58 Incredible Craft Hacks You Must See! I'm Including the List of Hacks Too

[@AllieinCali]

I have another hack--I remembered it when you said "put something heavy on your card". Everyone seems to reach for acrylic blocks, which aren't very heavy. I picked up some marble "coasters" at Home Goods for $6. You get 4 and they work great as weights--and, they're pretty! Thanks for putting all of these hacks and tips in one video. We appreciate you!

[@KathySparkle1]

Great idea! I have several marble sets given to me as gifts; they’re heavy and look pretty, too!

[@marypolancodesigns]

WOW great idea, thank you!

[@chrisrn44]

You can also get granite counter samples ( you can get free from places that sell granite) and decorate them and glue knobs on top. I have 3 different sizes I did and then put print and cut vinyl pics on them.

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

@@chrisrn44that’s exactly what I have, a sample that was left here wen I moved in🙂

[@nancywalker7302]

I'm wondering if anyone had an alternative for acrylic blocks?

[@deborahmougeotte3563]

I love that you said, “We need more ideas, not more stuff.” That is sooo true! I have more than plenty of stuff, just need to find more creative ways to use what I have without spending more money. Thank you for sharing all these great ideas!❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yeah I have enough stuff to last me a while (not that I still don't get the occasional item). lol

[@mumstheword8851]

A lot of the problem is that a crafter is SO easy to buy for 😣😁 Also, my daughter and granddaughters tell each other: Don't throw it out! Mimi can use it 😂

[@price2818]

Thank you for your hacks. I’m new to crafting. How do I get to your list?

[@lynnbitter494]

Soooo much crafty goodness to digest here. I will look at contact paper in a new way and I love the tip about gluing layers together before die cutting. Here’s a handy supply extending and money saving tip I thought of today. It’s a game changer for me! I love to add coordinated embellishments to cards, but often don’t have the right color gems. So I punched out tiny circles from my colored cardstock and added a clear Nuvo drop to each one. I had PERFECTLY coordinated little gems rather than needing to buy all of the colors of gems or Nuvo drops. The possibilities are endless- glimmer paper, metallics. So fun!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh my goodness is such an amazing hack. All definitely be sharing this with everyone wow

[@normacolley5496]

You can colour your gems with permanent marker pens too 😊

[@kkrolf2782]

I LOVE the Nuvo-over-cardstock idea! Tfs!!

[@CaraMalmrose]

I do the same thing , If I want a bit of glittery shimmer I use a bit of clear glitter glue first, then once dry top it with the diamond glaze.

[@aprilzderad4794]

I love the packing tape idea. I think I will try sprinkling some glitter down before I place the tape to make my die cuts both sparkly and shiny.

[@marypolancodesigns]

🤯 AMAZING TIP

[@pennywarren2357]

Great idea!

[@HeidiLilley]

Mary, the tips about the packaging tape and the contact paper are great. Another quick tip for the clear acetate for sentiments... Put a piece of bright washi or other tape on one end and fold it over the edge... When you slip it out of the misti and it slips across the desk or something moves it, the tape makes that clear plastic much easier to find.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for sharing!! That's brilliant

[@amkarei]

I have a cut-to-size piece of $🌳 cutting sheet from their kitchen section that I use to lay over my design elements to judge if they're the correct size for my card. Even though it IS frosty, it still gets lost on my work surface! Thx bunches for the tip ... I'll DO IT!!

[@jax_08]

Yes another video for hacks would be lovely. That silicone mirror stamping was mindblowing!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay! Thank you!

[@RachelRamey]

My mind is blown by the idea of gluing the paper together BEFORE die cutting. That would be especially helpful for the fiddly narrow ones that flop around after you cut them.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES indeed, I agree. I can't believe I wasn't doing it.

[@patriciaschmitz1619]

Thank you Mary, some great tips there. Another hack for you. Don’t throw away your old cricut sticky mat. I cut it down and use it to keep safe my tiny die cuts before applying them to my cards. The sticky residue on the mats mean I don’t lose the die cuts anymore. I can cut them out the day before assembly, place a matching size of acetate on top (which I will now hinge, using your tip) and they all stay safe and sound. No more scrabbling on the floor searching for lost ones. ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

This is such a great idea. Thank you

[@lizzystitch4842]

Mary, my husband has a big roll of copper tape he used on an electronics project, with plenty left over. So, he gave the roll to me. I stick some to cardstock and run through an embossing folder. Wow! Gorgeous! Same thing with shiney, silver duct tape!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wooooahh, that sounds amazing!

[@sharmanmurphree-roberts4018]

Ooh, you're lucky! That sounds beautiful! 😃

[@loishemphill9485]

Thanks for the idea. I have several thin copper sheets that were given to me, but I didn't want to spend the time to make something with them. I can run them through my embosser and make pretty things in no time at all! I also like the idea of using duct tape; I have several different colors like red, green, gold, blue to use for Christmas ornaments.

