Paper and Craft
Fold a Paper Sample Before Committing to the Final Card
Test paper direction, scoring pressure and fold quality on a spare piece before making a card, booklet or paper decoration.
COLOUR, CRAFT & A LITTLE PATIENCE
The craft table
Colour Practice
Acrylic Paint Looks Different When the Test Patch Has Dried
Make an acrylic colour reference that includes a dried patch, the actual painting surface and the medium you used, rather than relying on a wet palette.
Craft Techniques
Three Things a Dried Stamp Test Can Reveal
Test a stamp on the actual paper, then let it dry before checking edge detail, smudging and how the next layer behaves.
At the Craft Table
Remove Masking Tape With the Paper in Mind
Protect a paper craft’s edge by testing masking tape, supporting the sheet and removing the tape according to the materials involved.
At the Craft Table
Less Paint on the Brush Can Give a Stencil a Cleaner Edge
Practise a stencil on scrap material with a lightly loaded brush, steady support and a deliberate lift before decorating the final piece.
Creative Routines
Test the Finish Before Sealing a Paper Craft
Make a miniature version of your paper craft before applying a sealer, so you can check colour, curling, sheen and drying without risking the finished piece.
At the Craft Table
Choose Craft Adhesive by the Surfaces You Are Joining
Match glue to materials, flexibility and finish, then test a small joint before committing a whole craft project.
At the Craft Table
A Paper Mock-Up Can Save Your Next Craft Project
Test spacing, balance and practical clearance with inexpensive paper shapes before cutting or gluing your final craft materials.
Comfortable crafting
Your Craft Lamp May Be Making the Colours Harder to See
Reduce reflections and shadows at a craft desk by adjusting lamp position, the work surface and comparison conditions before buying brighter lighting.