Hot Arts & Crafts Posts
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.
How To: Do the Same Stitch on Different Sized Knitting Needles
A fun thing to do in knitting is to experiment by trying the same stitch on different sizes of needles. A thin yarn knitted on a small sized needle will look totally different than a thin yarn on a medium sized needle. On the small needle the stitches will be tight. On a medium sized needle they will be looser and more lacy. If you knit it on a large sized needle it will look even more different and, in fact, very holey.
How To: Quilt as you go with your sewing machine
Quilt as you go is becoming one of the most popular quilting methods out there and this video will show you how to do the technique using only your sewing machine. This method allows you to create a quilt in no time flat. You'll need lots of fabric strips, squares or triangles. You'll also need baton and backing, thread and of course a sewing machine. You'll see this project appear before your eyes and your friends will be impressed and amazed!
How To: Learn the 'quilt as you go' method
Quilting! Is there anything better!? Well, no, but one thing easier is the quilt as you go method. This video will show you what to do and how to do it. You'll want to have some baton, backing, thread, scissors and of course lots of pieces of fabric. The fabric doesn't need to be the same color or style and in fact, the more different the fabric the crazier your quilt will be. Check it out! Get quilting, and learn the quilt as you go method today!
How To: Quilt as you go
This quilt as you go method is really becoming popular and this video shows how you can get in on the action. It's a simple method and you'll see your craft coming together quickly before your eyes. You'll need some backing, many pieces of fabric - widths can be different, but they'll need to be the same length. Check out the quilt as you go method and show off your new found skill! Quilts are a lovely craft and make for an even better gift!
How To: Do the 'quilt as you go' method
Looking for a new way to do your quilting? Why not try the 'quilt as you go' method! With this method you don't finish the whole piece at one time, but instead take various pieces of fabric and use them one by one. This is a great method if you happen to have a big bag of fabric odds and ends you didn't know what to do with. You'll need a piece of backing, thread, pins and of course a sewing machine. Watch and learn how to quilt as you go!
How To: Make a twin heart origami
Twin hearts, what could be more lovely? This how to will walk you through the steps to fold an origami double heart with a 10 pound note. It's easy, it's fun, and it's beautiful. Try it today, and show your loved one you care, with a little folded piece of paper. Whether it's for Valentines Day, or any day of the year, this clear and helpful how to will show you the steps to fold up this sweet little creation. Go for it and get your fold on today! I heart hearts and you'll heart hearts as wel...
How To: Fold origami double hearts
Origami double hearts are easy to make and a great way to show your loved one that you care. Plus, it's cheaper than a dinner out, so watch this video, follow the steps, and profess your love with a piece of folded paper. Hey, at least your loved one will know you went through the effort, and it's the thought that counts, right?
How To: Make an origami double hearts
What's the only thing better than one heart? Well, it must be 2 hearts. Whether it's for Valentines Day, or any day of the year, this clear and helpful how to will show you the steps to fold up this sweet little creation. You can use any size of paper you want, but you'll want to choose paper that has different colors on either side. Go for it and get your fold on today! I heart hearts and you'll heart hearts as well with this tutorial.
How To: Sew a perfect jet pocket on a jacket or dress
A welted pocket (also called a jetted pocket or piped pocket) is a pocket where it appears just to be a thin slit in the fabric of the garment. Ideal for when you are making something you want to have pockets, but don't want to necessarily draw much attention to them - such as tailored suit jackets or streamlined dresses. All you need to learn this technique are some basic sewing notions (scissors, pins, etc) and either bias tape or the ability to cut your own bias tape from your fashion fabric.
How To: Sew bias tape binding on a curved edge
Bias tape can add a professional, classy edge or finish to any project. Working with bias tape on a straight edge certainly isn't hard, but the curves can sometimes be a bit tricky. However, they're not impossible, and you can pick up the technique in just a few minutes! This video shows you how to work with single fold bias tape and sew it evenly and professionally around curved edges.
