Active Arts & Crafts Posts

How To: Use a bias binder on a sewing machine

To use a bias binder on a sewing machine, cut end of bias tape at a diagonal. Feed tape into scroll of binder and pull out to back. Adjust binder and/or needle position so that needle pierces fabric approximately 1/16 inch from folded edge of bias tape. Stitch about 1 inch along bias tape. Insert edge of fabric to be bound between bias tape edges into slot of binder. Bias tape encloses raw edge during sewing. Use a bias binder on a sewing machine.

How To: Make a MAC-11 paper gun

See how to make a paper gun -- this four-part video tutorial will show you how to make a MAC-11 paper gun. It's not that hard to make your own paper gun, so why not try out this MAC-11? You can even make paper bullets for the paper MAC-11.

How To: Finish irregular quilt edges

This tutorial demonstrates how to finish your quilt that has irregular edges using a facing instead of binding. Review this quilting instructional video to quilt a complex border finish. The facing method allows you to avoid mitering every corner.

How To: Origami a paper dracula Halloween face Japanese style

These instructional animated slides teach you how to easily fold a paper Dracula face for Halloween. Learn how to use the Japanese art of origami to make your own Dracula face. 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 paper dracula Halloween face Japanese style.

How To: Origami a Christmas star aka Spiked Dodecahedron (SPD)

The Origami Spiked Pentakis Dodecahedron is an excellent Paper Christmas Decoration Star made out of 15 paper squares. In spite of the large paper size I was defeated by the last module after nearly 2 hours (!) of trying to lock the last unit in place each time another one dislodged. Never mind, it is still a remarkable sound structure once (nearly) completed and you can not see which one is not locked anyway.

How To: Make a rag rug

Rag rugs were commonly made in households up to the middle of the 20th century by using odd scraps of fabric on a background of old sacking. Begin making rag rug with two ribbons tied in a knot. Attach a rug tool to the left strand. You can use a traditional latch hook, needle punch, or substitute tool. For the first row, repeat a simple process of tying knots. Don't tie them too tight, as you must thread the latch hook through each knot again to link the strings of knots. This video provides...

How To: Fix a knitting mistake by unravelling yarn

This is an easy, up close, demonstration of yet another way to unravel your knitting when you make a mistake. By Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars, who's knits have appeared in movies, TV, and concerts for over 30 years and who has been hand knitting for over 50 years. Watch this video knitting tutorial and pick up another simple way to unravel yarn to fix a knitting mistake.

How To: Ball up the end of sterling silver wire with a torch

Art Jewelry Magazine associate editor Jill Erickson demonstrates how to use a torch to ball up the end of a piece of sterling silver wire. This wire can now be shaped into an earring or whatever jewelry desired. Learn how to ball up the end of sterling silver wire with a torch by watching this video jewelry-making tutorial.

How To: Fold an advanced origami Kawasaki rose

This is a video tutorial on how to make an origami rose by Mr. Kawasaki. This is a very complex rose to fold. This project is recommended for intermediate or advanced folding enthusiasts. This video also shows a little trick to help it stay together while doing some of the hard steps using paperclips. Doing this will still make it origami because you take them off. Watch this video origami lesson and learn how to fold an origami Kawasaki rose.

How To: Crochet a v-stitch summer hat

This how-to crochet video offers a simple pattern and instruction for stitching your own cute and easy crocheted hat. Knitted hats don't have to be for winter. While a cozy hat will protect you from the cold, a lighter yarn can add some style in warmer months as well. Check out this video d.i.y. arts and crafts lesson and learn how to crochet your own v stitch summer hat.

How To: Crochet a beanie or cap style hat

This how-to crochet video offers a simple pattern and instruction for stitching your own cute and easy crocheted hat. Knitted hats don't have to be for winter. While a cozy hat will protect you from the cold, a lighter yarn can add some style in warmer months as well. Check out this video d.i.y. arts and crafts lesson and learn how to crochet your own beanie or cap style hat.

How To: Crochet an adult size streamer hat

This how-to crochet video offers a simple pattern and instruction for stitching your own cute and easy crocheted hat. Knitted hats don't have to be for winter. While a cozy hat will protect you from the cold, a lighter yarn can add some style in warmer months as well. Check out this video d.i.y. arts and crafts lesson and learn how to crochet your own adult size streamer hat.

How To: Crochet a pixie or elf hat

This how-to crochet video offers a simple pattern and instruction for stitching your own cute and easy crocheted hat. Knitted hats don't have to be for winter. While a cozy hat will protect you from the cold, a lighter yarn can add some style in warmer months as well. Check out this video d.i.y. arts and crafts lesson and learn how to crochet your own pixie hat.

How To: Hem jeans

If you want to wear the flat shoes that are in style now, you will probably need to hem your jeans. with this tutorial you can do it yourself. The tutorial uses a sewing machine, but if you don't own one you can hand sew them.