Hot Arts & Crafts How-Tos

How To: Make a homemade Diwali greeting card

For this Diwali, try making your own homemade greeting card for family members and friends. You don't need much to make your own card for Diwali (aka Divali, Deepavali or the festival of lights). Even children can make DIY cards with some raw or unused materials. Diwali is a five-day festival, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and usually occurs from mid-October to mid-November.

How To: Bind Off on a Purl Stitch

You've come to the end of your work and are ready to BIND OFF, but you're on a PURL row. What to do? You've learned how to BIND OFF on a knit stitch, but this is something new. Usually you will do the BIND OFF stitch on a knit row, but now your pattern is telling you to BIND OFF on a Purl row. Sometimes, like in ribbing, you will need to do both. If you've never bound off purling here are the instructions to follow.

How To: Create a marble effect for paper design

In this tutorial, we learn how to create a marble effect for paper design. You will need: rubbing alcohol, ink, stamps, and a cotton ball to get this effect. To start, you will Need to first dip the cotton ball in some rubbing alcohol and then add it to the ink. Dab this onto the paper all over. From here, you will color your stamps with dye ink and stamp it over the paper where you made the marbled effect. When finished, you will have a cute image over the marble design and then you can add ...

How To: Knit with two colors of yarn

In this video, we learn how to knit with two colors of yarn. Carry your yarn in the hand that you are most comfortable with. Then, don't tension it around your pinkie so you can control the yarn. Now, put your dominant color over your forefinger and the accent finger on the bottom of your forefinger. This way, you will be able to turn your hands to decide which color is going to go up and over the needle. Once you have this technique down, you will be able to continue to knit until you have t...

How To: Increase and decrease double crochet

In this tutorial, we learn how to increase and decrease double crochet. To practice this, first make a chain of nine and then double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook. Increase by one crochet as you continue to go, this will make your item larger and larger. If you find yourself going from an increase to a decrease, this can easily be done. You will simply decrease the crochet as you go, do not skip one or it will create a hole. Practice doing this to get the proper crochet you want t...

How To: Make a flat circle using double crochet

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a flat circle using double crochet. To start, you will begin with twelve double crochets in a ring shape. For the second round, you will increase in every double crochet until you have twenty-four. Next, you will increase every other double crochet until you have thirty-six double crochets. For round four, you will make two double crochets between increases until you have fourty-eight double crochets. For the last round, you will make three double croche...

How To: Make an array of paper roses

In this tutorial, we learn how to make an array of paper roses. Use any colors of paper you want with this to add a special touch to them! Now, you will take the pattern or color of your choice and fold it up into a square. after this, fold it into a triangle and then cut the edges of this off. After this, cut the bottom off and open it up, it should be a flower shape with a hole in the center. After this, repeat with several other papers and then cut the flowers up into halves. From here, yo...

How To: Make a tight paper airplane

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a tight paper airplane. First, fold the paper in half horizontally then open it back up. Then, grab the top of the paper and fold each edge into the middle to create a triangle. After this, open it back up and fold triangles down on each of the sides. Continue to fold in the triangle shape in the middle of the paper until you have a large triangle shape. Fold in half again and then push the edges down so you can hold onto the bottom. From here, you can t...

How To: Make a hair bow with and without a tail

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a hair bow with and without a tail. First, take a long and thick ribbon in your choice of color and a thin ribbon in your choice of color. After this, grab a needle and thread and set it aside once it's threaded. Then, take your thick ribbon and fold it into a bow shape. From here, take the needle and sew the ribbon down the middle of the bow. After this, take the smaller ribbon and tie this in the center of the bow. When finished, you will glue this to ...

How To: Solder jump rings

In this tutorial, we learn how to solder jump rings. This will give the rings more strength if you are doing a chain or a bracelet, and it won't break on thread. You will need a flame, wick candle with a number four tip, and something to light the torch. Start out by closing the gap in your jump ring until it's aligned and there is no gap left. Then light the fire for your solder and use it to cover over the jump ring. Once a few seconds have passed, you will be finished with the soldering of...

