Crafts and DIY

A fun craft for kids and adults, these eco-friendly bird feeders are just what your garden needs. Attract birds the earth friendly way by using these easy to follow instructions, including photos.

Unleash your creativity by creating a funky, fantastical paper mache statue. I'll show you how to gather inspiration, sketch your idea and build an armature that will be the frame for your creation.

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

Step-by-step instructions for building an interesting birdhouse with three separate condo units. Built for the birds, this design has fledged several families of bluebirds and wrens. A few repurposed and salvaged bits add character and whimsy, transforming a basic birdhouse into folk art.

Use this step by step wet felting tutorial to create wet felted beads. Add a cheap recycled charm bracelet to the mix and the result is a gorgeous wet felted necklace or bracelet.

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!

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

Examining the various patinas and related finishes for steel. These finishes either involve oxidation of the metal or are nonreactive finishes.

Feel good about supporting the Earth by re-using glass jars in these fun, simple, and creative ways!

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

Learn about flower pressing techniques and ideas on creating unique handmade gifts from flower art. Pressing flowers is easy and can brighten up your home decor.

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.

I review Kawaii Origami by Chrissy Pushkin which I received as a prize for entering a contest held by Two Classy Chics' blog. After trying a few projects, I've decided that I don't have the skills or the materials needed to complete most of the projects in this book.

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 eggshells into beautiful candles for Easter. Eggshell votive candles make great gifts or you could use them to decorate your home for Easter.

Complete directions and free printable templates for making six different Harry Potter silhouette pictures using inexpensive paper materials.

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!

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.

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.

This sweet charm can be used as a pendant for a necklace or bracelet, or as a keychain. This easy project makes a great gift for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, an anniversary, or for a special friend.

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.

Directions and instructions for a kids woodworking project; a toolbox as a gift for Dad

With a few supplies, you can turn an old rubber boot that was headed for the dumpster into a cute and practical flower planter. Add a little whimsy to your garden with this recycled boot flower pot.

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. Ideas for making: flowers, butterflies, wreaths, roses, snowflakes, Christmas, Halloween, fall. Coffee filter art projects using food coloring, markers

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.

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.

You can easily make rustic twig stars for decorating your home using sticks from your yard! These simple stars are the perfect decoration for your home, front door, or garden. These stars can also be embellished and used for wedding or party décor, or for decorations for the Christmas holiday.

The best Halloween arts and crafts for kids, preschoolers, toddlers and adults. Halloween art and craft ideas to make spiders, witches, ghosts and bats. Fun and easy art and craft ideas for Halloween

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.

Have you decided to try making clay jewellery at home but have no idea where to start? Here are some tips and tricks that will help you begin.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Here are some fun ideas that will help you transform your boring, discolored, or piece meal skull collection into a stunning museum of art that will turn heads and start conversations!

This article is about how to price homemade craft items. It includes the most commonly used formulas for baseline, retail, and wholesale pricing as well as advice on everything from comparing the prices of similar items to the advantages of buying wholesale supplies.

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.

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

Information on factors that should be taken into account when designing jewellery for sale or for yourself, friends and family.

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.

Perler beads are a fun an inexpensive way to craft. Using these easy to follow instructions and photos, you'll be able to make 3 different craft projects that are perfect crafts for adults and older children. You'll love making your very own Perler Bead Bowl, Melted Perler Bead Bracelet and Perler Bead Earbud Covers.

The clock will function properly as long as you install the clock kit directly in the center of whatever shape you choose—oval, maybe? To hang the clock, I ended up just nailing a small nail into our wall and using the top 1×2 piece that connects the slats together to hang it.

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.

A review by Margaret Schindel of Patrik Kusek's online Craftsy class, "Silver Metal Clay: Adding Stones & Dimension." This class is perfect for beginner to intermediate level silver metal clay users.

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.

Browse these sweet gift ideas you can make for a mom and her baby. If you need to put something together for a baby shower gift or to make a new mom's care package, use this list for inspiration!

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

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.

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.

Recipe for easy-to-make coconut milk soap. This recipe will produce a soothing, healing and moisturising soap ideal for sensitive skins. Can be used to wash hair also. Vegetarian and vegan friendly.

