Howcast

How to Set Up a Face-Painting Booth

Howcast — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:00:57 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find artists Find enthusiastic artists to help paint faces. If you have volunteers that are not confident drawing freehand, stencils are a great option.
Step 2: Set up a table Set up a table with clean brushes, water for cleaning brushes, face paints, sponges, glitter, and examples of face-painting designs that children can choose from.
TIP: Face-painting supplies can be purchased at your local craft store.
Step 3: Provide a chair Provide a chair for the children and for the face painter to help reduce strain on their back.
Step 4: Provide a mirror and camera Keep a mirror available so the children can view the finished design. Also make lasting memories by having a camera available to take photos.
Step 5: Make cleaning easy Make cleaning easy by having wet wipes, a paper towel, and hand sanitizer available. Have fun!
FACT: In 2008, the record for the most people with team colors painted on their face was set by 29,688 rugby fans from France.

You Will Need

Face painters
Stencils
Table
Brushes
Water
Face paints
Sponges
Glitter
Examples of face-painting designs
Chairs
Mirror
Camera
Wet wipes
Paper towel
Hand sanitizer

How to Make Edible Body Paint

Howcast — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:01:24 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Blend avocados Cut the avocados in half, pit and peel them, and chop them in the food processor. Then add the sour cream and pulse the mixture until it has the texture of yogurt.
Step 2: Add salt and lemon juice Add the salt and lemon juice, and blend until the body paint is smooth.
Step 3: Make a sweet body paint Make a sweet body paint by mixing the pudding with the milk, stirring it until it’s smooth.
Step 4: Add color Pour the body paint into shot glasses and add different food coloring to each glass to create various colors of body paint.
Step 5: Paint Get a soft paintbrush and take turns with your partner painting and writing on each other with the edible body paint.
TIP: Lay a shower curtain liner over your bed to prevent any messes.
Step 6: Nibble Lick and nibble the body paint off each other. Be sure to use the body paint soon after you make it, especially if you’re using the avocado paint, as it can turn brown.
FACT: Ruth Faison Shaw invented and developed the art of finger painting in the 1930s.

You Will Need

4 ripe avocados
6 tbsp. sour cream
A tsp. salt
2 tsp. lemon juice
3-oz. box instant vanilla pudding
2 c. milk
Food coloring
Equipment:
Food processor
Shot glasses
Paintbrush
Plastic shower curtain liner (optional)

How to Make Face Paint

Howcast — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:02:32 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Mix cream and cornstarch Mix the cold cream and cornstarch together.
TIP: Diaper cream or solid cooking shortening can also be used instead of cold cream.
Step 2: Stir with water Stir in the water and mix until you get a smooth texture.
Step 3: Add food coloring Add one drop of food coloring at a time until you get the desired color.
TIP: Stir with a Popsicle stick or plastic spoon for an easy clean-up.
Step 4: Start painting Start face painting. Apply the makeup with a small paintbrush, cotton ball, or your fingers.
Step 5: Remove paint Remove face paint with soap and water. Store the extra paints in a covered container until the next painting party. Have fun and be creative.
FACT: Native American tribes made face paint from roots, berries, and tree bark to wear for spiritual purposes and sacred ceremonies.

You Will Need

1/2 tsp. cold cream
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. water
Food coloring
Equipment:
Small paintbrush
Cotton balls
Soap
Water
Covered container
Diaper cream (optional)
Solid cooking shortening (optional)
Popsicle sticks (optional)
Plastic spoons (optional)

How to Customize Your Backpack

Howcast — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:33:14 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Get backpack Get out your old backpack or purchase a new or used one.
Step 2: Get accessories Go to your local craft store or look through your household junk drawer and gather accessories that fit your style. Look for beads, pins, patches, bracelets, buttons, or jewels.
TIP: Use your imagination and get creative.
Step 3: Attach accessories Attach your desired accessories to your backpack with glue or a thread and needle.
Step 4: Add color Add some of your artistic flair with fabric markers and paints.
Step 5: Add accessories Add keychains, a bell, a whistle, or a compass to your zipper pulls.
Step 6: Add reflective strips Catch someone’s eye by attaching reflective strips onto your backpack.
Step 7: Add pictures Show off the ones you love by attaching some favorite pictures to the fabric and pockets. Now go ahead and use your creativity to help your friends customize their backpacks, too!
FACT: The world’s most expensive backpack is the Mulholland’s Deerskin Rucksack and is priced at a modest $1,324.95.

