Everyone loves to craft, especially children. After teaching many children's craft classes, here are a few hints:

·         Use the appropriate materials. Children want their craft to look good as much as an adult does.

·         Teach the proper way to use the equipment before starting the craft instruction - wirecutters, scissors, how to twist wire, etc.

·         Teach the proper use of a glue gun before using one. Use the cool melt mini glue guns. The mini glue guns are much easier for smaller hands to use ( I even prefer the mini glue guns).

·         If it is necessary to use a hot glue gun, either you use it or be sure that the children are very well instructed on how to use this glue gun. Hot glue guns can burn. We do not want to spoil the crafting fun.

·         Choose projects that are suitable for the age level. Always test the craft yourself. Some crafts look great until you do them and find out the craft isn't worth doing. When you do the craft ahead of time, then you have a sample. Everyone likes to see a sample.

·         Choose ideas and crafts that allow for some individual choosing of what to do or how to decorate. Here is one idea for you to try:

Craft Tips

Curly Raffia – The easy way!

For the perfect curly raffia you a real hot curly iron, twirl the raffia around the barrel and hold as long as you would for real hair and presto!  You have wonderful curly raffia!

Getting the Paint Out……..

I work with fabric and acrylic paint and often will get it on my freshly polished nails!  I have found that regular rubbing alcohol will remove it without damage to your nails.

For those of you who use oil based paints cooking spray works wonders for cleaning hands, nails, etc.  Have fun and don’t worry about the mess.

Removing Red Wine Stains

Wet the stain with lukewarm water, and then add a layer of table salt.  Rub, and let sit for 5 minutes.  Pull fabric taut across a heatproof bowl, and secure with a rubber band.  Place bowl in sink and carefully pour boiling water on the stain from a height of 3 feet.  The combined pressure and heat of the water will eliminate the stain.

Simple Bouquets

Try making a bouquet with just one type of flower.  Arrange the flowers on a flat surface so that their tops create a dome shape.  Secure the stems with a rubber band.  Cut all the stems in a single stroke.  Place in your favorite vase or container.

Keeping Cut Flowers Longer

For cut flowers to survive, they need sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient, like lemon-lime soda or aspirin, which allows the plant to more easily, absorb water.  Add a drop of bleach to prevent bacteria.

Jelly Jars

Flowers belong everywhere, in every nook and cranny of a house.  A jelly jar filled with wildflowers can be more gratifying than the most extravagant centerpiece.

Christmas Stocking

Put your mismatched buttons to good use as a cuff on a plain, bright felt Christmas Stocking.  If you don’t have enough buttons you can find plenty at the flea market or the craft store.