Hot Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Loom knit the triple knit stitch
Conquer a brand new loom stitch! This video is the first to demonstrate the the triple knit stitch on a loom. Create beuatiful works of woolen art by following the instructions in this video. Learn how to knit the triple knit stitch on a loom and take your knitting to a whole new level.
How To: Facet a Rough Sapphire into a Beautiful Gem
if you are looking for a hobby that will pay for itself over time, consider faceting stones. Precious gems like sapphires and rubies are a sound investment that will never lose value, and you can produce them from your home with the right equipment.
How To: Make iron-on freezer paper stencils to decorate clothing
Learn a fun and easy way to decorate your clothes with these iron-on freezer paper stencils. This video will show you how to create stencils perfect for personalizing aprons, tote bags, or t-shirts. With these stencils you can make thoughtful gifts for all of your loved ones.
How To: Hollow out a book for an eReader cover
If you're looking for a clever, stylish, way to disguise your Kindle or Nook, then you've found the right video. This video will show you how to hollow out a book to make an excellent cover for your eReader. The hollowed out book can make a great hiding place for anything.
How To: Knit a Stockinette Stitch Wash Rag (Dish Cloth)
They can be called wash rags, wash cloths or dish cloths. There are lots of different patterns for them. Here's an easy washcloth that incorporates the Stockinette Stitch with Seed Stitch edging.
How To: Get perfect, jogless stripes in your knitting projects
Visible jogs become frequent when you don't know the secret to knitting the perfect stripe. But just because it's a secret, doesn't mean it isn't easy to do! In this video demonstration, Judy shows you the secret to knitting jogless stripes. Basically, you knit the first row of color the way you normally would, then slip the marker off when you get around to the end. Next, instead of knitting the next stitch how you normally would, you just slip it off and then start knitting all the way arou...
How To: Knit Fingerless Mitts
Fingerless mitts are all the rage. They can be fancy or simple, long or short. This article will show you how to make a simple pair of fingerless mitts—for men or women. By adding more colors in stripes or other patterns, you can make them more interesting. You can also add to the length to make them longer.
How To: Knit a Fake Mobius Scarf
There are different ways to knit a Mobius scarf. I call this one the Fake Mobius. Check out the video demonstration below, then proceed to the written tips and pictures.
How To: Add a decorative keyhole to a knitted scarf
A keyhole is a great way of adding decorative effect to your knitting projects, and master knitter Judy Topaz is going to show you how it's done on a striped scarf. Adding a keyhole is more complicated than just knitting a basic scarf, but follow along to the video and you shouldn't have any problems.
How To: Knit a Picot Hem
Knowing how to knit a picot hem is a good technique to learn. Usually, at the bottom of a garment you will have a ribbed edge. A picot hem, as pictured below, is a nice alternative. It's quite easy and here's how to do it.
How To: Knit a four-row stripe with alternating colors
This video will show the lowdown on knitting four-row stripes. Actually, this works with any knitting task requiring over 2 rows, where you want to change the colors of your yarn. Master knitter Judy Topaz walks you through the whole process.
How To: Knit the Twisted Stockinette Stitch
Here is a good stitch to know, especially if your knitting tends to come out looser than you would like it. It works well for a nice cozy sweater when used with a thick wool. The twisted stockinette is just like basic stockinette stitch, except you put the needle in the BACK of the stitch when you knit. This twists the stitches and makes them tighter.
How To: Knit the Bamboo Stitch
The bamboo stitch is a beautiful, versatile stitch that can be used for lots of different kinds of projects. I especially love using it for baby blankets and scarves. It is an easy, reversible stitch. Both sides aren't the same, but both are very nice looking.
How To: Create a simple off the shoulder top by cutting off a t-shirt collar
Most people think that you have to be a whiz with the needle and thread as well as proficient on the sewing machine in order to make or tailor your own clothing. But the truth is that for easy modifications, like turning an old t-shirt into a modified, chic top, all you need is a pair of scissors and perhaps a stitch or two.
How To: Create a cute off the shoulder sweatshirt by cutting off the collar
Got a bunch of old, chunky sweaters accumulating in your closet? Of course you can donate them to Goodwill, but we're betting that you can get a lot more mileage out of those babies than you think.
