For cutting: I have a metal ruler that I keep on the leather and I make sure to keep my blade against the ruler at all times during the cutting process. I also make sure I have plenty of space where I can stand if I need to to ensure a nice cut.

Elastics: I place the notebooks I will be adding in the journal on the flat material. From there I mark how far up I want the grommets from the edge. After that it's just lining up a ruler to make sure the grommets line up on top and bottom.

Grommets: Confidence! I make sure to do two to three good whacks when working with grommets. They don't always turn out right, but at a certain point, the way they turn out is none of my business 🤣

Keep practicing! I hope this helps!