Active Arts & Crafts Posts

How To: Do a two color long tail cast on

This knitting how to video demonstrates a two color cast-on based on the long tail cast on method. This method of casting on is useful for double knitting or casting on in patterns. The opposite color of course shows on each side of the work, a downfall for this cast on. Watch and learn how easy it is to do a two color long tail cast on.

How To: Make bead embellishments

Create gorgeous, sparkly motifs and embellishments out of beads to give your greetings a bit of bling. Corinne Bradd shows how easy it is to combine stunning gems, bright sequins and coloured wire for a unique, eye-catching effect. The finished bead decorations can be applied to cards, tags or gift-bags.

How To: Origami MIT's mascot brass rat

MIT's mascot, though called a brass rat, is actually a beaver. With the huge cost of the class rings, every MIT student (and those who didn't make it in) can make their own for just the cost of a square piece of paper. Watch this video origami tutorial and learn how to fold MIT's mascot the brass rat beaver out of a piece of paper.

How To: Make a picture frame

This tutorial video will show you how to make a cute picture frame. This super-sweet picture frame is a great idea for birthdays and holidays. It is made from various stamping and card making supplies, so get ready for some fun arts and crafts!

How To: Do a mock rib stitch when knitting

See how to do a mock rib stitch when knitting, 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 a mock rib stitch when stitching.

How To: Make a beaded bookmark

This is a great little project for beginners and shows how to make a simple knotted bead bookmark. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts! You will need some waxed cord, a selection of beads, some scissors, and glue. Learn how to make this bookmark by watching this video beading tutorial.

How To: Make a Word-A-Day journal

I have always loved the idea of faithfully keeping a journal with something written or drawn for each day of the year. In practice it has never worked. I decided that I might have a chance if I only had to write one word a day and that it was important to keep it small and simple so I wouldn't be tempted to start more elaborately and then quit because I couldn't live up to the expectation. I designed a series of small books, one for each month, that go in a box made from a cereal box. Learn h...

How To: Mold rawhide

This video is an introduction to rawhide art and the process of its creation and appreciation. Candace Copeland uses many media in her passion of creating art. One of her specialties is rawhide art.

How To: Make a handy paper CD case

Lost the jewel case for one of your CDs or making a mix-CD as a gift? Don't let that CD get scratched. Here's a real simple method to fold a quick and easy case for any stray CD. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make your own today!

How To: Fold a CD case with just one sheet of paper

What's a good way to transport compact discs without scratching them when you have no case? Make your own of course... watch this video tutorial to learn how to fold a CD case with just one sheet of paper. With just one ordinary piece of printer paper, you can make two different versions of a glueless CD case. You just need the paper, a pencil, and some scissors!

How To: Make a quick and simple paper booklet without glue

Here's a quick and simple booklet that can be made out of two sheets of paper. It's great paper craft for a school project or just fun. All you need is paper and scissors. Fold both pieces of paper in half hamburger style. Use scissors to cut knotches into your fold. Fold your other piece of paper hotdog style. Follow the rest of the instructions, assemble and you have a quick and simple paper booklet.

How To: Make a decorative box out of recycled materials

Newspapers, magazines, and cardboard often end up in the recycling bin or the trash, but you can also give them a new life as a lovely decorative box. You will need a brush, sand paper, scissors, a knife, newspaper or magazines, glue, latex paint, paper, and cardboard. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to craft a box out of recycled materials.

How To: Origami a frog, duck, dog, bat, lily and more

This great video tutorial from Michael LaFosse will show you how to not only make a cool, green jumping frog, but it will also show you how to make a simple traditional origami duck, a puppy dog, a water lily, a phoenix, an advanced butterfly, and a happy good-luck bat. Just make sure you have the right size origami paper for the projects. Origami a frog, duck, dog, bat, lily and more.

How To: Make a book out of recycled material

Make your own book out of recycled material. You can use thick cardboard pieces for each page. Find some strong tape to make an outer binding. Tape each page of the book down with masking tape. You can then reenforce it by glueing down strips of brown paper bag. Decorate your book with other recycled items such as stickers, photographs, and plastic bags.

How To: Fold Kirigami with the Craft ROBO

The Craft ROBO is a machine that lets you cut and score paper with precision and repetition. This is really handy if you're into scrapbooking or want to make shipping boxes, envelopes or promos for your Etsy shop. Perhaps you want to take it to the next level to create unique paper sculptures, pop-up books or custom vinyl stickers.

How To: Make a scrapbook shaker box

This scrapbook how-to video tutorial demonstrates how to make a scrapook shaker box using card stock, a square cut from a page protector, mounting tape and micro beads. This fun project can be used as a page in a larger scrapbook, or craft piece of its own. Learn how to make a scrapbook shaker box by watching this instructional video.

How To: Make a spiral wire for jewelry

Wire spirals are quick to make at home, and can be added onto any jewelry. To make wire spirals, you'll need soft round wire, bent chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, a flush cutter, a spiral maker, and a WigJig Olympus or Delphi. Learn how to make wire spirals by watching this video jewelry-making tutorial.

How To: Make a box with scalloped lid

This is a video tutorial on how to make a box with a scalloped lid. You will need a large piece of cardstock to craft this box. Use double stick tape to hold the joints of the box together. You might need a stenciling tool to make accurate cuts. You can use store bought or use recycled scraps of paper ad ribbon to decorate the outside of the box.