Active Arts & Crafts Posts

How To: Knit the cuff on a sock

Buying socks can be a bit expensive and sometimes downright annoying. So if you have talent and skill, making your own socks can be not only be fun, but satisfying. This tutorial will give you the basic sock construction by focusing just on the cuff on a sock. After that it should be nice and easy. Enjoy this tutorial on knitting the cuff of a sock!

How To: Make a foam-and-paper Apple iPad

Do you know someone that wants an iPad but can't seem to afford one? Well, here's a great way to do an April Fools Day trick on that friend or family member by giving them a fake home-made iPad. Roman Loyola shows you how to make a fake iPad out of foam and paper. The tools you will need is a half inch thick foam board, a pair of scissors, a glue stick, a ruler, a blade, and most importantly a print-out of the iPad template. Start by cutting out a square of foam board that is the size of the ...

How To: Fold an origami cicada (locust)

It's difficult to tell exactly where Origami got its exact origin. Some would believe Japan, some China, and others even believe Germany. What is known is that it has been around for centuries and is one of the oldest forms of arts and crafts. Today, the looks are more modern and made easier than they have in the past. In this tutorial, find out how to fold an origami cicada or locust. Enjoy!

How To: Make fizzing bath bombs

Janice Cox shows how to make fizzing bath bombs like the ones you see in bath and beauty boutiques or department stores. These bath bombs can be very relaxing when dropped into a warm bath and can be given as gifts. She starts with about a cup of citric acid crystals which is also called powdered vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Citric acid can be purchased in places that sell wine and beer making equipment and online. The next ingredients come from right out of the kitchen cupboard: a cup of baki...

How To: Add beads to crochet projects

Want to add beadwork to your next crochet project? Though the process can seem intimidating at first blush, adorning your work with decorative beads and bobbles is easy once you get the hang of it. So easy, in fact, that this free video crocheting lesson can present a complete overview in just over four minutes' time. Learn how to securely attach beads when crocheting with this crafter's guide.

How To: Make a mini book out of a 12x12" piece of paper

First of all you need a single sheet of paper 12 by 12 inches to make a mini book with four pages and measures 6 by 3 inches. You also need a tool for making creases and a knife to cut the paper. Start by folding the paper in half and then crease the middle line. You must always try to make the crease line as crisp and sharp as possible. Now open it out and then again fold it in the middle in the other side. After this step you have to place the paper with the length facing towards you. Now f...

How To: Use a crochet shell in your work

Looking for instructions on how to make a crochet shell stitch? Though it may seem complicated at first blush, the process is very straight-forward once you get the hang of it. So straight-forward, in fact, that this free video crochet lesson can present a complete overview of the stitch-making process in just over two minutes' time.

How To: Make a book cover with a paper bag

Need to protect your school books? This free video guide has got you covered. With its help, you will learn how to make perfect custom book covers using a brown paper grocery bag. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on how to cut and fold your own custom protective book coverings, watch this handy how-to.

How To: Turn wood mount stamps to clear mount

In this how-to video, you will learn how to convert your wood mounted stamps to clear mounts. First, be careful and go slow if your stamps are already mounted on wood. You will need stamps and an EZ mount. Find a spot where the image fits and trim it around the stamp. Once this is done, remove everything from the rubber. Next, peel back the sticky side of the EZ mount piece that has been cut. Now, position the piece so that it is completely covered. Trim the excess EZ mount. Make sure you use...

How To: Make wire-wrap links to make your own jewelry

First of all you need to have a piece of silver wire which is about three inches long and twenty-two to twenty-four gauge. Now take pliers and bend the wire into a right angle. Now take round nose pliers and wrap the wire around the tip. At the half way reposition the wire and then complete the loop. Now look at the loop which should be nicely stemmed in the middle. No insert the bead into the wire and grab the bead with thin nose pliers. Bend the wire at the right angle. Now take round nose ...

