Hot Arts & Crafts How-Tos
How To: Make a slit flower frame card
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a slit flower frame card. First, gather all your cardstock together in the colors that you would like. Then, take the first one and cut a circle window in it using a blade and a template. Then, punch slits on the outer frame of the window. From here, shade the petals and pull them out from the card to stick out. Then, place a rubber stamp with hearts on the other place of card stock. Then, turn the flower frame over and apply foam tape to the back. From ...
How To: Pick up stitches along a curved edge
In this tutorial, we learn how to pick up stitches along a curved edge. You can see the slope on your fabric that you can work with. If you slip the first stitch you can avoid this. First, slip the first stitch and then bind off the next stitch as usual. This will create a nice curve. To pick up stitches, you will use a circular needle and then poke it through the area in the last row. Find a 'v' shape and then push the needle through this. Pull through just like you are normally knitting and...
How To: Make a decorative tissue box cover
In this video, we learn how to make a decorative tissue box cover. First, you will need to get a piece of paper in your choice of color and set your tissue box on top of it. Use different colors of paper to trace out the edges of the box and then you will tape them all together. Make edges off the paper when you trace them so they fold over. When finished, you will put this onto the tissue box. You can also decorate this with any accessories that you would like to add a personal touch to the ...
How To: Read a ruler
In this video, we learn how to read a ruler. First, grab you ruler and look on the top and the bottom of it. The top is divided into different marks that shows inches, half inches, and quarter inches. If you aren't familiar with reading this, just use the markers at the top to help you count between 1/4, 1/2, 1/8, etc. The other side of the ruler is used for centimeters, which you usually will not use in the United States very often. Learning how to read a ruler can help you get better with f...
How To: Create the farthest flying paper airplane
In this video, we learn how to make the farthest flying paper airplane. First, you will lay the paper flat and fold in two sides on the top. Then, fold it in half and keep folding the plane in. After this, you will see the wings become smaller and smaller. Once you fold this up until you cannot fold it in anymore, you will be able to throw this and make it fly! This will be really thin so it will go further and further. This will fly across the room easily and make everyone jealous they don't...
How To: Seam a set-in sleeve into your knit
In this tutorial, we learn how to seam a set-in sleeve into your knit. First, you will need to lay out your piece in front of you and fold the sleeve cap in half. Find the middle point in the sleeve and put a marker in it. After this, attach it to the sweater from three different points. Then, take your needle and hook and start to work it into the middle of the two pieces. Grab the first stitch from the side and then go under to the other side. Grab two 'z' bars to do this and it will come o...
How To: Heat emboss a stamped image for a handmade card
In this tutorial, we learn how to heat emboss a stamped image for a handmade card. First, use the stamp to grab ink and then lay it down on a piece of card stock. After this, cover it in ink and start to add heat to it. You will see the image start to change color when you do this. It will turn to a metallic sort of color when you add the heat to it. Once you have added heat to the entire thing, you will be finished with the embossed stamp effect! Do this for any type of stamp you want and ha...
How To: Crochet a jumbo pinwheel swirl stitch
In this tutorial, we learn how to crochet a jumbo pinwheel swirl stitch. This has the same line count as the smaller, but it will have larger lines that the normal. You will be creating a larger distance between the two colors. Start off at the bottom wrapping it twice around your finger, then pulling it over and pushing it up. From here, you will do sets of eight to create the pinwheels along the design. After this, you will start to create the next level, which will be with a different colo...
How To: Increase and decrease half double crochet
In this tutorial, we learn how to increase and decrease half double crochet. First, work a half double crochet in your stitches. Do this to create the first row, drawing through the loops and inside the first row. To increase a half double crochet, you will do the same thing as a single crochet, except you will skip on loop. Double crochet to the other end and then you will be ready to decrease. To do this, you will simply remove one of the crochet loops while you are crocheting and you are d...
How To: Stencil your own t-shirt
In this tutorial we learn how to stencil your own t-shirt. Start off by grabbing your plain shirt and placing paper inside of it so it doesn't bleed to the back. After this, paint your background on the shirt in your desired color. From here, place what stencil you want on the top of the shirt and then paint inside of it. When you are finished painting it, carefully remove the stencil from the shirt. After this, you will need to let the shirt dry completely so it doesn't bleed at all. You can...
