Arts & Crafts: Page 18

Paracord, or parachute cord, has a very interesting history. As its name implies, it was used to suspend parachutes in WWII. The super lightweight cord is used nowadays as a utlity cord in the military and other applications. The paracord, also known as 550 cord, has even been used in outer space by astronauts repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.

Cheery springtime cookie designs give a tender welcome to spring, but you can up the ante by bidding "hello" to the fair-weathered season by wearing a flower or two in your hair. Spice up your everyday outfit or look absolutely fabulous for a luau by donning this cute DIY flower and feather hair clip.

No two snowflakes are alike. The same goes for people. But a snowflake can easily compliment one's own individual charm, although finding your perfect soulmate snowflake is quite a challenge. Or... it was.

Searching for a Valentine's Day gift? Great. That means you have someone to share V-Day with this coming Monday.  And you want to get the best gift to show your love. But c'mon—no matter what you get, it's probably enough to woo your lover over, even if it's as simple as a battery and magnet.

Friendship can't be bought with money or gifts, but an existing friendship can certainly be bolstered by some handmade wrist wear. While you can totally hit up Claire's and purchase their twosome friendship bracelets, the special letter-embellished bracelet in this video is so much more personalized.

Valentine's Day is near, and Judy Topaz has the perfect project for you… a knitted heart. If you want to add a little bit of sweetness to your scarf, sweater or other knitting project, then this knitted heart will surely do the trick. Just make sure to choose a good yarn for good color contrast. Watch all four parts of this comprehensive Valentine's Day knitted heart!

This camera won't be able to take any pictures, but we can bet that after you make it you'll be taking lots of artsy pictures of it and posting it to your indie craft blog! Made from a dollar bill, this digital SLR camera is super cool and mighty impressive.

Want to hone your origami folding skills but don't want to go through the monetary trouble of purchasing (sometimes pricey) origami paper? Then worry not; simply watch this easy origami tutorial to learn how to fold a basic cube using a single dollar bill (which we hope you have at least one of).

If you're sitting in class wondering why the clock seems to have its minute hand stuck and unable to move itself to 2 PM so you can get the hell out of school, pass the time quickly by folding this fun origami dollar bill ring. Easy and cool, it's a great way to hone your origami skills as well.

We know that Father's Day seems ions away, but spring is approaching swiftly (we see the snow melting outside already) and the occasion will be here sooner than you think! Get ready for Father's Day by folding this simple origami shirt complete with a tie.

So you don't have a sewing machine, but your favorite pair of jeans or shirt has a hem that is coming undone. You can use a liquid fabric glue, like Perky Bond, Stitch Witch or Steam A Seam, to quickly fix any hem.

This video goes over traditional wrapping - using tissue paper, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. But if you just can't get the fiddly bits right, or your gift is oddly shaped, then this video will also show you how to use a gift bag!

Chinese New Year begins tomorrow, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit as well as newfound prosperity. Celebrate the coming of a new year by folding this very simple origami chicken from the Chinese zodiac.

Make you have some spare plumbing hardware you're looking to get rid of, or maybe you just want a fun way to make a pair of candlesticks. This video solves both problems! Use a few pipes and other bits and pieces to make a fun and unique set of candlesticks.

Happy Chinese New Year! Now that the beginning of another year is upon us, celebrate the cycle of life and of time by making one of the twelve animals from the Chinese zodiac. Check out this video to learn how to fold an origami snake.

The Chinese New Year, which begins this February 3rd and lasts for fifteen days, celebrates the cleansing/purging of the old and the dusty and the embracing of a new, prosperous year and a healthier you.

In China and Japan there exists a special zodiac quite different from that which we have in the states. The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, each animal representing one year in the constant twelve year revolution.

In China and Japan there exists a special zodiac quite different from that which we have in the states. The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, each animal representing one year in the constant twelve year revolution.

If you've ever watched "The Nutcracker" before, then you know that one of the most whimsical and (physically) memorable characters of the ballet production is the King himself, the Nutcracker.

