Craft tips

General tips

• Tape or staple swatches of ribbon or fabric to index cards. This makes it easier to get extra or matching supplies.

• 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 toothpicks to apply expensive glues. You will never put too much on your project, and more will stay in the bottle.

• Use tweezers to hold small supplies and reach tight areas.

• 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.

• Don't send non-crafters to the store to get your supplies.

Fabric and sewing

• Don't use a hot glue gun when working with net, tulle or sheer synthetic fabrics. It will burn you and melt the fabric.

• Keep soap slivers in the freezer to use to mark quilts. This keeps soap hard and easier to use. It also washes out right away.

• Wind two or three bobbins of thread before you start a project. You won't have to stop in the middle of a project to wind more.

• Pre-wash fabric before you paint, sew or glue onto it to remove sizing. Sizing, which is found in most fabrics, will prevent craft materials from adhering to the surface properly.

• Store pattern pieces in zip-lock bags and label them clearly.

Floral projects

• Keep a pair of scissors in your purse of bag. You may come across the perfect flower or grass for drying.