You Will Need

Backpack
Accessories
Glue or thread and needle
Fabric markers and paints
Reflective tape
Pictures

How to Build Bridges with Popsicle Sticks

Howcast — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:31:09 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Collect materials Raid your family’s junk drawers for enough popsicle sticks, glue, and other materials to build your bridge.
TIP: Stop by a local craft store to purchase additional building materials.
Step 2: Build main span Build the main support spans by layering popsicle sticks halfway over each other and gluing them together until you reach the proper thickness.
TIP: Use laundry clamps to secure your glued sections together until they dry for a tight bond.
Step 3: Create superstructure and road deck Line additional popsicle sticks perpendicular to the main span to create the road deck, then angle sticks vertically to build the superstructure.
TIP: Use a cross hatch pattern along the sides and under the road deck to build a bridge that is both strong and light.
Step 4: Add details Use toothpicks for railings or cut the points off the toothpicks and glue several of them together in a square to make tiles for sidewalks and side panels.
Step 5: Piece together cables Use flexible tubing or straws and string to piece together the cables if you are building a suspension bridge.
Step 6: Test bridge Test your bridge with a heavy book placed on the road bed and then set it up over a creek or other body of water to transport toy cars or even a pet hamster.
FACT: The most expensive suspension bridge was the $4.3 billion Akashi-Kaikyo bridge in Japan, and was completed in 1998.

You Will Need

Popsicle sticks
Wood glue
Toothpicks
Scissors
Straws
Flexible tubing
String
Craft store (optional)
Laundry clamps (optional)

How to Make Your Backpack Look Cool

Howcast — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:46:04 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Add accessories to zippers Add a keychain, whistle, bell, or small toy to one of your zippers.
Step 2: Sew on patches Sew patches onto your backpack. Choose patches that display funny sayings, a popular band, or a silly cartoon.
TIP: Make a pocket out of a patch by not sewing the top closed.
Step 3: Add buttons Add a few of your favorite buttons or badges to the backpack.
Step 4: Glue on accessories Glue on decorative beads or jewels.
Step 5: Add lights Brighten your backpack by cutting holes and sewing in LED lights or reflective strips.
Step 6: Personalize it Personalize it with fabric markers and paints. Draw and paint stuff that showcases your personal style.
Step 7: Embroider Embroider your name or favorite sports team onto the back of your pack.
FACT: Three out of 10 students carry backpacks that weigh up to a third of their body weight at least once a week.

You Will Need

Keychain
whistle
bell
or small toy
Needle and thread
Patches
Buttons and badges
Hot glue gun
Beads and jewels
Scissors
LED lights or reflective strips
Fabric marker and paints
Embroidery

How to Make a Temporary Tattoo

Howcast — Fri, 14 May 2010 09:31:24 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Open a new document Open your word-processing program and create a new document.
Step 2: Insert graphic Insert a graphic into the blank document from a clip art file, scanned image, or the internet.
TIP: Choose an image with a high resolution to ensure that your tattoo isn’t blurry when printed.
Step 3: Resize image Resize the image to fit the area of your body it will be applied to.
Step 4: Insert paper into printer Insert a sheet temporary tattoo printer paper into your printer.
TIP: Put only one piece of paper in the printer at a time to keep the paper from jamming or smearing.
Step 5: Print and let dry Print your image and let it dry for a few minutes.
Step 6: Follow directions Follow the manufacturer’s directions for application and sport your new ‘ink’ with attitude.
FACT: The tattoo machine was invented in 1891 by Samuel O’Reilly using an engraving machine built by Thomas Edison as his inspiration.

