16 Important Safety Tips For Crafting

Safety is crucial, no matter what type of crafting you are into.  These safety tips for crafting will help you continue to enjoy your projects safely.

When you are working on your projects and you are focused on what you are creating, you can easily overlook the safety side of things. 

To help me remember these safety tips for crafting, I have printed them out and hung them up in plain sight of my work area so I don’t forget.

Safety Tips For Crafting

Some of these safety tips may seem obvious but keep in mind to a young child they may not be obvious.

So when you are creating projects with children be sure to promote safety first.

While many of these tips are just common sense it is good to be reminded of them. This will keep you safe as well as the people around you.

Plenty Of Space To Work.

No matter how small or big the project you are working on is, it is important to give yourself plenty of space to work. 

The more room you have the less clutter there will be on your table.  A cluttered worktable can be dangerous.

For instance, consider your work table full of clutter, those sharp objects can easily become hidden increasing the chance of you cutting yourself.

So before you start any project, always consider the space you will need for all your tools and equipment.

Store Sharp Objects Separate

One of the biggest safety hazards is sharp objects. 

This is why we recommend you keep your sharp objects in separate storage containers.

This will prevent you from digging into a storage container looking for an item and then accidentally grabbing something sharp and cutting yourself.

Keeping your sharp objects separate will make them easier to find and you will be more aware when looking through your storage container to find them. 

When you know that everything in this box is sharp you will be more careful helping to reduce any injuries.

Take Plenty Of Breaks

No matter what you are working on, remember to take plenty of breaks. 

I like to take a 15-minute break every hour, this helps me to remain focused on what I’m working on plus it gives my eyes a little rest.

It is very common for crafters to go long periods without a break once they start working, this is why I like to set an alarm to remind myself to take a break.

Organize Your Tools

Place all the tools that you will be needing for your project at arm’s reach, the last thing you want is to pull a muscle during your project.

Organizing your tools in the order you will be using them is a popular method used by many paper crafters.

This will help you stay organized and prevent you from missing out on any steps.

Correct Safety Gear

  • Eye protection
  • Gloves
  • Face mask

No matter how good you are at your craft, wearing safety gear when needed is a must.

It is easy to overlook this area especially when you are racing against time or when you are so focused on your project.

Taking the correct precautions will keep you safe and help you continue to enjoy your craft projects.

Use Enough Lighting

Make sure your work area is properly lit.  Not having enough lighting will put a lot of strain on your eyes, especially when working with small items.

Having a lamp near buy will make a big difference when there isn’t enough natural light coming through your windows.

Use Cables Ties

Use cable ties for those loose cables.  You would be surprised how many accidents can be avoided if you organize all the loose cables.

Recap Your Paper Knifes 

Again, since sharp objects are one of the biggest safety hazards it is important to double-check that the cap is tightly secured on your paper knives.

We have all done it, forgetting to recap our paper-knife because we were so focused on the project we were working on.

Also, when it comes to replacing your paper-knife blade, make sure you throw the old blade in the trash straight away.  By doing this you are reducing your chance of any injuries when you clean your work area.

After all, you need your hands so keep them safe.

Make Sure Tools Are In Good Working Order

Before you start any project inspect all the tools you will be using.  Make sure they are safe to use.  If they are worn out it’s best to have them replaced otherwise it could be a disaster waiting to happen. 

Doing this immediately will reduce the risk of you hurting yourself. 

It is important to use tools that are in good working order and by doing this, you are practicing safety and ensuring you get the best results when working on your crafting projects.

Use The Correct Tools

Use the correct tools for your project. 

Don’t use a paper knife for something that requires scissors, or don’t use scissors for something that requires a paper knife. 

Sometimes when you are in a hurry to finish, it is easy to grab something close by to complete a part of your project even though it might not be the correct tool.

Plenty Of Ventilation

When you are working with paints, glue, or anything else with a strong odor, it is important to make sure that you have proper air flowing so that you are not breathing in the fumes.

It is important to have plenty of ventilation.

If you have windows in your craft room then make sure you open them, however, if you don’t then I highly recommend that you move your project to a room with windows, a garden, or the garage until you finish the hazardous part.

I know this might seem a little overboard but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Read The Directions

Before you start using any new product such as glue, paint, etc, always read the directions.

Not only will it give you instructions on how to use them safely but it will also inform you if you need any extra protection such as gloves.

While some products may seem harmless it is important to read the instructions and use them properly.

Keep Pets Safe

While we all love having our furry little friends nearby, it is our responsibility to keep them safe.

When working with any dangerous materials or tools keep them out of your craft room/area for their safety.

As much as we love our pets, it is because of this love that they must not be allowed into your craft room or area.

Keep Your Work Area Clutter-Free

Keeping your work area clean and clutter-free. 

When you keep your work area clean it will help you to be more creative.

Having a clean work area not only looks good and feels good but reduces the risk of injury while you are working on your projects.

As you throw away scraps of paper and put away any tools when you are done with them you are able to create more space and will also be able to see any potential hazards.

And if you are like me having a clean space will also help with motivation and getting your creative juices flowing.

Wash Your Hands Properly

This goes without saying but when you are finished working wash your hands properly, or when you change what you are working on. 

Not only is hand washing essential to get rid of germs, but it will also wash off the harmful substances that are on your hands from the materials you are working with.

And just remember that even if by first glance your hands seem clean, you still need to wash them.

Avoid Eating And Drinking

Okay, so I must be honest.  I love having a cup of coffee nearby when I am working on papercrafts.  But when I am working with paint or liquids, I will not have my cup of coffee nearby.

It is easy for something to drip into your drink, or to transfer it to your food that you are putting into your mouth.  Not only does this sound gross but it is dangerous.

Just use common sense when you are working on your projects.  If you are working on a project where there is no risk of anything dripping onto your food then, by all means, have your coffee nearby. 

But on the other hand, if you are working with resin, paints, etc then having food nearby is a no.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to crafting and being creative keeping yourself safe and others around you safe is so important.

In most cases, accidents can be avoided by setting yourself some basic rules when you craft such as:

  • Reading the directions of your products.
  • Keeping your pets away from your work area.
  • Avoid eating and drinking while working with dangerous tools and liquids.
  • Washing your hands properly.
  • Storing your sharp tools in a separate jar or container.

By following such rules it will help you stay safe as well as others around you.

We have all been there, you get so focused on your creativity that you forget the easiest of rules when it comes to safety.

We hope these safety tips for crafting have been helpful, there is nothing more important when it comes to your safety.

If you have any other tips please share them in the comments.

Let’s learn and share together!

Happy Crafting.

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