1) Follow the instructions precisely when numbering the parts. take particular care to number both sides of the octagonal flat card spreaders.
2) Use a plastic bone folder to squash down the creases in the small rectangular glue flaps around the edge of each 'bowl' section before gluing. Be thorough about this, squashing them down from both sides of the card. This will allow a much tighter fit between the 8 sections and will help to eliminate gaps.
3) Take your time when gluing each bowl section making sure that the end glue flaps are lined up with edge of the centre side panel very accurately and the same for the bottom glue flaps ensuring that the bottom of each 'bowl' is level with the sides. The more accurate you are with this, the better the vase. Use a tacky PVA glue as it gives you a bit of time to adjust the glue flap position. Use baby wipes to wipe off any excess glue.
4) follow the instructions in the exact sequence when assembling the 8 'bowl' sections to one another. If you change this, you will have a problem in assembling. Use the central straw as the instructions show to locate each 'bowl' section on top of one another. Before applying glue, try a dry fit of the two 'bowl' sections turning the top one around until you get the best fit. This is usually when the side glue seams are in line. Apply a very thick heavy bead of glue around the top edge of the lower bowl keeping close to the edge and then slide the one above down on top of this. adjust until they are perfectly aligned and apply pressure to the top bowl so that they close very closely together. allow the glue to squeeze out. Wipe away the excess glue with moist baby wipes, pushing the glue into the gap between the bowls. The idea is to use the glue to fill any cracks. This will be a tad messy. and you will probably get a thin film of glue wiped all over the vase with the baby wipes, but this will help harden the surface of the vase. Just wipe as much away as possible. keep the downward pressure applied to the top bowl enough to close the gaps between the bowls as tightly as possible and hold for about 60 seconds. You will then be able to release them and they should be well glued. Again wipe off any excess glue with the baby wipes. Repeat this for each section following the build sequence in the instructions. Don't worry too much if some of the creases stick out a bit, you will deal with this next.
5) before gluing the assembled vase to its base, let it dry for a few hours, and then hold it in one hand like a potato, and use the edge of the plastic bone folder in your other hand to scrape each of the creases around the joints between the eight sections of the vase that you glued together - rather like peeling a potato. Do not be afraid to use a fair amount of pressure. You will immediately see the creases blend into each other leaving a perfectly smooth vase.