You Will Need

Word-processing program
Internet access
Graphic
Temporary-tattoo printer paper
High-resolution image (optional)

How to Make a Diorama

Howcast — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:01:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose theme Decide on a theme, such as the ocean, the rainforest, the solar system, or a favorite scene from a book. Make a list of all the elements to include and any important action in the scene you want to depict.
Step 2: Decorate box Turn a cardboard box, like a shoebox, on its side. Paint the colors of the background landscape, including the sea, sky, and ground, or glue construction paper to the inside. Decorate the top and both sides. Let it dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Add figurines Gather your miniature figurines, or cut out figures from construction paper or cardboard painted to look like the people, objects, or animals in your scene.
TIP: Keep proper scale in mind for realism. The miniature standard is 1 foot to 1 inch.
Step 4: Glue figurines Work from the back of the box to the front, placing your figures inside. Glue them in place when you find the layout you like.
Step 5: Add details Consider hanging objects from the top of the box, such as birds, or fish in an ocean scene, using dental floss or sewing thread and clear tape. Those extra details will bring life to your display and wow your classmates!
FACT: The 2006 film Night at the Museum recreated many of the real-life, massive dioramas of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

You Will Need

Theme
Cardboard box or shoebox
Poster paint and paintbrushes
Cardboard or construction paper
Miniature figurines
Scissors
Craft glue
Dental floss or sewing thread
Clear tape

How to Cover a Textbook

Howcast — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:01:46 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut paper Cut your paper large enough to cover your textbook.
TIP: Add two or more additional inches on all sides.
Step 2: Put book on paper Put the textbook on the center of the paper. Make creases by folding the paper over the top and bottom edges of the book.
Step 3: Put the book aside Put the book aside and fold the paper at the creases until smooth and even.
Step 4: Close book Close the textbook and place it onto the paper, leaving approximately 2 inches on the right side.
Step 5: Wrap the book Wrap the remaining paper around the front cover of the textbook and crease the edge. Remove the paper and fold at the crease.
Step 6: Open the book Open the book and slide the front cover into the sleeve. Close the book and make a crease with the paper against the back cover. Fold the crease, open the back cover, and slide it into the sleeve.
Step 7: Hold and decorate cover Hold the cover in place with decorative stickers and different colored tape cut into different shapes.
FACT: The largest bookstore in America is the Barnes and Noble in New York City, which holds 12 miles of shelving.

You Will Need

Paper
Scissors
Book
Stickers and tape

How to Make a Kaleidoscope

Howcast — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:47:04 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw a rectangle Draw a rectangle, 8-by-4 inches, on the plastic using your pen or permanent marker, and cut it out with your scissors or a utility knife.
Step 2: Draw your fold lines Draw three lines, parallel to each other, lengthwise along the rectangle. The lines should be 1¼ inches apart, starting 1¼ inches from the top edge. The last line will be ¼ inch from the bottom edge.
Step 3: Fold the rectangle Fold your rectangle along the lines you just drew, forming a three-dimensional triangle. The small 1/4-inch fold should be on the outside. Using your clear tape, tape the triangle together along the thin ¼-inch flap of plastic.
Step 4: Cut the paper towel tube Cut the paper towel tube to a length of 8 inches, the same length as your plastic triangle. Slide your clear plastic triangle inside the paper towel tube.
Step 5: Cover one end Place one end of the tube on the black construction paper and trace a circle around it. Cut out the circle with your scissors and tape it to one end of the paper towel tube.
Step 6: Poke a hole Poke a small hole with the scissors or utility knife in the middle of the construction paper circle you just taped to the paper towel tube.
Step 7: Fill the plastic wrap with shiny objects Place a square of plastic wrap on the uncovered end of the paper towel tube. Push the plastic wrap down into the tube by about 1 inch to create a pocket. Fill the depression with your shiny sequins, beads, and confetti.
Step 8: Cover the plastic wrap Once the plastic wrap is filled with shiny objects, cover the open end of the tube with wax paper. Wrap a rubber band around the edge of the tube so that the wax paper and plastic wrap stay in place. Make sure the rubber band is tight so nothing slips out!
Step 9: Trim the plastic wrap and wax paper With your scissors, trim off the excess plastic wrap and wax paper so your kaleidoscope doesn’t look messy. If you have stickers or wrapping paper, you can now use them to decorate the outside of your kaleidoscope. Don’t cover the eyehole or the wax paper – that’s how the light gets in!
Step 10: Enjoy your homemade kaleidoscope Look through your kaleidoscope, pointing the other end at a lamp or indirect source of sunlight. Slowly turn it in your hand, enjoying all the pretty colors.
FACT: In 2000, Christie’s auction house sold an antique kaleidoscope for $75,000.

