My "rules" are simple.
Pay attention to what you are doing so you don't mess up - again.
Pray for the recipient as you make it (whether I have someone special predetermined or not).
Enjoy the process - when it starts feeling like work, go do something else for awhile.
Keep trying new things - it might not be as hard as you think.
Practice makes perfect (well, better anyway)
Don't cut when you are tired (see first rule)