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

Create your own Matryoshka style dolls using polymer clay and a pull tab from your recycling bin! Your decorated dolls can then be used as jewelry charms, brooches, key chains, or cheerful figurines.

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

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.

Use these plaster project ideas to make beads, jewelry, handprints, roses, and decorator items.

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.

Make a lovely floral decoration for your home by adding paper leaves and tissue paper blossoms to a natural branch. Easy to adapt for various holidays, this flower project is great for children, too!

I was experimenting with bread clay and recycling old magazines when I found this method of making my own beads, which is both really fun and versatile.

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

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 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.

This article is about how to start and maintain successful blogs for craft businesses. It includes blogging platform information as well as ideas for blog posts, features, and topics.

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.

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.

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...

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!

Have you ever thought of metal as your canvass? Probably not. But it is, and it's easier to create designs in metal than you think. Acid etching copper and brass yields endless possibilities with impressive results. The materials needed are fairly inexpensive, and you may already have some of them at home. Acid etching metals allows you to create beautiful designs in relief. If you can stamp it, draw it, or write it, you can etch it!

The ability to add a deep, rich patina is an important tool in any metalsmith's arsenal. Discover how with liver of sulfur, an inexpensive and effective way to patina copper and brass.

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

Super easy, quick, simple, inexpensive, spooky, and cool Halloween craft ideas. Find ideas for kids, teens and adults: Halloween decorations to make, to gift and to sell.

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.

Painting on glass or faux-stained glass painting is a great form of art. It's fun, safe to use, and easy to do! Here is a how-to guide on glass painting techniques and the supplies you'll need. Happy painting!

Revamp an old tabletop by creating a beautiful mosaic design! Here are some ideas for mosaic tile designs you can use for garden tables. I've also included tips on grouting and sealing the tiles.

These 50 teacher appreciation gifts are easy to make, creative, inexpensive, and your child's teacher will love them.

Angels have always been a symbol of the Christmas season. This angel wing ornament is a perfect way to add a little holiday spirit to your decorating. Made with polymer clay, this tutorial is easy to follow for a clay beginner or an experienced crafter.

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

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.

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

Learn how to create a mosaic design from ceramic tiles for a table, how to make a mosaic table top with ceramic tiles for outdoors in your garden, the best mosaic techniques for beginners, and how to grout a mosaic. Ceramic tile mosaics make awesome garden tables.

Learn to make clay, paper, plastic, and glass beads. I include supplies, techniques, tutorials, and resources for paper, polymer clay, plastic, ceramic, beaded, fused glass, and lampwork glass.

Polymer clay is a versatile material that's used for many decorative items ranging from sculptures to jewelry. Let's discuss the basic supplies you'll need to get started!

These pretty clay birds are easy to make using clay and some household tools. These birds can be made in any size or color and used to decorate your home, garden, door wreaths, or your Christmas tree!

Step-by-step instructions (with photos) on how to make reusable creepy bloody window decorations with dirt cheap materials you can buy at the grocery store.

Watch as the birds build their nest, lay eggs, and raise their babies. Step-by-step instructions make it easy to build a hanging birdhouse with a clear plastic window to see inside the nesting box.

Turn a thrift-store find into a jewelry case using some paint, stencils, scrapbook paper, and vintage postcards! This tutorial is simple to follow and easy to customize to fit your style!

Turn a vintage sewing machine stand into an interesting and useful table. I purchased the base for $10 and made the top from pieces of salvaged lumber (free!).

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!

Want to scrapbook for free? See my review of 5 best digital scrapbooking sites that offer freebies and tutorials.

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.

Search through 60+ crafts that would be fun for teenage girls! They can make them just for fun or to sell. Decorate the bedroom, make bff gifts for friends, and more!

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.

Making beads from roses is a wonderful way to keep special flowers with you forever. It takes some patience, but the results are lovely to wear yourself or give to a friend.

This article is a tutorial for felt and paper flowers. It includes a supply list, step by step directions for making bouquets, and lots of photos. It also includes other suggestions for felt and paper flower projects.

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

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!

Handmade charms are a fun way to create and personalize jewelry like bracelets and necklaces. You can make your own colorful charms using recycled materials, decorative images and household items!

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