Tips
Adhesives
Keep a supply of different adhesives on hand. Glue sticks, adhesive dots, tape runners, double-sided tape, etc.—each type may be better-suited for a particular type of project than another.
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Embellishments
A trip to the dollar store will give you many storage options for all those sequins, beads, and brads. Pick up a divided storage tray (with a lid of course) and organize by color.
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Work in Progress
If your stamping project is one that you cannot finish in one sitting, store all your materials in a large zip lock bag. No more lost embellishments!
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Craft Space
Before you begin a stamping project, lay out all the materials and equipment you need. When it’s time to use the heat gun, it will be all ready and plugged in.
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Cleaning Clear Stamps
Clean your clear stamps while they are still on the acrylic block. This makes it easier to work with them, particularly small ones.
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Cleaning Wipes
Keep a stamp cleaning wipe next to you while you are stamping. Place the stamp rubber-side down on the wipe when you are not using it. This keeps the ink moist and makes it easier to clean up when you are finished.
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Paper Cutter
Keep an extra blade for your paper cutter on hand at all times. Dull blades make it hard to cut nice, straight edges.
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It’s Nice If…
If you like to add machine stitching to your projects, it’s nice if you can use an inexpensive sewing machine that you keep just for that purpose. It’s definitely nice even if you can’t have a separate machine that you do have separate needles. Sewing through paper can be tough on needle points.
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Sort Your Paper
Sort and store your cardstock and papers by color, rather than by size or type. Now it's easy to find just the right pink!
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Scoring
Need to score fold lines at intervals? Use the measurements on your paper cutter and score with your bone folder along the cutting edge.
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Markers
Store your markers either flat or in a container with the point down. This will keep the point moist and ready to use.
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Cutting Paper
When you cut cardstock into the right size for a card, cut several at one time. Save the extras in a zip-lock bag. The next time you begin a card, you'll have it already started.
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Geometric Punches
Use round, square, or other geometric-shaped punches for small shapes you need. You'll get a more uniform result than if you try to cut them out with your scissors.
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Detail Scissors
Keep a pair of tiny, sharp-pointed scissors in your work area just for cutting out tiny details or intricate curved edges.
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Glitter
Accent stamped images with glitter for extra pizzazz. Glitter is available in many colors.
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Stamping on Embellishments
Large embellishments such as brads or buttons can also be stamped with small motifs to use on your pages.
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Stamping on Ribbon
Stamping can be done on ribbon, too! Create a title for your scrapbook page on ribbon, or add a ribbon border with a small, repeating motif.
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Other Ways to Use Inks
Inks aren't just for stamping. Use them to tint the edges of paper or to create a background on your page.
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Corner Motifs & Frames
There are some beautiful stamps created just for the purpose of corner motifs and frames for your photos or journaling. They really add an artistic touch to your page.
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Titles
Alphabet stamps come in all shapes and sizes and are ideal for creating titles on your scrapbook pages. For a more formal page, keep the letters on a straight baseline, and for a lighthearted page, make the letters dance!
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Using Chipboard
Chipboard letters or motifs are perfect for scrapbooking. Color them with ink or acrylic paint. You can even stamp on chipboard!
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Journaling Idea
If you don't want to do all of your journaling with stamps, just stamp the first letter of each word or each line, then handwrite or computer-generate the rest.
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Layout Sketches
Layout sketches can help you decide how to place elements on your scrapbook page before you start cutting, stamping, and gluing.
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Stamping on Photos
Quick-drying dye inks can be used to stamp an image on a photograph. Add a bird to a blue sky, or a lighthouse to a beach scene.
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Making a Photo Appear Larger
An easy way to make a photograph seem larger on a scrapbook page is to use papers or cardstocks that coordinate with the photo and make the photo appear to extend into the background.
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Standard Size Pages
When making your layouts, stick to standard sizes—for example, 12 x 12, 6 x 6, 8.5 x 11. Scrapbooks are more readily available in these sizes.
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Preserving Photographs
To preserve your original photos, use reprints or photocopies instead.
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Backgrounds
Stamps aren't limited to just titles or accents. Use an icon or pattern stamp to create a background on any scrapbook project.
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Preserving Stamps(2)
Make sure stamps are completely dry before storing them. Line your storage container or drawer with paper towels to absorb any moisture.
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Preserving Stamps
Keep your stamps out of direct sunlight, preferably in a dust-free container.
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Cleaning Stamps
Thoroughly clean your stamps before putting them away in order to keep them in good condition. A stamp scrubber pad will help clean ink out of tiny crevices.