[@scrappyLiz1]

I love that you stacked ur cardstock twice then diecut it 1x so you wouldn't have to sit there and diecut each piece individually. Then just glue all pieces 2gether for dimension. So many great tips. Thx for sharing these. And yes please do a part 2. 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! I'm on it

[@justpassingthroughthistime9947]

Hello, I wanted to add a tip for using the foam tape for the shaker card. Especially, the thin piece you are trying to curve around the top of the shaker area. If you cut, on the outside of the tape about half way into the middle of the tape, when you go to curve around the circle shape, it will open up and follow the curve. Also, it will do the same thing with pretty much any shape you try to follow that isn't a straight line. You can also cut out a triangle shape as well, if you need to. Just don't cut too close to the inside edge of the tape. Hope this helps. Seamstresses use this tip when sewing curves. I picked up lots of useful tips . Thank you for this video.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAHHOOOOO this is gold, thanks!

[@judyk4589]

Thank you for a great video! Another way to make your own stencils is to laminate a piece of acetate and then either die cut or fussy cut whatever shape or image you want. It's fairly sturdy and you can see through it, which makes it easy to use. And thank you for the spreadsheet! I appreciate all of the time you have put into compiling the very helpful information!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip!

[@sweetsarah9702]

Fantastic video! So many great tips - some I already use, but many are new to me. One extra tip (for those unorganized crafters like me) when I make labels for my dies and stamps, I put the number of articles on the label so, at the end of a crafting session, I can just count and see if something is missing from that package! (then begins the hunt!:)

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's so brilliant!

[@wandahodges7311]

That is brilliant. Thanks

[@scrappyLiz1]

I do that too especially with dies

[@ylime712]

I do that with dies, too. And I once put the wrong # on a die set and I was looking for a nonexistent die! I had to look at the set online to find out there were 6 pieces and not 7. 😂

[@shay7090]

I’m not only happy and grateful for Mary’s hacks, but for those who shared their own in comments. Thank you EVERYONE!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I know right!!!? So great

[@shay7090]

@@marypolancodesigns Yes and TY for freebie 🤗💜

[@susancerroni6671]

I agree! I seldom read the comments to a KZbin video, but these comments are worth their weight in gold!

[@3rwtj3]

My favorite hack is for making sure a die-cut stamped image is placed perfectly in the center by die cutting first, and then stamping: 1) Die cut a bunch of your shapes 2) Put a piece of scrap paper in your stamping tool and stamp the image 3) Place one of the frames of your die cutting around the stamped image 4) Add a die-cut shape to the frame 5) stamp perfectly in the center of the shape This also avoids any frustration of coloring an image and then screwing up the die-cutting itself.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Fantastic idea!

[@diannehazlewood2906]

❤❤❤❤

[@susanjohnson318]

I loved the packing tape on card stock to make shiny die cuts! That sure beats heat embossing in clear. Thanks also for the free excel document. You rock and I am now subscribing to you! My tip: I run white card stock through my embossing folders and keep the examples with my folders. When I want to use one for a card background, I flip through them and use for trying out layouts before using the folder on my card front with ink or embossing powder or whatever. Gives me a way to see how the embossing would look, which sometimes looking at the folder itself doesn't. These examples could also be put on a ring, like your hack for stencils.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome tips!! Thank you so much

[@elenore3505]

Hi Mary, I really enjoyed this video - thank you! In the section where you used large sheets of foam tape to make strips, which you then used for a shaker card, a good idea after you place the surrounding strips, is to dab the inside edges with a cornflour pad so that the shaker pieces don’t get stuck. *Elenore from Australia 🌷

[@marypolancodesigns]

AMAZING tip thank you!

[@robinallen6716]

And do the dabbing on the edges before you pull the release paper off the top of the foam tape.

[@janeastwick1418]

Mary, Mary, my sweet Mary! You have done it again. So much work and time you have spent to share so much with us, your loyal fans 🥰👏🏻. As I was sitting here watching I thought, “I need to tell Mary about hingeing the acetate to the stamps. I’ve been doing that for years. And then you did it! Bravo! So, so many good hacks. I think the first one I’m going to try is the stencil one. Love that! But after that I will be watching this again and again. At 73 I have to be shown more than once 😂😂😂. The download you are sharing should help me with that I think 🤣🥰.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great minds think alike! 🥰🥰😁

[@candyritchey]

Mary, I have been crafting my whole life and stamping, etc., for well over 25 years and have never seen such a brilliant, comprehensive list of tips and hacks! I couldn't believe the shear number of things I never thought of! Thank you so much for that labor-intensive video!!!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome Thank you for this super encouraging message!

[@peggydollar3089]

If you have a small area that has lifted( not glued) on a mat on your card front) cut a strip( I keep several handy from scraps of card stock) and apply glue on the end, stick under the lifted area and press down as you pull out the strip. The glue stays under neath and isn't messy. Hold in place with your fingers until it stays glued down.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Brilliant thank you!

[@donnagoodner8545]

I laminate a sheet of card stock or copy paper to put on the back of the stamps so I can easily read the words on the stamp sheet.The stamp sheet will stick to the laminated sheet.Then I can use the old backing for a shaker card.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh wow that is such a great idea

[@rochestermanagementservice6082]

Hi, Mary. Thanks ever so much for the many tips & tricks. Here are a couple more: - Cut open a large brown paper bag to make a large rectangle; iron flat. Apply clear contact paper to make a handy work mat for stamping or painting. - Use gel pens to sign your name or write sentiments. Then apply embossing powder, and heat. Nice personal touch! - Use old eye shadows to dab on and color or shade die cuts; spray with aerosol hair spray to set. Thanks for all the ideas, everyone.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are brilliant!. Thank you so much for sharing these tips

[@susanjohnson318]

I use gel pens all the time. Never thought about embossing. Thanks!