How To: Make a sturdy pepakura Halo 3 helmet using jesmonite
Pepakura is the Japanese word for papercraft. So yes, pepakura does include origami. Specifically, the term refers to 3D models made from paper. And what better contraption to make out of paper than this awesome Halo 3 (XBox 360) helmet? Broken down into its geometric components, this helmet is a life-size replica of the helmets you wear in the game.
How To: Fold an origami rabbit out of a dollar bill
With a few variations, you can turn this rabbit into a fox or a cat as well. This tutorial shows you how to take a dollar bill and use a few simple origami techniques to turn the bill into a rabbit. This is a simple technique you can use to make a gift for a small child, or include as part of a gift. You can add eyes as well if you want, though traditional origami does not use eyes.
How To: Make an origami guitar out of a dollar bill
This is a great bar trick you can use to amuse your friends with! Or, you can be the cool aunt or uncle at the family reunion. All you need is a dollar bill (larger denominations will obviously also work). Then just follow a few steps outlined in this video to fold the bill into the rough shape a guitar. It might take a little bit of practice, but you can memorize all the steps in just half an hour or so.
How To: Tie a Chinese crown knot using 550 paracord
If you're looking for survival knots or nautical knots then you've gone to the wrong place. But if you're looking to bolster your oeuvre of fancy, beautiful knots, then you've stumbled upon the right video.
How To: Weave simple paracord 550 bracelets
Paracord, or parachute cord, is one of the most versatile ropes out there. Originally made for parachute suspension during WWII, it is now used for everything from tying knots during a camping trip to weaving sturdy bracelets as a fun DIY project. The tutorial featured in this video is the latter.
How To: Tike a simple reef knot (a Solomon bar) using 550 paracord
Paracord, or parachute cord, has a very interesting history. As its name implies, it was used to suspend parachutes in WWII. The super lightweight cord is used nowadays as a utlity cord in the military and other applications. The paracord, also known as 550 cord, has even been used in outer space by astronauts repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.
News: Edible Undies (Just in Time for the Big Day) - NSFW
That'd be Valentine's Day, fool. Instructables member Carleyy fuses together licorice laces to create long strands for knitting a pair of edible undies. If you want to get more squirrely, try knitting Carleyy's pattern with ramen noodles. Ouch, these have gotta hurt:
How To: Make cute DIY flower and feather hair clips
Cheery springtime cookie designs give a tender welcome to spring, but you can up the ante by bidding "hello" to the fair-weathered season by wearing a flower or two in your hair. Spice up your everyday outfit or look absolutely fabulous for a luau by donning this cute DIY flower and feather hair clip.
How To: Make beautiful feather and flower hair clips
It doesn't get any girlier than feathers and flowers. While it's fine dressing like all the other girls in your school, why not be the Katy Perry to their Blake Lively by dressing up your noggin' in a spectacular, colorful work of art?
News: Your Perfect Snowflake Soulmate
No two snowflakes are alike. The same goes for people. But a snowflake can easily compliment one's own individual charm, although finding your perfect soulmate snowflake is quite a challenge. Or... it was.
How To: Knit the Moss Stitch
There are certain stitches that work well when you want both sides of the work to look pretty much the same. These stitches are good for scarves, shawls baby blankets and throws. One of these stitches is called the MOSS STITCH. It's a pretty stitch and easy to do. Of course, you can use the stitch for sweaters or anything you want.
How To: Knit a bracelet with an "A" letter
Already a bona fide friendship bracelet weaver? Then get ready to knock your friends' socks off with this personalized bracelet emblazoned with the letter "A." This step-by-step video will turn your mind to a whole new world of friendship bracelet possibilities, and you may find yourself stringing together batches of these for friends, family, and coworkers.
How To: Weave an Alpha style friendship bracelet with the letter M
Friendship can't be bought with money or gifts, but an existing friendship can certainly be bolstered by some handmade wrist wear. While you can totally hit up Claire's and purchase their twosome friendship bracelets, the special letter-embellished bracelet in this video is so much more personalized.
