* When using Glue Dots - press the item to be glued into the dot THEN peel the paper.  If the item cannot be pressed into the dots without getting it stuck to more than one dot, cut apart the paper backing so that you have a piece of paper with just one dot on it.  Then, attach it to your item.

* To Dry Brush - first dip your paint brush in the paint then brush most of the paint off on a paper towel so the brush is quite dry then paint on your desired item.  This technique is used quite often when you are painting over another color of paint and want to still see the first color through the top color.

*When tracing on black or another dark color - use white chalk or a white crayon so you can see the lines.

*To curl ribbon - buy curling ribbon and tie as desired then using the blade of a pair of scissors, quickly run the ribbon across the blade.  Don't be afraid to run the ribbon across a second time if the ribbon isn't curly enough.  As always, use caution when using any sharp object.

*To attach a bar pin to a project - heavy duty double sided tape works great.

*To attach heavy duty double sided tape to a bar pin - unroll the end of the tape and stick the bar part of the pin to the sticky side of the tape. Using scissors, cut the tape close to the edge of the pin.  To apply the pin to your project, simply peel the paper off the other side of the tape and stick it where you would like the pin.

*To attach cording to a key ring - fold your piece of cording in half and put the fold (loop end) through the ring then pass the 2 loose ends through the fold and pull taught.

*To keep fabric from fraying - use pinking shears to cut it out.

*To make a professional finish on a bow -  either cut the ends on and angle or fold the end of the ribbon in half and cut the ribbon on an angle cutting higher on the end where the fold is.  This will form an upside down V shape in your ribbon end.

*When filling a frosting bag - fold the top 3" - 4" of the bag to the outside while you fill.  It is much easier to fill and you will keep your bag cleaner.

*When kids want to learn to sew with a needle and thread - Felt is the perfect fabric to start with as the edges don't fray and the needle glides through easily.

*When applying glue with a glue stick to small pieces of paper - Lay a scrap sheet of paper under the pieces you are applying glue to.  This will keep glue from getting on your work surface.

*When cutting out a heart - fold the fabric or paper in half and cut just half of the heart out being sure the center of the heart is on the fold. This will make both halves even when you open up the fabric or paper.

*To draw a shamrock - First make a heart template then use the heart to draw the shamrock by tracing 3 hearts that overlap at the sides and meet at their points then finish the shamrock off by drawing a stem at the bottom of the three hearts.

*When working with glitter - work over a paper towel or a piece of paper. After sprinkling the glitter over the glued area, fold the paper towel in half and pour the extra back into your container. The glitter lasts much longer this way!!

*When tracing and cutting out - be sure the side with the tracing lines becomes the back so no lines show on the front.

*When spreading glue over a large area - squeeze some glue out of the bottle and spread with a popsicle stick, paintbrush or a foam brush (applicator).

*When checking a materials list - if you do not have a certain item on the list look around the house and see if you have something else that will work. For example, when making a snowman that calls for orange craft foam for the nose, if you do not have craft foam use a piece of felt or a piece of orange fabric or better yet paint a cork orange and use it for the nose.

*Many craft foam shapes - are available in small packs or in large buckets which work very well in many craft projects. Also, craft shapes can be cut from a die cut machine available at many craft stores.

*When teaching children to hand sew - I find it helpful to use safety pins and place them all on the same side. This way as you instruct them in sewing, if they always keep the pins facing the ceiling, the piece won't get all twisted and the thread won't get knotted as often.

*When cutting - turn the object you are cutting into the scissors whenever possible. Do not turn the scissors.

*When you have scraps of craft foam - use a hole punch and punch out a bunch of circles. They can be used in a variety of projects or as confetti. (Try punching holes out of other materials for a different look)

*When hand sewing - if the thread (or yarn) becomes twisted just drop the needle while holding onto what you are sewing and it will unwind itself.

*When threading ribbon or elastic thru a casing - attach a safety pin to one end (be sure to close the safety pin). The pin will be easier to push through the casing.

*When you need to tie string around something - after crossing the ends and tucking one end under, tuck the same end under a second time before completing the knot. This will help keep the string much tighter while you complete the knot.

*When painting - use old plastic lids to put the paint on.  Coffee can lids and Cool Whip lids work well.

*When making a handmade item - it's nice for the creator to initial and date their work if possible.

*When crafting - work over a clean Styrofoam tray.  It will help keep your area clean and keep small parts from getting lost.  Styrofoam trays (like fruits and vegetables come on) can be put in the top rack of the dishwasher.

*When painting Styrofoam - do not use regular spray paint.  It will melt the Styrofoam. Craft stores sell spray paint specially designed for Styrofoam or you can paint it with any kids or acrylic/craft paint and a paint brush.

*When painting with fabric paint in squeeze bottles - to lessen the number of air bubbles, keep a paper towel nearby and before each use, tip the bottle of paint upside down and tap it gently on the paper towel.  This will help remove any air from the tip of the bottle.