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How to Paint Styrofoam

How to Paint StyrofoamThe rough porous surface of Styrofoam can make it a challenge to paint. This is a page about how to paint Styrofoam.

Elderly Woman doing needle work

Craft Ideas for Nursing Home PatientsThis is a page about craft ideas for nursing home patients. Finding crafts that nursing home patients will enjoy making can be a daunting task.

Warning sign showing a stick figure slipping

Making Non-Slip CraftsThis is a page about making non-slip crafts. Adding a non-slip feature to a craft project such as a placemat is handy and easy to do.

Spray cans of spray varnish.

Sealing Plaster Stepping StonesThis is a page about sealing plaster stepping stones. If you made some plaster stepping stones and you want them to last it is best to seal them.

hand holding paint brush for watercolors

One Handed CraftsThis is a page about one handed crafts. An accident or stroke may result in losing the use of one hand. This does not mean the end of crafting opportunities.

Adult painting a picture with watercolors.

Crafts for Mentally Challenged AdultsThis is a page about crafts for mentally challenged adults. Finding crafts that are easy enough and at the same time engaging enough for mentally challenged adults can be daunting, as there will be many different skills levels.

Seashell Wreath

Using the Right Glue for Seashell CraftsThis is a page about using the right glue for seashell crafts. Certain types of glue work best when working on projects involving gluing shells to other objects.

sewing and yarn supplies

Donating Craft SuppliesThis is a page about donating crafting supplies. You can share of all kinds of your unused crafting supplies to assisted living, childcare centers, churches and other nonprofit organizations.

Adding Scent to Old Potpourri, Dried Flowers in Container

Adding Scent to Old PotpourriThis is a page about adding scent to old potpourri. Revive your old potpourri by adding a new scent.

curtain with grommets

Removing Grommets Without Damaging CurtainsWhen altering curtains you may wish to temporarily remove the grommets. This is a page about removing grommets without damaging curtains.

White doily with purple edges against an orange background. Doily does not appear to be starched

Starching DoiliesThis is a page about starching doilies. In past years doilies were often starched to best display some of their lovely ruffled edges or to create bowl shapes.

Making Sock Long JohnsHow can I make sock long johns using only one pair of socks?

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Blankets for Kids with CancerI want to make those little blankets like you get at wal-mart then sew the edging on for babies. I want to make them for the children who have cancer at the hospital here in NC. Recently a friend of mines little boy passed away down there with cancer and I would like to do something to comfort those little guys. They will accept the blankets.(or money, I have none) My only problem is I can't afford to buy them, does anyone know of a place I could get to donate them or even let me have a BIG discount? PLEASE HELP! THANKS

Applying craft sealer to a vase.

Making Homemade Craft SealerMake your own decoupage sealer at home. This is a page about making homemade craft sealer.

Drilling Holes in Glass

Drilling Holes in GlassThis is a page about drilling holes in glass. Glass crafters often find that they need to drill holes in glass to complete their project.

Craft Supplies

Selling Excess Craft SuppliesThis is a page about selling excess craft supplies. There are many reasons you may find yourself with excess craft supplies. One way to reduce the clutter and organize the supplies you keep, is to sell them.

closeup of old machine in cabinet

Removing a Sewing Machine from Its...This is a page about removing a sewing machine from its cabinet. Sometimes you need to remove your machine from the cabinet to move it, clear, or for repairs.

No More Frayed Bracelets

How to Prevent Frayed Friendship BraceletsIf your friendship bracelet is made with synthetic thread then using a lighter to heat the frayed area or cord ends will repair or prevent fraying. This is a page about how to prevent frayed friendship bracelets.

Making A Cactus Out Of Chicken WireI need to make a Cactus out of chicken wire or something for VBS. HELP!

Peek-a-Boo Dolls?I'm trying to find out what the dolls are called that are homemade and are about the size when finished as a 2 year old toddler standing up. But the main idea of the Boy or Girl Doll is for their faces to be hidden while they are bent over hiding there face against their arms. I have seen these on front porches, mostly outside dolls.

Photo of a glass block.

Buying Pre-Drilled Glass BlocksThis is a page about buying pre-drilled glass blocks. Drilling a hole in a glass block can be a lot of work. Buying them pre-drilled can save you lot of time on your cat project.

Craft Supplies

Saving Money on Craft SuppliesThis page is about saving money on craft supplies. There are many ways to reduce the cost of craft projects.

Silk Wedding Flowers

Using Acrylic WaterThis is a page about making and using acrylic water. Filling your vase with faux water for your silk flower arrangement can help give it life-like detail.

