Active Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Choose crochet projects
Crocheting is a great hobby. It could even be a great business if you're good enough. But how do you go about figuring out what to crochet? What projects peak your interest, or others' interest? If you know some basic crochet stitches, it may be time to move on to a challenging project. Here are some steps to choosing the right crochet project for you.
How To: Broomstick lace crochet
If you're into knitting and crocheting, you probably know it all. But what about a broomstick lace crochet? If you haven't attempted this fine crochet pattern, you must… now! Broomstick lace crochet forms a visually interesting and beautiful stitch.
How To: Use non-standard page protectors when scrapbooking
In this Arts & Crafts video tutorial you will learn how to use non-standard page protectors when scrapbooking. It is a tip on getting a large number of photos in an album without taking up too much space or using too many supplies. You can get 12 x 12 page protectors in terms of size but with pockets for 4 x 6 photos. This way you will have 6 photos on each side of the protector. Or maybe you put 5 photos and a card on one side. If you don't want to mess around with extra page protectors, you...
How To: Tie a keyhole weave knot
In order to create a Key Hole Weave Knot, you will need: rope or twine. Begin by making a loop. Then, make a second loop next to it. Cross the loops, placing one on top of the other. Weave a free end through the loops. Next, weave the other free end through the loop. Pull them both through carefully. Next, you'll need to shape your knot, by making sure that the spacing is even.
How To: Make a twist turn style card
In this video, we learn how to make a twist turn style card. The card will open with a neat pop out image on the front of the card! First, get an 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 piece of card stock and then score it 2 and 3/4 inches from the left edge and 4 inches over from the left edge. Then, turn the card the other way and find the center, then score from the right end to the very first score line. Then flip the card over and score the rest of the center line up to the first line. Now, make a score line fro...
How To: Work with jewelry making memory wire
In this tutorial, we learn how to work with memory wire to make jewelry. This is a coil material that remembers its shape and comes in a variety of different sizes. First, decide how thick you want your jewelry piece to be, then cut the excess wire with wire cutters. Next, apply a drop of superglue to one end of the coil followed by a Memory Wire end cap and let dry. Now, string your beads onto the wire. When finished, put a bead stopper onto the wire and apply glue to the very end with anoth...
How To: Make a paper snowflake
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a paper snowflake. First, take a copy paper and fold a quarter of it over to the other edge. Next, cut off the excess paper so you have a triangle shape. Now, fold a corner to the next corner, and repeat so you have another triangle. You can now cut corners off so they are even and you have a rounded snowflake. Then, cut a triangle starting from your edge points that you just created. Now cut slits a quarter inch apart into the middle of the paper all th...
How To: Make an accordian envelope mini album
In order to make an accordion envelope, you will need the following: 6 envelopes, 4 pieces of 6x4 1/8 card stock, double sided tape, chalk, a square punch, and glue.
How To: Make quick cuttlebug cards
In order to make cuttlebug cards, you will need the following: cuttlebugs, ribbons, two sided tape, a trimmer, and cardstock.
How To: Make a found art paper rose
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a paper rose with a napkin, Begin by orienting the napkin lengthwise. Then pinch the napkin corner with your right index and middle fingers. Now wrap it around the fingers. With your left hand, squeeze to create the size of the rose flower. Then hold the flower with your left hand and twist the stem. Now hold the end of the stem twist and pull the corner upward to create a rose leaf. Pinch the leaf into place and pull the excess napkin downwar...
How To: Make an aromatic gel wax candle at home
In this clip, learn how to make a trendy gel candle at home that you can give as a gift or use for home decor. This video from Creative Tips will give you a walkthrough of the process so that you can make a beautiful piece of art to share with your friends and family. Create a candle that really shows off your personality with this fun, clear gel style.
How To: Make soap using the melt and pour technique
In this clip, learn how to make soap from scratch. This method of soap making involves melting and pouring and will produce fine, high quality soaps. Check out this tutorial for a step by step on how to create beautiful, long lasting soaps that your guests will love.
How To: Make your own wick for a homemade candle
In this video, learn how to make a fresh wick for a homemade candle. Has your candle lost its wick or do you need to light a candle you've just made? This video from creative tips will show you how to save that candle by making your own wick at home. Follow along and light it up!
How To: Add texture to a knitted garment with simple bobbles
Interested in making your own bobbles? This free video knitting lesson presents an overview of how to make bobbles to add 3D elements to your knitted garments. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started making your own bobbles, watch this helpful video guide.
How To: Make hammer, wrench, and screwdriver punch art pieces
Basic paper punches do two very extraordinary things for crafters: 1. They minimize your workload and save your fingers from completely drying out and falling off from weilding scissors at oblique angles the whole day, and 2. They create perfectly cut, perfectly uniform shapes and can be used over and over again.
How To: Color copper metal with color pencils for jewelry
It seems contrary to what you instinctually believe is true, but you can actually mix two modes of art - coloring pencils and metal from jewelry making - and fuse them into one work of jewelry.
How To: Do crochet with four strands of yarn
This is a basic crochet tutorial for those of you just starting off on the road to granny square and Afgan bliss. Using four strings of four ply yarn, you'll learn how to knot and loop your way into a circular, almost snail-like pattern.
How To: Change colors in granny squares for left handers
If you've proven yourself beautifully adept at making snug and cozy granny squares (usually used as coasters), then why not add some spice to your crafting by adding different colors to the mix?
How To: Change colors in a granny square for right handers
If you've proven yourself beautifully adept at making snug and cozy granny squares (usually used as coasters), then why not add some spice to your crafting by adding different colors to the mix?