[@melindagibson8606]

Mary.. wow that military card was stunning! Absolutely!!! Also love the stamp cleaner "paint" brush cleaner! Some amazing tips.. I could go on forever!❤ you are so amazing!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank so so much!

[@kim-mareeforner3382]

A tip for gluing. When using a stamp block for gluing layers use some baking paper under the block in case any glue oozes out. It will not stick to block.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Fantastic idea and the baking paper so it doesn't stick. YES!

[@susancerroni6671]

Mary- thank you so much for all these tips and also for Maureen’s information. I especially liked the tip with putting embossing powder on adhesive and setting it with the heat tool. I would love more videos like this! I would really like a video that shows all of the ways to make a card glittery & glimmery. I love your videos, Mary! Thank you so much!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! YAY so glad it was useful

[@teresamcdaniel3554]

Love this video, please do more like it. I especially like ideas about using non-craft items for crafting. Thanks!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm on it! :)

[@denisefonda2815]

Mary, it’s the little things that make organizing easier…you made my day with the packing tape hinge. I hate trying to keep track of 2 acetate sheets. Thank you for the great tips and tricks 🤗

[@Love2Create62]

I made a note to do that too!

[@coolstamper]

I’ve been doing this to my stamps for quite some time now, only just using scotch tape. 💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this! i love that tip too.

[@WendyColeArt]

I did this with regular tape and the tape just ripped. Now I'm going to use the packing tape. Face palm for not thinking it through using a stronger tape

[@Janstroh1]

I loved all your tips ! One of my favorites was the hinge !!! Thank you so very much Mary you're amazing ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@FreidaKirkland]

❤ Mary, you're an absolute treasure! I LOVE the ideas and the way you present them! Awesome videos! 😁❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so very much for this feedback; you are so encouraging.

[@jo-annstoneham1813]

Thank you for all you give back to the crafting community. I hope you have a great day and you receive lots of support from your friends, family, and this wonderful community. 🇨🇦

[@marypolancodesigns]

So kind of you thank you

[@kimberlyagreene343]

Another homemade stencil hack is to keep the heavy clear plastic windows from product packaging whether its from craft supplies purchased or other items like boxes toys came in or food. Instead of throwing them in the land fields, cut the plastic out from package. Trim edges if needed or cut into useable square or rectangle. Make sure its clean. Then use your dies like you used for the contact paper idea to cut out shapes to make it into a stencil. Now you have an easy to clean reuseable stencil that is also easy to store with your other stencils! Its free & it helps our environment!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Amazing reusable idea thank you!

[@darlenewing1105]

OK, changed my mind. The tip about creating play lists for KZbin is my favorite tip! It might take me all day to categorize and create my playlists, but it'll bee worth it. I won't have to scroll through my "Liked" list to find the video I want to play. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh YAY That makes me so happy that I added that one in there. Thanks for letting me know.

[@annelawver2703]

Absolutely amazing collection of hacks. SO much info. My favorite organizational items are school supplies, purchased when the back to school supplies go on sale. Clear pencil boxes, drawer organizers, crayon boxes….great deals on storage options for compartmentalization. I also shop at hardware stores…double sided carpet tape is super strong. Thanks, Mary!

[@marypolancodesigns]

WOOHOOO Thanks for sharing!! Great tip

[@rfowler6039]

When I'm making a lot of cards with small stamps that I then need to cut out with dies, I put the stamps in my Misti then when I put the dies over each stamp I press some Press N Seal over the dies and use it over and over so I don't have to position the dies each time. Works great!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome tip! Thank you

[@minikraut]

Great compilation, Mary, thanks so much! I was wondering - has anyone ever used the "contact paper on cardstock" method for cutting stencils with a Cricut, Cameo or the like? And finally, when you mentioned the cutting dies on shower curtain rings, I thought of what I do: For all my nesting shapes - circles, ovals, squares, etc. - I cut a piece of cardstock and note on it which set, which die, and the size of the piece. I then punch holes into them and thread them all onto book binding rings, only not as sets, but sorted by size. So when I am trying to find a die that is juuuust the right size to say, cut a square around a stamped image, I don't have to go through my die sets. I just take my cutout squares and match, then get out the matching one.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I haven't tried that yet (on the cricut). Great ideas for storage, thank you!

[@coolstamper]

Thank you sooooo much Mary for taking the time to compile all of this for us!!! I watched the whole thing. I don’t have a computer at the time, so I copied the list you sent me and put it in the notes on my iPad. One hack I’d like to mention is: as long as you’re using dye ink (a water base ink), such as Memento, or any ink that’s not permanent, all you need to clean your stamps with is a damp wash cloth. I have been stamping for about 30 years. Years ago I used the paint scrubber thingie, but switched pretty quickly to just a damp wash cloth. Also when you’re stamping in your Misti on acetate for stamp placement, again, wipe off the acetate with the damp washcloth. And you don’t have to dampen the whole cloth if you don’t want to…just spray a little water on a corner of it and wipe down your stamp/acetate. I keep my cloth on a little saucer on my desk. When they get too dirty I just pop them in the washer with the rest of my towels and the ink has never transferred to my other towels or grayed my towels at all.