Homemade White Glue

Homemade White GlueThis is a page about homemade white glue. If you run out of white glue right in the middle of a project, make your own.

Orange paper heart with a red ribbon, on a aqua colored cardstock.

Gluing Fabric to PaperThis is a page about gluing fabric to paper. Finding the best glue for your project helps guarantee a satisfactory outcome. Not all glue products will work well when gluing fabric and paper to each other.

Seashells

Attaching Shells to MirrorsChoosing the right glue or adhesive is the most important part of successfully attaching shells to a mirror. This page contains suggestions for the best way to attach shells to mirrors.

Painting Plastic BagsI'm working on a project with plastic bags (the kind you get from Walmart) and was wondering if there is any type of paint that will stick to them? I want them to be a burgundy color or a clay looking color.

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Glue gun dripping hot glue onto wood surface.

Remedies for Hot Glue Gun BurnsWhen crafting using a hot glue gun try keeping a bowl of ice water near by to dunk your fingers in if you accidentally get glue on your skin. This is a page about remedies for hot glue gun burns.

Gel Pens on white background.

New Gel Glitter Pen Not WorkingGeneral consensus seems to be that the best way to jumpstart a gel glitter pen is to bounce the tip on a hard surface. Shaking it can also get the pen working. This is a page about a new gel glitter pen not working.

Preserving a Dead StarfishHow do we dry out a dead starfish? We recently went to a beach that had lots of tide pools. There were lots of starfish. We would never bother the live ones, but my son found a dead one.

Pink Tulle

Hanging Tulle From the CeilingThis is a page about hanging tulle from the ceiling. Tulle is often used in decorating for weddings and other special occasions.

Preserving Bread for Display

Preserving Bread for DisplayThis is a page about preserving bread for display. You can make a display or a cute gift from a loaf of bread.

Craft Using Fleece

Crafts Using Fleece ScrapsThis is a page about crafts using fleece scraps. There are many fun crafts that can be make using your leftover fleece scraps.

Plain white mug for coffee or tea.

Decorating a MugThis is a page about decorating a mug. Make that plain coffee cup or mug more fun by applying a decoration to the outside. There are several techniques you can use.

Threading Punch NeedleCan you thread a punch needle without a threader?

Using Regular Crayons to Decorate FabricHow do you color with regular crayons on t-shirts?

Glitter Tubes on White Background

Working With GlitterThis is a page about working with glitter. Working with glitter generally ends up with glitter everywhere.

Wine Glass Holder PatternI am looking for a simple pattern to make a "neck" wine glass holder to hold a standard wine glass at wine tasting functions.

A shorefull of different sized seashells.

Attaching Seashells to PlywoodThis is a page about attaching seashells to plywood. If you crafting with seashells there may be a need to adhere them to wood or other materials.

Cleaning Glue Off Craft BrushesDepending the type of glue you are using, there are several methods commonly used to clean your brushes. This is a page about cleaning glue off craft brushes.

Musty Smelling YarnI need some help. My aunt just gave me some older yarn and it is really musty smelling. Is there and way to wash/clean it?

Making a Lollipop TreeI am trying to find instructions for make the "tree" used in a lollipop tree (where you pick a sucker with the colored end and win a prize). It will be used everyday for 2 weeks so it needs to be durable, sturdy and small enough to sit on a table.

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Melting Hot Glue Sticks Without a GunCan you use a small crock pot to melt hot glue sticks?

glue bottle

Gluing Paper to PlasticThis is a page about gluing paper to plastic. Whether it's for a craft project or you just need to cover something up, sometimes you need to attach paper to a piece of plastic. Some glues will work better than others to get the task completed.

Making a Cat Out of YarnDoes anyone have a pattern for a yarn cat from the 80s? The yarn is wrapped around cardboard pieces and then cut and put together.

Blue microwave heat pack.

Fillers for Homemade Heat PacksThere are several common recommendations for fillers to use in homemade heat packs. They include: rice, beans, buckwheat, or field corn. Essential oils can also be added to the dry fillers. This is a page about fillers for homemade heat packs.

Using a Hot Glue Gun

Using a Hot Glue GunThis is a page about using a hot glue gun. An essential tool for many crafting projects is the glue gun.

beaded bracelet

Craft Ideas for Adults with Learning DisabilitiesThis page contains craft ideas for adults with learning disabilities. Keeping hands busy and having the satifaction of making something, is good for everyone.

Balls of yarn in different colors and sizes.

Finding Free Yarn for Personal UseFinding free or very inexpensive yarn for your own use is not necessarily that difficult. There are a number of resources you can try such as, Freecycle, Craigslist, Goodwill, and even the community page for you city. This is a page about finding free yarn for personal use.