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Organizing Papers
Sort your papers or cardstocks by color. Store them in dust-free containers or drawers, or in large ziplock bags or plastic sheet protectors.
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Organizing Wood Stamps
Organize your stamps by category - holiday, florals, expressions, etc., so you’ll be able to quickly find the stamp you want when you need it.
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Storing Clear Stamps
Slip your clear stamps into clear plastic sheet protectors and store them in a 3-ring binder.
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Storing Tools & Supplies
A tabletop lazy Susan is a convenient and accessible way to store stamp cleaning supplies and tools.
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Catalog of Punches
Create an index card file of all punches. Use each one on an index card. Organize the cards in a file box by size or type.
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Occasion File
Create a list of all the occasions/people for which you need cards. Organize the list by month.
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Identifying Embossing Powders
Depending on how you store your embossing powders, mark the lid of each of your embossing powders with the color inside.
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Embossing Powder Samples
Use an index file box to keep actual heat-set samples of all your embossing powder colors that you create on index cards. If you use clear embossing ink to make your samples, you will have the truest color.
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Ink Swatches—Shopping
Stamp each of your ink colors on a 1" square of cardstock. Punch a hole in the squares and store them on a ring. Take the ring with you when you go shopping to match ink colors with new papers.
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Ink Swatches—Home Storage
Create an index card file of all ink colors. Stamp each ink color on an index card. Organize the cards in a file box by color or type.
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Indexing Inks
If you store your inks in a drawer, create an index of those inside on a card mounted by the handle.
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Indexing Stamps
If you store your stamps in a drawer, create an index of those inside on a card mounted by the handle.
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Pillow
Remove the pillow form from a purchased pillow and stamp the front of the pillow cover with images of your choice. After the images are dry, reinsert the pillow form and enjoy your one-of-a-kind throw pillow.
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Chair Rail Border
Use stamped images with paint to create a border just above a chair rail. Foam stamps are ideal for this as they are easy to use on slightly uneven surfaces.
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Festive Napkin Rings
Stamp small images onto strips of ribbon. Tie in a bow around rolled napkins for unique napkin rings.
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Candy Dish
Fill your candy dish for your next party with small chocolates that you have wrapped with stamped strips of paper.
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Picture Frame
Create an inexpensive picture frame by stamping on a purchased mat. Add an easel back for a table frame or a hanger for the wall.
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Stack 'em Up!
Purchase plain cardboard boxes in a variety of sizes at your local craft store. Stamp the lids and sides with your favorite images and embellish as you wish. Stack them for a decorator touch. You can even use them for storage and no one will know!
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House Plant Stakes
Cut out stamped images and attach to dowels for plant stakes for your house plants. Stamp seasonal images and change for the season or holiday.
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Garden Stakes
Forgot what you planted in that row? Use alphabet stamps to create markers. Finish with a clear acrylic sealer to ensure the marker lasts until the plants mature.
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Yard Sale Furniture
After putting on a coat of paint, add stamped images to personalize the piece. Apply a coat of clear acrylic sealer to ensure the design is permanent.
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Designer Napkins
Stamp your favorite outline-style or letter stamp in the corner of a fabric napkin. Embroider in Stem or Back Stitch in a complementary color of thread. You'll have one-of-a-kind designer napkins!
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Place Cards
Hand stamp a place card for each guest for your next dinner party. Everyone finds their seat while the food is still hot!
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Party Buffet
Print out the menu for your buffet and embellish it with stamped images. Put the menu on an easel at the beginning of the buffet line. No more guessing what's in that casserole!
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Party Tablecloth
Turn a paper tablecloth into a customized party accessory by embellishing it with your stamps. Choose a design to match your theme, and either stamp with ink the same color as the tablecloth for a textured look or a complimentary ink color for a designer look.
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Personalize Your Acrylic Block
To personalize your acrylic block, you can take rub ons and put your name or a fancy design on the side of the block.
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Patterns
Save patterns and templates to use on future stamping projects. You never know when you might want to make that bookmark or folded gift bag again!
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Stamped Gifts
Think outside the box when it comes to stamping and making gifts. There are all kinds of projects you can make or items you can embellish with stamped images. A handmade gift is always special!
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Magnets
Stamped images can be made into magnets too. Simply add an adhesive-backed magnetic strip and decorate a refrigerator, locker, or filing cabinet.
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Ornaments
Create an ornament from a stamped image. Cut out the image, punch a hole in the top, and add a piece of cord or ribbon. For extra durability, add a backing to the image.
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Gift Bags
Use your stamps to create one-of-a-kind gift boxes and bags. Add a coordinating card for a cohesive look.
