Crafting tips

Whether you are 2 or 92—a small tip here and there can help you create the most extraordinary things.

Icons we use

Fold away from the art at this dotted line.
Fold toward the art at this dotted line.
Parts of the whole costume aren’t shown in this small illustration.
Cut at this solid line.
Glue in this step.
Spread glue evenly in this area
This costume is a print-it-yourself digital file.
This costume is a deliver-to-me packet.

Questions
people often ask

Toward the printed and away from the printed side… what does that mean?

If you are holding the paper and you are looking at the printed side—folding the paper away from the printed side is also folding the paper away from you. Folding toward the printed side would make a crease then the rest of the paper comes towards you.

I’m using a craft knife… do I need to do anything different?

Nope, you daredevil! Just be sure to use a metal ruler to guard your fingers as you cut. We notice sometimes it’s difficult to cut curved lines with craft knives, so every now and then you may find it more useful to bring back the ol’ scissors. They’ve missed you.

I’m using elmer’s glue and my paper is getting really wrinkly…

Uh-oh. Some liquid glues really soak into the paper like water and make it wrinkle. Here’s two tips:

Try to use less glue, then take a brush or scrap of paper to spread the glue thinly before pressing paper onto it.
While the glue is drying, place a book on top to make sure it dries flat. Place a piece of paper in between what’s being glued and the book just to protect the book cover.
Try using a glue stick. They dry much quicker and don’t wet the paper as much as liquid glue.

I’m ready to decorate! What should I use?

Most folks have inkjet printers, which means if you use anything watery to decorate —like markers, watercolors, and some paints—will make the ink bleed. Some materials that work well: