WELCOME TO
CRAFT TIPS
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If you would like to save these tips, there are 2 ways to do it.
1. Go to the top of the screen and pick print and print out the text on
page.
2. Highlight the text to be copied and then paste it on whatever you use
to save text with. Word processing program or a notepad type will do and
then save it on your hard drive.
(To highlight-Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse all the
way up or down depending where you start, then let go of the button. While
the mouse is over the highlighted part, right click on the right mouse
button and pick copy. Go to your choice of programs where you will save
the text and get a blank page. Right click the right button and pick paste
and then save it.) Its that easy!
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MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
1. KNITTING-- To hold stitches, you may use a large safety pin. Slip a
button on first to keep stitches from catching in spring end then add
stitches to hold.
2. SHOULDER PADS-- Fold in half and stitch, then slide over the end of a
plastic hanger. It will be a tight fit but no more points in clothing.
3. PINECONE STICKIES-- Use a few drops of vegetable oil on hands to loosen
quickly.
4. OLD SHOWER CURTAINS-- Wash and dry then use as a drop cloth.
5. LONG PLASTIC SHOE-BAG RACKS-- Use to store yarn, spools of thread or
small tools. Hang it on the back of a door or in a closet.
6. RIBBON (cut ends)-- To stop ribbons from fraying, use a lighter or
match and carefully melt the edge of ribbon by sliding it back and forth
close but not touching the flame. It will then be sealed.
7. QUICK LINT PICK-UP-- Use masking tape or save labels from new pots and
pans to reuse for this purpose.
8. CRUSHED BOWS-- Make it look like new by stuffing each loop with
fiberfill or cotton balls. Spray with hairspray and let dry. Remove
stuffing.
9. FELT SHAPES-- For easier cutting of shapes. Iron on paper freezer
wrap onto felt. Trace your shape (reverse if necessary). Cut out the
shape and remove freezer wrap.
10.RIBBON DISPENSER-- Place a few spools of ribbon in a cardboard box (old
shoebox). Punch holes in top and pull ribbons through.
11. DOLL HAIR BLENDING-- Use the same color cloth as the hair for the top
and back of head to blend hair with the scalp and bare spots won't show.
12. CLAY PROJECT-- Before baking the oven-bake clay, line your baking pan
with parchment paper. This will eliminate shiny areas on the bottom
of your clay.
13. SLIP PROOF TEMPLATE-- Cut template out of cardboard and sandpaper
and glue them together with the sandpaper to the outside. The template
won't slip on fabric.
14. WASHABLE CRAFT PROJECT-- When a washable craft project calls for a
cardboard bottom, use plastic canvas instead. The project is washable
and it will keep its shape.
15. WIRE HANGER-- Use old wire hangers for making heart shapes covered
with fabric or for wood projects or even as a plant hanger. Use wire
cutters to cut into shapes.
16. UNDO GLUE GUN MISTAKES-- Use blow dryer to the glued area for several
seconds. The heat of the dryer will soften the glue so you are free
to move or replace item.
17. EASY OPEN BOTTLES--For easy reopening of glue, fabric stiffener or
paint bottles, place a piece of plastic wrap over the bottle opening
before screwing on the lid.
18. SAVE THE BUTTONS-- When discarding old clothing, cut off all the
buttons and save them to use on craft projects.
19. NO STATIC-- When stuffing craft projects with shredded foam,
sprinkle baby powder in the foam and on your hands and arms.
The foam will not stick to your hands or arms and you have a sweet
smelling project.
20. SERGER HAIR-- Set your Serger on normal tension and make strands
of loops with white thread. Glue to Santa's face for beard or use
for hair. Use other colors for doll hair.
21. GLITTER SPRINKLE-- Save the spice containers with sprinkle tops
and use to sprinkle glitter in a more even way. Great for sand also!
22. A GREAT FUNNEL-- Use the plastic cone from serger thread as a
funnel for stuffing dolls and toys with rice or plastic filler beads.
Insert narrow end into project opening and pour or spoon small amounts.
23. GREAT EYES AND NOSE-- When making a small to medium figure that
needs a nose or eyes, use dried black-eyed peas or
beans.
24. SPICE CONTAINERS-- Can be used to store seed beads.
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TOOL TIPS
1. EMERY BOARD-- Use it to sand a model project or the edges of a
painted wood project. It is also good for small or hard to reach
places.
2. TOOTHPICKS-- Tape some toothpicks on to your glue bottle.
When you need to spread thin line of glue or just a little dab
they will be handy.
3. A SQUEEGEE-- Punch out important info. on an old credit card with
a hole punch. Use it as a squeegee which is washable.
4. BEAD OR JEWEL GRABBER-- Form beeswax into a point. Touch the
point to a pearl or jewel or any item you wish to place in a
puddle of glue. The glue will grab the item from the beeswax.
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RECYCLE TIPS
1. PLASTIC PEANUTBUTTER JARS-- Can be used to store: Buttons, Sequins,
Jewels, Candy, Small flowers, Beads, Jewelry findings and Small glue
sticks.
2. PLASTIC CANDY CONTAINERS--You may use these to hold needles.
The dispenser hole allows you to retrieve the needles
without having to stick yourself. Put only 1 size in each
container.
3. HANGER-- Save tabs from aluminum cans. Use as a hanger for
wreaths or picture frame. Use a glue gun to fasten it.
4. JEANS--Cut 6 inch squares from old jeans. Sew them together,
add batting and a colorful backing . Tie together with same
color yarn at corners of squares. Add appliqué or embroidery if
desired before putting it together.
5. FREE STUFFING--Save and use the cotton from Asprin Bottles to stuff
small projects like Angel Heads on Angels that you crochet.
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PAINTING TIPS
1. PERFECT DOTS-- Push a round bead-headed pin into the eraser of a
pencil to make a quick and easy tool for perfect dots.
2. BRUSH AND TIME SAVER-- ( This is only for oil-based paint) At
break time, (don't clean your brushes!) Wrap them in plastic
wrap and put in freezer until you resume your work.
3. PREPARE YOU PROJECT-- Be sure to wash your tote bag or tee
shirts or sweats before painting them. Be sure you don't use
fabric softener.
4. SPRAY PAINT HELP--To paint small letters or numbers, place a
loop of masking tape on the back of each object. Press onto
a paper plate. Now you can paint and it won't move.
5. GREAT PALETTS--Use plastic lids for a small amount of paint.
Use the meat tray for bigger needs. They can be washed and
used over and over.
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Back To My Craft World
My Craft World
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Vera's Place
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The name of this song is:
Dream Weaver