How To: Knit Straight on a Circular Needle
I love circular needles! I use a circular most of the time, even when I am knitting straight. One of the reasons I love knitting on a circular is because with a circular needle, you don't have to worry about dropping a needle. You just have one. It's particularly good to knit straight on a circular needle when you're making a large project such as an afghan or blanket, but I use one even if I'm knitting a small project such as a scarf or wash rag. The photo below is of a scarf I'm making with...
How To: Make a beautiful clear crystal resin gem
There are two kinds of people who will find this video tutorial useful: Jewelers/jewelry making aficionados and cosplay fans. That's because this crystal clear, shiny resin gemstone can be used just as equally for a beautiful pendant or a paperweight as it can be for cosplay costume accessories like shoulder pads and helms.
How To: Bind Off Ribbing
Now that you have learned how to knit ribbing, you will have to know how to bind off ribbing. If you have knitted something that needs to have a stretch to it, such as socks or a neck, this is a very important technique to know.
How To: Make an awesome birds nest Easter hat for a boy
Why should women get all the pretty hats at Easter time? You can make a fun and seasonal Easter hat for a boy quite easily! This video shows you how to take a plain hat and turn it into a birds nest hat. You will need: a hat (a plastic party fedora will work just fine), a wide strip of ribbon for the brim, a pair of scissors, some raffia, artificial leaves, a stuffed or toy bird and some craft glue.
How To: Add Color to Your Knitting Projects
Once you have mastered the technique of knitting something in one color, you will want to go to the next step, which is learning how to add color to your knitting. You might want to knit stripes or knit something with two colors. It isn't as difficult as you might think, and once you've done it a few times you will wonder why you never attempted it before.
How To: Make an origami fox mask step by step
Ever since the weepy-nostalgic film "Where the Wild Things Are" came out, dressing up like your favorite friendly monster, especially for Halloween or birthday parties, has become extremely popular. If you're planning to have a costume birthday party for your little dude or girl, then prepare some pre-made masks for them by folding several of these fox masks.
How To: Make a ball gown out of trash bags and newspapers
The newest trend in couture? It's called 'trashion' - high fashion using trashy things. And we mean trashy! This tutorial shows you how to make a ball gown using trash bags, duct tape and newspapers. You'll also want a dressmaker's dummy to construct your dress around - or at least a model who's okay with standing still for a long period of time. Use the trash bags to form the dress, and then attack the newspapers over it layer by layer. You're ready for your debut!
How To: Knit alternating colors for a two-row stripe
Need some stripes in your knit-work? Judy's going to lend you her expertise and show you how to make stripes of two rows. She starts out adding a row of red yarn above previously knitted gray row, to make her stripes. Just follow her guidelines for stitching and you should have no problems knitting stripes in your future projects.
How To: Make a mermaid wedding dress out of newspapers
Looking for something unique to do for your wedding? Hate the idea of going from store to store, looking for the perfect bridal dress? What if you could make your own wedding dress... out of newspapers? This tutorial shows you how to make a bridal gown with a mermaid silhouette (fitted bodice and upper skirt, flaring out at the bottom) using nothing more than a few stacks of newspapers and some clear tape. You'll need a few bridesmaids to help you out, but it's guaranteed to fit!
How To: Make a rhinesone stencil template
Like a rhinestone cowboy! Yahoo! Alright, time to get your arts and crafts on and create your very own rhinestone stencil template so you can dazzle and bedazzle your friends and family or whatever craft project you're currently working on. Follow the steps of this nice how-to and learn to make your very own rhinestone stencil template! You're going to need a program like MS Paint, Photoshop or some other image creation or design software to make your stencil.
How To: Join knitted squares for sweaters or a hat
If you're an avid knitter, then you're probably making dozens of different pojects at the same time: scarves, Afghan quilts, hats, and wee slippers for your dog. So you need a video that doesn't waste your time (so you can finish that last row on your striped rugby scarf) by giving you an all-in-one tutorial.
How To: Makea cute origami robot out of paper
Because who wants to mess with all those wires, programming and power sources? You can make your own origami robot out of paper or cardboard! Though it probably won't do as much as a real robot would, it's nevertheless a fun project to do! All you need are a few sheets of paper (you can also used cardstock or a thin cardboard, depending on how sturdy you want your robot to be). Then just follow the steps in this tutorial!
