6 Things All Crafty Moms Need to Know

Being the crafty mom when we were growing up looks different from today’s crafty mom. Back then, you could get away with some basic sewing skills. Maybe you dabbled in some other mediums, like paint or paper mache, but beyond that, being craft was easy. Today, if you don’t have a Cricut or a 3D printer, what are you even doing with your life?

Okay, that last part is only partly in jest. 

What does the modern crafty mom need to know to survive the cutthroat world of arts and crafts?

How to Sew

We’re not talking about just the basics of repairing a tear or hemming a pair of pants. Cosplay has become a way of life, and if your kids want to dress up like the character from their favorite movie or television show, you’ll need more than the basic skills to keep up with all the new projects they come up with. This is one skill that takes a lot of practice, but it’s also incredibly forgiving. You can stitch pieces together — even with a sewing machine — and take them apart again with a bit of patience and a seam ripper. You can do a lot with something as simple as a needle and thread.

How to Bake Polymer Clay

Play-Doh is fun — at least until someone rubs it into the carpet — but it’s not the best choice if your little artist is trying to create something a little more durable. Polymer clay won’t dry if you leave it out, but you can bake it to make a long-lasting piece of art. Baking polymer clay can be a little tricky, especially if you have an older oven that might not hold its temperature well. Use a thermometer to check the oven’s temperature before you try to bake, then follow the package directions to ensure that your art pieces bake evenly. 

How to Clean Glitter

Glitter is like the herpes of the craft world — once you get it, you’ll never get rid of it. Thankfully, there are a few tricks that you can use to clean up even the messiest glitter spills. For larger pieces of glitter, a vacuum extension can make it easier to suck up the whole mess. For fine glitter or those few stubborn pieces that just won’t vacuum, try blowing up a balloon and rubbing it on your head. It sounds silly, but the same static that makes your hair stand on end can help pick up stray pieces of fine glitter. A lint roller can do the same if you have one of those handy. If you have kids and bring glitter into your home, knowing how to clean it up can make all the difference. 

How To Use Mod Podge

There are plenty of craft tutorials out there that will tell you to layer on some Mod Podge as a sealant or finisher, but did you know what there are 12 different types of Mod Podge to choose from? The class yellow label you’ve probably got on your shelf dries to a matte finish, and the red label dries to a gloss. Some varieties work outdoors, dry to a hard coat, designed for fabric, and even ones with glitter or glow powder. Make sure you’re choosing the right Mod Podge for the job.

How To Leaf/Foil/Gild

Glitter isn’t your only option for adding a little bit of sparkle to your projects. Adding gilding or gold leaf can make your projects shine, but working with it can be complicated and messy. Take the time to practice with your gold leaf, foil or chosen gilding technique before you start working on the final project. 

How to Pour Resin

The resin craze has taken the internet by storm, and everyone wants to try their hand at making dice, coasters, jewelry, or any of a thousand other things you can do with resin. The problem is that most of the kits you can buy at Walmart or on Amazon don’t prioritize safety. You should be wearing gloves and a respirator at all times when you’re pouring. They also neglect to tell you that the resin gets very hot while it’s curing, which can be dangerous for younglings with curious fingers. If you want to get into resin, do your research first and make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment on hand for you and any little helpers that might be joining you.

Get Crafty!

Crafting might look a bit different than it did when we were kids, but at its core, it’s the same. We’re pouring our heart and soul into the act of creation, and that’s a beautiful thing. If you’re looking for a new hobby or just trying to keep up with a household full of creative kids, consider trying out some of these new craft tips.