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Fabric Scraps
Just made a stamping project on fabric? Be sure to save your fabric scraps; you might be able to use them on a future project.
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Stamping Embellishments
Use your imagination when embellishing your stamping projects. Buttons, brads, ribbon, charms, etc. make perfect additions to albums, gift bags, and more.
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Extending a Background
When creating a background, make some of the images extend beyond the edges of the card. Be sure to place a piece of newspaper or scrap paper under the card to avoid getting ink on your work surface.
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Frames
Can't find the right frame for that special photo? Stamp an unfinished wood frame with stamps that enhance your photo and apply a clear sealer.
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Keep ‘em Clean
Always clean your stamps after using them. Dried ink can make you think you’ve inked an area you really haven’t.
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Don’t Forget the Envelope!
The envelope is part of your project too! Stamp it with an image or two for a coordinated look.
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Coloring the Edges of Cards
Add color to the edge of your cardstock or paper by simply dragging it over your ink pad.
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Foam Tape
Add dimension to your cards by placing foam tape behind your cut-out images for a raised effect.
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Protect Your Work
Use zippered bags to store your finished cards. The bag will protect your card and 3D embellishments until you are ready to send it.
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Stamped Backgrounds
If you are creating a stamped background for a card, stamp the entire sheet of paper. Chances are you’ll find more uses for that background than you think!
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Make Two!
It takes a small amount of extra time to make one card as it does two. Make an extra card every time you make one and you’ll quickly create a great stash of cards.
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Ready to Color
Stamp extra images on white cardstock in black ink. In a pinch, you’ve got a stamped image that just needs to be colored.
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Second Generation Stamping
Create a lighter image by first stamping the image on scrap paper, then stamping it on your project.
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Any Day Cards
Make some “any day” cards without sentiments or verses. That way you can turn that “any day” card into a thank you, birthday, or get well card with just a quick sentiment stamp!
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Quick Card
Keep blank note cards with matching envelopes handy for quick cards.
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Storing Ink Pads
Store ink pads flat. You may even want to store your ink pads upside down (particularly with dye inks) because that helps keep most of the ink at the surface of the pad.
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Practice!
If you are new to stamping or trying out a new stamp or technique, it’s always a good idea to first practice stamping on a piece of scrap paper.
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Guest Towels
Use letter stamps to monogram guest towels for your next party—or just for yourself because they look so nice in your bathroom.
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Stamp a Picture Frame Mat
Stamp graduation-themed images on a mat to frame the photo of your favorite graduate. You’ll have a one-of-a-kind photo keepsake.
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Party Menu
Display your party menu on a side table or make a copy for each guest. Decorate the menu with stamped images in your party theme for a unique look.
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Grandparents’ Memories
At your next family get-together, ask Grandma or Grandpa about when they were young. Journal their memories on a scrapbook page that includes pictures from the get-together. Create the page title using your favorite alphabet stamps.
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Recycle Cards for Gift Tags
Cut up old cards from birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc., and create gift tags from them. Add your favorite stamp images to make them new again.
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Calendar Reminders
Never forget any of the special days in your life. Add reminders to a calendar posted next to your craft area and make all the cards needed for each month at the beginning of the month.
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Card Sets
Card sets make great gifts. Remember to include some stamps and a pen to round out the set.
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Gift Wrap
Remember the gift wrap! Hand-stamped wrapping will make your gift stand out in the stack.
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Photo Thank You
Use photos of the party on your thank you notes. Your guests will have a permanent memento of the occasion.
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Assembly Line
Set up an “assembly line” for making many of the same project at once, such as invitations. Do all the stamping at one time—faster and more efficient!
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Decorate the Envelope
Your envelope is part of your invitation. Don’t forget to stamp on it as well. Your party mood will be established before they even open it!
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Party Pictures
Don’t forget to take pictures of your celebrations! Use your most memorable photos and the stamp images you used on your party supplies to create a scrapbook page to remember the event.
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Celebrate Everything!
Any happy event in your life is cause for a celebration – a promotion, a new job, finishing the school year, making a new friend. Use your stamps to commemorate all the special days, not just birthdays and anniversaries.
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Coordinate Your Party Supplies
Coordinate all your party supplies by using the same stamp images on all – your invitations, your place cards, your favors, and your thank you notes.
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Stamp the Inside of the Card
Don't forget that stamps can be used on the INSIDE of your card too! Add a sentiment or small motif that coordinates with the card front.
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Dry Embossing
Dry embossing uses a brass stencil and a stylus to create a raised image on your paper. It’s called dry embossing to differentiate it from the rubber stamping technique that uses ink, embossing powder, and a heat tool.
