use it is i mark my paper on the back side at the top and bottom of the sheet of paper the width that i need for the length of the bead i am making. then i take it to the cutter and line up the edge of the cutter where the blade is with the marks on my paper and cut. if the design on the paper really requires precise cutting, i will cut the paper with the design facing up. when i get to the edge and it is too narrow to cut with the cutter, i then use my rotary cutter and cutting mat to finish the 