Circular Accessories. 8. Scissor fabric to make things with!
This final photo is of the current display on the TV set in the craft room. Several of us shared some of our favorites to create this layout. Seems I am not the only one collecting scissors in the department!
From: Jennifer Booher | 4/6/10 at 9:31 am
You must love the old(ish) Kenneth Branagh movie 'Dead Again.' And if you've never seen it, you won't understand the connection with scissors; therefor you must see it!
From: Deb | 4/6/10 at 9:49 am
I just bought this masking tape with cute scissors printed on it: http://www.ginkopapers.com/store/tape/
thought you might like!
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 4/6/10 at 11:03 am
Beautiful post!
From: Gisele | 4/6/10 at 11:42 am
I don't know where I would be without my scissors.I use them everyday-for crafts, for work and school work.
thank you
From: Gail | 4/7/10 at 9:44 am
I also collect scissors! I noticed the wall display on the set and wondered if Martha would do a segment on scissors.
Mom always told me I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth but I was born with scissors in my hand!
From: jaime Curtis | 4/7/10 at 2:34 pm
JENNIFER! Thank you for this post. I have been thinking about investing in better scissors but I needed some guidance through all the options.
also, crafting to scissors sisters is hilarious, ha
From: robin wood | 4/7/10 at 5:36 pm
I recently visited the last scissor makers in Sheffield UK, it was a joy to see the skill involved in making a good pair of tailors shears and a joy to use them too.
Here they are http://www.ernestwright.co.uk/
and this is a BBC slide show of the works http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/sheffield/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8468000/8468068.stm
From: Cristina Canizares | 4/9/10 at 10:20 am
Glad to see that my obsession is shared! My favorite pair du jour are my Japanese 12" long fabric shears...they cut through fabric like butter
From: Helen | 4/9/10 at 11:06 am
I love snoozerloser! what a great find...