[@marypolancodesigns]

These are such brilliant ideas thank you so very much

[@introvert22]

I like the plaid look you created.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks, I think that was a fav of mine

[@vickidavis4207]

O my goodness! The best video ever. The hinge hack for the clear acetate sheet on stamp sets is genius. I hate having to line up the sheet after using the stamp. So simple but such a great idea. Thanks Mary! 💖

[@marypolancodesigns]

This makes me so happy thank you so much!

[@cindydecker57]

Great list of tips Mary and thanks very much for providing a free download spreadsheet with the full list! Here are a few more tips that may be helpful to others: - If need to lay out multiple die cuts evenly in a row, line them up on a flat surface against a straight edge/ruler and then apply a strip of low tack tape across them so you can pick them up, apply glue to the backs if required, and place them on the card panel all at once - Create a custom color matching card mat by wiping ink or marker around the edge of white cardstock (the center is covered by the overlaid panel) - Change the color of ribbon or string using ink pad, paint, or marker - For larger bottles of product (such as glue), put some in a smaller applicator tube or bottle with a precision tip for easier use - To apply glue to delicate detailed die cuts, put some glue down on craft mat, then pounce the die cut on top of the glue to coat the back -or- pick up a bit of the glue with a sponge or q-tip and dab it all over the die cut

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wow, these are gold! Thank you so much for sharing

[@stormyswann6177]

🎉 I couldn't come up with a word good enough to express how great you and these tips are.

[@amkarei]

I'd forgotten the one you mention here regarding COLORING RIBBON & STRING. Long ago I decided, with truly NO CRAFT STORAGE, let alone a "craft r o o m", to buy ONLY WHITE pearlies, ribbon, string, etc. I do realize different materials will take the color differently, but I'm probably the only one who'd notice. 🤷‍♀

[@pamwaldron3504]

For the daintier, slimmer cut areas, use eye shadow applicators. You can wash off the glue before it dries, or buy disposables.

[@NinaDisco]

I follow a gal on here who dabs liquid glue on the back of her hand and then taps her die cuts with tweezers on her hand to apply a thin layer of glue!

[@kathysunshine699]

Years ago they sold a smooth rubber stamp,that you would stamp your image on and then you stamped the smoothvstamp on your paper, for the mirror image..still use it, still love it🎉.. but ising the misty and a silicone mat is so cool for a bigger image ir scene, thank you!❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for the tip! I think I remember what you are referencing.

[@msmollygone]

Excellent video, Mary! I love the contact paper to make a stencil one and the packing tape hinge method to keep stamp acetate sheets together. What a great hack video. Make more, please!!!

[@NinaDisco]

Watched twice and SAVED! 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome! Thank you

[@WendyColeArt]

Here's one: glue or tape a strong magnet to a yardstick for finding dropped dies. I have a gazillion different playlists filled with videos of all things crafty and arty. I made them all public so others can use them

[@marypolancodesigns]

This is an amazing idea, thank you!

[@Roe159]

Thank you, Mary! Love the contact paper stencil hack and many of the others.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@susancerroni6671]

Great video, Mary! I already left a comment, but I just thought of another hack. I saw it on one of Gina K‘s Videos if you want to make a mat on one of your cards, and you want it to be a gold or silver, shiny mat but you don’t have silver or gold paper, you can put powder along the edge of a piece of cardstock the size of the mat you want, and then stamp it with first mark, and then dip it in gold or silver, embossing powder and heat set it. You can do the same thing if you want to cut out a small die cut of some thing, gold or silver. (for example, a gold star atop your Christmas tree), you can hit him boss gold on a small piece of cardstock, and then die cut from it your star die.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I love this idea so much and have done it in the past. I do like to use an embossing pen for very deliberate pieces of embossing powder as well. Thank you so much for sharing as I had forgotten about this

[@tjgritt80]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. My favorite tips: 1) Double up cardstock for die cutting items you want to layer. Game changer!! My TIP- rather than color the edges with a marker (if you don't want white edges), cut your layers in colored CS. Trust me, this a time saver. 2) Contact paper over my CS for stencils. Brilliant. 3) Package tape for shine on die cuts. Never would have thought of this. 4) Poster board for using alcohol ink. I don't use AI enough to justify Yupo paper. I,too, hinge my clear stamps. My tip here: add white CS behind the acetate. It makes it easier to see the stamps. (Old eyes here!)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for sharing your tip I love it

[@dottiefrazee4390]

Thank you for each hack ! I keep a 12×12 white sheet of card stock by my table when I'm using ink pads. When I'm finished "inking" I dab my ink dauber on the white 12×12, keeping like colors some what together. I can punch/die cut shapes from the color swatches on the 12×12. I have one 12×12 with yellow and blues at the top, browns, grays, black at the bottom, working on greens in the center. Have made some "cuts" which was convenient. Takes a while to cover areas with ink, but I feel like I'm not wasting my inks and I'm coming up with interesting colors for punches/die cuts.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome thank you!

