Hot Arts & Crafts How-Tos
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.
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?
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 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.
How To: Fold a simple and quick bull from the Chinese zodiac
In China and Japan there exists a special zodiac quite different from that which we have in the states. The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, each animal representing one year in the constant twelve year revolution.
How To: Fold a simple dog from the Chinese zodiac
In China and Japan there exists a special zodiac quite different from that which we have in the states. The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, each animal representing one year in the constant twelve year revolution.
How To: Fold an origami boar from the Chinese zodiac
In China and Japan there exists a special zodiac quite different from that which we have in the states. The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, each animal representing one year in the constant twelve year revolution.
How To: Origami Sweets! How to Fold a Realistic Chocolate Bar for Valentine's Day
This origami chocolate bar, which is realistically divided into mini bite-sized pieces and has a Dairy Milk blue packaging, is a difficult fold, but so worth it. Give it to your sweet-toothed sweetheart on Valentine's Day for a treat without the calories. Just be careful that the recipient of your origami chocolate bar doesn't actually try to eat it.
How To: Fold an adorable lifelike origami snail
If there is a cuter origami snail out there then we haven't seen it. This origami snail, made entirely from paper, looks like the real thing, only more adorable.
How To: Crochet a pair of wristies in the style of Jolene Sugarbaker
Wristies are useful for any cook - use them to hold your sleeves in place while you're cooking. You will need a size J hook, scissors, some clear jewelry thread and a ball of eyelash yarn in your favorite color.
How To: Crochet a beautiful bouquet of pansies and flowers
A pansy is a delicate, two-tone flower. This tutorial shows you how to crochet an entire bouquet of beautiful pansies. This makes a great gift or get well present - especially if your recipient is allergic to flowers! Make sure you choose your yarn carefully.
How To: Tell the difference between loose and tight crochet techniques
Depending on your personal technique, you might find that you are a tight crocheter, or that you often end up with looser projects. This tutorial shows you the difference between using a tight or loose technique. Here is how you can determine the gauge of your projects, as well.
How To: Crochet mats for a dog or cat using granny squares
Want a place for your pet to sleep? This tutorial shows you how to use the granny square technique to crochet a comfy mat for your dog or cat. You will need a size P hook to make this project.
How To: Crochet a beautiful spring wreath with flowers and butterflies
Just because it's spring doesn't mean you have to forego wreaths! This tutorial shows you how to crochet leaves, butterflies, daffodils and flower buds to assemble into a spring wreath. Since this is for spring, choose pastel colors for your yarn.
How To: Use the single crochet technique for extreme crochet
Extreme crochet is when you bring multiple strands of yarn together and treat it like one big strand. You will definitely need a size P hook to be able to work with this much yarn. Here is how to use single crochet stitches when making something with extreme crochet.
How To: Use the half double crochet stitch when using extreme crochet
By bringing multiple strands of yarn together, you can create a beautiful look for your crochet projects. This tutorial shows you how to execute the half double crochet stitch when you are working on a project using the extreme crochet technique.