Active Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Make a skinner blend with polymer clay jewelry
Art Jewelry Magazine associate editor Jill Erickson shows you how to make a skinner blend with polymer clay. A skinner blend is just a simple technique of combining two colors of polymer clay, for a shaded, ombre type look. Learn how to mix a skinner blend of polymer clay by watching this video jewelry-making tutorial.
How To: Assemble a scrapbook
You've organized your materials and chosen your book. Now it's time to get down to brass tacks. . . and tapes, stamps, stickers, cardstocks, markers... Watch this how to video to learn how to make your own scrapbook.
How To: Transform an envelope into a gift bag
See how to make some cool gift / party favor bags for any occasion. They are made with envelopes. You can make them from nearly any size and type. The ones in the video are made with some surplus greeting card envelopes. Sometimes you can purchase "leftovers" from an office supply or drug store (any store that sells greeting cards). "Left-overs" mean that the cards get damaged or lost but the envelope is left. Just ask the manager if you can purchase them.
How To: Origami a squirrel with sticky notes
Origami sticky note pad - How to make the squirrel!
How To: Make a coin ring
In this video, Bre Pettis of MAKE magazine uses an anvil, a hammer, a drill, and a dremel to make a ring out of a half dollar coin. This project requires use of a coin from before 1964 because half dollars and quarters were made of almost 90% silver and are able to be molded.
How To: Crochet ears for an amigurumi toy bear or bunny
If you can single crochet stitch, you're most of the way there to amigurumi. Amigurumi is a Japanese style of crochet of making spheres and tubes to form stuffed animals. Watch this video crocheting tutorial and learn how to crochet rounded ears for your amigurumi bear or bunny.
How To: Sew a frilly hair scrunchie
While scrunchies might not be that common a hair accessory anymore, you can make one of your own by following the steps in this how-to video. You will need two satin fabric pieces of 50cm, a sewing machine, sewing thread, a pair of scissors, marking pins, as well as brown and black satin fabrics. It's so easy to make, even a cat can do it. Check out this video sewing tutorial and learn how to make a frilly hair scrunchie.
How To: Crochet a leaf pattern
This is a variation of the leaf crochet pattern. Learn how to crochet a leaf by this method by watching this crafting how-to video.
How To: Origami a F-117 Nighthawk fighter plane
This video origami tutorial shows how to fold an ordinary piece of paper into a F-117 Nighthawk fighter plane. This is no ordinary paper airplane. Learn how to impress school and office mates by folding the fanciest paper airplane they've ever seen: the F-117 Nighthawk fighter plane.
How To: Knit a sock
This how to video series shows you how to knit a sock. Our hosts guide you through the basics of knitting socks. In addition to demonstrating how to knit and turn the heel flap, they also show how to knit the foot and toes.
How To: Make a simple pinwheel
Don't you miss the good old days of summer that was filled with pinwheels, apple pie and lemonade? This paper design video will give you tips on how to make a cute pinwheel for summertime fun. Bring these along to your next barbecue or summer picnic and everyone will love you!
How To: Origami a fox puppet
Watch this instructional origami video to fold an origami fox puppet. Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Japanese folklore depicts foxes as intelligent magical creatures who can sometimes assume human form. Fold this origami fox puppet to make your kitsune talk and tell stories. Don't forget to draw a cute face on your origami fox.
How To: Chain stitch embroidery fro knitting projects
This instructional knitting video shows how to use chain stitch embroidery to embellish knitting and crochet projects. Use a tapestry needle and a piece of yarn to add a special decoration to a hand knit sweater, scarf or pair of socks. It's an easy knitting embroidery trick that renders satisfying results.
How To: Sew a pillow case cover
Looking for an easy sewing project? Learn how to make a flanged pillow case in this free video series from a professional seamstress.
How To: Make a small business card-sized box
Sometimes you find ideas from the most unlikely objects. This video gives proof. Here are easy instructions for making a small box to hold business cards, ATC's (artist trading cards), gift cards, etc. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a small business card-sized box out of an old Orbit gum package.
How To: Mask to create backgrounds for cards & scrapbook pages
The popularity of masking is back and being used to create unique backgrounds for cards and scrapbooking. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to mask to create backgrounds for cards and scrapbook pages. These are some new ideas for masking. Everything new is old again!
How To: Make knitted bias tape when stitching
See how to make knitted bias tape when stitching, with this easy, up close demonstration by Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars. Judy's knits have appeared in movies, television, and concerts for over thirty years. She herself has been hand-knitting for over fifty. Watch as she teaches you how to knit bias tape video tutorial.
How To: Use CuttleKid dies in a Cuttlebug machine
Die-cutting and embossing machines may be marketed to be used in the specific machine they were designed for, but are actually multi-purpose. This allows the user to choose from a greater variety of die-cutting and embossing equipment, as well as saves money on buying unnecessary tools and supplies. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to use CuttleKid dies in a Cuttlebug embossing machine.
How To: Crochet a scarf with the ripple stitch
Lets create a blanket from scratch using only the ripple stitch. These crochet how-to videos are an example of how to crochet a blanket solely out of the ripple stitch. Go as large as you need to and as big as you want with the crocheted blanket. The colors and size is up to you so get creative and start crocheting.