[@vickirivera2240]

That's a great idea

[@cherylpark7598]

My favorite hack was taping the acrylic to the stamp mount

[@marypolancodesigns]

Did you mean with the tacky glue? Thanks!

[@LeslieKingcraft]

Great tips Mary - thank you! I’m a new stamper/card maker and my studio is set up primarily for my handbag sewing. So every few days I roll out my carts that contain my paper crafting supplies (currently confined to a cleaned-out closet). I don’t want to use the healing mats on my work surface for inks, coloring, alcohol, pens, etc so I just place taped-together plastic place mats from Dollar Tree. They wipe off easily and then can be folded away when I need my cutting mats for sewing projects. I think a system like this of rolling carts and alternative work surface would be great for anyone starting out, or anyone who does not have a designated craft room, and maybe has to use a dining room or bedroom that needs to revert back to its primary purpose.

[@marypolancodesigns]

.Really great idea, and I'm so glad you added the Dollar Tree mats. Because I mentioned that in a video the other day but I forgot to do in this one. Thank you so much

[@kathyshull6]

Dollar Tree also has cutting mats ( 2 in a pkg) in the kitchen section! Clear plastic, easy to wipe off! I use them for craft mats, grandkid paint mats and dividers between different types of DSP or card stock. They cut easily to fit where you want and I use regular labels to identify whatever you are separating.

[@audregaer3281]

Another way to add foam backing to a die cut instead of removing a million little pieces of backing from the bits of foam is to cut the die from sheet foam. One piece-glue it on-it’s done and well supported, too!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Brilliant Idea! YES

[@Love2Create62]

Thank you Mary for so many helpful tips, tricks and hacks! There were several hacks that will make my card making easier! The art community is full of the nicest, most talented people, who are willing to share their knowledge and creativity! Thank you so much for all the time it took you to put together this long video, I sincerely appreciate it!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@pengyou26]

Thanks Mary! When I filled out your survey, I actually asked for this exact video of Tips, Tricks and Hacks! So thank you! Also, I loved the very first hack you showed but didn’t mention…using a silicone hot pad when embossing your cards! 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay! Thank you! I'm so glad this is one you were interested in!

[@julieb737]

Mary , you’re a treasure . Many thanks for all the info , and taking the time to compile the video and the download . More than a few I thought “why haven’t I thought of doing this” . Most are quite simple and very helpful to a crafter .

[@marypolancodesigns]

You're very welcome! I know, same here! I was like how have I NOT been doing this for 47 years? lol

[@julieb737]

🤷🏻‍♂😂@@marypolancodesigns

[@bernicejanssen6540]

The hack that I didn't think about was the use of contact paper to make stencils so that they are stronger than plain cardstock. I also liked the hacks to make sticky mats by using the "wrong" side of the contact paper. While you were using poster board instead of the more expensive Yupo paper, I remembered that I use semigloss photo paper (usually the cheaper, the better) to put my alcohol inks on. It takes experimentation, but some work excellently.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great reminder, thank you so much.

[@artdeb86]

i use the back of Kirkland photo paper for alcohol inks. Doesn't absorb as much as the front side does.

[@joannclupper7902]

When you have a wet spot, instead of using a paper towel or similar to take away some of the wet area, use a damp clean paint brush. It will soak up the extra liquid without marring your work.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip! I love this!

[@gloriaonesimus6244]

Hi Mary, thank you so much for making this video, and btw it wasn't long at all. I could have easily watched another hour of your craft hacks...LOL! 🤣There were many hacks that I have seen before, but it is always good seeing them again as a reminder so we can use these techniques in our craft studios. I know I have received some stamp sets in the past that have the tape to keep both acetate sheets together, but not all of them. I probably will go and tape the remainder of my stamp sets, so I am not wasting time trying to find the appropriate acetate piece that somehow always gets lost on my (messy) craft desk. Thanks for sharing! 💖 One thing I didn't know was how to store favourite videos into a personal playlist and place them in the library. I have seen the library icon on the left-hand side of the screen but didn't know what it was there for. I will probably have to watch that part of your video over and over again for the instructions. 🙃 Mary, I love the content of your videos and I have been watching for quite a while, but this is the first time that I have left a comment. God's blessings and love from Aussie Gloria 😃🐨🦘❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Gloria! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. 🥰

[@Fit_Kitty]

Great tips and hacks, Mary! My favourite was the paint edger as a stamp scrubber, never heard of that one before. Thank you for the video and for the spreadsheet! Happy crafting!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much!

[@mumma_of_one8511]

Mine too. I googled it to see if I could get one locally. I also want the label maker Mary has 😊

[@saraherzog3611]

The game changer for me was the packing tape. Love the acetate tip for the stamps...oh my stars...so easy! Love the shiny feature too. I will be ordering packing tape right away! 💙💙💙

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay! Thank you!

