• You may feel silly wearing protective wear, but your eyes, skin, and lungs will thank you. When using any supplies that states use in a well-ventilated area--wear a dust and filter mask that covers your nose and mouth. Also wear when sanding and cutting with power saws. The fine dust particles are bad for your lungs. Wear goggles when working at close contact with spray paints and power tools. Also don’t forget the rubber gloves when working with chemicals, dyes, and other products that can irritate skin.
  
  
• Work in a circle: Have items you use all the time including your tools like scissors in the front part of the circle within easy reach. Other items can fill in the circle. This set-up is less stressful and not as exhausting as having to hunt down the items you need.
  
  
• Storage of supplies is always a problem-- store up, down, here and there, but NEVER on the floor. It’s an accident waiting to happen and very frustrating.
  
  
• Always get up every hour (when sitting for a long time) and stretch--your legs, neck, back, and arms.
  
  
• Lighting is very important--even if you have to make an investment in new fixtures and bulbs. Avoid eyestrain and mistakes (especially when matching colors) with good lighting. Mother Nature is best so if possible set-up near a sunny window.
  
  
• Never completely relax when using power tools or anything that uses electricity. Mistakes and accidents happen when we take these tools for granted.
  
  
• If it smells...it’s probably not good for your respiratory system. Buy non-toxic glues, paints, and sprays. Unscrew the lid of a liquid and smell for fumes. No room is ventilated well enough for some of these products.
  
  
• Rotary scissors are wonderful to relieve hand and wrist stress, but buy one with a retractable blade. Always replace the cover of sharp, pointed tools to avoid accidents.
  
  

Maria Nerius is a Professional Crafter, Author, and Contributing Writer and Columnist to industry trade journal, Craftrends.