Active Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Tie a Paracord Snake Knot
In this tutorial, we learn how to tie a paracord snake knot. Start out with a double overhand knot, by making a loop with two strings and tying it through. After this, start the snake knot by taking the left piece of string and wrapping it around into a loop. Then, take the other piece of string and place it inside the loop, then pull it to the left and wrap it around the other string, then push it through the loop. Continue to do the snake knot until you reach the bottom, then finish it off ...
How To: Make a multi-layered embossed floral gift card
This video tutorial is in the Arts & Crafts category where you will learn how to make a multi-layered embossed floral gift card. Take a piece of 11 x 8 1/2 inch Stampin' Up card stock and fold it in half. Next you punch out layers of colored paper of rose red, very vanilla, regal rose and blush blossom colors of different sizes as stated in the video using the Boho Blossom Paper Punch. Now you take a Sizzix Big Shot Die and cut out a craft paper and set the cut outs aside. Now you got to stam...
How To: Fold a portion of a 3D origami kusudama rose
Use double sided paper, 12-30 parts. Six parts is too small and you can't see the form of the rose. Fold in half. Fold in half again. Fold the bottom tip to the first line and rotate. Repeat with other tip. Do your right side because that's how you attach the units. Be careful not to rip or wrinkle the paper. Fold corner under. Rotate. Fold opposite corner across. Fold down and crease. Repeat on opposite side. Should have two pointed edges. Fold each edge down to form a diamond.
How To: Make a 3D ribbon cuff out of beads
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a 3D ribbon cuff out of beads. First, you will need a cuff that is already made, then use the string that is hanging off the end. Put on one bead, then thread it through the bead next to it. Continue this all the way around the cuff. Now, tie the string off by threading it through the original loop. Now, string a ribbon around the cuff to make an "x" shape, then add in another ribbon around it. You can tie these into a bow at the end so you have a more g...
How To: Tie a Cloud knot
In this video, we learn how to tie a cloud knot. Start by making a loop in the middle of the string on the left side, then wrapping the right side around it and pushing it through the middle. Next, do the under-over weaving technique by bringing the string over one loop and weaving it into another. Continue to do this several times until you have done about four or five weaves. After this, pull the sides of the string out on both sides and you will have your finished knot! Pull tighter to hav...
How To: Make a Halloween card using Cricut Paper Doll
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Halloween card using Cricut Paper Doll. First, cut a skeleton out of the PaperDoll Dressup package, then cut it out two more times. Glue these together to make the skeleton thicker, so it pops out of the page. You can place this next to a paper sentiment that says "bone to be wild", with a black card stock underneath it. You can use die cuts with a view papers to make it look more interesting. Use any other type of decorations you like to decorate your...
How To: Make black and white origami sunglasses
Before you endeavor to make these stylish sunglasses, you should note that they're intended more for decor and play (think Lady Gaga's memorable smokey cigarette glasses in her music video for "Telephone") than for actual wear.
How To: Organize jewelry with picture frames and teacup screws
We love shiny things. Pretty baubles, Swavarski crystals, long link chains holding art deco pendants. And that's why we also have an extremely messy jewelry storage system. Basicall this is how it goes: we buy a necklace, wear it once or twice, and then toss it into a sort of bin type thingy.
How To: Make a regal red mini candy wrapper
Are you hosting a party soon but can't decide what to give out as party favors? With options at stores being limited and often expensive, you could save yourself lots of money while tossing guests a memorable gift by simply making your own favors.
How To: Make a chunky yarn crochet newsboy cap
You usually don't hear the words "skater" and "crochet" in the same sentence, but these two rather opposite realms collide within this crochet tutorial. You've probably already seen newsboy caps before: lots of skaters don it because it's cool and also very comfortable. But did you know these skater hats can be made with yarn?
How To: Make an extra large crochet fan for left handers
Fanning things out always seems to add a flirty, attractive effect: fanned out, lush eyelashes make cartoon cayotes' hearts leap out of their chests and their eyes get as big as saucers, while fanned out, cut pieces of paper make pretty snowflakes.
How To: Craft a unique square knot friendship bracelet
Unlike being a square, being a square knot means you're multifaceted, fun, and unique. Of course, we're talking about square knots in friendship bracelet/jewelry making, in which you utilize two different colors of string to create a tight zig zag knot pattern followed by loops.
News: Clockwork + Knitwork = Artwork
Lock up your grandfather clocks; there's a new lady on the scene. Meet "365" by German designer Siren Elise Wilhelmsen, an electric grandmother clock that completes a two-meter (or six-and-a-half-foot) knitted scarf once every 52 weeks.