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Piecing Stamped Images
Here's a way to add color and dimension to your cards. Say you have a stamp that includes a flower blossom, stem, and leaves. Stamp the image on both pink and green cardstock. Cut out the flower blossom from the pink cardstock and the stem and leaves from the green cardstock. Stack and glue the pieces to the card.
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Fussy Cutting
Instead of stamping an image directly on your project, try fussy cutting. In the quilting world, fussy cutting refers to selective cutting of a fabric based on its design or pattern. In the stamping and card making world, it refers to carefully cutting out a stamped image or portion of a stamped image to use on your project.
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Corner Punches
Corner punches come in various shapes and sizes. Use them to add visual interest to your card projects. You can shape the edges of the card itself or shape one or more of the layers on top of the card.
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Make Your Own Patterned Paper
Can't find the right patterned paper to use on your card? Then create your own – randomly stamp plain paper or cardstock with images that coordinate with your focal image(s).
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Time Saver - Cutting/Punching Multiple Shapes
Don't put away your circle cutter after making just one circle! Cut a whole bunch of circles of varying sizes on different colors of paper or cardstock. Do the same with your punches. Categorize and store the shapes in envelopes for future projects.
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Time Saver - Stamping Multiple Images
When you have a little extra time, stamp motifs, verses, borders, etc. on various pieces of cardstock, paper, or vellum. Categorize and store the images in envelopes. Then when it's time to make a project, just select the images you want to use, and you'll be able to complete your project in no time!
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Using Glue
If your card includes vellum or other specialty paper such as mulberry paper, be sure to use a glue that is designed to work with those items. Some regular craft glues may not dry clear or may stain the vellum or paper.
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3D Effects
Give your greeting cards a lift! Use adhesive foam tape to make elements “pop” off your card.
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Two for One
Keep it simple! Cut an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of cardstock in half lengthwise and you can make two 4.25 x 5.5 inch cards.
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Paper Scraps
Don’t throw away those scraps of paper! Save them for future card projects. Some pieces may be large enough to stamp on, and small pieces are great for adding splashes of color to liven up a background.
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Tearing Cardstock
To create a very soft edge when tearing, “draw” a line on your cardstock using a small amount of water and a paintbrush. The cardstock will tear right along the water line.
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Lined Envelopes
Dress up your envelopes with stamped borders or corner images. Add an elegant liner with colored paper. Make a re-usable template out of cardboard of the desired shape (avoiding the glued area of the flap), cut a matching paper, insert it, and secure to the flap with a glue stick.
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Your Signature
Create your own signature on the back of a card with a monogram stamp.
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Lots of Photos
Trying to figure out how to scrapbook all of those pictures into one layout? Try creating a frame for one large focal photo out of lots of smaller photos!
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Paper Cutter
Keep an extra blade for your paper cutter on hand at all times. Dull blades make it hard to cut nice, straight edges.
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Scoring
Need to score fold lines at intervals? Use the measurements on your paper cutter and score with your bone folder along the cutting edge.
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Markers
Store your markers either flat or in a container with the point down. This will keep the point moist and ready to use.
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Punched Photos
Have lots of photos with smaller subjects? Create an index print-style layout by punching out the subjects from a bunch of pictures with a square punch. Mat some or all punched photos for added emphasis.
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Detail Scissors
Keep a pair of tiny, sharp-pointed scissors in your work area just for cutting out tiny details or intricate curved edges.
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Doodling
Not an artist? Don’t be afraid to try doodling on your layouts. Draw around the outside edge of a punch, photo mat or entire page. Mix straight and wavy lines with dots and squiggles to create a unique hand-drawn style.
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Creative Caps
Start a title or journaling block with a large letter like old style story books. Try chipboard letters, stickers or stamps to call out the first letter.
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Mix it Up!
Create a unique journaling block by mixing handwriting, stamps, stickers and other letter embellishments in a varied “ransom” style.
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Dimensional Photos
Print multiple copies of a photo. Trim out important details and layer with adhesive foam circles to create a unique layered look.
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Custom Ribbons
Use small clear stamps to spell out your wedding date or the name of an expected baby. Stamp onto ribbons and tie onto shower favors for a truly customized gift!
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Photo Crazy
Always be ready to catch the perfect picture – if you normally shoot with a larger camera, purchase an inexpensive point and shoot model to keep in your purse.
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Paper Scraps
Save your scraps of leftover paper, they are perfect for punching!
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Sewing
Do you love the look of stitching on layouts but don’t sew? Imitate the look by adding a decorative zigzag line with an archival pigment ink marker.
