What I Learned About Crafting by Watching YouTube Videos

When the pandemic cancelled production of new TV shows, I turned to YouTube for an entertainment fix. I'd never given YouTube a lot of thought in the past, but discovered old TV shows, classic full-length movies and something else I never expected.

I discovered a myriad of crafting videos on YouTube.

Now, I have been a crafter since before 2006, when my website Dollar Store Style came to be. But, despite my years, I pride myself on being able to learn new things. And let me tell you, I learned a thing or two, or three or four..., just by watching these talented YouTubers create.

YouTube introduced me to dozens of skilled dollar store and thrift-flip crafters. These talented people opened my eyes to possibilities I'd never previously thought about.

Anything Can Be Repurposed

I discovered that there isn't much that can't be made over to create something completely new.

You can remake a wood sign by turning it over and using the back of it to create something completely new.

Two or more wood signs of the same size can be joined together to make a larger sign.

Anything Can Be Painted

Go ahead, paint a cardboard gift box, a store bought frame or paint a ceramic figurine in the colour of your choice! I once watched a crafter paint a rabbit-shaped eraser for an Easter craft she was making!

Don't like the colour of the letter or number stickers you want to use? Paint 'em!

I also learned that you can use regular craft paint as a stain by adding water to it. You just brush it on and wipe off the excess to bring out the natural wood grain. Cool!

A Blow Dryer Can Be a Useful Craft Tool

You can use a blow dryer to dry craft paint quickly between coats. Some crafters invest in a heat tool but others have found that their blow dryers, set on high heat, works just as well.

You can also use a blow dryer to loosen the glue on stubborn stickers so that they can be more easily removed.

As I haven't used my blow dryer for its intended purpose for years, it now resides in my craft room.

Popsicle Sticks Can Be Used in So Many Ways

The humble popsicle stick, can be used in more ways than you can imagine. Also known as craft sticks, they come in various sizes, from the regular frozen treat variety, to tongue depressor size, to jumbo. As such, they have so many uses.

I've made the mistake of trying to glue flat wood pieces together along their thin edges. The hold was tenuous, at best, and it was messy. However, I've since learned that craft sticks can be used to hold flat pieces together by gluing them over where the seams meet. The larger the pieces to be held together, the larger the craft sticks.

I recently watched a YouTube crafter glue dozens of small popsicle sticks together to create large beautiful geometric wall art. Wow.

Dollar Tree's Tumbling Tower Blocks - More than a Game!

These little wood blocks are Dollar Tree's knock-off version of Jenga blocks. You find them in the toy aisle at that store. A common use among crafters is to use them to build coasters.

But, who knew? I had no idea you could use these blocks to do everything from building picture frames to crafting wood lanterns and candle holders!

I Learned How to Stencil the Right Way

I found out the hard way that, if you brush paint over a stencil, the paint will bleed under it and ruin your design. But, by using a sponge dauber, you "mostly" avoid that problem. You still have to be careful that the stencil lays perfectly flat and that you don't have too much paint on the dauber.

Working on it!

I'm Learning How to Decoupage

Decoupage, for those unfamiliar with the term, is the art or craft of decorating objects with paper. I've mostly seen this done using patterned tissue paper or paper napkins. The medium of choice for attaching the paper is Mod Podge, which is also serves as a protective sealant.

Use the Right Glue for the Job

There are so many types of glue out there, from regular craft glue, hot glue , fabric glue, super glue and on and on. It's important, if you want your projects to hold together, to use the glue most appropriate to the job.

Mod Podge is a great glue/sealer that's popular with crafters. Hot glue is also a favourite and practically the only glue I used for years.

However, I've learned that, if you want a permanent hold, you should use something like E6000 or Gorilla Glue. And, when working with wood, wood glue will give you the best long-term hold.

More Tips and Tricks I've Learned So Far

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I'm gratified to know that I can still learn and implement new ideas. These tips and more have helped me to become a better, more creative crafter. And it's all thanks to the talented people who share their creations and tips on YouTube.