How To: Cover a heart shaped or round box with designer paper
Cover a heart shaped or round box with designer paper
How To: Make a pair of great looking earrings
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a pair of great looking earrings. To start, you will take the base of your earring that has the hook on it and then take the wire for your beads. Pick out any beads that you want to attach to the wire, then string them onto it. You can add different colors and any type of bead you want to make these unique. From here, use wire cutters to bend and cut the excess wire from the bead. From here, you will bend the extra piece into a loop that you will hook to...
How To: Knit Portuguese style
In this tutorial, Andrea Wong teaches us how to knit Portuguese style. This is one of the oldest ways of knitting that started in the Middle East. The holding of the needles are the same but the working yarn should come from the left needle. The yarn should be placed around the neck for your tension or through a pin on the shirt. Next, the yarn should go through the middle finger on the left hand. Then, sit in a comfortable position while you insert the right hand needle under the yarn. Then,...
How To: Make a paper flower with a simple piece of paper
In this video, we learn how to make a paper flower with a simple piece of paper. First, fold the paper in a triangle shape from each side. Then, fold the paper in the middle and then fold it into a square on all the sides. Next, you will fold the outer tabs into the square to make a triangle. After this, you will flip it over and to the same thing on the outside. This will complete your flower and make it look fantastic! Have fun making this and if you do mess it up just try again with anothe...
How To: Install a zipper into your knit
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a zipper into your knit. The first way you can do this is to take it to a tailor and they will do it for around $15. To do this by hand, grab your piece that needs a zipper and then steam the edges. After this, take a sewing needle and start to sew the zipper underneath both sides of the edges of the piece. You can also use pins to place into these so it stays in place. Do a backstitch also, to help make the zipper more sturdy and stay on longer.
How To: Make a sewing optional Greek goddess costume for Halloween
Would you believe us if we said you could put together a last minute Halloween costume in less than two minutes? The very idea sounds preposterous, but we're not bluffing.
How To: Do the mattress stitch
In this tutorial, we learn how to do the mattress stitch. First, lay the pieces flat and thread yarn tail onto the needle. Next, you will anchor the yarn to the bottom edge of the opposite piece. Then, go back through the side and find the tunnel of horizontal bars, one stitch in from the edge. Continue to do this around the stitches to combine them together. Keep alternating sides and just do one bar at a time to get the best results. You can do two bars at a time if you are comfortable with...
How To: Create a simple deconstructed sweater using only scissors
You don't need to be a Martha Stewart with the needle and thread to create cool, impressive clothing. In fact, you often don't need a needle and thread at all to upcycle your old, tired clothes.
How To: Fold triangles for 3-D origami projects quickly
Is folding all the little triangles together for your 3-D origami projects really slowing down your project? Here is a quick and easy tutorial that teaches you how to rapidly (and accurately!) fold all the triangles you need for your 3-D origami projects.
How To: Knit a Moroccan style scarf with Diva Dan
You will need two different colors of complimentary yarn to take full advantage of this lovely pattern! You should also be prepared to cast between 90 to 105 stitches to start, and you can end with a lovely and elegent Moroccan scarf.
How To: Master the art of proper tension when you crochet
This video tutorial is useful for anyone who has questions about improving their crochet technique. You'll be shown how to use the right tension to work your chain stitches evenly, and also how to troubleshoot common problems in your crochet projects.
How To: Create a wire wrapped pendant for a necklace
A wire wrapped pendant can be a lovely addition to your wardrobe, or make a wonderful gift for a friend. This tutorial shows you how to take your favorite pendant and dress it up with a little extra jewelry wire.
How To: Create a ribbon necklace to string a pendant on
Don't have a matching chain to string your favorite pendant on? Looking for a good gift idea? This tutorial shows you how to weave a ribbon, scarf or extra cloth into a lovely chain. You can make this chain as long as you want!
How To: Weave a tri-color friendship bracelet
Take three strips of cloth, ribbons, lanyards or embroidery floss, and use the following tutorial to make a lovely three colored friendship bracelet. You can turn this into a necklace, or bend it into a loop to make a keychain.