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Heritage Photos
Scan heritage photos and print on flat vanilla cardstock to preserve your original photographs
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Stitched Matting
Use your sewing machine to “mat” your photos by stitching a simple straight stitch around the edge.
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Freehand Cutting
If you are uneasy about freehand cutting, draw out the lightly first and erase any pencil that you may still see later.
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Machine Stitching
Use the edge of your paper as a guide to stitch straight lines on your page. If the edge is too far away, use a pencil to make a light mark to use as a stitching guide.
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Knots and Bows
Instead of tying a bow with ribbon, I like to tie a half-knot. Bows can come untied and leave you with one end of the loop hanging on your page. A knot is less bulky and won’t come untied.
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Strips of Patterned Paper
Strips of a contrasting patterned paper can help to provide balance on your layout help move your eye across the page.
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Embossing
Customize chipboard and other embellishments to match your layouts. Ink the edges or coat the entire surface with embossing ink and then apply an embossing powder that coordinates with your page. Heat-set and you have a one-of-a-kind, matching embellishment!
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Punch Art
Punch art is a great easy technique for a striking result on your projects. Your circle and square punches can be your best friends when layered!
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Dual Tipped Marker
Use a dual tipped marker to create both find and bold words in your journaling.
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Color Wheel
Are you intimidated by all of the choices in cardstock and patterned papers? Try using a color wheel to help you select colors that will coordinate with and enhance your photos and embellishments.
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Matting Photos
Are your photos getting lost on your page? Mat them onto cardstock or even a contrasting patterned paper to make them the star of your page.
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Altering Alphabets
If you have alphabet stickers that don’t match your project, recolor them with archival markers, ink or paint. If the sticker surface is shiny, sand first to ensure that it holds the new color.
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Incorporating Stickers
Do you love stickers but have a hard time figuring out how to use them on your layouts? Incorporate them into your title, journaling and embellishments to tie the entire page together.
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Edge Effects
For added depth, ink or chalk the edges of paper or embellishments before adhering to your page.
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Puzzle Embellishments
Create your own puzzle embellishments! Use pieces from an old puzzle and match them to you project with patterned paper or paint. Distress the edges with ink and add character with stickers, rub ons or stamps.
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Lots of Journaling
Have more journaling that you can fit on your layout? Create a journaling booklet by writing or printing on multiple pages; bind with thread, brads or staples and add the booklet to your page!
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Enhancing Embellishments
Do you like a pre-made embellishment but don’t think it’s exactly right for your project? Don’t be afraid to deconstruct it, add to it, and make it uniquely yours!
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Emphasizing Stickers
To make stickers stand out, mount them onto patterned paper or cardstock. Also, lift them off of the page with adhesive foam dots for even more dimension!
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Adding Dimension
Want even more dimension on your projects? Raise some elements with a single layer of adhesive foam dots, and use a double or triple layer to lift other pieces even further off of the page.
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Powder Tool
When adhesive embellishments hang off the edge or are lifted off your page with adhesive foam dots, use a powder tool to deactivate the adhesive on the overhanging edges.
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Paper Pads
When you remove papers from a paper pad or mat pad, you’ll usually need to trim off the strip from the top that includes the hanging hole before using the paper.
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Grouping Stickers
Smaller stickers can sometimes get lost on a scrapbook page. Keep them from being overlooked by grouping them or by lifting them from the page with adhesive foam dots.
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Consistency
Use consistent shapes to create a unified feel to your layout. For example, if you use a lot of circles, then try a corner rounder on your pictures.
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Strong Colors
Are the colors in the photos you want to scrapbook too bright or do they not match? Try turning your photos into black and white before printing to even out the color selection.
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Tweezers
Use tweezers when placing small stickers onto pages. The tweezers allow for easier and more accurate sticker placement.
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Scalloped Edges
By taking the guard off of a corner rounder punch you can make a scalloped edge for your paper. Use your punch upside down and carefully line up the punches from edge to edge. The result is a perfect scallop every time!
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Gift Baskets
Give a crafty friend the perfect gift – a basket full of supplies to craft a project! Include a chipboard frame or box, papers and embellishments that coordinate with your friend’s décor.
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Chipboard
When projects call for chipboard, use recycled board from cereal or tissue boxes, legal pads or junk mail flyers.
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Corner Punch Borders
Use your decorative corner punches to create unique border effects. Remove the guard from any corner punch and see what kind of borders you can create!
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Punch Library
Keep a small photo album in your purse to catalog the punches you have at home. Punch each image, mount onto paper and slide into the photo album. For smaller punches, adhere multiple images to each page to save space. You’ll never buy the same punch twice again!
