Handy tips every crafter should know

Getting crafty and completing do-it-yourself projects can be fun, no doubt. But just like with any hobby, there can be some frustrating things that happen (i.e. spilling glitter on the carpet or finding out that all your markers have dried out). Crafting faux pas will inevitably occur, but here are some tips that can save you a lot of frustration and time:

Use a lint roller
Glitter can enhance virtually every crafting project, and there’s nothing you can’t do with this shimmering material. Cover a mason jar with glitter and toss some fresh-cut flowers in there for an easy and glamorous centerpiece, or use glitter to enhance holiday cards and party invitations. But when you spill glitter on the floor, it seems like it’s almost impossible to clean. Plus, it sticks to your skin and just ends up everywhere. Invest in a lint roller for an easy and stress-free way to remove any glitter that falls on your floor, couch, bed, etc. The roller will ensure that no glitter is left behind.

Store pens and markers horizontally
Pens and markers are typically stored vertically in a cup of some sort. However, this method causes your writing utensils to dry out quickly. Find a plastic container with a few different compartments and turn it sideways. This way you can organize your pens and markers into the different compartments horizontally and they won’t dry out as quickly.

Sharpen dull scissors
Those who craft tend to cut through a lot of paper – from cardstock and kraft paper to scrapbook paper and even fabric. Using dull scissors on those materials will not only make it hard for you to get an even slice, it’s going to take twice as long. An easy way to sharpen your scissors is to cut through a piece of sandpaper. Your scissors will be left sharper than ever.

Note: It’s important to know the difference between scissors and shears. Shears are meant to cut through more durable materials, like fabric, while scissors are meant for lighter tasks, like slicing through paper.

Replace lost lids
It’s not uncommon to lose a lid to paint, glitter or any other crafting material that you may be using. But not to worry – simply cover any container that’s missing its lid with press and seal wrap. This will keep the contents fresh.

Keep track of ideas
I’ll always think of a craft I want to try out and tell myself that I’ll remember it, but sure enough, I don’t. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a crafting journal or a notebook so you can jot down any cool ideas that come to you.

Buy see-through containers
Plastic bins are great for keeping your crafting supplies neat and organized. However, it’s going to be much easier to look through a clear plastic container than a colored one. With the clear variety, you can see what’s inside instead of having to rifle through the bin looking for what you need.