Active Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Fold an origami snake from the Chinese zodiac
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.
How To: Make an origami sheep from the Chinese zodiac
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.
How To: Fold a simple and quick bull from the Chinese zodiac
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.
How To: Fold a simple dog from the Chinese zodiac
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.
How To: Fold an origami boar from the Chinese zodiac
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.
How To: Fold an adorable lifelike origami snail
If there is a cuter origami snail out there then we haven't seen it. This origami snail, made entirely from paper, looks like the real thing, only more adorable.
How To: Make the Nutcracker's hat from "The Nutcracker"
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.
How To: Crochet a pair of wristies in the style of Jolene Sugarbaker
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.
How To: Crochet a beautiful bouquet of pansies and flowers
A pansy is a delicate, two-tone flower. This tutorial shows you how to crochet an entire bouquet of beautiful pansies. This makes a great gift or get well present - especially if your recipient is allergic to flowers! Make sure you choose your yarn carefully.
How To: Tell the difference between loose and tight crochet techniques
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.
How To: Crochet mats for a dog or cat using granny squares
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.
How To: Crochet a beautiful spring wreath with flowers and butterflies
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.
How To: Use the single crochet technique for extreme crochet
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.
How To: Use the half double crochet stitch when using extreme crochet
By bringing multiple strands of yarn together, you can create a beautiful look for your crochet projects. This tutorial shows you how to execute the half double crochet stitch when you are working on a project using the extreme crochet technique.
How To: Set up your extreme crochet project and execute a basic chain stitch
What is extreme crochet? Extreme crochet is the technique of using different strands of yarn at the same time. You will need a P size hook for extreme crochet. This video shows you how to set up your project and execute the chain stitch.
How To: Execute the double crochet stitch when using extreme crochet
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!
How To: Execute a triple crochet stitch with extreme crochet
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.
How To: Crochet with multiple strands of yarn using a P hook
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.
How To: Crochet huge granny squares using the extreme crochet technique
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!
How To: Crochet an applique flower using the Paton pattern
This is a free pattern showing you how to crochet beautiful Paton flowers for use as an applique. Add to skirts, coats, shoes or anything else that needs a little extra floral decoration. You're shown how to create both large and small flowers.
How To: Make a usable and cute button out of crochet thread
You don't have to buy buttons - just crochet your own! These buttons are naturally much softer than regular buttons, making them ideal for blankets or baby clothes. They also can add a cute accent to nearly any crochet project.
How To: Craft an origami heart with a necktie for Valentine's Day
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.
How To: Craft a simple origami beating heart for Valentine's Day
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".
How To: Craft a super simple origami Valentine's Day heart pin
Wear your heart on your sleeve - literally - by crafting this origami heart pin. Show some love for Cupid's holiday by creasing and folding your way to origami perfection.
How To: Craft a white Valentine's Day heart gift box
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.
How To: Sew a simple fashionable purple infinity scarf
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.
How To: Craft Chinese soda can lanterns with ribbon birds for Chinese New Year
We know that December 31st may seem like old news now, but for the Chinese the New Year is just getting started. Chinese New Year begins on February 3rd and ushers in the Year of the Rabbit.
HowTo: Lady Gaga Telephone Bra
Damn, I wanted to learn how to make those cigarette smoking glasses in Lady Gaga's Telephone music video, but the sparkly silver and black bra is fun, too (and perhaps a bit more practical). Previously, HowTo: Lady Gaga Video Glasses.
How To: Craft an easy Valentine's Day heart-folded love note
You want your special love notes to your sweetheart to be kept a secret, right? So what better way to toss him/her a sweet sentiment during class than by folding it into a heart?
News: Paper Planes Launched from the Edge of Space
What's the difference between a paper plane and a paper space plane? Altitude! About 125,000 feet to be precise:
How To: Fold a sweet origami jumping frog for beginners
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.
How To: Craft simple beaded dangle earrings
There's no need to shell out tons of money to wear the latest jewelry trend. Craft your own bohemian, indie-cool jewelry by checking out this DIY video.
How To: Craft a very easy DIY hair style holder using a clothing hanger
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.
How To: Fold realistic origami bananas step by step
You don't have to be a monkey to go bananas over these bananas. After all, these bananas look real and can be used as a fun dining room table centerpiece - just make sure to tell your friends not to try and eat them!
How To: Fold a mini spring origami flower for beginners
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.
How To: Fold an origami star flower for beginners
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.
How To: Fold an advanced form origami iris
If you've mastered a basic origami heart and rose then it's time to move on to a more difficult and lifelike origami project: This origami iris. Made of intricate and complex petals that jut up and out, this flower is gorgeous.
How To: Fold a sweet and simple origami lily of the valley
Now that spring is fastly approaching, you should ready your house with bunches of beautiful blooms. Until you can actually gather peonies and roses outside, check out this video tutorial to learn how to fold a bunch of lily of the valley blooms.
How To: Origami realistic birds of paradise flowers
Birds of paradise flowers are strong and architectural in appearance, making them the perfect models for origami projects.
How To: Fold a realistic origami aloe vera plant
Oh, aloe vera. The sturdy plant has been used for centuries, if not longer, to naturally heal and alleviate pain from wounds, as well as to combat inflammation after sun exposure and to calmn down irritated, chapped skin.