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Photo Crafts
Photos aren’t just for scrapbooks anymore! Craft frames to match your décor, ornaments for special holiday gifts or custom wall art that features the ones you love!
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Don’t Recycle
Reuse instead! Cover glasses and bottles with papers and embellishments to give them new life. Rescue plastic and chipboard from product packaging. Before you throw anything away think of ways that you can craft with it.
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Decoupage Glue
This adhesive works double-time on your paper crafting projects. Use it first to glue papers to your project, then when you are finished use another coat as a sealer.
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Gift Tags
Whenever you make a handmade card or gift wrap, use your scraps to create a coordinating gift tag!
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Year of Cards
One rainy day get out your date book and paper crafting supplies. Make cards for all of the occasions you expect in the coming year plus a few extras and you’ll always be prepared.
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Discount Party Planning
Keep your eye out year round for party supplies. You might find perfect candles for your summer wedding at an after-Christmas sale, or find green plastic silverware and plates perfect for a graduation party after St. Patrick’s day.
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Layered Punches
Punch out multiple copies of the same shape. Layer together with adhesive foam circles for a custom dimensional embellishment!
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Paper Cutter
Keep an extra blade for your paper cutter on hand at all times. Dull blades make it hard to cut nice, straight edges.
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Scoring
Need to score fold lines at intervals? Use the measurements on your paper cutter and score with your bone folder along the cutting edge.
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Markers
Store your markers either flat or in a container with the point down. This will keep the point moist and ready to use.
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Detail Scissors
Keep a pair of tiny, sharp-pointed scissors in your work area just for cutting out tiny details or intricate curved edges.
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Glitter
Add sparkle to your paper punches with glitter! Use sparingly or coat the entire piece!
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Altered Embellishments
Don’t be afraid to rework a premade embellishment to make it your own. Take apart the layers on a dimensional sticker, layer adhesive chipboard pieces or stamp onto a sticker. Experiment and make it your own!
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Ornaments
Run patterned paper through a paper shredder or punch it into confetti. Place into clear glass ornaments for a customized look.
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Blank Gift Bags
Stock up on blank white, kraft and colored gift bags in various sizes – buy in bulk or when they are on sale at the craft sore. Then you will always have an assortment on hand when you need to craft a quick gift wrap!
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Embellished Envelopes
Don’t forget the envelope! Line it with paper or embellishments to match your card for a coordinated look.
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Blank Cards
Always keep blank cards and envelopes on hand. Stock a few sizes and colors for variety.
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Collect Recipes
Ask each guest at your next pot-luck party to bring the recipe for their dish. Use the recipes to create a remembrance book for each guest.
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Date Book
Make or purchase a date book to store birthdays, anniversaries and other important card- and gift-giving events. Before you throw out your old calendar at the end of the year, update your date book with any important events so that you‘ll be ready next year!
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Card Sets
Card sets make a wonderful gift. Make a coordinated set with one design, or give the gift of a year of cards. Create a sampling of cards for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other common events so that your recipient will always have a beautiful handmade card to send!
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Photo Thanks
Send a photo with your thank you cards. Pick your favorite shot of the guest of honor, or better yet take a picture of the honoree with each guest so that you can send out personalized photo thank you cards!
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Celebrate Every Day!
Any happy event is cause for celebration—weight loss, a new pet or moving into a new home. Show your friends how much you care – make cards and small handmade gifts to celebrate their everyday accomplishments!
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Paper Scraps
Don’t throw out scraps of paper that are over an inch square. Save them for punching! They are also perfect for cards and gift tags.
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Extra Glitter
Use a glittering tray or a sheet of paper to collect extra glitter. This will make it easy to return the excess to the container!
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Messy Glitter and Glue
When using liquid glue and glitter on small items, use tweezers to keep your fingers clean.
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Enhancing Embellishments
Do you like a premade embellishment but don’t think it’s exactly right for your project? Don’t be afraid to deconstruct it, add to it, and make it uniquely yours!
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Keep Stamps Clean
Always clean your stamps as soon as you finish using them. Dried-on ink will affect the quality of the stamped image.
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Last-minute Cards
It only takes a few more minutes to make two cards instead of just one. Then you'll always have a card at the ready for unforeseen occasions or the birthday you forgot.
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Storing Ink Pads
Always store your ink pads flat and with the ink side down. This will keep them moist for better stamping.
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Make a Project Journal
Take a picture of each of your fused bead designs and keep the pictures in a notebook. You’ll have a wonderful record of everything you’ve made!
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Perler Bead Hint
Single rows of beads can be fragile. When at all possible, use at least two rows for better stability.
