Rosalie's Craft Tips

Make the Most of Your Craft Experience

General Tips

• Tape or staple swatches of ribbon or fabric to index cards. This makes it easier to get extra supplies at the craft store.
• 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 plastic drop cloths to cut inexpensive patterns and throw them away if you make a mistake.

Floral Projects

• Keep a pair of scissors in your purse or bag. You may come across the perfect flower or grass for drying.
• Hang bouquets upside down in a dark closet - they will dry faster and keep their colors.
• Dry large amounts of flat flowers by placing them face down in a telephone book. The paper dries them faster and the darkness keeps their colors.
• Keep flower arrangements alive longer by mixing a crushed un-coated aspirin in the water.
• Coat Spanish moss lightly with white glue and place it where you want it. The glue sticks it into place and dries clear.

Painting and Stenciling

• Spread just a hint of color by dry brushing with old paintbrushes.
• When using metallic paint, brush one coat in one direction to cover.
• For patio projects such as painting on concrete, use old brushes, then throw them away.
• Apply the lightest color first when stenciling and blend to create multiple color tones.
• Use as little paint as possible when stenciling. Less is more.