Making a Cardboard Wishing WellHow do you make a wishing well out of cardboard?

Best Pen for Writing on Unfinished WoodI bought a 24" monogram for my wedding guests to sign. The wood is unfinished. I tried writing on the raw wood with a red Sharpie then spraying with clear varnish, but the Sharpie ran. Any suggestions? I want it to be preserved for posterity. Any help is appreciated.

Potholder Towel ToppersI'm looking for the pattern for a hanging kitchen towel where the handle is a folded potholder. I saved it on my computer and now I can't find it. It's not really a pattern, just directions, but really nice. Thanks a lot for your help.

Wax Craft IdeasI am looking for new wax crafts ideas. I like making a glass full of a beverage, something that looks real. Brenda

Lace Tablecloth

Repairing a Lace TableclothThis is a page about repairing a lace tablecloth. There are ways to repair a favorite lace tablecloth whether it is hand crocheted or machine made.

Removing a Promotional Logo from a Shopping BagI have a large shopping tote bag which has a printed promotional logo at the front. How can I remove it so that I will be able to decorate the bag with an iron-on transfer?

Rubber Cement

Gluing Foam RubberGluing foam rubber can be a challenge but with the right adhesive, it is possible. This is a page about gluing foam rubber.

Smoothing Rough Edges

Smoothing Rough Edges on Glass and Plastic...This is a page about smoothing rough edges on glass and plastic crafts. Many craft projects require you to cut glass and different types of plastics. This often leaves a rough edge that needs to be smoothed.

Faux bundt cake

Making Fake FoodThis page is about making fake food. There are situations when intimation food is just what's needed.

Porcelain doll with curled hair

Curling a Doll's HairThis is a page about curling a doll's hair. Some dolls have hair that can be styled.

Cutting Straight With Scissors

Cutting Paper Straight With ScissorsThis is a page about cutting paper straight with scissors. As we all know making a straight cut with a pair of scissors can be difficult.

Preserving PineconesAbout 20 years ago my father-in-law climbed trees in California (he was 85 then) to get me some of the largest pine cones I had ever seen. I didn't ask and was willing to gather a few from the ground.

"Family Is Like a Quilt Pieced Together..."I saw a verse that was framed at the local fair and it started out A family is like a quilt pieced together... I can't remember the rest of it, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cleaning a Glue Gun

Cleaning a Hot Glue GunThis is a page about cleaning a glue gun. It is very frustrating to have your glue gun become clogged right in the middle of a project.

Sweet Gum Balls

Buying Sweet Gum BallsThis is a page about buying sweet gum balls. Although many homeowners dislike the seed pods dropped by sweet gum trees, others use them in gardening and crafts.

Lights That Will Fit in a Wine BottleI need information on where to buy lights that fit in the top of wine bottles. The only lights I have come up with have two ends for stringing and the large end does not fit.

Crafts Using Thick Vinyl MaterialDoes anyone have any craft ideas for using up vinyl covered fabric, like you would use for upholstery. I have lots of this stuff, I meant to recover my couch cushions with it but I don't have enough in the same color to do that.

Cutting 45 Degree Angles for Frames

Cutting 45 Degree Angles for FramesThis page is about cutting 45 degree angles for frames. Using the right tools to make cuts accurately will help insure success with your frame project.

Shredded Paper

Making Shredded Paper for CraftsThis is a page about making shredded paper for crafts. If you ever need shredded paper for crafts, there are some quick easy ways to make the amount you need.

Painting a Serving TrayI bought a restaurant size baking sheet from the thrift store in hopes of turning it into a large serving tray. The plan was to decoupage pictures of family and friends onto it, or just spray paint it and lacquer it. My question is, would it be safe to eat food that was left on the lacquer/paint? Anyone know of a safe product to use and/or alternative ways of making this idea work? Thanks.

Making Silver PaintWhat colors of paint do you mix to get silver? I want to make some silver bells from a stamp for Christmas cards.

Use Old Box or Sheet Protector to Collect Craft Scraps - paper and plastic scraps in sheet protector and shallow cardboard box

Use Old Box or Sheet Protector to Collect Craft ScrapsAfter every craft or scrapbook project, I used to have a pile of trash on the table. I hate dragging my kitchen trashcan into my craft corner and I don't have room for one there either. Instead, I started keeping a sheet protector and an old box in my craft area to hold all of my trash scraps. My is area so much neater!

crafting supplies

Leewards Craft PatternsThis is a page about Leewards Craft Patterns. Popular craft patterns from Leewards can still be found, if you know where to look.

Removing Thorns from PineconesIs there an easy way to remove the thorns from pine cones so children will not hurt themselves while making crafts?

