Unexpected Craft Tips
Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-632 -- More Projects » Window covering for wrapping gifts? Indeed!
Shrink-wrapping items that you make to give as gifts or perhaps to sell at a craft fair can enhance their appearance and make them look more professional. Problem often is however, that shrink-wrap comes in rather small sized sheets and it can be expensive. Next time you might try buying one of those shrink plastic window coverings that you can purchase in the hardware store or home improvement center. A 7' x 9' piece usually sells for around $11 or $12 although at the end of the winter season Carol was able to purchase one for only $4! The directions usually call for using a hair dryer up close to the plastic when using it to cover windows. Carol used a heat gun instead of a dryer only to make things go faster on the air but recommends taking care not to get the gun too close to the plastic. Practice first. If wrapping a packet of cards do not wrap it too tightly or when the plastic shrinks it is liable to pull on the cards. The back is trickier to do and you may have to simply pull that taut the old fashioned way.
The mini cutting boards by June Tailor that have a padded surface on the back can be wonderfully practical to keep handy for ironing small items like ribbons and tiny bits of trim. And if you have a travel iron you will have a matched "mini set." Much more convenient that hauling out an entire ironing board and iron.
Have you seen or tried the little personal fans that are often advertised during the summer months? They may seem a bit silly but can be helpful in the craft room. If you can't wait for things to dry naturally a heat gun or hair dryer can do the job but if it happens to be plastic you are working with the heat can cause problems. That's where the little fan comes in handy. It won't work as fast as the hot air but it will be safer and certainly faster than just waiting.
Rug Gripper can be helpful for holding more than just rugs. Cut into smaller pieces, the heavy-duty adhesive coating can keep small items from blowing away when spray painting. It is also good for keeping those lightweight holders for your glue gun and wood burner in place.
Resources Duck Brand Roll On Window Film Insulation Kit shrink wrap, Hold-It for Rugs
Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc.
Website:
www.duckproducts.com
mini rotary cutting mat - June Tailor (Model #: JT716)
mini cut & press
June Tailor Inc.
Richfield, WI
Phone: 262-644-5288
Toll Free Phone: 800-844-5400
Fax: 800-246-1573
E-mail:
customerservice@junetailor.com
Website:
www.junetailor.com
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