HowToDoThings.com Recent Other Articles

How To Make a Chinese Dragon

mina — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:22:10 -0600

How To Make Roman Blinds

mina — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:10:48 -0500

Roman blinds are window treatments similar to Roman shades except that they use different materials to create the same look. The classic style of fabric that folds up gracefully from the bottom can be achieved to look similar to window blinds. To do this, follow these instructions for an elegant and sophisticated Roman blind.

Materials:
Tape measure
Woven bamboo mat
Pulleys with lift rings and cord assembly
Valance
Hot glue gun with glue

How To Make Glue

Cassandra — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:02:02 -0500

Glue is one household item that you never seem to be able to find when you need it. If this dilemma threatens to delay your craft projects you can solve it by making what you need. Follow these instructions and you can make glue at home whenever you need it.

Materials:
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon hot water
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 small microwaveable bowls
Spoon
1 cup or jar with airtight lid
Coffee filter
Microwave

How To Make a Braided Rug

Cassandra — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:59:59 -0500

Making a braided rug is a fun project for a rainy day weekend. If you want to learn how to make this traditional craft you can. All you need is a few materials, some time and these instructions.

Materials:
Colored fabric remnants of old clothes
Scissors
Darning needle
Sewing needle
Thread
Sturdy string

How To Make Tea Light Holders

Cassandra — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:55:32 -0500

Tea light candles are small, often one inch in diameter and can create instant romance in just about any room. These candles can create a mess if left to burn full or if not placed in a tea light candle holder. You can make your own tea light holder at home with a little time and creativity. Try the following project to create a simple wooden tea light holder at home.

Materials:
Scrap piece of wood such as a 2”x4” or larger
Sandpaper
Decorative paint, glitter or sequins
Polyurethane sealer
Drill with boring bit
Pencil
Tea light candles in metal cups (you must use the metal cups or the candle could burn your holder)

How To Make Hand Corsages

Cassandra — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:45:56 -0500

The small corsage that can be worn around the wrist or carried in one hand is the modern answer to the large floral arrangement that once covered half a woman’s chest. These delicate arrangements are a great complement to a simple ensemble. Create your own hand corsage at home with just a few simple steps.

Materials:
2 roses that complement the dress
2 stems of leaves
2-3 small flower fillers in pale colors
Floral tape
Floral wire
Scissors/wire cutters
Elastic band

How To Make a Fleece Blanket

Cassandra — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:42:17 -0500

Cuddling up in a fleece blanket on a cold day is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. If you have all the ingredients except the fleece blanket, don’t despair. You can create a fleece blanket at home in no time. Follow these instructions and you’ll be on your way to that cozy day.

Material:
Fleece fabric
Scissors
Tape measure
Fabric tape
Thread and sewing machine

How To Make Plaster

Cassandra — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:22:04 -0500

When it comes to making craft projects at home, one basic skill is making plaster. With this you can create masks, sculptures, piñatas or other three dimensional objects. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to make the plaster that can become the basis of many future craft projects.

Materials:
3 cups white flour
1 ½ cups warm water
Plastic bowl
Spoon
Newspaper

How To Make Button Wall Art

melhow36 — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:32:45 -0500

How To Make a Starship Enterprise from a Floppy Disk

freddie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:44:57 -0500

Back in the day, when you hear portable media meant a field reporter chasing a news story, there were those plastic three and one-half floppy disks. It carried an amazing 1.44 MB of data at the time. With the dawn of DVDs and DVD writers, portable hard disks, and USB flash drives, the humble floppy disk slowly became obsolete.

Although, those old floppy disks may be obsolete but that doesn't mean it is totally useless. Dig through your old drawers and you are bound to find one at the bottom. This little item may be a relic of the past but with a little work it could showcase the future. And of course, nothing says the future like the Starship Enterprise.

How To Make Ink

garrett — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:59:15 -0500

Ink is the fluid we use to write, draw, print or sketch figures, impressions, words, etc on any solid medium where it is visible. The history of ink use can be traced back to eons ago with origins in Egypt, India and China being among the first recorded use of ink. Then, it was made from fluids extracted from plants, tree bark, animal skins, burning bones, soot, etc. Over time the process has become modernized with commercial production of ink now being a solely industrial and chemical based process. You can still make ink at home using material which is easily found in everyday use, not to mention that you can experiment in several ways with this material and create different kinds and colors of ink!! Follow the steps listed below to make your own ink!!

How To Make a Paper Army Tank

Cassandra — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:25:03 -0500

You can have a lot of fun with paper if you spend a little time. You can create a paper army tank with some time and a few household items. Just follow these instructions. You'll need a sheet of paper and scissors.

How To Make an Origami Flying Bird

Cassandra — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:24:05 -0500

Origami paper folding is a fun activity to while away a rainy day or to inspire creativity. One fun shape to make is the flying bird. Follow these instructions and you’ll be able to create your own origami flying bird. You'll need a square piece of paper 6” x 6” or larger, and patience.

How To Make a Shirt Out of a Dollar Bill

teen — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:49:35 -0500

Does your friend leave creative tips by folding the bills into t-shirts or other fun objects? Don’t be too impressed, he’s not magic. He just knows a bit of origami. The good news is that you can learn to do it too. Just follow these steps and you’ll be able to make a shirt out of a one dollar bill.