You Will Need

A sheet of clear
heavy
bendable plastic
A ruler
A pen
Scissors
Clear tape
A paper towel tube
Black construction paper
A square of plastic wrap
Small shiny objects
such as beads
sequins
and shiny confetti
Wax paper
A rubber band
Stickers or wrapping paper (optional)
A utility knife (optional)

How to Make Finger Paints

Howcast — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:47:09 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Mix ingredients in the saucepan Mix cornstarch, salt, and water in the saucepan.
TIP: Add glycerin to make the paints shiny.
Step 2: Heat mixture on low Cook on low for 10 to 15 minutes and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and thick.
Step 3: Remove from heat Remove mixture from heat after it has reached the desired consistency. Set it aside and let it cool.
Step 4: Divide the mixture Divide the mixture into storage bowls.
Step 5: Add color to each bowl Add food coloring and stir to create your desired shade. Keep leftover paint by covering with a tight-fitting lid.
FACT: Finger paints were invented by an American educator in 1931.

You Will Need

1/2 c. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. cold water
Food coloring
1 medium saucepan
Mini storage bowls with lids
1 tbsp. glycerin

How to Make an Easy Friendship Bracelet

Howcast — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:49:18 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Tie your thread Line up your thread so that the ends are even. Tie a knot about two inches from the top of the bundle.
TIP: To make a thicker bracelet, use more than four strands of thread.
Step 2: Secure your thread Secure the knot to a flat surface with masking tape, or pin the knot to your clothing, like on the knee of your pants.
Step 3: Knot your thread Spread your threads out, and starting on the left, count them one through four. Hold strand two tight as you take thread one and loop it around. Pull the end of thread one up and through to make a small, tight knot. Then make a second knot directly under the first.
Step 4: Finish strand one Go down the line, and double-knot strand one around strands three and four.
Step 5: Repeat with strand two Use strand two to make double knots around the other threads.
Step 6: Continue knotting Continue double-knotting with strands three and four, and repeat the entire process until the bracelet is long enough to fit around a wrist or an ankle.
TIP: Experiment making stripes of different widths by knotting one strand more times and another strand fewer times.
Step 7: Finish Using all your thread, make a knot at the end of your bracelet, trim the ends, and present your homemade gift to a friend.
FACT: Tradition states that friendship bracelets shouldn’t be removed; instead, they should be worn until they fall off.

You Will Need

Four or more pieces of embroidery thread
each about two ft. long
Masking tape or a safety pin

How to Make a Daisy Chain

Howcast — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:17:04 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Slit the stem With your fingernail or knife, make a slit lengthwise in the stem of one daisy about 2″ below the blossom.
TIP: Two inches is just a suggestion. The closer you make the slit to the blossom, the denser your chain.
Step 2: Thread the stem Thread the stem of a second daisy through the slit.
Step 3: Slit and thread again Now make a slit in the stem of the second daisy. Thread a third flower through that stem.
TIP: You don’t have to use daisies. Wild clover works well, as do pansies, poppies, and buttercups. Just check with your mom before you raid her garden!
Step 4: Continue your chain Continue slitting and threading until your chain is as long as you’d like it to be.
Step 5: Connect the chain Make a slit about twice as long as the others and carefully slip the head of the first daisy through it. Voila! You’ve created a crown—or necklace or bracelet—fit for a fairy queen.
FACT: The word “daisy” means “day’s eye”—because the flower closes up at night, then opens when the sun shines.

You Will Need

A bunch of daisies
roughly 25
including stems
And a lovely spot for making your chain
A plastic knife
And other flowers like pansies and poppies

How to Make a Sand Painting

Howcast — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:40:24 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Add color to sand Mix up several batches of colored sand. To do this, pour about a handful of sand into each of your containers. Then add a different color of tempera paint powder to each container. Put the cover on tight and shake, shake, shake.
TIP: Add the paint powder a little at a time to get the exact shade you want. The more powder you add, the brighter the color.
Step 2: Draw picture Use the pencil to draw a picture on a piece of construction paper.
TIP: The bigger the shapes, the easier it will be to fill them in with the sand—at least until you get the hang of it.
Step 3: Spread glue Use the plastic knife or craft stick to spread a layer of glue over sections of your drawing. Spread the glue thinly, so that you can still see the lines.
Step 4: Sprinkle sand Start to color your drawing by taking a spoonful of colored sand and sprinkling it where you want it, staying within the lines. Only do one color at a time, and when you’re finished adding that color, lift the paper up and gently shake the excess sand onto the plastic tray. Then pour it back into the original container so you can use it again.
Step 5: Fill picture Continue adding sand until you’ve filled in all the parts of your picture that you want colored—then step back and admire your sandy-work!
FACT: Tibetan Monks spend days and weeks making an intricate sandpainting—called a mandala—as a symbolic act of creating the world.

