Craft Tips

Under each craft project you will find tips that are relevant to that particular project and/or  technique.

The following tips are general and craft related.
If you have a craft related tip that you would like to share with us then please send it and we will publish it. Please note your name so that we can give you credit. Tips can be related to any craft issue (such as knitting, sewing, cooking, baking, painting, drawing, etc).

    * Keep old empty bottles. They can be used for various projects. For e.g. a jar that contained coffee or jelly can be washed and sterilized and then used to make a bath scrub (body or foot scrub).

    * Whenever you are using expensive materials and a new technique experiment on a surface similar to that you are planning to use before embarking on your project.

    * If you need to create large templates (many of the projects in the site include templates) you can use newspaper to cut them out. That way you will have no joins (and no expenses…)

    * Before you start any craft project make sure that your work surface is clean.

    * Before using craft punches for the first time, lubricate them by punching wax paper.

    * Clean rubber stamps after each use with a mild soap.

    * To clean and soften your paint brushes wash them under warm water. Put them in a small quantity of fabric softener for about 15 minutes. Wash the brushes with a mild soap and water.

    * How to cut a round piece of fabric:  cut a square piece of fabric where the length of the square is the length of the diameter that you need. Fold the square into fourths (with the right sides together). Pin the layers together to prevent them from moving. Cut a piece of string and tie it to a fabric marking pencil. Attach the other end of the string to a safety pin. The length between the pencil and the safety pin should be half the required width of fabric. Connect the safety pin to the folded corner of fabric (i.e. the corner which has no open ends). Mark the outer edge of the circle using the marking pencil as a compass. Cut on the line that you have marked. Remove the pins.  If you are making a tablecloth see instructions.

    * To check if a cake is ready insert a bamboo stick into the cake. If it comes out clean the cake is ready. If not keep close the oven and continue baking.