If you are using a magazine page or a cutout from one, and you don't want the text to show through, apply a coat of half gesso and half sealer.

When designing a box, design the corners first (looking at the corner where the sides meet) and then design toward the middle.

When using PVA glue on glass, add a drop of glycerine to prolong the drying time.

When painting out a picture (extending the background) tear the edge so it is uneven and not a hard edge, then paint it out.

For an interesting look on gilding, after the gilt has dried, paint Black Japan on and rag off. Then apply a coat of sealer before varnishing or decoupaging.

When lining a box with fabric, put the seam at the front of the box. When the box is opened, you can see the back "wall" of the box but not the front one where the seam is.

If lining a box without overlapping the fabric onto a piece of cardboard, glue the pieces of fabric on to the sides and then glue decorative braid along the top edge to hide the raw edge.

If you want a rich warm black image, ask your friendly photocopy person to do it on the colour photocopier. Once you have done this, you will see the difference in quality between the blacks produced on the colour photocopier and the balck and white photocopier.

Before taking your image to the photocopy shop, calculate the percentage of enlargement or reduction so you can give the photocopy person a number to work to.

If you have an image you want to face the other way, ask your photocopy person to mirror it. This can be useful in creating a symmetric design.

While découpage is a scissor-oriented craft and purists will tell you must cut out, it is OK to use paper punches, quilling strips and stickers to embellish your work. It is NOT advisable to use these for competition work because it is most often against the rules. Check the rules first. But as far as gifts or sale items are concerned, use them if you want.

Paper punches come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. If you already make cards or do scrapbooking you will be familiar with the choice and may already own some punches. Experiment with shapes and colours.

Quillling strips come in a variety of widths and colours. They are even available in metallic gold and silver. I use these more than coloured ones. Suppliers of card making materials usually carry quilling strips too. Check them out. They are very handy for framing pictures on boxes and making borders around the edges.