Wristies are useful for any cook - use them to hold your sleeves in place while you're cooking. You will need a size J hook, scissors, some clear jewelry thread and a ball of eyelash yarn in your favorite color.

Depending on your personal technique, you might find that you are a tight crocheter, or that you often end up with looser projects. This tutorial shows you the difference between using a tight or loose technique. Here is how you can determine the gauge of your projects, as well.

Extreme crochet brings together several strands of yarn, which you can use to quickly make things like afghan blankets. This tutorial shows you how to do the double stitch when working with extreme crochet. Make sure you have a size P hook!

Looking to expand your extreme crochet technique? This tutorial shows you how to do the triple crochet stitch when you're working with extreme crochet. You will need a size P hook for extreme crochet, and more yarn than you normally would use.

Extreme crochet is when you bring multiple strands of yarn together and treat it like one big strand. You will definitely need a size P hook to be able to work with this much yarn. Here is how to use single crochet stitches when making something with extreme crochet.

Want to create an extreme crochet project? Start with a P size hook and a few balls of your favorite yarns. You can use the large P hook to combine multiple strands of yarn together for an extreme effect in your next project.

Want to learn how to make huge granny squares? The answer lies in extreme crochet - using multiple strands of yarn together. You will need your yarn and a size P hook. Then follow along, and learn how to make your own extreme crochet projects!

Want a place for your pet to sleep? This tutorial shows you how to use the granny square technique to crochet a comfy mat for your dog or cat. You will need a size P hook to make this project.

Just because it's spring doesn't mean you have to forego wreaths! This tutorial shows you how to crochet leaves, butterflies, daffodils and flower buds to assemble into a spring wreath. Since this is for spring, choose pastel colors for your yarn.

If you want your valentine to die of cuteness overload this Valentine's Day then make this origami heart complete with a necktie. While it's simply a heart-shaped origami project, it can easily be turned into a card if you write a nice message on the front or back.

Does your heart go all aflutter for your sweetheart? Literalize what so many poets have, well, waxed poetic about by making this sweet origami beating heart. It's made so you can stick your fingers inside and actually make it "beat".

We adore all the cute little valentines, heart-shaped candies, and heart-embellished gift boxes and gift bags that pop up on shelves around Valentine's Day, but (ironically enough) they lack the heart that makes Valentine's Day presents truly special.

Infinity scarves are ridiculously easy to make at home. All you need is a long strip of thick fabric in a print you enjoy and some basis sewing utensils.

This article describes how to Knit the 3rd, or smallest part of a flower.  Parts 1 and 2 were discussed in other articles.  This lovely flower can be use to decorate any number of projects.  In the photo shown below you can see how I used it to decorate a napkin ring.  In the other articles are photos of the flower on a headband and the flower alone.  I have simply put a big safety pin on the back and pinned it to the lapel of my jacket for lots of oohs and aahs!

This is Part 2 of How to Knit a Flower.  Part 1 was described in a previous article.  Again, this flower can be used as a decoration for many different projects.  In the photo below I used it to enhance a head band that I knitted.

What's the difference between a paper plane and a paper space plane? Altitude! About 125,000 feet to be precise:

Even origami veterans who can pull off 18-sided modular origami balls had to start somewhere. If you're interested in becoming a legendary origami master, begin with this simple project.

Did you know you can recreate Snooki's bump, or "invisibly" hold your hair up in a voluminous ponytail with something you already have lying around the house? Don't waste your time on Bump Its or other hair devices - all you need is a clothing hanger.

We know it's not quite summer yet (in fact, we've got a LONG ways to go until sunny skies and beachcombing become facts of life).

What to you announces spring's arrival? For us, it has to be how all the flowerbuds in our garden seem to awaken at the same time, calling forth a beautiful opening ceremony of bright lilacs, hot pinks, and blues.

These star flowers look complex and difficult to fold, but they're actually customized for beginners to the art of origami. Check out this tutorial to learn how to crease and fold several beautiful star-shaped flowers. Stick them in a terra cotta pot for a cute tabletop centerpiece.