Tips And Tricks

Use a Poker or Skewer for Tiny Pieces:

When you're folding tiny circles, tabs, or little pieces that are difficult to get your fingers around, try using a craft pick, poker, or wooden skewer. It gives you much more control and makes those tiny folds much easier. Just be careful not to poke yourself.

Squaring up the sides of a card:

When you're adding a mat layer to your card base and both pieces are the same size, don't try to eyeball it. Place the card against the top and one side of your scoreboard and use the lines to help position your mat. This gives you a perfectly straight edge every time—especially helpful when you're using foam tape.  

Don't throw away those little scraps:

I keep a small box or tray next to me while I craft. It becomes the temporary home for all those tiny pieces that are "too good to throw away."

Don't always use a die for what it was originally designed to do:

A small flower die might make the perfect eyes. A circle can become a button, a nose, a wheel, or even part of a character. Before putting a die back in your stash, ask yourself: "What else could this be?"

The Back of Your Patterned Paper Can Be Useful:

If you're working with double-sided paper and need a small white piece for your card, check the back of your patterned paper first. Sometimes the back is plain enough to work perfectly for small pieces — and you don't have to use a whole sheet of cardstock. It's a great way to use what you already have.

Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Design:

One of my biggest lessons from making cards is that the original idea isn't always the best idea. If something isn't working, move it. Make it bigger. Make it smaller. Turn it sideways. Change the colors. Or completely abandon the idea and start over. Some of my favorite cards have come from something that didn't work the way I originally planned. And Finally… Don't Try to Make It Perfect 💜