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Free Craft Hints & Tips Click here for Helpful Sewing Information Click here for a List of Suggested Craft Supplies
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*When you need a funnel - cut the top off of a clean, empty water bottle or soda bottle to use as a funnel. If the cut edge is rough cover it with either masking tape of painters tape. *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 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 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 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.
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*To
attach a bar pin to a project - heavy duty double sided tape works
great.
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