How To: Crochet a baby cocoon on a crochet loom
A baby cocoon is a snug swaddling blanket that can be used to easily keep a new baby warm. This tutorial shows you a few techniques that you can use to crochet a baby cocoon for yourself or as a gift. This technique uses a crochet loom, so you'll want access to one of those in order to complete this project. You will also need to use a few basic hand sewing techniques to join the different pieces together when you're done.
News: Chinese Ironworkers Build Massive Transformers Megatron Tank
Jiiang Chen and Yang Junlin, of the Wing Wah metalcraft factory in Huizhou, China, forged together a 10,000-pound replica of the Megatron tank as seen in the movie Transformers 2. The tank is from a series of other massive works from the company's "Legend of Iron" project (see last year's insane Megatron below). The tank was assembled and welded together with mostly scrap metal by the two expert craftsmen. In a word... insane.
How To: Turn Wooden Ear Plugs on a Lathe
I turned my first ear plug purely as a challenge when the question was asked on a turning forum and nobody could provide an answer. I didn't know much about them, only a general concept of the shape I was going after.
How To: Knit the Tunic Stitch
The tunic stitch is another one of those real easy patterns that looks more difficult than it is. It's a strikingly beautiful pattern. Although both sides are not the same, they are both attractive so you can use either side. The picture below is of the right side.
How To: Knit on Double Pointed Needles
Knitting on double pointed needles (abbr: DPN or DP) is scary to most knitters. That being said, there will be times that you will want to, or need to use them, so you might as well learn now. You'll need to use DP needles for small projects when there are too few stitches for a circular needle (as for socks or mittens). Once you cast on and get into a rhythm, it's easy. Don't be afraid to try it.
How To: Make a present-embellished Happy Birthday invitation using Cricut
Let's face it: When it comes to the main Hallmark holidays - Christmas, Valentine's Day, and birthdays - we tend to take the easy way out. Party invitations are usually purchased in bulk at the drugstore, balloons purchased in a value sized bundle, and food catered or also purchased at the store.
How To: Make a frog birthday invitation using Cricut
Have a little kiddo obsessed with slimy, swamp-dwelling amphibians? Then throwing a frog-themed birthday bash is perfect for the little fellow. Make sure your frog theme stays unified all the way through from the beginning to the candle blowout by creating these frog invitations.
How To: Craft a cute monster party invitation with Cricut
Treat your little monster and his friends to a monster-themed birthday party this year for fun thrills. Make sure to have plenty of monster-shaped cupcakes, pin-the-eyes-on-the-monster blindfold games, and icky looking - though delicious - candy on hand. And, of course you can't forget the perfect party invitation.
How To: Craft a block party/BBQ hamburger invitation with Cricut
Some things are too good to keep bottled up. Give your guests a taste of what's to come at your Fourth of July party, BBQ, or slammin' block party by making your invitation look like a hamburger. Who can resists free food, right?
How To: Make the Afghan or Tunisian crochet stitch - entrelac
If you're someone who enjoys crochet, you may want to watch this video and check out this technique. It's called the Afghan or Tunisian crochet stitch, or 'entrelac'. This is not quick stitch to do, but the results can be truly wonderful. This video is very detailed, with excellent descriptions and will help you get on the path to a new and exciting crochet creation. You will want a larger and smaller crochet needle for this project, so be sure to have both on hand.
How To: Customize leather shoes
Painting custom leather kicks like Dunks is increasingly popular as the art community realizes what great canvases these big bold shoes make. If you want to get in the game watch this video for a one-stop guide to customizing leather shoes (in this case Dunks) with whatever paint designs you want.
How To: Paint custom Vans, Converse, and other canvas shoes better
Canvas shoes like Vans and Converse are the most popular casual shoes in the world, and have become high-style items over the years as well. They are easy to paint, cheap, and make perfect canvases for custom shoe art. Watch this video for three great tips that will improve you custom canvas shoe painting projects and ensure your kicks come out as fly as possible.
How To: Knit the Rice Stitch
The rice stitch is another easy and versatile stitch. Both sides are different, however they both look nice. This means the work can be used on either side. Pictured in the thumbnail image above is side one of the rice stitch. Pictured below is side two of the rice stitch.