How To: Make a pop-up concertina money card

In this video, we learn how to make a pop-up concertina money card. To start, you will first need to take a piece of paper and measure your money on the inside of the paper. Then, cut this out in a strip and cold your money in half lengthwise. After this, measure the depth out from the center using a ruler. Then, fold the paper in half and on the sides where you marked. Then, you will cut three holes in the middle of the paper and these will hold the money in. Stick the bill in the middle of ...

How To: Make a simple paper airplane that flies far

In this video, we learn how to make a simple paper airplane that flies far. First, fold the paper in half and make sure it's perfectly even. From here, unfold the paper and fold the edges into where the crease is. After this, do the same on the other side and make it perfectly even. Then, fold the side over to the middle again and do the same on the other side. Next, make sure the creases are solid and then fold it in half. Now, to make the wings you will fold one side down, putting the tip d...

How To: Cross stitch

In this tutorial, we learn how to cross stitch. This is easy to master and just involves using one stitch. To start, you will first need to line your fabric up with the needle and mark the center. From here, secure it to the back with a small knot. Next, you will put this around an embroidery circle and then tie the thread to the needle. From here, start with the center point and count out how many spots you need to go on the design. After this, create a diagonal stitch across one block of th...

How To: Edge a knitted piece with a single crochet

In this tutorial we learn how to edge a knitted piece with a single crochet. Start to attach the yarn to the right side, working in a forward direction. Now, work a slip stitch at the edge. From here, stick the hook in the fabric and pull through one loop. The, yarn over again and pull through both loops with the hook. After you do this, do it over again! You will repeat this process until you reach the end of the row. Once you're finished with the row, you will be finished with the edge and ...

How To: Use the rubber stamp technique wet paper watercoloring

In this tutorial, we learn how to use the rubber stamp technique wet paper watercoloring. This is easy and fast and it will create a water colored background on your cards! First, dip your stamps into the watercolor and then stamp them onto your paper. Either wait for these to dry or dry them with a blow dryer. Once it's dry, go over the image again with the stamps and the watercolor. From here, it will appear more bold and decorative. Then, let this dry and start to decorate with ribbon, gli...

How To: Use your inkjet to print on a shrinkle

IN this video, we learn how to use your inkjet to print on a shrinkle. To start, you will grab the paper for the shrinkle. Then, you will print the outline out on a normal piece of paper. From here, stick the shrinkle over, frosted side up, on the paper. Then, feel the piece of paper back through the printer and print exactly the same image over again. Don't print anything too dark, or it will bleed out on the back. From here, you can peel off the shrinkle and then cut it out. This will finis...

How To: Make a church door card

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a church door card. To start, you will need to take a piece of card stock and the template for the church door. After this, you will fold the template up using the paper, then cut it out. After this, write the message you want on the inside of the card. From here, you will decorate the front of the card and then tie a ribbon on the front. This will close the two doors and then when you upwind it, the person can see the inside. Make this unique and have f...

How To: Make a flat circle using single crochet

In this video, we learn how to make a flat circle using single crochet. Start out by crocheting six single crochets into a ring for round one. For round two, you will increase in every single crochets so you have twelve of them. For round three, you will increase with every other single crochet doing one single crochet in between the creases. do this for a total of eighteen. Then, make two single crochets between the increases and you will have twenty-four. On the last row, you will make thre...

How To: Bind Off or Cast Off Knitting

You have learned to Cast On, you know how to do the Knit Stitch and the Purl Stitch. Now you've come to the end of your first project and you don't know what to do next. You will need to know how to Bind Off. Binding off, sometimes called Casting off, is how you end your work. Follow these instructions to learn how to bind off on a Knit Row. Binding off on a Purl row is different.

