Search here is a frustrating affair, but here are some things that have helped me -
* Being specific, both in naming threads and in searches. If the thread was named "Looky here!" it won't be as easily found as "Looky here - Dotey Dolls!"
* Going Beyond the first page of results - the arrow is kinda small, in the center at the bottom of the page.
* Use variations in spellings - everyone has typos and deviant spellings from time to time