8 Crafting Mistakes and Fails, and How to Avoid Them

Make more and stress less by learning from these common crafting mistakes.

By: Jessica Yonker

Show: HGTV Handmade

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Working a Cluttered Space

Crafting in a messy space — just don't do it. You're more prone to spills, mistakes and even potentially dangerous accidents if you're trying out your latest project on top of last week's project scraps.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Solution: Clean and Organize

Always start projects on a blank surface and give youself plenty of room to work by crafting in the largest space available to you, even if it means clearing out a spot on the floor. After you're done working, tidy up. We know, we know — you're tired and covered in glue; but clearing today's mess will save you a lot of trouble tomorow. If your project spans multiple days, try keeping a small bin at your workstation to contain your supplies when they're not actively in use.

Not Doing a Test Run

Even the "experts" don't get it right every time. Executive producer Marianne Canada found a planter project she conceptualized for a Handmade video collapsed and fell to pieces. Worse yet, it happened right in the middle of filming!

Watch the Video: DIY Plant Stand Fail

Solution: Plan It Out

While Marianne's planter ended up making for a hilarious confessional video, it's still frustrating to see your own hard work fall apart in your hands. When conceptualizing your own project, buy extra supplies in case something goes wrong. And remember: not every project will be perfect. Learn from your mistakes (or ours), make adjustments and try again. And if all else fails, there's no harm in just buying ... your secret is safe with us.

Watch the Videos: Buy or DIY

Internet Hacks Gone Wrong

A.V. Perkins, Handmade creator and founder of lifestyle blog "A.V. Does What," found herself in an even trickier situation than painting a pumpkin blindfolded when she tested out an internet hack. "I was doing the 'trash terra cotta' trend for a Handmade video," she said. "I used baking soda (like the internet said) and it was TERRIBLE. Baking powder is way better."

Watch the Video: Blindfolded Pumpkin Painting

Solution: Do Your Research

Before trying out the latest internet hack, scour the depths of the internet to see if actually works. YouTube (subscribe to HGTV Handmade!), Reddit, Facebook groups and TikTok are all great places to ask questions and see instant results of the latest trends, for better or for worse.

Watch the Video: Are DIY Glitter Jars as Easy as They Look?

Not Knowing Your Tools

There are an infinite number of craft supplies, and no matter how many you have on hand, you're bound to find a tool that leaves you scratching your head. Or perhaps worse, you have so many years of DIY experience under your belt that might assume "I can figure it out." In my case, it was unfortunately both. While installing my TUSHY bidet, I neglected (OK, fine, flat out ignored) directions for how to use Teflon tape. I think the picture explains it all.

Learn More: I Got a TUSHY Bidet and Everything Is Different Now

Solution: Get to Know Your Tools

A little bit of research can go a long way, plus save you from additional trips to the hardware store and a major headache. When in doubt, consult our tool glossary, watch YouTube tutorials about the tool or material, or ask employees at the craft store or hardware store for assistance.

Learn More: Tool Glossary

Not Reading the Directions First

Not taking a first pass over the directions can end up in disaster. It's always right after you've used double-strength adhesive that you realize you've missed a step.

Solution: Read Twice, Craft Once

Read those directions, folks (and don't skim them, either). Go over each step so you can prep accordingly; there may be additional supplies you need to have on hand not mentioned in the materials list, or overnight dry times you weren't originally factoring in.

Spray Painting Indoors

The Crafty Lumberjacks learned this the hard way, but when you're crafting out of a New York apartment your options are often limited. "We used to spray paint in the apartment and put tarps all over the walls and over the furniture," they said. "Looking back it was a horrible idea!"

Solution: Always Spray Paint Outdoors

You should always spray paint in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. In the Crafty Lumberjacks' case, that means grabbing a tarp and taking a trip to their nearest sidewalk. Another way to contain the paint spread, especially for smaller projects, is to spray paint your desired object in a cardboard box; put a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the box to prevent your object from sticking.

Underestimating a Mess

Another lesson learned from the Crafty Lumberjacks: "When we were prepping our DIY Wood Headboard Handmade video, we sanded all of the wood slats in advance. Our sander had an attachment to catch the sawdust, so we thought we were fine. Well, after we finished sanding we realized every inch of our apartment was COVERED in sawdust. It took hours to wipe everything clean. Never again!"

Watch the Video: DIY Wood Headboard

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Solution: Protect Surfaces, Indoors and Out

It's always better to overdo it. No matter how big or small your project is, always protect your surfaces and work in a large area to prevent big messes. If you craft often, invest in tarps or try saving pieces of your recyling such as cardboad and plastic wrap from shipping boxes to protect surfaces.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Not Wearing Protective Gear

OK, so this photo might be exaggerated just a bit, but we'd rather be covered in paint because we're celebrating Holi alongside loved ones and not because of an accent wall painting incident.

See More Photos: Crafty Ways to Celebrate Holi With Kids

Solution: Wear Proper Protection

And being covered in paint is only the tip of the iceberg — it could very literally mean the tip of your finger if you're not careful. If you take nothing else away from these tips, always wear proper protective gear, even for the smallest of crafts. Wearing a mask, gloves, goggles and other necessary protective equipment keeps you safe. Always wear a mask when sanding, spray painting and working with resin to protect yourself from inhaling or ingesting hazardous fumes. Pro tip: If you craft often, invest in an apron and store your protective gear in its pockets; when you're ready to start crafting, just pop on the apron and you'll have everything in hand.

8 Crafting Mistakes and Fails, and How to Avoid Them

Related To:

Shop This Look

Working a Cluttered Space

Solution: Clean and Organize

Not Doing a Test Run

Solution: Plan It Out

Internet Hacks Gone Wrong

Solution: Do Your Research

Not Knowing Your Tools

Solution: Get to Know Your Tools

Not Reading the Directions First

Solution: Read Twice, Craft Once

Spray Painting Indoors

Solution: Always Spray Paint Outdoors

Underestimating a Mess

Solution: Protect Surfaces, Indoors and Out

Not Wearing Protective Gear

Solution: Wear Proper Protection

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