How To: Upcycle an old t-shirt into a fashionable fringe scarf
Fringes are definitely trendy this season, and you can jump on the trend bus without breaking the bank! You can turn an old T-shirt into a fashionable fringed scarf just by making a few cuts. Pick a shirt as colorful as you want!
How To: Make a simple scrappy statement necklace
Scraps and fringe are in! You can make your own scrappy necklace, just using scraps or remnants (which you might be able to get for free from your local fabric store!). Cut them and assemble into your own scrappy statement necklace!
How To: Make a Halloween card using the masking techinque
Make a beautiful and spooky Halloween card using the masking technique! Masking technique? It's really not that hard! This card making tutorial shows you how to use masking to create a 3-D effect on your card - all you need is some Post-Its and scrap paper!
How To: Make your own Native American princess costume
Be an Indian Princess this Halloween! You can make a fun and sexy Native American costume out of just a few yards of suedecloth (faux suede), along with some beads, feathers and other Native American flavored accessories. Go barefoot, or make your own moccasins!
How To: Turn an old pair of denim shorts into a fun messenger bag
Repurpose a pair of denim shorts into a fun and cute messenger bag! You'll need a pair of denim shorts (or jeans), scissors, needle and thread, straight pins, pliers, chains, your favorite vintage brooches or buttons, and a length of Velcro.
How To: Make a jumpsuit with a basic torso and pant pattern
In honor of the recent proposed ban in Italy on miniskirts, this tutorial shows you instead how to make a fun, basic jumpsuit! All you'll need is a basic torso pattern and a pant pattern without any pockets. And voila, your own sexy jumpsuit!
How To: Fold 3-D origami into cute little strawberry people
Make your own cute little strawberry people! This three video series shows you how to use 3-D origami techniques to make a boy and a girl who are both in a fun strawberry suit. It's very easy, even a beginner can do it!
How To: Needle felt eyeballs out of wool and foam
This makes the perfect creepy decoration for Halloween! You can felt a few scraps of wool and use that to make some really awesome and creepy eyeballs. In addition to the wool, you'll also need some special felting needles and craft foam.
How To: Make a knotted bead necklace out of an old T-shirt or scarf
Have some ugly beads you don't know what to do with? Disguise them as fun knotted bead jewelry by tying them into a necklace! You can also use marbles. All you need besides the beads is the fabric, which you can get from an old t-shirt or scarf.
How To: Knit the Purl Stitch
There are two basic stitches in knitting. One is the Knit Stitch. The other is the Purl Stitch. All knitting patterns are based on these stitches, so you'll want to know how to do both of them. The Knit side of your work is generally called the Front or Right side, whereas the Purl side is generally called the Back or Wrong side. This is important to remember when you're following a pattern.
How To: Dye your clothes red or pink with dye made from strawberries
Make your own environmentally friendly dye at home, out of strawberries! You'll also need some vinegar, salt and old nylon stockings. Mash up your strawberries, strain them in the nylon and then boil your strawberry puree with salt, vinegar and your fabric.
How To: Craft an urban chain statement necklace
Make your own statement necklace by combining various different chains and stringing them on jewelry or jump rings approximately half an inch wide. Attach the rings to the chain, jumble them up, and then attach a clasp to the other end.
How To: Make Katy Perry's cupcake boobs from "California Gurls" for Halloween
Katy Perry wears some seriously outrageous costumes in her music video for "California Gurls," but one of our favorite and funnest costumes were the cupcake boobs and rhinestone-encrusted Daisy Dukes she wore during the last dance sequence.
How To: Perfect the Every Which Way crochet stitch
This stitch, called Every Which Way, can be used for sweaters, scarves, afghans or just as an embellishment for your project. This is about an intermediate stitch, so make sure you have some experience with crochet before attempting this for yourself.
How To: Embellish a paper bird cage (complete with bird)
This tutorial shows you how to take a paper bird cage and add some embellishments and extra decorations. Use this as a hanging ornament, turn it into a home decoration, incorporate it into your next scrapbook project, add it to a colage or anything else you feel inspired to do!
How To: Make a cute Halloween themed treat bag or gift bag
Whether you're looking for something extra to hand out to your trick or treaters, or party favors for a Halloween party, this tutorial shows you how to make a cute treat bag. You can make this bag using just some mini paper lunch sacks at the grocery store, plus a few extra paper crafting supplies.