Crafts and DIY

Learn the best way to rehydrate / reconstitute partly dry or fully dried metal clay with water to bring it back to a moist, pliable consistency.

Reuse your old incandescent light bulbs to make adorable Christmas ornaments.

Learn how to form metal bowls from thin sheet metal using a hammer. I'm sharing two methods to inspire your creative juices.

Your friends will never guess that this fun and colorful bib necklace is handmade with paper beads, created from recycled mail, maps, and magazines.

Whether you're new to soap making or a seasoned vet, why use artificial ingredients to color your all-natural home made soap? Check out these easy to use natural ingredients that will give your soap the beautiful colors you're looking for!

It's easy to make rubber band bracelets without using a loom! This article shows how to make several different rubber band bracelet designs.

A detailed review of Lisa Barth's deservedly popular book in which she teaches her techniques for designing exquisite fine silver metal clay bezel settings inspired by the gemstones themselves.

There are many ways to join together pages for a card or booklet. Hand sewing your binding is a creative way to add a personal touch while providing a sturdy join for your pages. Hand sewing a binding is easier than you think and only requires a few basic materials.

Recycled thick Woolen Jumpers are used to create hanging basket liners. Follow these simple steps to create a hanging garden of your own. Fill it with herbs or flowers to create a riot of color.

Try these fun and easy egg carton craft ideas for kids and preschoolers! It's a great way to upcycle an item you can accumulate easily.

"B" is for Bunny is an easy-to-follow craft for all ages to enjoy. It can also be used as a learning tool for children. Step-by-step directions are included.

Make maracas, teacups, tea party hats, critters, wreaths, bunnies, chicks, garlands using plastic Easter eggs.

A tutorial on building a charcoal blacksmith forge from an old propane grill. We will make a simple pipe tuyere forge from a discarded grill, a metal fence post, and a few inexpensive materials.

Learn how to weave flexible metal clay sheet or paper to make woven metal jewelry. This illustrated step-by-step weaving tutorial demonstrates a simple method with helpful illustrations.

Learn about gold and silver metal clay formulas from Art Clay and PMC brands plus Aura 22 and AGS (Accent Gold for Silver and the key characteristics and best uses of each formula from those brands.

Birdhouse designs, plans and inspiration for building handcrafted wooden birdhouses and nesting boxes. These birdhouses are made for the birds!

Finding space to store salvaged scrap wood in your garden shed or workshop for future DIY use can be an issue; here I showcase my temporary storage solution with suggested ideas for the longer term.

Try these patriotic DIY projects to celebrate the fourth of July and Memorial Day. These crafts are great for kids and adults, and they can be done individually or as a group activity for a party!

Transform your yard into a creepy Halloween graveyard with fake tombstones and clever epitaphs. Here are ideas for funny R.I.P. names and spooky tombstone sayings, plus easy instructions for making your own tombstones.

Give mom a handmade gift for Mother's Day or her birthday. Moms always appreciate something that you made yourself!

An introduction to bronze clay, differences in firing schedules and methods compared to silver metal clay, and an overview of major bronze metal clay brands, formulas and jewelry making techniques.

This funky little Christmas tree decoration is made with polymer clay, some sewing pins, and thread. Making this ornament involves some detail work, but it can be completed in a couple of hours and will add a unique decoration to your holiday tree.

An overview of the five forms of commercial metal clay products - lump clay, metal clay powder, slip or paste, syringe, and metal clay paper - and the characteristics and uses of each form.

Fabric wrapped cord jewelry adds a fun and funky touch to any wardrobe. It's also quick and easy to make with this step by step tutorial, including photos and a video.

This tutorial will show you how to use permanent markers and rubbing alcohol to make your own alcohol inks for your scrapbooking and craft projects. I think you will be very happy with the finished product and with the amount of money you can save making your own inks.

What can you do with old book pages? Browse these fun project ideas and get inspired to make crafts such as garlands, flowers, trees, and more!

Try out these DIY burlap craft ideas! You'll be inspired to make flowers, garlands, wreaths, ornaments, and wall art. Keep these projects in mind for any upcoming holidays, seasons, weddings, or events.

Step-by-step instructions on how to make rusting plates, for making rusted papers and fabrics.

Many great ideas for making crafts using milk jugs. Included are pictures and the site names to the tutorials. Crafts for kids and crafts for every holiday.

A step-by-step guide on how you can make a profit selling your artwork on ebay as a self-representing artist.

This step-by-step tutorial with photos and text instructions shows you how to turn a few bills of any dollar denomination into a pretty flower that makes money fun to give as a gift for any occasion.

This article shares DIY bluebird birdhouse plans with step-by-step instructions for building a nest box.

Learn how to custom paint leather shoes, boots or sandals successfully with acrylic paint and then how to trim and embellish them with rhinestones, faux gems, sequins and other fashion accents

Learn how to make a fancy 3D chandelier from a frozen pizza box. Three dimensional chandeliers are a popular choice for party decorations. In fact, we are using several of them for my daughters high school graduation party this year. I have made...