How To: Cast off a loom when knitting a shawl
Need to know how to cast off? In this free video crafts lesson, Internet crocheting superstar Mikeyssmail offers advice on how to cast off of a loom when knitting a shawl or anything else. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started casting off in your own projects, take a look.
How To: Make a crochet granny square for left handers
There's a reason you feel so coddled, warm, and fuzzy when you visit your Gram Gram's house. Her crochet scarves, thickly woven Afgan blankets, and awesome crochet coasters create an air of love and care.
How To: Make a crochet granny square for right handers
There's a reason you feel so coddled, warm, and fuzzy when you visit your Gram Gram's house. Her crochet scarves, thickly woven Afgan blankets, and awesome crochet coasters create an air of love and care.
How To: Do pearling in loom knitting the easy way
In knitting speak, pearling is just a fancy schmancy term for creating ribs in your crochet project. Ribs help to create a regular pattern and add visual interest to caps (as in this tutorial), scarves, Afgans, and just about any crochet craft.
How To: Create a Fourth of July blue pom pom
We don't know why you wouldn't like to make a pom pom. After all, they're cute, chubby, and make anything they're attached to - keyrings, the tops of berets, air - look absolutely adorable. But then again, they do take a lot of patience to make.
How To: Make a Pom-Pon pom pom for baby hats
We don't know why you wouldn't like to make a pom pom. After all, they're cute, chubby, and make anything they're attached to - keyrings, the tops of berets, air - look absolutely adorable. But then again, they do take a lot of patience to make.
How To: Make a crochet American flag star for right handers
Fourth of July is coming up this weekend, and if you consider yourself any kind of patriot (and also happen to love crafting) then you're no doubt going to be honoring the all-American holiday with crafts festooned with vestiges of red, white and blue.
How To: Create a crochet American star for left handers
Fourth of July is coming up this weekend, and if you consider yourself any kind of patriot (and also happen to love crafting) then you're no doubt going to be honoring the all-American holiday with crafts festooned with vestiges of red, white and blue.
How To: Make a secret message Father's Day card
Father's Day cards that tell you up front that they're Father's Day cards are pretty boring. After all, about 95% of these cards either say "Happy Father's Day" on the front or inside.
How To: Make a large hippie crochet flower for right handers
Personally we think fake flowers - whether they're the kind you buy in bunches at Michael's for your vases, crochet flowers, or paper flowers - are better than real flowers. Why? Real flowers are sure pretty, but what exactly does handing your date a bunch of dead flowers say about the longevity of your relationship?
How To: Create a 3D origami jewelry box with lid
Paper houses don't make very sturdy shelters for those living inside, but paper jewelry boxes make excellent storage boxes for keepsake jewelry. Using the right method (ie. the one presented in this video) you can create a very sturdy jewelry box out of paper.
How To: Make a crochet star embellished American baby cap
Fourth of July is coming up in just a few measly days, and while we're sure you've probably already fired up the grill and purchased aquarium-sized packs of hot dogs, ground beef, cole slaw, and potatoes for your potato salad, you can show your patriotism through more ways than just food.
How To: Knit a Fourth of July American flag baby hat
Fourth of July is coming up in just a few measly days, and while we're sure you've probably already fired up the grill and purchased aquarium-sized packs of hot dogs, ground beef, cole slaw, and potatoes for your potato salad, you can show your patriotism through more ways than just food.
How To: make a friendship bracelet with vertical stripes
If you think about it, it's actually easy to make friends and acquaintences - you move to a new town or go to college and you're immediately immersed in the culture and the people around you. Those in close proximity you'll definitely talk to an a regular basis if not establish a friendship. But true friendships which lasts years, decades, and even lifetimes are extremely hard to come by.
How To: Color code your knitting loom to remember formations
We all know that color coding is important because it helps us to quickly organize things based on visual cues. As students in high school, we used differently colored page tabs to denote different subject matters, and some of us color code file cabinets for easier and faster access. The same principle goes for this tutorial, which teaches you how to color code a knitting loom.
How To: Create fuzzy socks using a knitting loom
Looms are to crocheters/knitters what easels are to painters: you don't necessarily need them for every project, but they help you accomplish your work faster and more easily. The knitting loom will guide your needle and yarn with dexterity to where it needs to go.
How To: Craft a golden Roman wire cuff bracelet
The ancient Romans were well known for their decadence. Whether it was coddling enough vino to fill every barrel in donkey kong or having nightly orgies with any partner of their choosing, they knew how to party and could put any frat boy to shame with their decadent endurance.
How To: Craft a crystal in a wire basket jewelry pendant
You know those trendy little jewelry stores that line Melrose and Robertson Blvd., filled with gorgeous yet offbeat knick knacks boasting sleek '60s contours and not too much bling? Well, you can create a similar "pretty, but not too pretty" piece of jewelry by watching this tutorial.
How To: Make a romantic and animated 3D origami swan
Remember that uber romantic scene from Nicolas Sparks' tearjerker, "The Notebook," where Noah takes long lost and then found love Allie out on his boat and then find themselves in a small enclosure full of swans? You can recreate that magically romantic moment (sort of) by folding this swan origami project!
How To: Make papier-mâché
In elementary school, we all experienced the wonders of papier mâché, that wonderfully malleable mixture of paper and glue (or maybe paper, flour, and water). Once it hardens, it's a homemade work of art. And homemade papier mâché is art on the cheap, allowing your imagination to soar without breaking your budget.
News: Armless Woman Becomes Embroidery Guru
If you are born without any arms, you will figure it out. Somehow, I doubt Ren Jiemei needed sewing tutorials on how to thread a needle with her feet. But here it is.