How To: Make a folded paper ostrich with origami

In this Arts & Crafts video tutorial you will learn how to make a folded paper ostrich with origami. For this project, you need a square sheet of paper. First you fold it diagonally across to form a triangle and cut it off in two. Then take one piece, fold it in half to form a smaller triangle, open and fold down along the centerline from the top of the triangle. Open it up and again fold along the centerline from the base of the triangle. Now fold from one of the corners up to the intersecti...

How To: Apply a burnt edge look with distressed ink

This video describes how to use distress ink. First we have to take a paper that we want to work on. Next take the distress ink colors. Spread the lighter colors first on the paper. Take the first color and spread it on throughout the paper. Next take the vintage photo and work on the edges with it. Next take the spiced marmalade ink and spread it on the edges again. Next take the paper and apply the paper edges directly to black soot ink pad. Next wait for sometime until it dry. Next take th...

How To: Make a jewelry organizer out of common closet items

Making a personal jewelry organizer is easy. First, find a convenient place to put your jewelry organizer. The bathroom is a good choice because you can quickly grab your jewelry as you're getting dressed. Next, take a clothes hanger and hang it somewhere easy to reach. Then take a long, thin shawl and slip it on the hanger. Note that the shawl must be thin enough to easily pierce with small hooks. Next, fasten small hooks on the shawl. Finally, place your jewelry articles on the hooks. Congr...

How To: Fold a hexagon from a square sheet of paper

This video demonstrates how to make a hexagon from a square paper. Fold a square paper into half horizontally. Fold this rectangle into half again forming a square one-quarter of the original size. Fold the open edge towards the center fold on either side forming a crease. Take the closed corner and fold towards the center crease. Open the center fold and fold it inwards. Fold the corner towards the diagonal edge on both sides, this forms a cone like structure with a paper edge at three-quart...

How To: Make paper flowers with Stampin' Up!

Dawn Griffith demonstrate simple and easy way of making paper flowers using card stock paper and wall paper. First take pink card stock and using XL fancy flower cutter punch 8 flowers. You can take card stock or any designer wall paper which is a thin paper when compared to card stock, so you do not need to wet paper like in card stock. Next spray water on flower cut card stock paper and squish up into a tight ball. Do like this for all 8 flower cuts. Then gently unfold all squished paper ba...

How To: Make a vintage style jewelry box with household items

This video shows how to make a cute vintage looking jewelery box. A cardboard cheese box forms the body of the jewelery box. Other items you will need include mod podge, white glue gesso, masking tape, ribbons, a mirror from a compact, some fabric, and some faux pearls and flowers. Begin my removing the labels from the box. Paint the inside and outside of the walls of the box and the lid. Paint the areas of the box that you just primed with gold metalic paint. Now use the box to trace three c...

How To: Close a hole in a crochet circle

Want to know how to close a hole in a crochet circle? It's simple. So simple, in fact, that a complete and thorough overview of the process can be presented in just over a minute's time. Seal holes in crochet circles with this free video crocheting lesson from the crochet experts at CraftMastery.

How To: Knit with a serenity loom

This video demonstrates how to knit with a serenity loom. A serenity loom can produce a blanket up to 10 feet. To start, thread a double loop of thread through a straw. Then use the loop of thread to pull through a piece of yarn. The straw will help you place the yarn around the pegs of the loom easier. Tie a loop around the anchor of the inside of the loom. Then loop completely around each peg, being sure to place the loops in the middle of the pegs consistantly. Wrap as far as you want your...

How To: Craft a bracelet out of Starburst wrappers

Hardly anybody thinks twice about the candy wrapper after they've got a hold on the sweet treat inside. But for those who look at the whole picture, those wrappers can be used for all sorts of different reasons. In this case, to make a cool looking bracelet. Find out how to make one in this sweet tutorial!

How To: Make beaded hoop earrings

Jewelry is one of those major accessories that can help make or break an outfit. From rings to bracelets, jewelry can help describe so much about an individual and what their sense of style can be described as. Sometimes the jewelry can be fun and playful that it doesn't matter how shiny it must be. This tutorial shows you how to make one of those fun and playful pieces of jewelry: beaded hoop earrings. Their nice, fun to look at, and can be fun to make. Enjoy!

