Rustic Craft Safety

Safety First - Tips for an Enjoyable Creative Experience

As you may be using some sharp implements to cut twigs, always use a close fitting pair of gloves to protect your hands from thorns, sticks and other injury causing components.

Always cut away from yourself when peeling twigs with a sharp knife, and make sure your fingers are out of the way when using a saw, hand or power.

Even a minor cut, scrape or gouge can be dangerous, leading to infection - even tetanus if you're using old rusty metal for making into crafts. Keep a first aid kit handy, and clean up any wounds immediately.

When making hypertufa projects, rubber gloves and old clothing to cover bare skin will protect you from caustic elements in the cement powder.

Goggles or safety glasses are important when cutting any type of material using power tools, and a respirator or surgical mask will prevent lung damage from antlers if you’re making antler crafts such as buttons or toggles.

Loose clothing is dangerous when trekking through woods looking for twigs and birds nests, and if you’re in tick country, tuck your pant leg into your sock to prevent them from crawling up inside.

Use your common sense in all aspects of your rustic craft making, and reduce or eliminate any chance of injury – it can take all the fun out of what is a great and creative pass time.