Active Arts & Crafts Posts

How To: Crochet a beret style cap

Berets are a cute and classic way to keep warm, or even to add to an ensemble just for style. Learn how to crochet a beret by watching this video crafting tutorial. The same instructions can make a variety of styles, depending on the yarn and size of needles.

News: This Will Blow Past Airport Security

Papercraft guns are the new origami. The new origami for boys, that is. WonderHowto and YouTube are chock full of paper gun tutorials. Many models are simple, but some are impressively realistic, not to mention functional. My personal favorite (unfortunately no tutorial) is the homemade Desert Eagle .50 cal by YouTube user Changmobile.

How To: Fold a prize-winning origami SST paper airplane

To make this origami SST paper airplane, begin with a square. The origami SST (supersonic transport) was designed by Dr. James Sakota. The plane was first featured in the 1960's book The Great International Paper Airplane Book, a documentation of the Scientific American first International Paper Airplane Competition. It won first place for origami/nonprofessional. This plane flies excellently in a fast, long distance glide! Learn how to make the origami SST paper airplane by watching this ins...

How To: Preserve a newspaper clipping

Do you have a great article that you're really proud of, that was printed in the newspaper? Did something amazing happen, and you want to preserve the newspaper article about it? Newspaper is delicate, and can fall apart quite easily if not preserved properly. Check out this video to learn how to preserve a newspaper clipping.

How To: Create a 3D blood spatter effect for Halloween

Etsy is the place to get all your handmade needs and wants met. Etsy encourages personal connections between sellers and consumers. On Etsy you can connect with the handmade and crafty communities, and learn more about the process of making handmade goods like soaps, candles, invitations and more.

How To: Make handmade soap

Etsy is the place to get all your handmade needs and wants met. Etsy encourages personal connections between sellers and consumers. On Etsy you can connect with the handmade and crafty communities, and learn more about the process of making handmade goods like soaps, candles, invitations and more.

How To: Start knitting the basics

Cat Morley and her charming Scottish accent show you how to knit in this video crafting tutorial. Learn how to cast on, hold the knitting needles, knit stitch, pearl stitch, change a ball of yarn (great for changing colors, or even when running out of yarn), decrease stitches, take back a stitch, increase stitches, and bind off. Watch this video and start knitting your own socks, scarves, mittens, and other wooly things.

How To: Origami a watermelon Japanese style

These instructional animated slides teach you how to easily fold a paper watermelon Japanese style. Learn how to use the Japanese art of origami to make your own paper watermelon. Use the start, stop, forward and back buttons to easily follow along. You can also speed up the instructional origami video if it is going too slow. Very cool Japanese origami how-to video! Origami a watermelon Japanese style.

How To: Make scented bath salts

This video crafting tutorial shows how to make scented bath salts at home. You will need sea salt, baking soda, citric acid, FDA color, and cosmetic grade fragrance oil. Make a soothing bath fizz as a gift, maybe even for yourself. Learn how to make custom scented bath salts by watching this instructional video.

How To: Crochet adult slippers

The slippers in this how-to video are a good example of how the same project, made by the same person, with the same hook and same brand yarn(different color) can create a different size. Both slippers were made with 4-ply Redheart yarn. The only difference is the color. The gray slipper turned out to be larger than the white slipper. Follow along with the instructions as the demonstrator shows the steps for making these cozy slippers. You will need to be able to single croche, slip stitch, f...

How To: Make a simple AK-47 paper gun

See how to make your own paper gun. This video tutorial will show you how to make an AK-47 paper gun. There's really not that much that goes into making a paper gun. You just need some paper, tape, and a pair of scissors and you're halfway there. Make an AK!

How To: Recycle used paper yourself

Learn how to recycle used paper. It's just a little project for your kids/students. You can add food colors or small flowers in order to make original paper for love letters, greetings, etc. You can also store the remaining mixture for future paper-making.

How To: Crochet a lotus flower

Watch this instructional crochet video to crochet a lotus bloom. Use any type of thread or crochet needle to complete this project. You will also need a tapestry needle to sew the petals onto the round center of the flower with regular yarn. Add this lotus flower to a pillow or crocheted blanket for satisfying decorative results.

How To: Make a floating necklace using crimps

This video tutorial shows how to make a 'floating' or 'illusion' style necklace using crimp beads which are tricky but effective in jewelry-making projects. To make this necklace, you will need tiger tails, crimps, an extension chain clasp, jump rings, and beads. Learn how to make the floating necklace by watching this crafting how-to video.