How To: Make cute little hair clips

In this tutorial, we learn how to make cute little hair clips. These will add a fashion statement to any hair style and they are easy to create! To start, you will take some thin ribbon and bend it all together until it creates a large ribbon. After this, you will wrap it together in the center until it's a bow shape. From here, add in more colors or accessories. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach a clip to the base of it. Let this dry and then you can clip it into your hair! Make a lot of th...

How To: Add texture to stamped images using rubbing alcohol

In this tutorial, we learn how to add texture to stamped images using rubbing alcohol. First, stamp on your image with a regular stamp to a piece of paper. After you do this, you will take a cotton ball and dip it into ink, then dab this on the images. From here, you will dip that into rubbing alcohol and then dab on top of the images as well. Allow this to dry and if you don't have time, blow dry it evenly. Then, use embossed ink to raise the images up from the page. When finished, you will ...

How To: Make a standard blanket from crocheting

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a standard blanket from crocheting. First, you will start your crochet by positioning the material into your hand. Then, you will need to tuck in between your ring and middle finger and around the others. The fingers will control the tension in the string. Now, start the first stitch by rotating the string around the finger. Then, grab the back one and pull it over the front. Use your finger to pus up and then you have your first stitch. put it on your h...

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 Naruto gloves

In this video, we learn how to make Naruto gloves. First, you will need to take an old black sock, thread, needle, and scissors. After this, you will cut the top off the sock and then put it on your hand. After this, you will need to use the needle and thread to sew in between the fingers on the sock. When all of these are patched, up you will add a fake metal plate to the top of it. You can glue this on with a hot glue gun. When finished drying, you will be able to wear this out, enjoy!

How To: Make a half/quarter easel card

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a half/quarter easel card. First, grab several pieces of colors of card stock that you like. After this, fold the main one up into a square. After you have folded this, fold the edges into the middle and push the creases down. From here, you will glue the bottoms of the other pieces and glue them onto each other so they are backgrounds. After this, you will create a border around the front main picture. When finished, fold this up and then you will have ...

How To: Knit with color

In this video, we learn how to knit with color with Brandon Mably. Get inspiration from the world around you to get different colors and make out different patterns. Carry your colors around the item that you are knitting to make a nice pallet that you love. You can use inspiration from the outside, different states, stores, plants, and anything else that you love! Once you find something you want, get started knitting and find a way to knit that works for you. Use the color range that you ar...

How To: Fold a basic paper airplane

In this tutorial, we learn how to fold a basic paper airplane. First, fold the paper in half and make a crease. Next, unfold it and then line the corners with the middle line you just made on one side of the paper. From here, you will fold the paper down until you reach as long as the crease can go. Next, take the point on the side and fold it an inch over next to the point. Then, repeat this on the other side, touching the other point in the middle. Now, take the tip and fold it over. From h...

How To: Make a Rivulet scarf or reversible cable scarf

In this video, we learn how to make a Rivulet scarf or reversible cable scarf. There are a couple ways to make reversible cables to look the same on the front and on the back. First, make sure you print out the scarf pattern and then learn where you want to cross to achieve a different look. First make your firs two cable crossings, doing forty stitches. Then, you can add in more stitches to make it thicker if you would like to. Continue to follow the pattern that you printed out, using both ...

How To: Make a cushion cover

With a little practice a cushion cover can be made at home easily. The materials/equipments required are as follows: fabric of your choice (having appropriate dimensions) to make the cover, scissors, measuring tape and ruler, needles, threads, sewing machine and an iron.

How To: Make a paper flower using napkins

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a paper flower using napkins. First, roll the paper over to one side and then start to roll it up with the other side as well. As you do this, the napkin will start to roll into the shape of a rose. When finished, you will pull out the edges to create different lengths with the petals. After this, use a green napkin to create the stem of the flower, making a small leaf in the stem by ripping it. When finished, continue to make these to create a beautiful...