| Some people do not like to stiffen their work, but some do and in some cases you need to. Such as Tree Ornaments, or if your actually shaping a piece to make a bowl or something that needs a specific shape.
Always use rust proof pins when blocking a piece of your work. **It is always a good idea to test a piece of work first, if you do not have a piece you made a mistake on then tat up a small ring and chain piece to test the product on. I usually do not like to use Sugar Water, as it can attract bug's. Especially if it's something like a Tree Ornament or something that might be stored away for later use. But here is the recipe if you wish to use sugar water solution: Equal amounts of Water and Sugar Bring water to boil, stir in sugar until it's all dissolved and syrupy. Let cool, place piece in solution till wet Remove and block, taking a small toothpick, you have to break the bubbles in any picots. If not you will have crystal's in the picots once dry. There are many stiffeners out on the market, a good one is Aleenes and comes in a spray and dries quickly. Also one called Stiffen Stuff, that is also available at most craft stores. Pieces should be shaped and blocked first before using it. Lay piece out and spritz with a bit of water and shape, once shaped spray with the stiffener. ** There is one that I have heard of called, Stiffen Quick, but causes your pins to stick to the fabric and is hard to remove. I have heard of people using White Elmer's Glue also. Using half glue and half water. Dip in solution, but piece must be rung out a bit before blocking. If you would rather you can paint it on with a soft brush. Once dry you can turn over and do the other side also for extra stiffness. This gives a plastic like feel and gives a nice shine to the piece. This is good for ornaments. If your using glitter to spruce up a decoration this would be a good time to sprinkle it on and let dry along with the glue. I have used Hair Spray to stiffen pieces. I usually dampen my piece, lay it out and shape it, and spray it. Usually one spray will stiffen nicely, depending if your using regular or heavy spray. If you decide you want it stiffer turn it over and do the other side.
Once I have it pinned down and shaped and sprayed, we then use our hair dryer to dry it quickly.) Another Idea one of our members suggested and does is place the piece in front of a fan. Regular Spray Starch is a good stiffener, again dampen piece and shape. **I always suggest to use a old piece to test this on. I have found if you spray it to hard, and it foams up, I get little white specks. If you do not have a old mistake to use then spray gently to wet it and then turn it and spray it again on the back side. Epsom Salts, I have never tried this but I hear a lot of people say they get a nice effect from this. I would suggest using a glass pan, or a throw away container, as I am not sure what Epsom's Salt may do to a metal pan. Bring a cup of water to a boil, use ½ cup Epsom's salt. Pouring in slowly while stirring, once it has dissolved remove from heat. Let cool just a bit and place the piece in solution. Once saturated remove and block, pulling out the picots and shape. ** I would suggest filtered water or bottled water to do this also. Powdered Starches, Liquid Starches, and Corn Starch usually have directions on the box. Follow their recommended directions for stiffening. | 