How To: Make a Rasta friendship bracelet

Friends are people who play an important part of many people's lives. They are there for you when you feel sad or lonely. Share secrets that nobody else would know except both of you. Having friends is also a great way to build healthy lasting relationships. So why not thank them for everything they've done by making a cool friendship bracelet. And not just any friendship bracelet, but a rasta bracelet. They'll sure to love it. Enjoy!

How To: Make a wire wrap ring

When it comes to displaying your own sense of style, there are so many different options to choose from. You can focus on the hair, hands, whole body, or even your toes. Either way, you can customize and create any stlye you can by easily choosing which jewelry to wear or how to wear your hair style. This video tutorial will help give you another great option to help achieve that personalized look. Find out how to make awire wrap ring easily. Enjoy!

How To: Make clay molds using rubber stamps

GardenOfImagination demonstrates how to make clay molds. To make clay molds with rubber stamps you can use your scrap clay. First, you need to condition your clay by working it in your hands. This will make it easy to work with and get all of the wrinkles in it. Then roll it into a ball and flatten it out just a tiny bit to get it ready for the rubber stamp. Next, pick out the rubber stamp you wish to use for your mold. Make sure that the clay is spread out to the size that you need. Then tak...

How To: Do whipstitch applique

Want to attach an appliqué with a whipstitch? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this guide can present a complete and thorough overview of the stitching process in just over two minutes' time. For more information, as well as to get started applying your own appliqués by whipstitch, watch this free video guide.

How To: Make a felt flower pin

Looking for your next craft project? Look no further. This crafty person's guide will walk you through the process of making a custom felt flower pin with supplies from your local craft store and about 45 minutes of labor. For more information, including a list of necessary materials and step-by-step instructions for making your own floral pin, watch this free video tutorial.

How To: Make vintage-looking pendants out of polymer clay

As lovely as vintage jewelry may be, there's only so much of it out there in the world to be had. As a result, nice vintage accessories tend to be prohibitively expensive for most. One obvious solution to this dilemma is to make your own faux antique jewelry. And this free video tutorial will teach you how to do just that, using polymer clay to fashion a vintage-inspired pendant for a necklace.

How To: Make a chain and (faux) pearl necklace

Looking for your next accessory project? Look no further. With this jewelry maker's guide, you'll learn how to a custom large-link chain and chunky glass pearl necklace with a feminine twist. For more information, including a complete list of necessary materials and a step-by-step breakdown of the fabrication process, watch this free video tutorial.

How To: Knit a long tail cast on

This video tutorial will show you how to do a long tail cast on. Staci breaks this knitting step for you in the easiest, most basic way, so that you'll be able to replicate her motions easily. Just follow along with her instructions, and you'll easily master this knitting basic.

How To: Knit a basic purl stitch

This video shows you how to knit a basic purl stitch. Watch as Staci shows you step-by-step how to do the most basic of knitting stitches. Just remember: train wreck, wrap front needle, right needle down, pull the loop to the back, and then separate the needles. You'll be knitting like a pro in no time at all!

How To: Bind off your knitting

This video gives you great instructions on how to bind off your knitting, or how to close off all the loops on your needle when you're done knitting. After watching this video, you'll never be at a loss for making your knitting projects as flawless as possible. For more knitting videos, search on WonderHowTo.

How To: Do a lanyard super cobra stitch

In this Arts & Crafts video tutorial you will learn how to do a lanyard super cobra stitch. For this you will need two pieces of gimp cord; one piece about 15 times longer than the other. Start the same way as you would with a regular cobra stitch. Make a loop on both the cords and pass the loop on the shorter piece through the loop in the longer piece. Then pass the upper end of the longer cord around the shorter cord and pull it up from under through its own loop. Now pull both ends to make...

How To: Make a decorative mini magnet board

In this tutorial, Bonnie shows you how to make a super fun new craft project for use in your home or dorm room. For this video, Bonnie makes a super cute little bulletin board with a twist. This board is magnetic! No need for push pins, now you can simply display messages and important papers with magnets and avoid all the holes.