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General Tips
- Tape or staple swatches of ribbon or fabric to index cards. This makes it easier to get extra supplies at the craft store.
- Cover cardboard rolls in acid free tissue and then wrap your ribbon around them for storage.
- Never underestimate the importance of a hot glue gun; it is an invaluable tool for all crafts.
- Heat from a blow drier causes strings of hot glue to disintegrate immediately.
- Use plastic drop cloths to cut inexpensive patterns and throw them away if you make a mistake.
- Use toothpicks to apply expensive brand name glue. You will never put too much on your project and more will stay in the bottle.
- Remember this adage: clean hands, clean project.
- When working with cardboard and glue, lightly wet the underside of the cardboard and it will dry flat.
- Use a damp q-tip to pick up small beads. They stick to the q-tip and make loading a needle much easier.
- Store delicate die cuts in folded acid free paper with the die cut facing the fold.
- Break mirrors, plates, or tiles for projects by sealing them in a heavy-duty zip lock bag and breaking with a hammer.
- Use plastic party table covers for messy crafts. They protect better than newspaper and can be used more than once.
- Try using tiny rubber bands, such as dental bands, to hold small crafts together. You can substitute the rubber bands for wire.
- Use tweezers to hold small supplies and reach tight areas when crafting. Tweezers act as an extension of your fingertips.
- Prevent paper from ripping when affixing tape by applying the tape to clothing first to reduce its stickiness.
- When doing decoupage, use rounded lacquered chopsticks to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles after gluing. You can usually find lacquered chopsticks (which are smoother than un-lacquered sticks) in Asian markets or gift shops.
- Make small bows by tying the bows first before cutting the ribbon.
- Lubricate craft punches before using them by punching wax paper.
- Cut Styrofoam by using a serrated knife well waxed with a candle stub or paraffin.
- Clean rubber stamps after each use with a mild soap. Avoid getting any wood parts wet, and dry completely when done. Store with the rubber side down out of direct sunlight.
- Give a small portion of a craft show sales to your favorite charity or purchase some fun craft supplies for a local school or scout group.
- Don't send non-crafters to the store to get your supplies. Have fun with crafts and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
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