Six Tips for Craft Projects and Supplies

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

10 Aug 2006 04:03 AM

Crafts are great fun, and they're a good source for imagination and creativity. However, crafts can sometimes be tricky or messy and all those supplies can take on a life of their own!

These tips will help you to...

• Make crafting simpler
• Keep craft supplies neat and organized
• Find things easily
• Keep track of what you have
• Avoid making duplicate purchases
• Purchase the correct supplies

Try these ideas:

1. Pick up a pair of needle nose pliers and some tweezers to help hold onto small beads or other tiny parts when working on projects.

2. If you don't have a pin cushion handy, you can try using a Styrofoam cup. This is also a good way to store push pins and thumbtacks. Turn it upside down and poke pins through the bottom and sides.

3. Use cotton swabs or toothpicks to help apply glue. There are three good reasons. One, you'll waste less glue. Two, you'll avoid ruining your project by pouring on too much glue, and three, you won't get your hands all sticky so they won't stick to your other materials.

4. Save wrapping paper tubes and wrap ribbon around them to keep ribbon at hand and to avoid wrinkling. You'll be able to see, at a glance, what colors and styles you have available. Try the same idea with strands of flat lace.

5. Paper plates also work for ribbon, lace, twine, or raffia. Cut slits around the edges and thread ribbon through the slits.

6. When working on coordinating projects, determine the materials you plan to use. Attach small scraps of fabric, lace, trims, or ribbon to an old greeting card or an index card. Tape or glue beads, sequins, or other items to the card as well. If using yarn, cut out the dye lot portion of the label and add it to your card. This way, when you go shopping, you'll know precisely which colors to choose when you purchase other craft supplies for your projects.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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