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Making Keychain Holes in Perler Bead Projects
Want to add a keychain to your design but the holes closed up too much when you ironed it? Just take a small, sharp-pointed instrument (scissors, etc.) and carefully stretch out the hole again.
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Inky Fingers
Get ink on your fingers? We all do. Just wash it off as soon as you notice it so you don’t get fingerprints on your card.
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Be Prepared and Save Time
Get everything out that you need for your project before you begin. Then you can launch into your project with no interruptions!
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Vary the Intensity of Stamped Images
After you ink your stamp, use it several times on your card without adding any more ink. It will get lighter and lighter each time. Try layering designs for an awesome look!
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Stamp Test
Always test your stamp on scrap paper before you stamp on your card. This will show you exactly how your stamp will look.
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Keep Ink from Drying on a Stamp
Keep a paper towel and either a baby wipe or a stamp-cleaning wipe next to you when you are stamping. When you’re not using the stamp, place it, image-side down, on the moist wipe. The ink will not dry out and will be easier to clean off when you are done.
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Be Creative with Perler Bead Designs
You don’t have to make square designs on a square pegboard. Try making different shapes and designs with your beads.
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Recycle Ironing Paper
Did you know, Perler ironing paper can be used over and over again? Also you can use parchment paper.
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Easy Bead Separator
An egg carton makes a great sorting tray for your Perler beads, jewelry pieces and more. Put a different color in each section. (HINT: Remove the eggs first!)
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Keep it Safe
Allow the fused Perler bead project to cool completely before letting kids handle it. Put it in the freezer to cool quicker. Adult supervision is needed for Perler projects.
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Keeping Beads in Place
When moving Perler bead pegboards to iron, place a piece of cardboard on top to avoid losing or tipping the beads off the pegs.
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Use Tweezers for Positioning Beads
Tweezers make it easy to put Perler beads and other small materials exactly where you want them.
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Substitution for Ironing Paper
What to do if you don't have any ironing paper for Perler Bead projects? Substitute parchment paper!
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Let There Be Light
Make sure your work area includes adequate lighting that is well directed into your immediate work space. This is important to keep your efficiency up and to reduce eye strain.
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Wire Cutting Courtesy
When cutting wire ends, be kind to others (and yourself) by putting your non-dominant finger gently over the end to be cut so that it does not fly out into the surrounding area.
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Tight Jump Rings
When working with jump rings, try to apply a bit of pressure while reversing the motion to close it. This makes for a much tighter fit and strengthens the jump ring. Never pry the jump ring open by pulling the ends away from each other as this weakens it.
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Bead Cap Knots
To make a really tight fit in a bead cap knot, first thread on a tiny seed bead and then catch it in the knot. Pull tightly to secure the knot and then thread it into the bead cap. The addition of the seed bead prevents it from pulling out of the bead cap.
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Safe Wiring
When working with thin lengths of wire, remember to work safely and wear protective eye coverage. You would be surprised how quickly a wire end can end up in your face!
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Spacers for Chandelier Earrings
Simple spacer bars make great geometric and unobtrusive chandelier components. The simplicity of the lines really allows special beads to take center stage.
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Slider Bracelet
When making bracelets with slider components, it is best to keep the tension slightly loose as you string it together. This allows the bracelet to form a natural curve that works equally well with the weight of the design.
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Stabilize Jewelry Slider
Add a few complementary beads while stringing, if you think the back (unfinished) side of a slider might show. You don't need to get fancy or elaborate, just aim to have a consistent amount for balance and color accent.
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Threading a Needle
Here's a good tip for threading a needle quickly: hold the thread between your left thumb and forefinger leaving just a tiny bit of thread exposed. Place the eye of the needle down over the thread and push quickly to insert it through the needle.
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Finding Jewelry Bargains
Keep your eye out at garage sales and flea markets for outdated or "antique" jewelry -- this is a great way to find interesting chain links, disks, closures and unusual beads.
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Practice on Recycled Jewelry
When beginning to learn how to make jewelry, it's a good idea to recycle bits and pieces of older or outdated jewelry to practice on. This offers an affordable way to practice and also gives you a good education as to how things are assembled.
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Punch Needle Technique
If your needle keeps catching on the previous loops, make sure you are holding your needle straight up and down, not at an angle.
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Punch Needle Stitches
Don't worry too much about making your stitches perfectly spaced. Turn your design over and you'll see the front looks just fine!
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Fixing Long Punch Needle Loops
After filling an area with color, check the front of your fabric for any loops that are extending above the others. Simply trim them with a pair of small scissors, and the ends will blend in with the rest of the loops.