[@b.a.31]

Dear Mary, thank you so much for all these helpful, great ideas! Love from Austria, Bernadette ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@susancrosier5420]

Wonderful tips. The contact paper is something I didn't know about and the clip board is genius. Love hinging the scetate for your stamps. Thanks so much ❤

[@DeeDee-yz9ku]

I put about 1 inch piece of GM foam tape, at 4 1/4 and 5 1/2 marks on my Guillotine trimmer. Lives there, they are a bumpers when I cut card bases. Make sure it in place well, quick, easy cutting.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip! Love that

[@lindaj.herzog7392]

A hinge for a stamp set! Oh My Gosh! Only one of my favs!

[@marypolancodesigns]

MINE TOO! I love it so much!

[@kimberlyagreene343]

Hi Mary, thank you for putting all these great ideas together to share & making a spread sheet! 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@TRsPlace]

Watched it all in one sitting! Love when you do these videos. I definitely do the hinge on the stamp set for a while now. The best idea I’ve ever come across! 😅 and I truly don’t know which is my favorite. I’d have to go back and watch the video again which I will probably again and again and again. Love it. Happy new year ! 💛TR🎉

[@marypolancodesigns]

So happy to hear you love them! Hope you have a great new year!

[@victoriaclifford2715]

Wow, Mary, I learned so much while I sat and did the repetitious gluing to the first of (2) sets of 100 thank you wedding cards for two granddaughters for the coming year. I had never thought of Contact paper, but I will definitely be adding some new stencils and mats to my collection. I love craft foam for dimensional sentiments. I store my pre-cuts (extras cut out when die cutting) in small bags in a 4” CD storage binder. Little sticky tabs divide my themes. And labels on the bags let me know which set they are from if I am running low.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! Congratulations on the weddings. How fun! Great shares here thank you

[@jeaninehefflin7192]

A spreadsheet! How wonderful. It's beautiful 😍

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@kimberlyagreene343]

Here is a added tip for you to add to your molding thicker foam adhesive around the rounded edges: if the foam is wide you can cut very small slits on the side facing the rounded edge being careful not to cut all the way through. Only cut about a 1/3 of the way. This will allow you to bend & mold the wider foam edging around the circle edge.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip!

[@NinaDisco]

Do you mean like fringe it a bit to give it more flexibility to curve it?

[@deborahbuonomo296]

Thank you for the time you put into making this helpful video and for creating the free download, we appreciate you, Mary! I am hoping that you have a Zoom class on coloring with alcohol markers. I really enjoyed the last class you did with your beautiful daughter. The two of you make a great team. I wasn’t able to find the video on the Nelko printer you mentioned in the video. I’m interested in buying it but I would like to watch your tutorial first. You are awesome, please keep the hack videos coming. 💕

[@sweetsarah9702]

I couldn't find that video, either. I did go to Amazon and they have several videos on it - but I'm sure not as good as Mary probably made!

[@deborahbuonomo296]

@@sweetsarah9702 Thank you for checking! I appreciate it.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Here is the video I talk about the Nelko in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYKWpXdun5ucoaM

[@marypolancodesigns]

Here is the video I talk about the Nelko in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYKWpXdun5ucoaM

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for the compliment about Aydia and I! We are trying to do another one soon. YAY!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

My fave hacking? From Posh Paper Lady: Use you undesirable paper sheets to practice skills, ideas, new ways to craft, etc. Because: the more you practice, the more you are able to create!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea thank you !

[@whitepakcardsandearrings6335]

Hi Mary💕 Love the paint edger hack!!! I use a clothes pin for holding my paper while heat embossing. Great tips thankyou!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea!! Thanks!

[@debbie2837]

Fav tip is the simple idea of pkg-taping the 2 acetates of a stamp set together!!! Not only do I often misplace the top sheet, but my OCD makes me want the 2 sheets to line up together perfectly…& that takes forever when I’m putting a stamp set back!!! THANKYOU!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha oh my goodness, that's so funny! I am the same exact way

[@laurabuehler]

You can sharpen your scissors and punches (if you still have punches) with aluminum foil. Simply fold the foil a few times and cur through it several times with scissors or punch the foil. Be sure to make short cuts with the tip of the scissors and long cuts with the full length of the scissors to get it fully sharpened. You can also use a ball of foil to rub off any adhesive that may be stuck to your scissors. You can also cur through the foil to sharpen guillotine style trimmers.

[@marypolancodesigns]

While these are great tips thank you so very much

[@lindam8528]

This is amazing, thanks!!!

[@lak-bunch1783]

Thank you marvelous Mary! There are several, however, the contact paper to create a stencil but only apply onto one side. The affordable paint brush scrubber. Oh and the scrunched aluminum foil for creating a background tapping into the ink colored pads. I needed to watch your video to pick up my mojo...make several stamped images/sentiments at once and die cut several times for availability. One more 😅, the nelco label maker and the double tape pen; purchased. More of your blessings, please 🤗

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for this kind and encouraging comment! I appreciate you!

[@laurabuehler]

You can also get shiny paper by using your laminator. Put 2 sheets of paper back to back (pretty sides will touch the plastic lamination) inside of a laminating folder. Laminate through your machine. You may want to run it through twice since it's thicker with 2 sheets of paper inside. Once cool, cut the edges of the laminated pages, while saving as much as the paper as you can. The 2 sheets of paper will then separate since there's no lamination on the backs. You now have two sheets of paper with lamination on one side. You can die cut or use however you want.