Reviving Fabric MarkersI bought some fabric markers a while back. When I opened them a couple of days ago, they were dry. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can revive them?

Uses for Leftover Yarn

Uses for Leftover YarnThis is a page about uses for leftover yarn. If you crochet or knit, you probably have a stash of leftover yarn.

Carved Rock Identification - round stone with incising on the top surface

Carved Rock IdentificationA friend of mine found this carved rock in Shannon County, Missouri and would like to know if it is an artifact or ? I am including a few images photographed from different angles - front, side and back.

Rehydrating Dried Out Acrylic Craft PaintI have about 50 bottles of acrylic paint, all different colors, that I have not used for several years. Some have just about dried up and in some the paint has gotten thick. Any suggestions on what I can add to make them useable again?

Cleaning Plaster Ceramics MoldsI just purchased over 45 ceramics molds. They were in a dirty basement and are covered in dust. Is it OK to rinse them in water to get the dust off? Use a brush or just my hand? They are vintage pieces, most dated 1960s and 1970s.

Using E6000 to Attach Rhinestones to Drinking GlassesIf I use E6000 to adhere rhinestones to drinking glasses, are those glasses safe to use? And is the glass dishwasher safe?

Painting on a Shovel Head Getting Dull - old wood handled shovel with cow painted on shovel head

Painting on a Shovel Head Getting DullThis shovel is hand painted with a cow on it (see image). I bought it in 1990. Now I need to know how to restore the luster; it is dull looking! I have tried cooking oil, but that didn't work as I keep it on the porch and dirt and dog hair stick to it! Any recommendations?

Sealant for Outdoor Acrylic Art Project - painted barn on a mailbox

Sealing Acrylic Paint for OutsideCraft projects created using acrylic paint will hold up to weather longer if properly sealed. There are a number of products available, but you would do well to investigate the best options for your specific artwork.

Glue dripping on a piece of wood.

Choosing the Best Glue for a Craft ProjectDepending on what materials you are adhering together, will determine which glue is best for your craft.

Crafting Ideas for Working With the HomelessI work with a ministry that has a resource center for the homeless in our city. At this place, the homeless can get information on resources available to them, receive mail, get a snack, fellowship with each other, take part in art therapy, anger management, or other classes, etc. I was asked to do crafts with them once a month.

How to Reuse Your Canning Jar Lids for Crafts - butter knife on edge of canning jar lid and lid opener end of can opener in place

How to Reuse Your Canning Jar Lids for CraftsI know from experience that jar lids get used just once, unless it's for a craft.

Acrylic Water Made from a Kit Not HardeningI made a few glasses using this kit from Walmart. It says it will take 24 to 48 hours to harden. Well it's been 3 weeks now and there are still some watery areas in the glass. This is for a wedding in 3 weeks. What can I do? It's sticky to the touch.

Finding Blades for a Dexter Wool CutterWhere can I find extra blades for my Dexter's wool cutter? In the directions it says to obtain extra blades from Leeward and I know they went out of business.

Selling Crafts Using Licensed FabricI've read the replies to this question, but wonder if anyone has reviewed the first sale doctrine information?

The letter A covered in paper flowers.

Making Monogram Initial CraftsUsing someone's initials you can make many kinds of personalized crafts. This is a page about making monogram initial crafts.

Craft Ideas for Using Dental Dam RubbersI have several unused dental dam rubbers and I am wondering if anyone knows of any crafts using them?

Making a Ribbon Watch Strap - quartz watch with Christmas ribbon in background

Making a Ribbon Watch StrapA fun alternative to leather or plastic watchbands is to make one from your favorite colored grosgrain ribbon. This guide offers suggestions for making a ribbon watch strap.

Gluing Sand and Shells Inside a Glass BottleI am placing a small amount of sand and a few sea shells in a wine bottle. What is the best adhesive to use to keep it all in place?

Craft Ideas for a Teen with Cerebral PalsyI have a 15 year old grandson with cerebral palsy. He only has the use of one arm. He very much wants to build or make something that he can put in his room when he is done with it. I really want to be able to give him something for Christmas that would meet what he wants.

Choosing the Right Glue for a Craft ProjectI need to adhere a glass fishbowl to a painted terra cotta pot. What glue is best and do I have to lightly sand before I glue them together? I also used some waterproof sealant to adhere glass beads to the pot, but didn't lightly sand first will that be alright?

Pile of thin yarn in different colors.

Buying Yarn for Trellis JewelryTrellis yarn is a special type of yarn that is made with rectangular sections of yarn spaced apart and sewn together with thread on each side. It is often used to make jewelry. This is a page about buying yarn for trellis jewelry.

