Tuesday's Tip

This past weekend, I took 2 Tim Holtz classes at the local scrapbook store. They were tons of fun (it had been awhile since I last saw Tim and Mario). They were project and technique classes. Although nothing was completely new, I did learn a couple neat tricks. Plus I was reminded of a few tips I had forgotten. 

In both classes, we used some Distress Stickles and Glossy Accents. The GA bottle I was to use was completely plugged - nothing was coming out. Thankfully, I had an awl to unclog it. We discussed how frustrating it can be to reach for glues, only to find that they are plugged. One tip Tim shared (and I read this a while ago): when you are done applying your glue, tap the bottom of the glue bottle down on the table when you set it down.  Do not slam it down on the table, just a firm tap and then re-cap the bottle. You have now helped the glue to settle back down into the bottle, clearing the tip. And, it should be clog free and ready to go for the next use!

Tuesday"s Tip

I have been using my Cricut quite a bit lately. It seems like it always goes in spurts - I will use it daily for awhile and then not at all. Since I have been completing swaps for Club Scrap's October Retreat, I have been using it almost daily. My cutting mat is starting to lose its stickiness. It is not so bad that I need to replace it, yet. How do you get a little more mileage from your mat? Spray the mat with Re-positional Adhesive spray (available at art and hobby stores). Works like a charm to get a little more mileage from your mat. Always remember to replace the acetate cover to keep dust and hair away.

Tuesday's Tip

I spent the weekend making cards and mini books. My primary adhesive of choice these days is my ATG gun. However, I still periodically grab a glue stick, particularly if I want some working time for placement. I did this recently and found the lid was not on tightly - so it dried out a bit. In the past, I would throw the glue away(even if it was a new glue stick). Ever have this happen?

This time, a tried a revitalizing technique of which I read. Take a cotton ball and dampen it - you do not want it soaking wet. Squeeze out any excess water if need be. Place the cotton on top of the glue and re cap the glue stick. I let mine sit overnight - it revitalized the glue stick.