You Will Need

Clean sand (be sure to pick out any shells or rocks)
Small
empty containers with lids (yogurt containers are perfect)
Powdered tempera paints in your favorite colors
Construction paper
A pencil
Craft glue
A plastic knife or craft stick
Plastic spoons
A plastic tray

How to Make a Milk Carton Birdhouse

Howcast — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:33:35 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse out carton Rinse out the milk carton thoroughly and let it dry.
Step 2: Staple shut Close the carton and staple it shut. It will look like it did when your mom or dad bought it.
Step 3: Cover with tape Tear or cut pieces of masking tape that are two or three inches long and stick them all over the carton until you’ve covered it completely.
TIP: If you overlap the edges of the tape slightly, you’ll cover the carton better.
Step 4: Rub shoe polish Dab some shoe polish onto the cloth and rub it all over the tape-covered carton. This will make the house look like it’s made out of bark. Let the polish dry.
TIP: You can also decorate the birdhouse by gluing moss all over it, or excelsior, green stuff that looks a lot like moss that you can buy at a crafts store.
Step 5: Make door To make the door, have a grownup cut a circle that’s an inch to an inch and a half in diameter about 4 inches above the bottom of the carton.
TIP: To make a perch inside the birdhouse, poke holes in opposite sides of the carton and stick a twig through it.
Step 6: Make holes Make a few holes in the bottom of the carton for drainage and two holes in the top so that the birds can breathe.
: Ask a grown-up to poke the holes, too. That screwdriver could be sharp.
Step 7: String & hang Poke a hole through the very top of the house, where the milk carton forms a peak, and string a piece of twine through it. Tie a knot in the twine, hang the house from a tree, and wait for your new neighbors to move in.
FACT: Wrens, tree swallows, and bluebirds prefer enclosed birdhouses like this one, while robins like open platforms for nesting.

You Will Need

An empty quart-size milk carton
A stapler
Masking tape
A soft cloth or rag
Brown shoe polish
Scissors or a small precision knife
A grown-up to help with cutting
A pointy screwdriver or something to poke holes in the carton
Twine
A twig or small branch (optional)

How to Make a Friendly Foam Porcupine

Howcast — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:44:00 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Mold 2 balls Mold the foam into two balls. Make one of the balls about the size of your fist (for the porcupine’s body). Make the other ball a bit smaller (for the head).
TIP: Make sure your hands and the surface you’re working on are clean. This will keep the foam clean.
Step 2: Stick together Stick the two balls together.
TIP: You can mix the foam to make new colors.
Step 3: Cut pip cleaners Get help cutting several pipe cleaners, each one into three pieces.
Step 4: Create spines Stick the pieces of pipe cleaner all over the porcupine’s body to create spines.
TIP: You can make lots of other animals with two balls of foam and different objects. Curl a pipe cleaner to make a piggy’s tail, or create a duck by sticking a feather in the back and one on each side for wings.
Step 5: Put on eyes & nose Put a pair of googly eyes on the head, add a button for the nose, and say hello to your prickly new pal.
FACT: Porcupines have about 30,000 quills.

You Will Need

Moldable sculpting foam
Assorted pipe cleaners
A pair of scissors
A grown-up
A pair of googly eyes
And a small button

How to Make Clay Animals

Howcast — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:41:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Shape body You can make any animal you like, of course, but let’s start with a dog. Take a handful of clay and shape it into a ball for the dog’s body.
Step 2: Make spots Use a different-colored clay to make spots for the dog’s body.
Step 3: Draw features On the poster board, draw and color the dog’s features.
Step 4: Cut out body parts Cut out the cardboard body parts.
TIP: If you make body parts for several different animals, you can mix and match them to create a brand new species!
Step 5: Stick pieces into clay Stick the cardboard pieces into the clay and bark “hello” to your new friend. Ruff, ruff!
FACT: The smallest dog ever known to live was a dwarf Yorkshire Terrier who was only 3.75-inches from nose to tail, and 2.8-inches tall.