How To: Knit a valentine-worthy heart into your knitting projects
Valentine's Day is near, and Judy Topaz has the perfect project for you… a knitted heart. If you want to add a little bit of sweetness to your scarf, sweater or other knitting project, then this knitted heart will surely do the trick. Just make sure to choose a good yarn for good color contrast. Watch all four parts of this comprehensive Valentine's Day knitted heart!
How To: Fold a simple and cool origami spaceship
Are you a fan or Star Trek or Star Wars? Have you ever imagined flying on a G6 (thanks in no small part to Far East Movement)? Then this origami spaceship project is perfect for you.
How To: Fold a cool origami digital SLR camera from bank notes
This camera won't be able to take any pictures, but we can bet that after you make it you'll be taking lots of artsy pictures of it and posting it to your indie craft blog! Made from a dollar bill, this digital SLR camera is super cool and mighty impressive.
How To: Fold Beautiful Origami Hearts Using Real Dollar Bills or Any Other Paper Money
With Valentine's Day looming in our midst, it's high time to start thinking about what you'll be cooking up and crafting for your sweetheart. But instead of spending any money on anything, just keep one thing in mind—everybody loves cold hard cash, even as a valentine gift. So, instead of spending your dough, fold it into a beautiful origami heart to give your loved one. Better yet—make a whole bouquet of folded dollar bill hearts. What could be sweeter than a bunch of heart flowers made of m...
How To: Fold an eight-sided origami frisbee with dollar bills
Got a couple of dollar bills lying around? Then you can make yourself your very own frisbee! Please note, though, that while this paper frisbe does fly, we don't recommend you use it to play fetch with Fido anytime soon.
How To: Fold a very easy dollar bill ring
If you're sitting in class wondering why the clock seems to have its minute hand stuck and unable to move itself to 2 PM so you can get the hell out of school, pass the time quickly by folding this fun origami dollar bill ring. Easy and cool, it's a great way to hone your origami skills as well.
How To: Fold a cute origami dollar bill shirt and tie
We know that Father's Day seems ions away, but spring is approaching swiftly (we see the snow melting outside already) and the occasion will be here sooner than you think! Get ready for Father's Day by folding this simple origami shirt complete with a tie.
How To: Fold open-centered origami stars from dollar bills
If you've already mastered the crane and the basic origami lucky star, then this five-pointed star is the next logical step to take. Made from a dollar bill, this origami project doesn't even require special materials to assemble.
How To: Repair holes in your socks by darning them
Don't throw out your holey socks! You can use a technique called darning to repair them. You don't even need yarn - you can use embroidery floss or another sturdy thread to create the darn and extend the life of your socks.
How To: Quickly hem the edge for any garment without a sewing machine
So you don't have a sewing machine, but your favorite pair of jeans or shirt has a hem that is coming undone. You can use a liquid fabric glue, like Perky Bond, Stitch Witch or Steam A Seam, to quickly fix any hem.
How To: Perfectly wrap a Christmas, birthday or party gift using either paper or a bag
This video goes over traditional wrapping - using tissue paper, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. But if you just can't get the fiddly bits right, or your gift is oddly shaped, then this video will also show you how to use a gift bag!
How To: Fold an origami chicken from the Chinese zodiac
Chinese New Year begins tomorrow, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit as well as newfound prosperity. Celebrate the coming of a new year by folding this very simple origami chicken from the Chinese zodiac.
How To: Make a set of candlesticks out of plumbing hardware
Make you have some spare plumbing hardware you're looking to get rid of, or maybe you just want a fun way to make a pair of candlesticks. This video solves both problems! Use a few pipes and other bits and pieces to make a fun and unique set of candlesticks.
How To: Fold an origami snake from the Chinese zodiac
Happy Chinese New Year! Now that the beginning of another year is upon us, celebrate the cycle of life and of time by making one of the twelve animals from the Chinese zodiac. Check out this video to learn how to fold an origami snake.
How To: Make an origami sheep from the Chinese zodiac
The Chinese New Year, which begins this February 3rd and lasts for fifteen days, celebrates the cleansing/purging of the old and the dusty and the embracing of a new, prosperous year and a healthier you.