If you have no scissors to hand, simply fold a sheet of paper in half backwards and forwards, and then strengthen the crease with your thumb. Hold the halved paper firmly and draw a ruler or paper-knife along the crease.
Make decorative ribbon curls by holding a strip of ribbon firmly between your thumb and the scissor blade. Keeping your thumb and the scissors in place, pull the ribbon between them, under pressure, until it curls.
Never cut paper with your haircutting or dressmaking scissors; it dulls the keen edge needed to cut hair or fabric.
If your scissor blades are binding, adjust the screw.
Left-handed people should look out for scissors designed especially for left handers - they are much more comfortable to use.