You Will Need

Modeling clay in different colors
Heavyweight poster board
A pencil
Some crayons or markers
And scissors

How to Make an Optical Illusion Ring

Howcast — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:41:52 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Paint dot Paint a dot on the flat part of a clear dome-shaped bead—this will be the center of a flower. Let the dot dry completely.
Step 2: Paint petals In another color, paint the petals of the flower and let them dry.
TIP: If you don’t like how your flower looks, you can just wash off the paint with soap and water and start over.
Step 3: Paint over flower Now that your flower is totally dry, you’re going to paint right over it with a third color. Your flower will disappear—but don’t worry! You’ll see it again soon.
Step 4: Flip over bead When the paint is dry, flip over the bead. You’ll see your flower in reverse and magnified!
TIP: Instead of painting a flower, you could also cut a picture from a magazine the same size as the back of your bead, put a little craft glue on the front of the picture, and stick it to the flat back of the bead. The glue will dry clear so the picture shows through.
Step 5: Glue bead Put a drop of glue on the flat part of your ring and set your bead on top so the flower is facing up.
TIP: You can find metal adjustable rings that have a flat disk on top at craft or jewelry supply stores.
Step 6: Let ring dry Let your ring dry for at least an hour or two, and then flaunt your bedazzling finger.
FACT: In ancient Egypt, wedding rings were made from plants wrapped around the finger.

You Will Need

Newspaper to cover your work surface
Old clothes or a smock
Some clear dome-shaped beads
Acrylic paint in different colors
A small paintbrush
A plain ring
Some craft glue
Some water
And a paper towel
A picture from a magazine (optional)

How to Make Bakeable Modeling Clay Beads

Howcast — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:40:37 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Shape clay Shape one shade of clay into a rectangle about 2 inches by 1 1/2 inches and 1 inches thick. Do the same with the other two colors, and set aside your three leftover lumps of clay.
Step 2: Stack rectangles Stack the three rectangles on top of each other.
Step 3: Cut in half & stack Cut the stack in half with your plastic knife and re-stack the two halves, one on top of the other.
Step 4: Press stack down Press the stack down to its original size and shape.
Step 5: Cut in half again Cut the stack in half again. Now you’ll have two stacks with lots of colored layers. Set them both aside.
Step 6: Form cylinder Pick one color of leftover clay and roll it into a ball. Then place it on your work surface and use the palm of your hand to roll it back and forth until it forms a cylinder that’s about the same length and height as your stacks.
Step 7: Cut slice Cut a long, even slice from one of your clay stacks—not like you’re slicing bread, but lengthwise from end to end.
Step 8: Surround cylinder Place this long slice on the cylinder so that it stretches from one end to the other. Cut another slice from the stack and put it right next to this one, and another next to it, until the whole cylinder is surrounded. Set your leftover stacks aside.
TIP: Make sure the colors alternate as you place the slices next to each other, so you don’t have two stripes of the same color next to each other.
Step 9: Smooth cylinder Now that the whole cylinder is covered, gently squeeze it to press the slices so that the covered cylinder becomes one smooth cane.
Step 10: Lengthen cane Place the cane on your work surface and roll it back and forth. To make it longer, hold each end and gently pull. Roll and pull until the cane is the diameter that you want your beads to be.
Step 11: Repeat process Take another color of leftover clay, roll it into a cylinder, cover it in slices of the leftover stacks, and roll and pull it into a cane like your first one.
Step 12: Repeat again Take your third color of leftover clay, roll it into a cylinder, cover it in slices of the leftover stacks, and roll and pull it into a cane like your first and second one. You now have three canes with different-colored centers.
Step 13: Slice flat beads Use your plastic knife to slice flat beads from each cylinder. Make sure they’re all the same thickness.
TIP: To get the cleanest cut possible, let the canes sit for a few minutes before you slice them or put them into the freezer for a few minutes to firm them up.
Step 14: Line with paper Line the baking sheet with the paper.
Step 15: Make holes & string Now make holes through the sides of your flat beads so that you can string them (and their colored centers will face out). Twist the needle halfway through one side of a bead, then twist it through on the opposite side until the holes meet. Place each bead on the lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch.
TIP: Make round spacer beads by rolling small balls of clay and piercing them with the needle. Place them on the baking sheet.
Step 16: Bake beads Have a grown-up help you heat the oven to 275 degrees, and bake your beads for 15 minutes per quarter inch of thickness. For example, if your beads are half an inch thick, bake them for 30 minutes.
Step 17: Take out of oven Take your beads out of the oven when they’re finished and turn the oven off. Let your beads cool.
Step 18: String beads Cut a piece of elastic, embroidery floss, or lanyard string to whatever length you want for a necklace or bracelet. String your beads in whatever pattern you like, knot the ends together, and show off your one-of-a-kind millefiori creation.
FACT: Millefiori is an Italian word—’mille’ means thousand, and ‘fiori’ means flowers.

