-If the end of the cello tape is lost, keep it in the freezer. After few minutes take it out and you will easily be able to find the end.

-A handy colour palette can be made from an old ice tray.

-A little vinegar added to hardened gum makes it spread evenly.

-Always remember to close lids of varnish and enamel tins tightly.

-In the long run small tins of varnish or enamel paints are more economical than bigger packaging.

-If the cap of gum bottle has become tight and cannot be removed, immerse it in a little glycerin to open it.

-To ensure that the chalk doesn't rub off the slate, just spray it with some hair spray.

-Chalk dipped in milk and used on brown paper gives a fantastic sheen.

-When using the cutting blade make sure you have kept a wad of old newspapers below the design to give it support.

-Once a varnish tin is opened a wasteful skin begins to form on top, because of which always store the tins upside down as this makes sure that the skin forms at the bottom of the tin and therefore doesn't cause problem in usage.

-The golden rule for brushes for varnishing is always to buy the best quality brushes. You don't want to waste time and effort of having to stop constantly to fish out stray bristles.

-Keep a separate set of brushes for use in varnish as once used in varnish they are not good for use in any other medium.

-Never use damp brushes for varnishing. Always dry the brushes properly after having washed them.

-Sharpen a sewing machine needle by running the machine on sandpaper. -Sharpen scissors against the neck of a glass bottle.

-Before painting terracotta pieces, soak them overnight. Once dry they will absorb paint better and the paint will not chip off easily.