How To Prepare Metal for Painting

3100 Caldera Blvd — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:51:53 -0500

How To Paint on Glass

3100 Caldera Blvd — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:07:59 -0500

How To Dry Flowers in the Microwave

3100 Caldera Blvd — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:25:14 -0500

How To Naturally Dry Flowers and Herbs

3100 Caldera Blvd — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:15:21 -0500

How To Make Recycled Paper

3100 Caldera Blvd — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:22:14 -0500

How To Dye Clothing

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:06:11 -0500

How To Make Natural Dyes

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:40:31 -0500

How To Prepare Finished Wood for Folk Art Painting

3100 Caldera Blvd — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:47:41 -0500

How To Prepare Unfinished Wood For Folk Art Painting

3100 Caldera Blvd — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:45:51 -0500

How To Make Your Own "Snow" Globe

3100 Caldera Blvd — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:33:19 -0500

How To Make Melt and Pour Soaps

3100 Caldera Blvd — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:22:02 -0500

How To Make Your Own Finger Paints

3100 Caldera Blvd — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:11:55 -0500

How To Make a Pencil Pinwheel

moonglow — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:50:07 -0500

How To Make Your Own Dry Erase Board From Aluminum Foil

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:27:50 -0500

How To Make Your Own Chalkboard

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:24:32 -0500

How To Make a Colored Chalkboard

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:20:03 -0500

How To Make Your Own White Board

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:16:18 -0500

How To Do Fabric Painting

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:09:41 -0500

How To Make a No-Sew Pillow Cover

3100 Caldera Blvd — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:19:39 -0500

How To Make a Friendship Bracelet

Deirdre — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:47:07 -0500

Friendship bracelets are fun to exchange with your friends and show others your bond. Creating one is also a great way to pass the time while gossiping on a field trip or surviving study hall. With a few simple steps, you will be on your way to making a friendship bracelet of your own.

Materials:
Embroidery floss (in at least 3 colors)
Scotch tape
Flexible tape measure
Scissors
Safety pin

How To Make a Pillow Cover Without Sewing

namanyas — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:44:35 -0500

How To Fold a Paper Snowflake

Cassandra — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:37:18 -0500

A great craft to do with kids is creating snowflakes. Get energized for the coming winter or decorate your home for the holiday season. All you need is a little time and creativity and you will be able to fold a paper snowflake.

Materials:
1 sheet of white paper
Scissors

How To Make a Paper Rose

Cassandra — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:37:40 -0500

Flowers can brighten any room. If you want to use paper flowers but are not fond of the artificial look, make your own paper roses. Create custom blooms you are sure to be satisfied with by following this simple procedure.

Materials:
Crepe paper
Floral wire
Green floral tape
Thin floral wire

Tools:
Scissors
Pinking sheers
Wire cutters
Glue

How To Make an Autumn Wreath

3100 Caldera Blvd — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:42:48 -0500

How To Make Paper Guns

gonzo — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:16:14 -0500

How To Make Artificial Flowers

Deirdre — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:03:16 -0500

Flowers are a festive addition to any home. Keeping fresh cut flowers in your home, however, can be an unending task. Instead, consider using silk flowers that will last much longer. Follow these tips and you will be creating your own artificial flowers in no time.

Materials:
Silk cotton fabric
Craft paints in desired petal colors

Tools:
Fabric pen
Scissors
Thin floral wire
Wire cutters
Floral tape
Clear glue
Paintbrushes

How To Make Soy Aromatherapy Candles

vhhorne — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:01:52 -0500

It's not hard to make beautiful, therapeutic candles that you'll be proud to show or give as a gift. Follow these easy instructions and enjoy the beauty of natural, clean-burning soy candles.

First, you need to get your supplies. The following will make one 18 oz. candle.

How To Make a Princess Hat

melhow36 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:29:54 -0500

How To Make a Kaleidoscope

Cassandra — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:35:35 -0500

Kaleidoscopes are a great activity for kids to enjoy on a rainy day or anytime they need a craft project. With a few minutes and household objects, you can have fun and create a great toy. Follow these steps to make a kaleidoscope.

Materials:
Cardboard tube (try leftover paper towel roll)
3 lengths of mirror – ¾” to 1” in width and 7” long
Foam pieces
Clear plastic
Translucent colored glass/craft beads
Glue
Duct tape

How To Make a Pew Bow

Cassandra — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:34:50 -0500

It’s easy to dress up a church pew for a wedding or special occasion with a few simple ribbons and flowers. If you want to add your own special touch to the rows of pews or decorate the aisle of the church, consider the following few steps to make a lovely pew bow.

Tools and Materials (Materials are per bow):

1 6-8’ length of 6” wide ribbon or tulle fabric
3 fresh cut roses
Scissors
Tacky glue

Directions:

How To Make Planes with Soda Cans

Cassandra — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:24:53 -0500

How To Make a Paper Shuriken

Guilherme_UK — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:17:23 -0500

How To Make Paper Flowers from Facial Tissues

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:50:11 -0500

How To Make a Japanese Fan

Cassandra — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:44:56 -0500

How To Make Silly Putty

ralexander — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:13:25 -0500

How To Use a Bead Board in Jewelry Making

3100 Caldera Blvd — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:20:10 -0500

A bead board is a tray (usually plastic) that is covered with felt or a felt-like substance. This tray is great for putting your beads on and for designing your jewelry. This can make for an easy and effective way to design your own jewelry. It isn't hard to use and can help you to make fewer mistakes. Bead boards also provide an easy way to change your designs and make your jewelry the length that you wish.