One of the things people often ask when they see me cutting is
"How many pairs of scissors do you get through?"
I get the impression they are expecting to hear I use at least six pairs a night, as they are usually quite surprised when I explain that I've been using the same pair of scissors for the last ten years! The truth is that I get very attached to scissors; they seem to take on a personality of their own and almost feel like an extension of my own hand. Although I do always carry a spare pair with me, I almost never use them.
Ten-year old scissors in action
Ten years ago I purchased two identical steel scissors from a surgical supply store in Birmingham. Seven years later (as does occasionally happen) one of them went a.w.o.l., leaving me with one. Contacting the suppliers I was told they no longer make that kind of scissor. A few weeks ago the second pair also disappeared, which left me feeling really bereft. Alas, the scissors which have twice cut portraits of the Queen, and created all the illustrations in my new book, are no more! I found myself going through a quite genuine period of grief.
Still, at least I managed to finish the book. "Mastering Silhouettes" is coming out in February (or January for those living in the US) and is available now for advance ordering on Amazon.
I currently have just a single advance copy, but I will be getting my own private stash, so if you would rather order a signed copy direct from me you will be able to do so in the new year. After such an unbelievable amount of work I'm really pleased with the finished article and look forward to sharing it with you.
The Book cover
If you are one of those who took part in my "Free silhouettes and other silhie ideas" scheme earlier in the year, please rest assured I haven't forgotten you. Look out for an envelope coming your way before xmas…
But back to the scissors. After experimenting with a number of different blades I have plumbed for a pair of rather smart tungsten scissors with a serrated blade. Rather counter-intuitively the serrated blade grips the paper - acting a bit like a third hand - yet still produces a clean crisp line. At present I still feel a bit like I'm learning all over again, but first impressions are good.
Scarily smart new scissors!
Without wishing to get too technical (there's more than enough of that in the book) I'm experiencing a slight increase in speed during the 'first cut' (the outline) and a slight decrease when performing 'point work' (the small holes I like to cut - for instance in the hair - which have become a kind of trademark style for me). Right now I'm greatly looking forward to the busy Christmas season, which seems to start in earnest this week, so that I can get a chance to really see what these new scissors can do!