Jazz up your sofa and save an old pair of jeans from the landfill by making this adorable denim throw pillow cover. Easy step by step instructions and photos are provided.

Tips for keeping metal clay moist during work sessions and for shot-term and long-term storage.

Make beautiful crafts using seashells and sea glass. You can try these project ideas for kids' activities or adult crafts!

Professional framing can be expensive, especially if you want to frame a piece of art on a stretched canvas. However, you can easily frame an artist canvas yourself using wood lattice and a few tools.

Do you want to try bringing new life to old calendar pages? Find over 30 fun craft ideas below that are great for kids and adults alike. Make bows, stars, gift bags, ornaments, and more!

A detailed list of basic, nice-to-have and specialty materials, tools, supplies and equipment for working with metal clay. Learn how to build a metal clay toolkit or see what's missing from your kit.

DIY Plans with photos, diagrams and step-by-step instructions for building a nest box that is specially designed for wood ducks.

Learn how saltwater, crayons, electricity, a hair dryer, and a bit of creativity can be used to etch a candy tin with the step-by-step text instructions and photos in this craft tutorial.

Sock snowmen are fun and easy to make for Christmas and the winter season. This tutorial includes directions for making three different sock snowmen projects, with their cozy clothes and accessories.

Celebrate the holiday season with an Earth-friendly idea.

Looking for Thanksgiving arts and craft projects? Try these reaths, garlands, pumpkins, turkeys, pilgrims, scarecrows, and more! Links to tutorials included.

Here are some inexpensive ingredients, directions, and tips on how to make hand crafted, vegan homemade soap. With pictures and recipe you can learn to make your own home made soap

This is a fun and easy craft for kids. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to create this alligator craft. You can use the pieces you create as a template to create many more pieces for multiple alligators—or just make one. It helps promote learning in a fun crafting experience.

Shawl pins are popular and used to hold a shawl in place or decorate a knitted sweater, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to make one out of polymer clay! My easy tutorial will show you how!

Learn how to make a grapevine basket that's easy for beginners and fun for advanced basket makers!

Mason, canning, or glass jars... they can all be used to make crafts. Ideas for kids and adults. Recycled and upcycled Christmas crafts, centerpieces, wedding décor, gifts, and more.

A comprehensive guide on gemstone setting techniques in metal clay before and after firing. Learn which stones are safe to fire in place and how to set them in fresh, dried or fired metal clay.

Learn how to make a stunning necklace with an old key and some beads. An old skeleton key can become the perfect centerpiece to hang combinations of beads and trinkets to create a unique necklace.

A great way to use old newspapers is to craft with them. In this article, you'll find ideas, pictures and links to great tutorials. There are some easy and fun crafts for kids too.

Painting your own beads is easy and a great way to design a colorful statement necklace that expresses your own personal style. This tutorial is a fun way to add a new accessory to your wardrobe!

Learn how to make simple homemade musical instruments such as: drums, flutes, clickers, shakers, sistrum, harmonica, tambourine, ankle bells, cymbals, bongo, guitar, and maracas.

Hot process soap making is one of the ways to make all-natural soap at home. But can you make the soap really, really pretty? What can you add to it to make it more interesting? Here's an account of some of my recent adventures in hot process soap making. You should be able to learn something, too!

Beautiful rustic nature crafts projects. Twig branch art and crafts for kids and adults. Crafts made from twigs include, wreaths, garlands, stars, coat rack, reindeer

Create layered journal pages easily with this tutorial. In just a few easy steps, you'll make a mixed media page for your own art journal.

DIY plans and step-by-step instructions for building a homemade deer feeder.

Step by step instructions and photos are provided in this easy tissue paper suncatcher craft tutorial. It's perfect for kids of all ages.

These cute clay mittens are an easy holiday craft project, using only three colors of clay and a few tools. Although I've displayed my mittens as a tree ornament, these decorations could also be used to embellish a festive wreath or as an addition to a holiday gift.

See what the buzz is around these bee crafts and decoration ideas! Use materials such as paper, craft sticks, egg cartons, clay pot, pom-poms and more. These DIY projects are great for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and adults.

Looking for wedding and bridal shower craft ideas? These handmade wedding and shower craft projects include decorations, favors, centerpieces, bridal bouquets, veils, headbands, invitations, and place cards.

Fun, easy Halloween craft ideas. 40+ Halloween craft projects that include: Bats, spiders, ghosts, witches, monsters and mummies. Wreaths, noisemakers, painted plates

This cute snowman and Santa figure are fun to make for the holidays. Using recycled salt and pepper shakers for the bodies, their costumes can be created from whatever materials you have on hand.