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Neat Punch Needle Designs
When filling an area of your punch needle design, work just inside the printed outline on the fabric. This ensures that areas of color are clearly defined on the front of your design.
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Keep Fabric Taut for Needle Punching
In order for the punch needle tool to pierce the fabric easily, the fabric must be taut in the hoop. Retighten your fabric periodically by removing it from the hoop and re-hooping it.
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Watching the Paint Dry
Weather conditions can vary the amount of time it takes for paints and stains to dry. If it’s very humid, more time may be needed.
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Protecting Painted Surfaces
While your stains are drying, place a box over your design to prevent any dust that may be in the air from getting into the wet stain.
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Mixing Stain Colors
To mix colors, count out the number of drops of each color stain you need, then stir the colors together with a toothpick.
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Burst the Bubbles
If you get bubbles in a color stain (for painting) as you apply it, prick them with a toothpick right away to remove them.
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Keeping Color Stains Mixed
Stir color stains (for painting) if they have separated. Don’t shake to mix – shaking causes bubbles.
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The Right Needle Felting Surface
Always use a foam block under or inside the item being felted. The needle tip will break if you try to felt on a hard surface (and it might damage the surface, too).
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Neat Needle Felting Designs
When filling in a design with felting, start at the outline and work towards the center.
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Needle Safety
Felting needles are extremely sharp and a bit fragile, so you need to use them carefully. Be sure to hold the needle straight up and down – if you hold it on an angle, it might break.
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Working Needle Felting Roving
If it seems like your roving isn't staying in your fabric, keep felting. It can take a lot of “jabs” to firmly attach the roving to the fabric. Keep your needle jabs close together to be sure the roving is interlocking with the fabric.
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Needle Felting Basic
When you needle felt, start with a small amount of roving (narrow piece of fiber). You can always add more as you felt.
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Your Hoop is Showing
Always remove the needle and the hoop before storing your embroidery. It will help to prevent permanent marks on your fabric.
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Neat Threads
As you separate individual strands of thread and put them back together for stitching, always put the same ends back together. This will help to prevent tangling or knotting. Separating the thread strands and putting them back together before stitching will make your stitching look fuller and more even. It really is worth the time!
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Prevent Knotting
To prevent your thread from knotting as you stitch, occasionally hold your stitching upside down and let the thread dangle to unwind it.
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Separating Thread
To easily separate individual strands of thread from a bundle, hold the end of thread securely in your fingers, then slowly pull out one strand at a time.
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Paint Brush Variety
In addition to the brush that came with your paint-by-number kit, add a liner brush for fine-line details and a #4, 6, or 8 flat brush for larger, open areas on the canvas.
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Add Glitter to a Snowy Scene
To add your own personal touch to a snowy scene, try adding some glitter accents. Simply apply a thin layer of glue with a small paintbrush, then dust the glue with glitter.
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Paint-by-Numbers
Some light paint colors, like white and yellows, may need more than one coat to cover the numbers on your canvas board.
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Adding Details to Painted Art
If you don’t quite have a steady hand with a paintbrush, you can use colored pencils or fine-point markers to add the fine-line details after you finish painting all the areas.
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Mixing Paint Colors
When mixing paint colors, use small containers with lids so that you can save your mixed color in case you need more later.
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Two-handed Cross Stitching
If you use a stretcher frame you can stitch with two hands. Lean the frame up against a table or place it in a stitching stand; this will leave both your hands free to stitch. With one hand on top and the other below, you can stitch more quickly.
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Distinguishing Cross Stitch Canvas Colors
To distinguish similar colors on a cross stitch canvas, lay it on a solid-colored light or dark background.
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Checking Stitches
When you have finished filling in your cross stitched areas, hold your canvas in front of a strong light to check for any missing stitches.
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Cross Stitch Color Match
Thread a matching piece of yarn or thread through each color block on the canvas to make it easier to identify the colors as you stitch.
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Don’t Tie the Knot
Don't knot your yarn or thread. Weave the ends under the back of the stitches either in a horizontal or vertical direction, then clip the excess close to the back of the stitches.
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Counted Cross Stitch
For counted cross stitch designs, start stitching in the center of the fabric and work toward the edges.
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Don’t Get Twisted
If your thread becomes twisted as you stitch, let the threaded needle dangle from the fabric and it will unwind like magic.
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Keeping Track of Stitches
To help keep your place on the cross stitch chart, highlight the squares that correspond to the stitches you’ve put in your canvas.
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Ease the Tension
Keep the tension of your stitches light and even. If you pull the strands too tightly, the thread may break or the fabric may pucker.
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Tip Tuesday
this the todays tip
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