Ask Maria “Dry Hands Can’t Craft!”

Posted by Maria on May 28th, 2010 at 05:00am

Question

My hands seem to dry out severely when I make baskets. Any suggestions on what to do to prevent this?

Bob B, FL

Working with naturals does dry out your hands quickly. I have the same problem when I spend days making paper or hours cleaning glass to fuse. Water and cleaning agents dry out our skin, yet many crafters do not like wearing protective gloves or using hand moisturizers while crafting. You can make a salt or sugar rub to use after you are done crafting that will help. You’ll need 1 cup sugar or salt, oil like olive, almond, or sunflower, air-tight sealing container, and either Vit. E oil or Grapefruit Seed Extract (both found at a drug store or health food store). The container must be able to hold the cup of salt or sugar plus have at least a 1/2” gap before lid. Pour salt or sugar into container, pour in oil until salt or sugar is completely covered, then add 5 drops of Vit. E or the GSE into the container and seal shut. Allow to soak for 24 hours.

After you are done crafting, use about a tablespoon of the rub on your hands and gently message into your skin before rinsing with warm water. You’ll be amazed at the results. Your hands will be slippery for a few minutes until the oil soaks into your skin. No need to refrigerate, this recipe will last over 6 months if a air-tight container is used.

Going to give this salt rub recipe a try? Have a salt or sugar rub recipe of your own? Share it!  You can send questions to Maria Nerius, Resident Craft Expert at FaveCrafts.com at Maria@FaveCrafts.com.

Under Ask Maria