Hot Arts & Crafts How-Tos

How To: Recycle an old t-shirt into a no-sew head scarf

In this tutorial, we learn how to recycle an old t-shirt into a no-sew head scarf. First, lay your shirt out flat on a table and download the paper pattern from the video. From here, measure sixteen inches from side to side on the t-shirt that you are using. After this, follow the paper pattern on the shirt and cut out the pattern with scissors. Once you have finished this, use a fabric bonding agent to make the edges less frayed and fold them into each other. This is great for the environmen...

How To: Make a simple friendship bracelet

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a simple friendship bracelet. First choose three colors and then cut two strands of each 3 ft long. After this, tape the strings together at the end and tie a knot. After this, start to tie the strings, one underneath each other. Make sure after you do each color, you pull on the string tightly. As soon as you finish wit all the colors of the bracelet, continue to the bottom of the bracelet and tie it at the end. When you are ready to wear it, tie it aro...

How To: Make a crocheted edge fleece blanket

Crocheting is a hobby that has been around for years and years. It's a very useful practice that can be used to make material that is necessary like blankets or shirts. In this video tutorial, you'll find out howt o make a crocheted edge fleece blanket using this easy to follow instructional video. So check it out and good luck!

How To: Make jewelry out of recycled plastic

In this video, learn how to make beautiful and unique jewelry out of old plastic bottles. This process is surprisingly simple and will make really cool gifts or accessories for any outfit. Follow along with Elizabeth Gleeson as she shows you how to spruce up any outfit and be eco-friendly at the same time!

How To: Fold a letter into a cute heart

Want to give a special someone your heart (and get rid of junk mail in the process)? Make a paper heart using origami, the traditional Japanese folk art of paper folding. This free origami video lesson presents complete instructions on how to make your own paper hearts from a folded letter . For more information, and to get started making paper hearts yourself, take a look!

How To: Make a Grave Rubbing

Grave rubbing is more than just an art. It's a record of the past, one that so many people would just rather forget. And graves are the one way to reconnect with that world. Discover the ancient art of gravestone rubbing to record beautiful headstone images or to enhance your genealogy studies. It only takes a few simple tools, and you're on your way.

How To: Make gold-filled beaded hoop earrings

Making your own hoop earrings can be fun and easy. In this video we learn to make gold-filled beaded hoop earrings with some wire, pliers, beads and an empty pill bottle. Take a 6 inch piece of 20 gauge wire and wrap it around the pill bottle. Then you take your round nose pliers and bend the tip of the wire in a 90 degree angle ending in a circle. You can be creative with what you put on for beads. In this video it shows a purple focal bead and 30 plain beads. So you would put 15 of your pla...

How To: Make a fleece blanket with crocheted edges

If you would like to crotchet around the edges of a fleece blanket you will need a fleece blanket, yarn and a hook. You will first need to clip holes in the blanket with a slip stitch blade. These wholes will distinguish where the crotchet chains will go around the fleece blanket. The slip stitch will leave you with holes so you can crochet around the blanket. You should do a foundation slip. Start by doing a slip stitch and pull your needle through the back and from the front complete the st...

How To: Make a book out of recycled material

Make your own book out of recycled material. You can use thick cardboard pieces for each page. Find some strong tape to make an outer binding. Tape each page of the book down with masking tape. You can then reenforce it by glueing down strips of brown paper bag. Decorate your book with other recycled items such as stickers, photographs, and plastic bags.

How To: Make a book

Make a book using the five-hole pamphlet stitch. You will need paper, a bone folder, an awl and a needle and thread. Watch this instructional video to make a quick paper book for sketches, notes, illustrated stories, and picture albums.

How To: Machine knit a back stitch bind off

This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. This is a demonstration of how to use a knitting machine to do a back stitch bind off. You need to master this tricky step in order to take your knit work off of the knitting machine. You may want to reference some written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.

How To: Origami a three headed crane

Origami cranes are supposed to be lucky, so this little guy has three times the luck. Follow along with this video origami guide and fold up a three-headed crane. Watch this instructional video and learn how to fold a mutant three-headed origami crane.

How To: Make gemstone post earrings with snap fit findings

Gemstone earrings are quick to make at home, not to mention cheaper and more customized. To make gemstone post earrings with snap fit findings, you'll need snap fit post findings, ear clutches, gemstones to match the finding, and bent chain nose pliers will help. Learn how to make gemstone post earrings with snap fit findings by watching this video jewelry-making tutorial.

How To: Do the seed stitch in Continental knitting

This video demonstration is on the seed stitch, also called the moss stitch in Continental knitting. This is different then ribbing because instead of following the pattern for k1, p1, through the rows you change each row giving a whole different effect than ribbing. Do the seed stitch in Continental knitting.

How To: Make I-cord

This video demonstrates how to make I-cord. I-cord is a narrow tube of knitting, that is often used for the handles of a bag, cords to tie on a hat, to edge a garment, or appliqued on for a decorative effect Make I-cord.

How To: Make a Three Dollar Origami Flower

Despite being bombarded with so many things to do each day, we still somehow find ourselves in a mid-afternoon lull where there's nothing better to do than stare at the adventures of a piece of lint darting across our computer screen.

How To: Tie four basic knots in jewelry design

To tie the overhand knot, make a loop and pass one end of the string through the loop and tighten by pulling both ends. To tie a double overhand knot, make a loop and pass one end of the string through the loop twice before pulling both ends to tighten the knot. To tie a surgeon's knot, take the left string and bring it over and around the right string twice. Then take the right string over and around the left string and pull both ends to tighten, leaving a complete loop of string below the k...

How To: Knit a Ball

Knitted balls can be used for all sorts of projects. The obvious is a Christmas ornament, but knitted balls can also be the basis for knitting toys or snowmen. And of course, they can be used simply as balls which make a lovely gift for a baby. They can be all one color, striped or patterned. To get started, follow the directions below for a one-color knitted ball. You will need to know how to knit on double-pointed needles, so if you need help with that, check out my other article.

How To: Make an origami shirt out of a dollar bill

Is your love of money surpassed only by your love of miniature dress shirts? Boy, are you in luck. This video tutorial presents complete, step-by-step instructions on how to make a shirt from a folded dollar bill. For more information, and to get started making your own money shirts, watch this free arts-and-crafts how-to.

How To: Tie a single-strand Ringbolt hitch knot

In this video, JD, from Tying It All Together, demonstrates how to tie a knot known as a "Ringbolt Hitch". This is also known as "coxcombing". This type of knot was once a common tie used by sailors to dress-up items and parts of their ships. When tying a wheel, a "Turk's Head" knot was used to cover the part of the wheel where the two ends of the ring bolt met, which would firm up the hitch, and help to keep the tied ends from unraveling. It is a nautical tradition to use this type of knot t...