By Noreen Doll. Now you don't have to throw used ribbon away. Here's a quick way to straighten wrinkled ribbon. You can make a wrinkled ribbon look like new. Simply heat your curling iron to a low setting. You don't want it too hot! After the curling iron is heated, test it on the end of the ribbon you want to straighten. If the curling iron is too hot, … [Read more...] about Quick Way to Straighten Wrinkled Ribbon
craft tips
Frugal Cutting Tip
By Noreen Doll. Here's a frugal cutting tip that will help you conserve your supplies. When creating, kids have a tendency to plop their template right down in the middle of that big lovely sheet of paper or craft foam. By the time they've cut from the edge over to the shape, and then cut around the shape, the big lovely sheet of paper is pretty much unusable … [Read more...] about Frugal Cutting Tip
Tiny Hole Punch Tip
By Noreen Doll. Here's a great tiny hole punch tip for when you want to make a neat small hole without tearing the paper. This tip is really handy when you want to add a brad to your project, and you need a small hole for the point of the brad to push through. It would also be perfect to punch small holes in paper or card stock to which you want to tie a … [Read more...] about Tiny Hole Punch Tip
How to Cut Holes in the Middle of Something
By Noreen Doll. I make lots of projects that require holes in the middle where they are hard to cut. Here is an easy way to cut holes in the middle of something. If the item is soft and flexible and bends easily, cut the hole like this. Fold the item in half so you can see half of the hole on either side. Using sharp scissors, cut a small slit in the … [Read more...] about How to Cut Holes in the Middle of Something
How to Fix a Rusted Paper Punch
By Noreen Doll. I came across an old paper punch that had belonged to my folks. It had been around for quite a while, and because it was old, it was a very well made tool. But, unfortunately, it had rusted some on the inside, and when I squeezed it shut it stayed that way. I had to pry it open again to release it. I was going to dispose of it, but because it … [Read more...] about How to Fix a Rusted Paper Punch
Speed Dry a Painted or Decoupage Project
By Noreen Doll. When I craft I have a hard time waiting for paint, glue or Mod Podge to dry. So I figured out a way to speed dry my projects. I have an old hair dryer that is too hot on one setting and too slow on the other setting for drying hair. But it's perfect for drying my crafts quickly. When I use the dryer on the high setting, I hold it about a foot away … [Read more...] about Speed Dry a Painted or Decoupage Project
Kids Craft Tips
© by Noreen Doll. Using these great kids craft tips will help you and your kids have more fun crafting, with less clean up afterwards. Shower Curtain Idea. Use an old shower curtain - or buy one for $1 at the Dollar Store - for a crafting surface. Lay it on the table, the floor, the back porch, or in your yard and you won't have to worry about spills or … [Read more...] about Kids Craft Tips
Frugal Craft Tips
© by Noreen Doll. By using these frugal craft tips, there are many creative ways you can help keep your costs down. Use What You Have. Look for ways to use what you already have: fabric or craft paper scraps, cereal boxes you can cover with pretty paper, bits of ribbon, or silk flowers for embellishing. Newspaper Patterns. Use newspaper to make trial patterns of … [Read more...] about Frugal Craft Tips
General Craft Tips
© 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 … [Read more...] about General Craft Tips