[@marypolancodesigns]

What a great hack! Thank you so very much

[@cheryljackson2493]

Hinging the stamp packages was my favourite tip. Thank you.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I think that's my favorite two!

[@DeeDee-yz9ku]

I keep my cutting plates in the middle of machine(platinum 6), It help keep control of warping.

[@tashalewis3217]

I do this with my Big Shot plates and they haven't warped in over 5 years.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You mean like to store them? WHAT?? If so, amazing idea.

[@DeeDee-yz9ku]

@@marypolancodesigns yes, when I am done that is there home. I tried to see if they would go flat, May not work well on really old plates.

[@sharmanmurphree-roberts4018]

I do that, too. 😀

[@sharonschmidt5264]

@@DeeDee-yz9ku i've been told (and i think it works) to flip the plate on each new use. Running the curled side up eventually will flatten it..and then just alternate the 'top' face DOWN on one round, then face it UP on the next round. So far it has controlled the curling or bowing of the plates.

[@juliehiatt2626]

When making shakers, I like to ponder the sides of my foam tape before removing the release tape. This prevents your bits from sticking to the sides.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Love this tip! It really works.

[@pixordia]

Thanks for a great video of helpful tips -- some I hadn’t seen or thought of. One of my favorite things to use is a solid brayer to run it over my card front to get a good bond with the card base and evenly flatten it. I use Beacon three in one glue and my paper never buckles.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip! I love that thank you so much!

[@suzanestrada293]

Thank you so much Mary. Never thought about using contact paper in the ways you showed!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! Yay!!!

[@oraleeb.2072]

I’ve been following you for a while, Mary, and love your channel. Thanks for all these wonderful “hacks”. I’m sure they will be put to good use by mall of us! Cheers 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! That's so kind of you to say!

[@pattyeifert4355]

Just now watched this video today...Lots of good hacks and I'm going to print the spreadsheet. I have to say my most favorite tip was using packing tape to make a hinge and keep your two sheets of acetate together that your stamps come on. I Have had so, so many fall off and then I have no idea where they went and it's so frustrating.

[@marypolancodesigns]

It is SO frustrating yes! I love that one too

[@dariasikorski7217]

Thanks for compiling all these great tips, I’ve used many of them but there were a number of new ones to me. I use used dryer sheets with the intricate dies and it works just as well.

[@sweetscraps56]

The packing tape hinge is a great tip

[@mzp6620]

Oh my word, the amount of work this video must have taken! Thank you so much! So many great tips. I'll list the ones that were like a 'duh' moment for me GLUING the paper together first before layering die-cuts--brilliant. Hinging the acetate-I've lost a ton and it is annoying to have two pieces. Speaking of acetate, I like to use that as a stencil base, (vs contact paper ,but that's cool too) mainly so I can see what I'm doing. ha ha It's great for die cutting an a2 (or whatever) and then re die-cutting a frame or what not inside of that piece so it can make a silhouette. Perfect. When I use double sided foam/tape I like to use a glue stick on top of it so that I have a bit of wiggle room. It's even more forgiving than using liquid glue, and yes it does hold. Final one...I was in the PO talking with a worker and I happened to mention that I send a lot of cards. I told him it was hard for me to know if stuff needed extra postage or not, so he hands over what they use to determine if sometime needs more postage! Now I don't know if that guy was just super nice or what, but it's worth a shot to ask. :D Oh..one more (ha ha) Hobby Lobby has those big stamp scrubby things for about 2 bucks. ;) Cheers

[@nancyglaspie6735]

I made my own stamp scrubber. Old wooden block from a stamp set and a piece of scrubbie stuck on

[@mzp6620]

@@nancyglaspie6735 perfect!

[@marypolancodesigns]

SUCH great ideas here; thank you so much for sharing. And thank you for the note on this video taking me a while. hahaha...it did. Worth it though. :)

[@lindacrawford5187]

@mzp6620 I have heard on videos from other crafters that the stamped envelope had to be under 1/4” before adding more postage.

[@mzp6620]

@@lindacrawford5187 It also depends on bulk. If you have "dimension is life" on your card, it may have to be hand canceled, more postage. Also if you put a wax seal on the back of an envelope it's an additional 40 cents. Believe me, I had the flatest, thinest seal I could put on an envelope and it was still 40 cents more. I suppose you could just drop it in without inquiring about postage and it might go, but it may cost the recipient extra. I don't want to take that chance.

[@aufan7134]

My favorite is making your own stencils!😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@RosyRosie42]

I don’t know if I’d call it a “hack” because it was initially very time consuming, but it’s something I did for my Ohuhu markers: Assuming you can get the Avery 1/2” circle template to match up with the actual stickers/labels, then you can print out the marker color names/codes onto the circle labels (x2), swatch the markers on their corresponding stickers, and adhere to both pen caps. This way you have an exact swatch of the marker directly *on* the marker (since the current pen caps aren’t quite true-to-color) and you know exactly what color you’re selecting. Like I said, for me it was extremely time-consuming to put it together (mainly because I had to fuss with the computer program that ultimately failed me, and then I had to type, print, and cut from my label-maker instead…) but in the end, I’m soooo happy with the results. Looks beautiful, and is so much easier than searching through a swatch guide sheet to find the color I want.

