Needle threading and other helpful hints

These came from the Start Sampling Helpful Hints site:



If you are having a bit of trouble threading your needle just spray a bit of hair spray on your thread to make it stiff. You can also try coating the thread with a little wax from a crayon or a candle. The wax will help the thread slide right through the hole.



Table Protector - You need:

* Flowers and Leaves (we used poinsettia and evergreen leaves)

* Contact Paper

* Plate or Bowl to Trace Around

* Microwave Flower Press (optional)

* Scissors

* Ball-Point Pen



Instructions:

Using pressed flowers and leaves will make this easier but is not necessary if you use flat flowers and leaves.

Trace around your plate or bowl on a piece of contact paper. (We used a scalloped bowl). Peel off backing and place contact paper sticky-side-up on your work surface. Arrange leaves and petals from the center out, pressing onto the contact paper. Place another sheet of contact paper sticky-side down on your arrangement. Cut on your line.



Homemade Play Dough:

1 Cup Flour

1/2 Cup Salt

2 Tbsp. Veg. Oil

1 Tsp. Powdered Alum

1/2 Cup water with food coloring in it.



Add water to dry ingredients & oil, slowly till consistently of bread dough, if to runny, add more flour.



Tip for Quilters - Try 'used' dryer sheets to make strip pieced blocks. Saves you money on fabric for foundation, it's light weight, measures 6.25x9 inches, has a hint of scent and works out nicely into blocks. Try it, you'll love it!!!!!!!!!!!



Simple Paste Recipes - Thin Paste

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp powdered alum

1 3/4 cups water

1/4 tsp oil of cinnamon



In a medium-sized pan, mix together sugar, flour and alum.

Gradually add 1 cup water, stirring vigorously to break up lumps.

Boil until clear and smooth stirring constantly.

Add remaining water and oil of cinnamon. Stir until thoroughly mixed.



Makes one pint. How to use it: Spread paste with a brush or tongue depressor. Thin Paste is an excellent adhesive for scrapbooks, collages, and strip papier-mache. This paste can be stored in a jar for several months without refrigeration.





Paper Paste

1/3 cup all purpose wheat flour

2 Tbls sugar

1 cup water

1/4 tsp oil of cinnamon



Mix flour and sugar in a saucepan. Gradually add water, stirring vigorously to break up lumps.

Cook over low heat until clear, stirring constantly.

Remove from stove and add oil of cinnamon. Stir until well blended.



Makes about 1 cup. Spread paste with a brush or tongue depressor. Soft, smooth, thick and white, Paper Paste has a good spreading consistency and is especially appropriate for use with small children or for any paste-up work. This paste can be stored in a covered jar for several weeks without refrigeration



MANY OTHER TIPS ARE ON THEIR WEBSITE:

http://www.startsampling.com/helphintsArch.iphtml? catid=9