How To: Make your own homemade throwing darts
This next tutorial is for those who are looking to add a bit of fun to their room or even class setting. This tutorial is going to show you how to make homemade throwing darts using nothing more than some paper and tacks.
How To: Craft a briolette (drop bead) crystal necklace
We're totally not lying when we say that the necklace featured in this video sells for upwards of $100 at some fine retailers in Beverly Hills. Composed of a long, sparkly necklace chain and a teardrop shaped pendant attached with intricate wire wrapping, this is a necklace that looks a lot more difficult to make than it actually is.
How To: Craft a turquoise bird's nest ring with Denise Mathews
A bird's nest is the symbol of life, new life, family, and unity. So the motif makes for an excellent pendant to wear around on a necklace, earrings, or bracelet. But don't go to the store and waste your money on name brand jewelry with this pretty motif.
How To: Craft a turquoise nugget bead and wire ring
Walk into L.A. hotspot Kitson any day of the week and you're sure to find a teeming collection of celebrity endorsed jewelry, at least half of which are bohemian and breezy, made out of skilled wire wrapping and exotically colored gemstones. They're pretty, yes, but unless you have a celebrity's budget they're also hard to attain for the average person.
How To: Make an angel charm with a drop pearl for necklaces
Whether they exist or not, people believe in the spiritual power of angels. That's why, if you walk into any Spencer's Gifts or novelty store, you'll always manage to find tiny wallet-sized "guardian angels." You apparently slip these in your wallet to feel guided and protected.
How To: Make a simple and quick fan to fight the summer heat
Unless you live in Sarah Palin's home state, you're probably sweating through the hot and humid summer like the rest of us. Sweltering temperatures usually mean heading inside into cold air conditioning, but if you have the misfortune of having to be outside during particularly sweltering weather there is a way you can cool down on the fly.
How To: Cover a notebook with navy blue regal regalia
If you're the old fashioned type who still writes in her journal every night, then you probably go through journals faster than most people go through their favorite blogs at night.
How To: Origami a 3D circle-tail for a peacock
Fed up with traditional origami? Well, learn how to fold some three-dimensional origami! This origami video tutorial will teach you how to origami a 3D circle-tail for a peacock. Traditional Japanese origami is the art of paper folding, but 3D origami is a little more complex, a little more challenging... a little more interesting. See how to model and fold a 3D circle-tail peacock with these origami instructions.
How To: Craft a recycled Kanzashi messenger bag with flowers
In Japan, kanzashi are hair ornaments, often in a floral or jeweled style, which adorn traditional female Japanese hairstyles. These are gorgeous long pins with a special adornment attached at the end.
How To: Refashion a boring bangle using old clothing scraps
For the most part, bangles that you purchase at the store are pretty generic and boring. Sure, they look good on all the airbrushed models in store ads and on size 00 manequins, but then it hits you that moment you get home and try them on that they're really not all that. Which, inevitably, leads to not actually wearing your purchases.
How To: Upcycle old clothes into chic wine gift bags
We all have a bag of old clothes somewhere, or old clothes lying randomly around the closet. You know, the t-shirt that's too ratty or that dress you got from Ann Taylor that looked perfectly in season a few years ago but now you can't bring yourself to wear anywhere.
How To: Make a chubby origami panda face for beginners
Being an origami beginner doesn't mean you have to relegate your folding wanderings to measly cranes (though all that folding practice isn't a bad thing) and ninja stars or lucky stars.
How To: Thread a cord lock
In this tutorial, we learn how to thread a cord lock. First, tilt the cord lock up and find the two different wheels on the inside of it. Now, push your lift cord up through the two wheels that are on the inside of the lock. After this, pull the thread up through the top and then slide the thread through the smaller hole on the lock. Now, you will repeat this again for another piece of string, but thread it through the larger hole once you reach the top. After this, thread another cord throug...
How To: Make a folded paper hat out of spare newspaper
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a folded paper hat out of newspaper. First, take your newspaper and fold it in half length wise. Next, take and fold the corners into the center, pressing the creases down. Next, take the bottom corners and fold it up to hold the paper into place. Flip the paper over and fold it up on the other side as well. Now, fold the corners in on both sides and fold the paper up one more time on both sides. Open up the middle and you will be left with an easy paper...
How To: Attach a charm on a chain
In this tutorial, we learn how to attach a charm on a chain with Anna. To begin, grab a pair of pliers in each of your hands. Now, pick up the chain with them and gently lift up one side of the flap. After this, pick up your charm and attach it onto the chain. When finished, attach the chain onto the larger chain (bracelet or necklace), then gently close the chain link back up. You will want to gently press the opening back down leaving no gaps in it, or the chain will come loose and you will...