[@marypolancodesigns]

This is for sure a hack because in the long run I bet it saves you tons of time! Thanks so much for sharing

[@anneslinger2189]

I have placed color swatches on other products by coloring a little bit, then using a hole punch to cut it and then gluing to the top. I'm too lazy to make the template with the names and all that. 😅

[@lindam8528]

What a great idea! The colors on the caps are WAY off!

[@melissakidwell7978]

Loving all these hacks...yes, definitely another video

[@marypolancodesigns]

Ok, sounds great!

[@gavincollins8053]

Another great video thanks Mary. I loved learning about using contact paper for sticky mats and for stencils. I have used it to make my crafting surface (an A3 piece of card I painted to look neat and covered), and I love how easy it is to clean. And it is easy to move out of the way when I want to use a different surface for different techniques. I am also intrigued about using the paint edger to clean stamps. I have one of the stampin up hinged cleaners with a wet and a dry side (same kind of materials but larger), but it would be good to have something more portable and smaller. I love your hack videos and would love you to make more if you can.

[@marypolancodesigns]

. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@anneslinger2189]

I have one of those, but I never use it. I think I may cut it up and attach it to a block of some kind

[@gavincollins8053]

Actually that is a great idea. I have been looking for a paint edger, but that will work, and I already have it. Thanks.

[@veronicajianuzzi3826]

My crafting friend showed me this tip. To save our die cutting plates from warping, turn the sandwich upside down, then run through the machine. It works. We have been doing this for two weeks and our plates are flat. No warping, not one bit.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oooooooh must try this. Thank you

[@veronicajianuzzi3826]

Start with flat plates. The technique will not fix warped plates. I did, however do this with one of my slightly warped plates and it stopped warping.

[@caroleanderson1106]

Great hacks, Mary. I use the mini tongs when heat embossing and have cut down a light grip cricut mat for my misti. I'm going to label what few stamp sets I have and use the packing tape to hinge the acetate together. Loved that idea! Thank you so very much. Take care. (Thank you for the free download)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome, thank so much, I'm so glad it was helpful

[@mumstheword8851]

I keep all release papers from sticker sheets, contact paper, adhesive sheets etc and i stick ALL my rolls of foam tape onto them in long strips. My reason is, it keeps your scissors clean when you go to cut pieces off 👍👍 Thanks Mary for all these tips. I loved the powder for vinyl weeding!! Brilliant 🎉

[@marypolancodesigns]

Such a great tip thank you! YAY!

[@marypolancodesigns]

If you liked this video, please hit that LIKE button. It tells YT to share it more. Yay!!!🎉 Also, don't forget to grab your excel sheet with the FULL list of hacks. Makes it so much easier to keep track. Here is the link again: subscribepage.io/OcabYb

[@coolstamper]

I did before I watched the video!💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

@@coolstamperwell alright! YAY thank you haha

[@coolstamper]

@@marypolancodesigns 😀

[@purplemav]

Really great tips Mary….I especially loved mirroring the stamp to make a two sided die cut, that was a new one to me. One of those “why didn’t I think of that” kinda tips…lol.

[@connielepper9182]

​@@coolstamper9th 8thmo

[@carleenjenkins3686]

Amazing video! Thanks for the excel sheet! When putting single layer napkins on paper I don't use glue. Layer parchment paper, card stock, cover with plastic wrap, place napkins on top, cover with parchment paper and iron! So professional!

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's a great idea!

[@tabandken8562]

It's better to break up your stamp sets and categorize them. It'll help you avoid buying similar, help you use them more, and easier to put away when they're stuck on full page protectors instead of on these small acetate sheets and envelopes.

[@lindacrawford5187]

@tabandken8562 When you break up your stamp sets do you put the names of the stamp sets in with them so you know what set they actually belonged to? (in case you wanted to sell the set at a later date!)

[@tabandken8562]

@@lindacrawford5187 Yes I do. I keep the inserts as well. There are clickable letter stamps that you can get very cheap that will allow you to stamp the brand and name. Get a few sets so you can do several words. It's better than buying label tape when having to put the same thing over and over. It's unfortunate my longer more detailed reply got deleted.

[@sallysnowball1866]

The scotch tape die was worth the price of admission! Thank you.

[@marypolancodesigns]

HAHAH this made me laugh out loud! Thank you! When I learned of it, I thought so too!

[@dolphinlover2]

Excellent video My favorite hack was how to organize your KZbin favorites into categories:)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh YAY! I'm so glad I added that in there. Thank you

[@MichelleRobben-wo1ns]

OMG!! Love all the hacks..my faves are hinge on stamp sets and inking the whole stamp set when you get it and keep with stamp. Woo hoo! Spendin a day using a lot of these hacks. Thank you, merci, gracias. Loved this video.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! This makes me so happy

[@CarolinePointer]

Packing tape for glossy die cuts?🤯 Brilliant.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Right? I was like woah!!!

[@debbiecandiloro8411]

Thanks for sharing your brilliance with us.

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure 😊

[@jogriffiths4797]

Another hack when using wow embossing powders is to use the wow jar for scooping up the powder, as the jar is treated with anti-static.