Pink, white, green and blue skeins of yarn with a pair of knitting needles.

Using Baby Yarn to Make Adult SweatersBaby yarn is a fine gauge yarn used to knit or crochet baby items. It comes in two weights, sport and fine. There are many patterns for the sport weight, you may need to use a pattern generator to create an adult sweater pattern for the finer yarn. This is a page about using baby yarn to make adult sweaters.

Teach Kids to Use Sticker Sheet Scraps - sticker sheet after star stickers used up

Teach Kids to Use Sticker Sheet ScrapsMy child loves glittery stickers, glue, or pens! Even though there are no more shiny glitter stars - you could teach your child that, the sticker sheets are still useable and not to waste scraps that can be used.

Hand squeezing glue onto a white paper.

Alternate Uses for Puzzle GlueIf you have leftover puzzle glue it can be used on paper, fabric, and other porous surfaces or when working on a decoupage project. This is a page about alternate uses for puzzle glue.

Selling Doll Making EquipmentMy wife just recently died and she was a porcelain doll maker. As a result I have may wigs, shoes, eyes, and tools. How do I get these lists of articles out to doll makers?

Walker chip bags.

Pattern for Making Chip Bag Boxing GlovesThis is a page about making chip bag boxing gloves. Colorful chip bags are a great material for making boxing gloves for a costume. Here are some helpful tips for finding boxing glove patterns.

Person wearing red fingerless gloves knitting something grey.

Handcrafted Gifts for MenSurprisingly it is not always easy to find a great craft idea to make for the men and boys on your gift lists. This is a page about ideas for handcrafted gifts for men.

Old Gift Cards as Paper Creasing Tool

Old Gift Cards as Paper Creasing ToolInstead of tossing out used up gift cards or old credit cards that expired, you can use them as a paper creasing tool. They help you crease papers easily without hurting your fingers/nails. I keep a couple cards in my crafting area and they come in handy.

three different size paper templates

Making Recycled Paper Craft TemplatesWe all have so much paper that gets recycled every week, why not use some of the sturdier advertising mailings and political flyers to make your own reusable craft templates. They may not last as long as plastic ones, but you can always make more. This is a page about making recycled paper craft templates.

Featured

Stop Hot Glue from Slipping Off Table - glue gun attached to an extension cord wrapped around chair back

Stop Hot Glue from Slipping Off TableI use hot glue frequently for crafts. One of my biggest annoyances is that the hot glue always slips off the table because the cord is too short.

Colorful Tangled Yarn

Keeping Yarn From TanglingThis is a guide about keeping yarn from tangling. Yarn can easily get tangled when in use or even when being stored.

Many Colorful Buttons

Saving Money on ButtonsThis is a page about saving money on buttons. Buttons are needed not only for clothing crafts but also for other projects.

CD or DVD Disks for Glue Gun Drips

CD or DVD Disks for Glue Gun DripsWe all have them; CDs and DVDs that we don't use. Put them to good use by making them into a place to sit your glue gun.

Buy Grab Bags to Save Money on Craft Supplies - closeup of ribbons and cording

Buy Grab Bags of Craft SuppliesThere are over 1,200 Michaels Stores - art supplies, crafts, framing around the world. At the end of each season - items that are unable to be sold may be offered in grab bags (stores may vary). Seasonal items will be stuffed in a bag and sold for only $4!

No More Frayed Bracelets

No More Frayed BraceletsEvery young girl loves friendship bracelets and we all know they always end up fraying and falling apart. To keep this from happening just simply grab a lighter, literally any type of lighter will work.

Questions

Best Glue for Outdoor Seashell WreathsI want to make several outdoor wreaths using various seashells. What is best glue to use for seashells that will withstand high heat and humidity?

Best Glue for Attaching Sea Shells to GlassWhat glue is best for attaching shells to glass?

Best Adhesive for Glueing Shells to MetalWhat's the best adhesive to use for attaching seashells to a metal chandelier frame? Any good DIY instruction videos to recommend for a project like this?

Temporary Glue for Glass to Glass and Plastic

Temporary Glue for Glass to Glass and PlasticI need a secure glue to temporarily bond glass to plastic and glass to glass. I am making a tiered serving tray.

Craft Ideas for Vintage Porcelain Inserts for Ball Zinc Canning Jar LidsI have inherited the white porcelain inserts for vintage ball zinc Mason canning jar lids. Does anyone have any craft ideas for the porcelain lid inserts?

Donating Needlepoint Canvases - un

Donating Needlepoint CanvasesWhere can I donate needlepoint canvases?

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