How To: Make a paper hat out of discarded newspaper
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a paper hat out of newspaper. First, open the newspaper up and then fold it together. Next, take a corner and fold it into the middle After this, do it once more on the other side. Now take the rectangular side and fold it into the triangle on both sides. Now, open up the hat and you will have a cool paper hat that is not only cheap to make but uses recycled paper! This is a great project to do with children that will help teach shapes and learn how to f...
How To: Left-hand crochet a Valentine puffy heart
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a left-hand crochet Valentine's puffy heart. You will need: a size G crochet hook and yarn. Start by working a chain of three then forming a loop and doing a chain one. After this, work 9 single crochets through the center of the ring. Next, do 18 single crochets making the first stitch on a single crochet. Keep doing 18 single crochets around the circle you have created. After this, make one single crochet for a total of 18. The edges will start to curl...
How To: Make a mini Big Shot Box with Stampin' Up!
This video tutorial is in the Arts & Crafts category where you will learn how to make a mini Big Shot Box with Stampin' Up! For this you got to use the Bigz Die Box #2. Cut a Whisper white card stock at 6" x 11", place it on the die box and run it through the machine to get the box template. Cut off one edge of the template along the score line with scissors. This will be the top part of the open box. Now fold the bottom part of the box along the score line. Take a strip of cottage wall desig...
How To: Thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
In order to thread your sewing machine and wind a bobbin, you will need the following, a sewing machine an empty bobbin, thread, and a pedal control for your sewing machine. Choose a good quality thread. Place the thread in the holder on top of the machine. Place the cap on the end of the thread, in order to hold it in place. Loop the thread around the first guide. String the thread through the hole in the bobbin. Place the bobbin in the slot on the top of the machine. Hold the thread in you ...
How To: Make a simple and fast paper plane
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a simple and fast paper airplane. First, fold the paper in half length wise. Next, open the paper up and fold one two triangles on each side of the crease. Now, fold the paper in on each side, so it lines up with the crease on top. You should now end with a pointed arrow. Next, fold the arrow point down to the bottom of the paper and then create two more arrows on the top of the paper. Next, fold the new triangle down to the other one and then fold the p...
How To: Make a paper rose with construction paper
In this tutorial, we learn how to make paper rose with construction paper. First, take a piece of pink paper and cut a thin strip out of it. Next, take that strip and fold it in half twice. Now, cut the paper in half so you have several strips of paper. Now, fold in the strips to make them look like petals. Next, cut two thin strips out of a green piece of paper and craft them into the shape of a stem. Then, cut thin strips out of the green and shape them into leaves. After this, combine the ...
How To: Make Day of the Dead paper mache sculptures
In this tutorial, we learn how to make day of the dead paper mache sculptures. First, you will make the paper mache sculptures into different body shapes, then use a sharp knife to carve along the sculpture. Use different paints and colors to make the characters more believable and realistic. Use a thick paper mache when making these, because you will lose a lot of layers when you are thinning it down and shaving it into shape. When finished, you will attach the different pieces of body parts...
How To: Tie a sheep bend knot for camping
This video tutorial is in the Arts & Crafts category where you will learn how to tie a sheet bend knot for camping. Take two ropes, make a bite at the end of one rope. Pass the end of the other rope through this bite from underneath and come back through the loop in the second rope and pull it tight. This knot is used to tie two ropes of different sizes together. A variation to this knot is called the double sheet bend. Here you make two loops with the second rope and pass the standing end th...
How To: Create a sturdy stand for an Innovations Knitter
Knitting when you're sitting at your table is usually a cinch, since you can rest your elbows on the table when you're tired and also place your knitting needles and yarns closeby within reach. But staying in one place all day long can be boring.
How To: Create a regal striped paper photo album
If your photo albums are older than you can remember and have yellowing, ripped pages and photos askew, then we can bet that your photos aren't in good condition. So save your prized memories and keep them looking great for future generations by organizing them neatly into a photo album.
How To: Make a crochet granny square blanket
Babies, unsurprisingly, are extremely fragile their first few months on earth, and so need the best care necessary to help adjust them to living outside their mother's snug womb. While mothers can't always be at their babies' sides to cuddle and reassure them (though most babies cry out loud and often for such pleasures), they can make comfy, warm blankets that serve as good substitutes.
How To: Attach granny squares with a continuous join method
While we think granny squares are pretty and whimsical pieces on their own, there really is power in numbers when you combine a bunch together into a massive quilt or afghan. But how exactly do you go from granny squares to a full-on quilt?