Active Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Make a piñata, step-by-step
In this video, we learn how to make a pi–ata, step-by-step. First, you need to soften up the balloon and then blow it up until it's the size that you want it to be. After this, set the balloon aside and then make the glue for the pi–ata. Take flour and put it in a bowl with warm water. Mix this together until it's well combined and is a thick liquid. Next, grab a newspaper and use strips of it to dip into the liquid and paste onto the balloon. After this has dried, decorate the paper by paint...
How To: Make a double point needle holder
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a double point needle holder. First, you will need to grab four of your needles, two small objects that have holes in the bottoms, stretchy bead cord, crimp beads, and pliers. Then, you will drill the holes in the bottom of your objects if they aren't already taken out. After this, poke a hole through them and thread the stretchy bead cord through the ends of one and around the other. This should make a circle. Then, you will tie a knot and use a crimp b...
How To: Turn a composition book into a decorative notebook
In this video, we learn how to turn a composition book into a decorative notebook. First, measure your composition book, then measure out that same size on a piece of decorative paper. Next, put adhesive on the back of this on all four edges, then diagonally. Now, you will have a solid attachment for the paper to be placed on top of the composition notebook. Use a straight edge to push it down and it's completely flat. Then, use scissors to cut any excess paper off of the edges and corners. Y...
How To: Make a modular origami fox
This is a video tutorial in the Arts & Crafts category where you are going to learn how to make a modular origami fox. First you make a lot of triangles of yellow, white and one black color. Join two yellow triangles as shown in the video to make a unit. Make 18 units and combine them in to a circle. Next you add another level but with 3 white pieces. Now add 4 white pieces on the 3 whites. Then you add 5 whites on the 4, 4 whites on the 5 and 3 whites on the 4. Fill up the body with yellow p...
How To: Make mini album pockets
This is a video tutorial in the Arts & Crafts category where you are going to learn how to make mini album pockets. Take a 6 x 6 piece of card stock and cut it at 3 1/2. Now score it at the halfway mark and fold it backwards. Next score it at 1/2 from both longitudinal edges. Then you cut out along the 1/2 score line on one half of the card. Take a 2 1/2 " circle punch and punch a circle out of scrap paper. With this draw a semi-circle on the wider half of the card and watch the video for fur...
How To: Jacmel crochet a granny square left-handed
In this tutorial, we learn how to jacmel crochet a granny square left-handed. In round 1, you will chain 1, then work 3 double crochets. Then, chain one four times from the original stitch and end with a single crochet. For round 2, you will chain 1 and work 2 double crochets in the same space. Next, work a double crochet in the next stitch and work over the next stitch. Work in 2 double crochets in the next chain 2 space, then chain 1 and chain 4 times ending with a single crochet. For the n...
How To: Make a clown punch using Stampin' Up! products
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a clown punch using Stampin' Up! products. You will need: a red scallop circle, green key punch, orange scallop circle, heart shape, circle, oval, red circle, flower, black eyes, and a yellow small circle. After you have these punched out, make the hat out of the green large and oval shapes, then apply the flower to the top of the hat. Next, glue the circle behind this, then cut up the orange and red scalloped circles to create hair on the sides. Next, a...
How To: Make a scrapbook about all of the books you've read
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a scrapbook about all of the books you've read. First, you will want to take a part from the pages that meant the most to you. Type out the text that was written, then glue it onto a similar sized piece of card stock. Adhere this to the top of a picture that has the same theme as the text that you just wrote out. After you do this, decorate your page even more until it's completely finished. You can also take pictures of the books that you have read and ...
How To: Crochet a puffy Valentine heart
In this tutorial, we learn how to crochet a puffy Valentine heart. First, you will make 8 foundation half double crochet. After this, you will work 4 half double crochets in the same stitch, then work 1 half double crochet in the next 6 stitches. Continue to do this until you have four more after this. For the second round, pull up and then half double crochet in the first stitch you made. Then, half double crochet for 6 stitches and then increase your stitches until you have 28 half double c...
How To: Make Life Savers treats
In this video, we learn how to make Life Savers treats. First, use the curly label punch and punch it out of a white paper. Next, fold this in half and then use your stamp-a-ma-Jig on card stock with a love and flower stamp. Use a black and pink marker to fill in the colors of the stamp. Next, stamp this on the piece that was folded in half, then punch out a heart and use sticky strip to adhere the individual life saver to the middle of the sentiment. Once finished, apply the heart and you ar...