How To: Make an S-hook clasp with hammered ends
Art Jewelry Magazine associate editor Addie Kidd shows you how to make an S-hook clasp with hammered ends. You'll need silver wire, pliers, and a hammer. Learn how to craft an s-hook clasp for necklaces or bracelets by watching this video jewelry-making tutorial.
How To: Craft a custom feather design leather bracelet
Scary Dave, leatherworking master craftsmen, shows how to make this painted and etched leather cuff bracelet. Follow along with these step by step directions and learn how to craft a beautiful leather bracelet with a feather pattern.
How To: Make a Swarovski crystal spacer bar bracelet
This video jewelry-making tutorial shows how to make a Swarovski crystal spacer bar bracelet. For this craft project you will need crystals, space bars, silver rounds beads, crimp beads, and a three string clasp. Learn how to make a Swarovski crystal spacer bar bracelet by watching this how-to video.
How To: Do knitting techniques spacing & marking buttonholes
Watch this knitting instructional video on spacing and marking buttonholes for knitting projects. This knitting demonstration uses the swatch of a right sweater front to show an easy way to mark the placement of buttonholes on your knitted material. Lily Chin attributes the method to Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations. You wil be working the button bands from the right side, from the bottom up, so you'll be marking the placement of the bottom of each buttonhole. If this was a boy's or man's ...
How To: Use just one piece of paper to make a crazy toy
Make a paper toy from just a half square of paper and scissors.
How To: Make hammered hoop earrings
Make hammered hoop earrings. Get a unique and stylish look with DIY hammered hoop earrings. You'll be the only one rocking these earrings, custom-made by you!
How To: Make a Post-it note and pen holder
This tutorial paper craft video will teach you how to make an exceptionally cute post it note holder that also holds a pen. This is a cute idea for the office or for at home, and your friends and family will surely be impressed by your skill with paper products.
How To: Choose the right needles for a knitting project
Knitting with the wrong needles is like playing soccer with a bowling ball –you’ll end up frustrated and disappointed.
How To: Knit the knit stitch in Eastern European fashion
This video is a how-to demonstration of Eastern European Knitting, the knit stitch. Please note, this is not continental knitting, as here we knit through the back of the loop in both the knit and purl stitch. The resulting fabric appears exactly the same as both English and Continental knitting styles.
How To: Origami a kiwi bird
The people from openorigami.net demonstrate how to make an origami kiwi bird.
How To: Make a suspension greeting card
This tutorial greeting card video will teach you how to create your very own suspension card that's great for holidays and other occasions. Everyone will marvel at your cardmaking skills when they see this beautiful paper piece of art.
How To: Origami a speedboat
Watch this instructional video to fold an origami speedboat. You will need one large piece of origami paper. This instructor has designed a realistic speedboat pattern for the paper. He holds the origami paper in front of several completed origami boats, creating a sporty ocean scene.
How To: Weave an overshot coverlet on an 8 harness Jack loom
Watch this weaving demonstrationi video to learn how to weave an overshot coverlet on a Jack loom. Beginning steps for weaving on the Jack Loom:
How To: Make two way photographs with Rosie O'Donnell
Learn to make two-way pictures with Rosie O'Donnell. You will need two pictures of the same size, glue, pencil, ruler, exacto knife and construction paper. Make two way photographs with Rosie O'Donnell.
How To: Make a quilted table runner
Learn how to make a quilted table runner with expert sewing tips in this free home decoration video series on making and sewing your own quilted table runner.
How To: Fold a scaled octahedron with modular origami
This video tutorial show how to make a scaled octahedron. Modular origami varies from regular origami in that it uses multiple sheets of paper to fold instead of just one. Learn how to fold this scaled modular origami octahedron by watching this instructional video.
How To: Origami a flapping bird with animation
Learn how to make a cool origami flapping bird with this origami animation. Follow along with each step to learn each origami fold. Origami is a Japanese art and enjoyable pastime, so check out this origami video to learn how to fold a flapping bird! Origami a flapping bird with animation.
How To: Make a mini album out of recycled envelopes
Mailer envelopes have a way of piling up, if not going straight in the trash, but why not turn them into a scrapbooking project? This mini album then has built-in pockets for storing keepsakes. Decorate with designer paper, stamps and ribbons to suit any taste. Watch this video scrapbooking tutorial and learn how to make a mini album out of recycled mailer envelopes.
How To: Make daisy chain flower jewelry
Who needs diamonds or pearls when you can make beautiful jewelry from flowers you find growing right in your own backyard?
How To: Origami a nice paper crane
Watch this instructional origami video to fold an origami paper crane. Tsuru is the Japanese word for crane. The Japanese crane is considered a national treasure and regarded as a symbol of good fortune and longevity. With a little patience, the origami crane is not difficult to fold. Fold a few origami cranes and give them to your friends as gifts and good luck charms.
How To: Origami your own CD sleeves
This instructional origami video shows how to make your own sleeves to protect your CD's, DVD's and most video games. Making these covers out of old magazine pages is a good way to recycle and also save yourself a little money since you won't need to buy plastic CD cases any more. Follow these steps to learn how to origami cd sleeves.