You Will Need

A clean
flat work surface
Three different colors of bakeable modeling clay
A plastic
nonserrated knife
A large safety needle
Plain paper
Baking sheet
A grown-up
Something to string your beads on
like beading elastic or embroidery floss

How to Make a Monkey Refrigerator Magnet

Howcast — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:39:21 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw outline Draw the outline of a monkey on the foam. The monkey should be bigger than the magnet but no larger than a postcard. Trace a picture from a book or magazine, or create your own monkey by drawing a circle for the stomach, a smaller circle for the mouth, and a small crescent shaped piece for a banana.
TIP: Keep the shape of your monkey simple or it will be hard to cut out.
Step 2: Paint features Use the poster paint to paint a nose, mouth, stomach, and other features on your monkey. Let the paint dry.
Step 3: Glue on eyes Glue on the googly eyes to the monkey’s face with tacky glue.
Step 4: Cut out monkey Cut out the monkey and pieces.
Step 5: Glue pieces Glue the mouth, belly, and banana onto the monkey with tacky glue, and let it dry.
Step 6: Glue magnet Glue the magnet onto the back of the monkey using a dot of tacky glue and let it dry.Now put your cheerful new pet to work holding up this week’s lunchroom menu.
FACT: Capuchin monkeys are so smart they’re sometimes trained to help people who are paralyzed.

You Will Need

A sheet of plain white foam
A pencil
A pair of scissors
Some poster paint
A small paintbrush
A pair of googly eyes
A magnet about the size of a quarter
And some tacky glue

How to Make a Suncatcher

Howcast — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:27:24 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick base Pick one color of glitter contact paper as your base and lay the CD on a piece of it.
Step 2: Trace CD Trace around the CD with a pencil.
Step 3: Cut out circle Cut out the circle of contact paper.
Step 4: Stick to CD Carefully peel off the backing from the contact paper and carefully stick it to the non-shiny side of CD so that you’re covering up any writing or designs on the disc.
TIP: Make sure you have the contact paper centered before you press it down, and smooth it a little bit at a time to avoid making wrinkles or air bubbles in it.
Step 5: Cut shape for hole Cut a shape—like a star, a circle, or a heart—out of some contact paper and use it to cover the hole on the shiny side of the CD.
Step 6: Decorate CD Now get creative! Cut out shapes from the other pieces of contact paper and stick them on the CD. You can draw designs and cut them out or use hole punches in different shapes.
TIP: Stickers will work too—just be sure to use ones that are shiny or glittery.
Step 7: Cut out 2 shapes When you’re finished decorating your suncatcher, cut out two identical shapes of contact paper about the size of a quarter.
TIP: Fold or stack two pieces of contact paper so when you cut out your shape you automatically cut two matching pieces.
Step 8: Create tab Peel the backing off of one and stick it to the top of your suncatcher so that half of it is attached and the other half sticks up. Now do the same on the other side, being careful to line up the two pieces exactly, and press their tops together. You’ll hang the suncatcher from this tab.
Step 9: Punch hole Punch a hole through the top of the tab.
Step 10: Hang suncatcher Loop a piece of yarn or string through the hole, tie the ends together, then hang your creation in a window where it can catch some rays.
FACT: The sun has existed for about four and a half billion years and will probably keep shining for another five billion.