How To: Sew a two-tier waist-high skirt
In this video, we learn how to sew a two-tier waist-high skirt. First, fold the fabric in half, then fold the right sides together and draw a half circle. Next, anchor your chalk with a spool of thread and swing around the half circle to create another. Now, cut out the circle with scissors. Then, draw a smaller circle using the same method at the bottom and snip it away. This will be the first layer of your skirt. Repeat these steps with another type of fabric for the other layer of your ski...
How To: Create a sexy Poison Ivy costume for Halloween
Before Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan there was the original "Batman" with with George Clooney as the masked hero and Uma Thurman as the villainous Poison Ivy. While the movie is ranked as one of the worst superhero flicks of all time, Uma Thurman's getup was probably one of the most fascinating and beautiful superhero costumes we've ever seen.
How To: Prepare the mixture for paper mache
In this video, we learn how to prepare the mixture for paper mache. First, take a cup of flour and a cup of warm water and mix it together until well combined and a paste is made. Add in more water or flour if needed to make the right consistency. After you have done this, continue to mix until there are no flour lumps left in the mixture. Once you are finished, use this to dip your newspaper into so you can correctly make your paper mache. Make sure it's not too thick or too thin so you have...
How To: Create a crafters tool caddy for your desk
In this tutorial, we learn how to create a crafters tool caddy for your desk. First, you will need to gather a few pieces of chip board coasters and cut them to the specifications you would like your caddy to be. After you have done this, put your caddy together by locking them together using cut lines inside the middle of each of them. Once you have finished this, place additional pieces of chip boards inside to create different sections of the caddy. Once you are finished, place in your mat...
How To: Make an owl with Stampin' Up punches
In this video, we learn how to make an owl with Stampin' Up punches. First, cut out two dark brown scallop circles, then two light brown scallop circles. After this, cut out two orange flowers, two black small circles, three white circles, and an orange heart. To put these together, cut one of the dark brown punches in half so you have two pieces. Then, cut off half the flower on both of the flower shapes. Next, put all the pieces together, using the dark brown for the face along with white a...
How To: Make a cat punch using Stampin' Up! products
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a cat punch using Stampin' Up! products. First, you will need to use the: circle scalp punch, circle punch, oval punch (black and white), and five petal punch (black and white). You will also need two small circles each of black and pink for the eye and cheek area. Once you have all of these punched out, you will be able to assemble the head. Use the circle as the head and apply the white and black circles in the middle for the eyes. Use the flower punch...
How To: Add a zipper to a latex garmet
In this video, we learn how to add a zipper to a latex garment. First, apply glue to the zipper, using an ammonia based adhesive in one coat. Next, take a small paint brush from any store and apply a thin layer of adhesive to the zipper. The top will take about 45 minutes to dry, then turn it over and apply another layer of glue to the back. After this, cut two 1/2" strips of latex a little bit longer than the zippers. Also cut a 1/4" wide and 1" long piece of latex as well. Now, apply these ...
How To: Make an easy hair bow
In this tutorial, we learn how to make an easy hair bow. First, grab some thick ribbon in any color or material that you want to have. Use more ribbon if you want a larger one and less if you want a smaller one. Measure it out or use your eye to measure. After this, heat seal the ends so they don't fray by passing them through a lighter quickly. Now, fold the ribbon in half length wise, then place a crease there. After this, use a hot glue gun to fold down the two sides of the ribbon with a k...
Make friendship bracelets: The Wrap
In this video, we learn how to make friendship bracelets: The Wrap. First, clip your strings to a clip board at the top. Then, separate them into three colors, two strings for each color. Then, wrap the other colors around one color until you reach the end, then push it up to the top and continue to do this. Once you reach down the top of the bracelet, switch the colors and start to wrap the other color doing the same process. Then, switch to the last color and continue to do this until you a...
How To: Knit a fake joke condom
If you know someone who would appreciate being given a condom made out of yarn, you've come to the right place. This video will teach you how to knit a joke / prank condom that will make that special condom-loving person in your life very happy.
How To: Embroider your pillows with your own designs
If you've just recently gotten into embroidery, or are bored with the look of your pillow cases and want to give them a personal touch, check out this video! In it you will learn how to embroider your own custom designs right into the pillow cases! Before you know it you will be the envy of the town with your own personally designed pillow cases!
How To: Get wrinkles out of old documents, money, and more
Have some old documents or paper that seem to be all wrinkled and crimped up? Looking for a way to make them look mostly like new again? Well you're in luck, in this video you will get some basic tips for taking that wrinkly piece of paper and making it look like new again. The paper used in this video is a $20 bill.
