HowToDoThings.com Crafts

How To Make a Balloon Arch

Carrie122 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 15:24:00 -0500

Balloon arches are a beautiful addition to any party decor, from weddings and bridal showers to birthday and anniversary parties. They're fairly simple to make, but look like they took ages.

Before you create your balloon arch, you have a few things to decide:

Would you rather use air-filled or helium balloons? Helium balloon arches will require less support in the frame, but will only last for about 10-12 hours before they begin to weigh on the frame. Air-filled balloons require a more stable frame, but the finished product will last longer and air is less expensive than helium.
What colors do you want to use in your arch?

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How To Make Paper Mache

Carrie122 — Tue, 02 May 2006 08:47:00 -0500

Paper mache is a crafting technique that is easy, inexpensive, versatile and perfect for all ages. You couldn't ask for a better art form! You can create piñatas, decorative accents, bowls or just about anything your imagination can dream up with paper mache. Projects will take several days to complete, as you need to allow for drying time between layers of paper. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.

How To Make Photo Memory Quilts

Tonya249 — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 18:12:00 -0500

Making a photo memory quilt is a wonderful way to honor a graduate, remember a loved one, or commemorate a special occasion. Photo memory quilts are really quite simple to make if you have some modest sewing skills.

How To Use a Sewing Machine

Tonya249 — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 10:13:00 -0500

Learning to use a sewing machine may seem daunting, but the key is to break it down into small, easy steps. These instructions may vary a bit, depending upon your machine, so if you have any questions that aren't answered here, check your sewing machine manual. If you don't have the manual, go to the manufacturer's website to order one. The Sew USA website also has a large selection of instruction manuals.

How To Make Dish Soap

Carrie122 — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:21:00 -0600

If you have allergies or your skin gets dried out from using purchased dish soap, making your own dish soap is simple and effective. There are a few different ways make dish soap, but all of them are quick and easy.

To store your homemade dish soap, recycle dish soap squeeze bottles or purchase empty plastic bottle with a squeeze top for ease of use.

Dish soap can be made using liquid castile soap, soap flakes or soap scraps.

Liquid Castile Soap

Using liquid castile soap is the easiest way to make your own dish soap, as the base is already made for you. All you have to do is add a few ingredients, mix it up, and voila! You can purchase liquid castile soap at most health food stores. Here's what you need:

How To Make a Christmas Photo Card

Victoria116 — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 04:17:00 -0500

As the Christmas season approaches, it's fun to touch base with your friends and send them a picture of your family. And in this age of digital cameras and the Internet, it's easier than ever to make homemade Christmas cards. Here are some tips on how to make photo Christmas cards.

Online photo cards. There are a number of ways to make a photo Christmas card. The easiest way is to use an online site that offers card-making software. Websites like Shutterfly and Snapfish offer card-making programs that are easy to use. And at My Cardmaker, you can go in and create and print personalized greeting cards in just a few easy steps. In addition, most online photo cards come complete with matching envelopes.

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How To Make a Mexican Piñata

Carrie122 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 20:14:00 -0500

Mexican pinatas have become very popular at birthday parties and Mexican-themed celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo. Traditionally they were made in the shape of a six-pointed star, but you can now find them in almost every shape you can imagine, from animals to popular television characters.

Making your own pinata is easy to do using a basic paper mache technique and a little imagination. Get the kids involved with this project and enjoy!

What You'll Need:

White glue or flour and water
Old newspaper torn into strips
Large balloon
Small candies and toys
Colored cardboard or construction paper
Sewing needle and strong thread or fishing line
Paints
Glitter, crepe paper, and other assorted trims

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How To Make a T-Shirt Quilt

Tonya249 — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 19:57:00 -0500

Making a t-shirt quilt is an easy, fun way to preserve memories. A t-shirt quilt simply consists of large 12" squares which are framed, or sashed, with a contrasting fabric. Here are the basic instructions to get you started.

How To Sew Leather

Tonya249 — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 18:40:00 -0500

Leather is a tough, durable fabric that can lend an exotic air to your wardrobe. It is, however, very expensive to purchase. A more economical option is to buy "skins" of leather and sew your own clothing. There are a few pointers to keep in mind when sewing with leather, but overall, it's not as difficult as you may think.

How To Make a Dreidel

Brian263 — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 15:31:00 -0600

The dreidel game is one of the beloved pastimes of Hanukkah, and making a dreidel can be equally fun for people of all ages. In making a dreidel and playing the game, children can connect excitedly with tradition and ultimately remember the central story behind the festival of lights.

There are numerous ways to make a dreidel. You can make them out of heavy paper, milk cartons, cardboard, clay or even using a dreidel-making kit.

Using a kit

A dreidel kit can be purchased at any local Jewish religious supply store. If you can't locate one through a phone book or by searching online, then talk to your local synagogues or Jewish community groups about how to get a kit. Once you've bought the kit, making a dreidel will be simple and fun. But playing the game will be even more fun!

Making it from scratch

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