You Will Need

An old CD
Glitter contact paper
A pencil
Scissors
A grown-up
A hole punch
Yarn or string
Hole punches in different shapes (optional)
Shiny stickers (optional)

How to Make a Jigsaw Puzzle

Howcast — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:12:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose picture Choose a picture that you want to make into a puzzle, and then choose a piece of cardboard or foam board that’s slightly bigger than your picture.
TIP: The lid of a pizza box can make a perfect puzzle board—as long as it’s not all cheesy and oily!
Step 2: Glue image Glue your image to the board you’ve chosen and let it dry overnight.
TIP: Place a flat, heavy object on top—like a book—so the picture dries nice and evenly.
Step 3: Trim board Ask a grown-up to help you trim off any of the extra cardboard or foam board that’s around your picture with the scissors.
Step 4: Draw jigsaw shapes Turn your picture over and draw jigsaw shapes on the back of the board.
TIP: Shapes with at least two semicircular parts, facing either in or out, work best—small, complicated shapes will be hard to put back together.
Step 5: Cut picture Again with a grown-up helping you, cut the picture along the lines you’ve just drawn.
Step 6: Do puzzle Now jumble up the pieces and see how long it takes you to do your handmade puzzle—or challenge your friends to try it.
FACT: The first jigsaw puzzle was made in England in the mid-1700s—it was a map to help kids learn geography.

You Will Need

A grown-up to help with cutting
A photo
a poster
a picture from a magazine
or a drawing
A thick piece of cardboard or foam board
Some glue
Scissors
A pencil

How to Tie-Dye a T-Shirt

Howcast — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:56:42 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Set up area Spread a the plastic sheet or garbage bag out.
Step 2: Rubber band shirt Bunch or fold up sections of the T-shirt, and wrap them tightly with the rubber bands or string. These will be the areas that will stay white after the shirt is dyed, forming a pattern.
TIP: It’s tough to predict exactly what kinds of patterns your t-shirt will end up with–but that’s the fun of making one!
Step 3: Prepare dye Prepare the dye in the bucket according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 4: Dip shirt Wearing gloves, dip the shirt or a section of it in the dye until it’s the color you want.
Step 5: Squeeze & rinse Squeeze out the excess dye, then rinse the T-shirt in the sink until the water runs clear.
Step 6: Let dry Leaving the rubber bands or string on, lay the shirt on the plastic sheet or garbage bag to dry. Outside is best.
TIP: Once you get the hang of it, you can use more than one color–start with the lightest, and let the shirt dry completely before doing a new one.
Step 7: Remove rubber bands Remove the rubber bands or strings. It’s easiest to cut them with scissors.
Step 8: Wash shirt Before you wear it, wash your shirt in cold water alone or with clothing that’s the same color, since the dye may run. Be sure to accessorize with love beads and a peace sign.
FACT: Tie-dyeing started in Japan and China around 600 A.D. using dyes made from roots, flowers, leaves, and berries.

You Will Need

Old clothes
White cotton shirt
Rubber bands
Liquid or powder dye
Rubber gloves
Plastic bucket or bowl
Plastic sheet or garbage bag
Sink
Scissors

How to Make Goobeldy Goo

Howcast — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:13:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Squeeze glue Squeeze the entire bottle of glue into one of the bowls.
Step 2: Add water Fill the empty glue bottle with water, shake, and pour that in with the glue. Stir well.
Step 3: Add food coloring Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue mixture and stir. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix water & borax In a liquid measuring cup mix one cup of water with one tablespoon of borax until the borax all dissolves.
TIP: You can buy borax at the grocery store—it’ll be in the laundry detergent aisle.
Step 5: Add borax solution Measure out one-third cup of the borax water solution, and pour it into the other bowl. You won’t need the leftovers.
Step 6: Pour & stir Slowly pour all of your glue solution into this bowl, and stir while pouring.
Step 7: Squeeze & knead The slime will start forming immediately. When you’ve added the glue mixture and stirred it, pick up the blob that’s now in your bowl and start squeezing and kneading it. There will be some water left in the bottom of the bowl.
TIP: Wash your spoon and bowls as soon as you’ve finished your slime to make sure the ooze doesn’t dry.
Step 8: Gross out friends The more you play with the slime, the firmer and drier it’ll get—but it’ll still be icky enough to gross out your friends.
FACT: Slime is like quicksand and gelatin—they’re all “non-Newtonian fluids” that don’t behave according to Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of liquids.

You Will Need

A new 4 oz. bottle of white glue
2.0 mixing bowls
Water
A large spoon
Food coloring
2.0 measuring cups
Borax
A measuring tablespoon
A resealable plastic bag