How To: Get started with welding
Welding is a method of permanently joining metal pieces together. If you're looking to get started in the field either as a hobby or as a career, then check out this great video. In it you will get tips on how to get started and where to look as well as what tools you will need.
How To: Make a flower out of ribbon
Flowers are fragile, expensive, and hard to grow yourself. If you want to give someone a floral gift that will last forever, consider making them ribbon flowers. This video will show you how you can turn turn ribbon into beautiful little flowers.
How To: Make DIY bumper stickers
Bumper stickers are a great way to spread the word about just about anything. If you want to make some, watch this video to learn about both getting professional bumper stickers made and how to print your own using an inkjet printer.
How To: Make your own Halloween greeting card with Wicked Cool stamps
Make a lovely and cute Halloween greeting card with stamps and craft paper. Follow the steps in this tutorial, and you'll end up with a fun and wicked cool card with spiderwebs, witches and a few colored bats on your card!
How To: Sew an easy skirt waistband with seam binding
Finish the top of your skirt and hold it in place on your waist or hips with a seam binding techinque. Follow this tutorial to sew your own quick, easy but still attractive skirt waistband without elastic or a drawstring.
How To: Turn an old, loose fitting T-shirt into a cute off the shoulder shirt
All you need for this project is just a loose fitting shirt and some trim. Cut away the collar, as much as you want (but keep trying on the shirt so you get just the right amount of drape). Then attach your trim, and you've got a new wardrobe addition!
How To: Customize your black and white rub ons using colored markers
Add some color to your next project which uses rub ons! This tutorial shows you how to take several colored ink markers, color in your rub ons and then transfer them to your current project for a unique and colorful addition!
How To: Make a 'shabby chic' paper bag mini scrapbook album
Make your own mini scrapbook album out of four paper bags! This tutorial shows you how to create your own shabby chic album using the paper bags as your base and then using school supplies to add a unique twist to your album.
How To: Make a Happy Halloween banner for your Halloween party
This is an easy tutorial as to how to make a Halloween banner using just a few cupcake papers, scrapbook paper, some knitting yarn and paper cutout letters. Then glue it all together and string it on a cord for your own Halloween decoration!
How To: Fold an elegant butterfly out of origami paper
First, take a perfectly even and square piece of paper, Then follow the steps outlined in this video, and you'll end with your own beautiful origami butterfly! Use it for decoration, incorporate it as an accessory, or add them to an origami garden!
How To: Start your first crochet project, even for a beginner
For people who are completely new to crochet, this tutorial series shows you everything you need to know to get started. From going over the basics of yarns and needle sizes, and then showing you how to execute a few basic stitches, this will get you started on your first project in no time.
How To: Make a crochet project using the double crochet stitch
The double crochet is a simple and easy stitch to execute. This tutorial has been designed for people who are just starting to crochet, and it will show you how to execute a tight, uniform double crochet stitch for your starting crochet projects.
How To: Execute the half double crochet stitch in your crochet project
A half double crochet stitch is not the same as a single stitch, and this tutorial demonstrates exactly not only what the difference is, but how you can execute your own half double crochet stitches for projects which require a great amount of detail.
How To: Control the yarn tension in your crochet projects
The key to controlling the tension in your crochet project comes from the yarn ball. This tutorial shows you a couple tips on how to set up your yarn, and then a few techniques on using your hands to add the right amount of tension to your projects.
How To: Crochet the single stitch for a beginner at crochet
After you've mastered the basic double stitch, this tutorial shows you how to execute the single crochet stitch. Single stitches are smaller than double stitches, and used often for baby accessories and other small projects. It takes awhile, but adds a lovely touch to your project!
How To: Hand crochet your first project with a crochet needle and yarn
Interested in learning how to crochet? This video has been made with beginners in mind. All you need to start is a crochet needle and some yarn or thread in the color of your choice. Then follow this tutorial, and you'll be well on your way to completing your first afghan!
How To: Crochet a swirl pattern out of thread for left handed artists
Crochet beautiful afghans, doilies, lace, or other accessories and projects using an elegant swirl pattern. Designed specifically for left-handed crochet workers, this tutorial shows you several different patterns which are all variations on the same basic swirl. All you need is a crochet needle and thread in the color of your choice.
How To: Make a copper mantra bracelet out of washers and a letter die set
Taking a letter die set (which you can find at hardware stores), stamp in words and phrases which are important to you onto copper washers. Thenk link the washers together with small loops of jewelry wire, attach a clasp, and you have your own mantra bracelet to help keep you centered!