© by Noreen Doll.
Here are some great craft tips to make your crafting easier and more fun!
Crafting Surface.
One of my best general craft tips is to cover a large piece of cardboard or a cookie sheet with sides with a piece of waxed paper. Pull it around the edges and tape it to the bottom.
This gives you a protected work surface to craft, paint and glue on.
When the waxed paper gets too messy, simply remove it and throw it away. Then attach a fresh piece of waxed paper.
Recently I found these great cutting mats in Dollar Tree for $1.00. There are 2 in the package and make a perfect crafting surface.
I’ve used it some, but look how well it resists messes, and it’s easy to wipe off.
Cut Down Cardboard Box Idea.
One of my most used craft tips is to cut corrugated cardboard boxes shorter – 2 to 4 inches high, making them much less bulky and more usable.
Lined with waxed paper they can be used for crafting or to sort crafting supplies.
They can also be used for storing half finished projects and keeping all the parts together.
And if nothing is sticking above the edge, you can stack several of these.
Gluing Idea.
Use the pages of an old catalog or phone book for a gluing surface.
Tear the page out when it gets messy and you have a fresh surface to use.
Tool Storage.
If there are certain tools you use constantly, keep them all together and handy in one box, so you can quickly pick up the box and start crafting.
Get Ready to Craft.
Assemble all your supplies before you start so you don’t have to jump up to get another tool or glue or paint.
Store Your Project Pieces Together.
Keep all the items of your current project on a cookie sheet or in a cut down cardboard box.
If you don’t have a permanent crafting spot, it will be easy to move them while keeping them together.
Protect Your Spraying Area.
If you want to spray paint or an acrylic sealer on a project, set a cardboard box OUTDOORS, on its side.
Place a sheet of waxed paper on the inside bottom surface and set your project on it.
By spraying inside the box, you will contain the spray and help keep a breeze from blowing dust or debris onto your newly sprayed surface.
Assembly Line Crafting.
If you are making a similar item for several people, do it in assembly line fashion. Cut out all your pattern pieces.
Put each complete project in a separate ziplock bag – or put all of each different pattern piece in one bag.
Do all the gluing at one time. Paint all items at one time. Embellish all items at the same time.
This will make it quicker and easier to finish several similar items.
Make an extra one or two for that someone you forgot – or for a new friend.
Write it Down.
Keep a notebook handy for writing down your great ideas.
A busy lifestyle can cause you to forget a special project you may have thought of.
Using these general craft tips will help you finish your projects more quickly and with less clean up.
Noreen Doll
Carole says
Noreen, thanks for commenting on Carole’s Chatter – yes the meatballs did taste fine but I thought the texture could have been a bit better. Maybe next time.
pat srutkowski says
I just want to say how much I appreciate all of your good ideas. I especially like your how-to with organizing your projects (2in. sided box, etc) On one of my “lost days” its so good to peruse your site and just dream and enjoy! Thanks to you and your daughter and your grandson for all of your ideas! pat