Plastic bottle crafts for kids, preschoolers and adults. Craft project ideas using water and liter bottles. How to make crafts using plastic bottles. Recycle ideas for children. Make flowers, jewelry.

Do you have extra buttons around the house that you want to use? Try these fun button project ideas that are perfect for both kids and adults!

DIY plans with step-by-step instructions, photos and diagrams for building a Ladybug House. Plus, lady bug facts and tips for attracting lady bugs into the garden.

53 easy and useful DIY craft ideas recycling old denim jeans.

Crafts, for kids and adults, using paper towel and toilet paper rolls. Ideas for wall decor, seasonal and holiday items or adults. Easy and inexpensive projects for kids.

Thanksgiving turkey crafts for kids, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and adults.

Build your own Peterson bluebird nest box plans with these step-by-step instructions. Entice more of these beautiful birds to visit with our tips for attracting bluebirds into your garden.

Learn how to make a beautiful beaded eyeglass leash that also can be worn as a necklace. This jewelry tutorial has detailed step-by-step instructions with close-up photos to ensure successful results.

A comprehensive guide to working with Metal Adventures' original BRONZclay brand bronze metal clay. Includes techniques and tips for working with this clay, firing schedules, troubleshooting and more.

DIY plans with photos and step-by-step instructions for making a Butterfly House. Our version of the butterfly box is made from pieces of salvaged mahogany.

Native American art and craft ideas for kids and adults. Projects include: headbands, moccasins, masks, drums, dream catchers, medicine bags, and more.

Layered necklaces with multiple chains and charms are a popular fashion trend. These necklaces are surprisingly easy to make with the right tools and supplies. Learn how to make your own boho-style necklace with this tutorial!

Ornament wreaths are popular for the Christmas season, but can be a hassle to make. This tutorial creates a festive wreath that is easy to construct, uses less ornaments, and will shine in your home.

DIY Plans with photos and step-by-step instructions for making a bluebird feeder. This feeder lets the bluebirds in, but keeps bigger birds out.

Easy craft projects for boy scout camps and for boys to make and sell. Simple, fun and easy crafts that boys will enjoy. Craft projects especially for boys to make.

Creating this "D" is for Duck is such a fun learning experience for kids. Capture their interest in learning about the sound the letter makes. Challenge them to come up with other animals that begin with the letter "D."

Make pretty and long-lasting candle holders, sun catchers and mobiles with press-dried fall leaves and simple craft supplies like Mod Podge.

Make a simple boomerang paper airplane. Flight-test three different designs for boomerang paper planes.

How to adapt Liz Ardlady's famous shampoo bar recipe to make liquid shampoo.

DIY plans for building a screech owl nesting box. This article includes diagrams, photos and step-by-step instructions for building and hanging a owl house.

Necklaces made with many strands of beads may seem complicated, but are quite easy to make! This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to design and create your own beautiful beaded necklace.

Unbiased reviews of metal clay related products including the Ultra-Lite Beehive Kiln and custom name/logo stamps by Metal Clay Artist Magazine's senior editor and technical editor Margaret Schindel.

40+ coffee filter crafts for kids and adults, including ideas for making flowers, butterflies, wreaths, roses, and snowflakes, as well as crafts for Christmas, Halloween, and fall. Many of these coffee filter art projects use other inexpensive supplies like food coloring and markers.

Learn how to texture metal clay with carving, tear-away textures, photopolymer plates, household items, leaves, food, purchased and homemade mats, molds and tools in this comprehensive guide.

Whether you are a lifelong crafter or are just starting out, you should always have these 20 craft supplies/tools on hand.

These colorful handmade jars make wonderful gifts, party favors, or table decorations for a variety of occasions and events. Easy to make, they are also a great way to repurpose and recycle old jars!

Learn how to make simple, natural, authentic soap at home, using ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Soap making does not have to be a costly hobby - in fact, you may find that it's ultimately cheaper than buying soap!

Information on the sources of beads found in nature and on using natural materials as beads for jewellery making.

Storing beads and jewelry findings is a challenge for everyone who makes beaded jewelry. Here are a variety of recommended bead storage solutions and cases for storing jewelry findings successfully.

Get inspired to make scented sachets for closet, drawers, cars, and shoes! Try out these custom creations to fill homemade sew and no-sew sachet bags.

Metal clay must be dry before firing to avoid steam that causes bubbles in the metal. Learn how to dry metal clay using foam, Teflon, a hotplate / cup warmer, dehydrator, hair dryer and other methods.

Repurposed old windows make a unique collage picture frame for wedding photos, family snapshots, kid school pictures, and much more.

Using rolled paper, create colorful quilt blocks that are beautiful to look at but require no sewing! This project is a great way to recycle magazines, catalogs, and gift wrap. Fun for kids, too!

Learn how to make easy tin can crafts, use tin cans to organize and lots more with this tin can craft and decor round-up with 20 different tin can craft and decor tutorials.