Howcast

How to Make a “Doggie Bag” Tote

Howcast — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Clean bag Thoroughly clean the inside of the dog food bag with soapy water.
Step 2: Decide size Determine how big you want your tote, and cut the bag across the top. Fold a ¼-inch hem in the bag and sew it using a zigzag stitch.
TIP: Use strong sewing thread.
Step 3: Use scraps Use the leftover pieces to make two strips, 3 inches wide, for the straps.
Step 4: Fold strip Fold the first strip lengthwise, and then fold it again. Sew the strip along its entire length using a zigzag stitch, and repeat for the second handle.
Step 5: Sew handles Center the handles, and then sew them in place, again using a zigzag stitch, to create a strong, unbreakable bond.
FACT: The American Kennel Club celebrated its 100th anniversary on November 17, 1984.

You Will Need

Empty 50-pound dog food bag
Soapy water
Sewing machine
Scissors
Strong sewing thread

How to Make a Handmade Paper Gift Box

Howcast — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:45:38 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create a stencil Unfold a small, one-piece cardboard box and trace it onto a piece of cardboard or thick plastic that is the same size as your mold and deckle. Then cut out the shape using the craft knife to create a box stencil.
Step 2: Dip the stencil in a vat of pulp Place the box stencil between your mold and deckle. Dip the mold and deckle with the stencil sandwiched in between into the vat of pulp at a 45-degree angle and draw them toward you.
TIP: The mold is a frame with a screen stretched across the top. The deckle, keeps the pulp from running off the mold. If you cannot find a mold and deckle at a crafts store, construct your own from two flat picture frames, with a screen attached to one of them.
Step 3: Raise the stencil from the vat Raise the mold, deckle, and stencil to the surface in one continuous motion. Then remove them from the pulp. Allow the water to drain and shake the mold and deckle from side to side to allow the paper fibers to settle.
Step 4: Remove the box form from the stencil Remove the deckle and transfer the layer of pulp inside the stencil to a damp cloth on a flat surface by placing the mold upside down on the surface, tapping the screen and then raising the mold up. Let the paper dry.
Step 5: Assemble the box Assemble the box by folding and gluing or taping the edges using the disassembled box as a guide.
FACT: In 1869, the American entrepreneur John Knox offered a $100 reward for the “best type of Gift box” to hold strawberries.

You Will Need

A box
A cardboard sheet plastic sheet
A craft knife
A mold and deckle
A vat of paper pulp
A damp cloth
A flat surface
Glue or tape
Two flat picture frames (optional)
A screen (optional)

How to Make a Handmade Paper Picture Frame

Howcast — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:01:02 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create a stencil Select a piece of heavy cardstock that is larger than the picture you wish to frame. Trace the shape of the cardstock onto a cardboard or plastic sheet that is the same size as your mold and deckle, allowing for an extra inch on each side. Cut out the shape using your craft knife.
Step 2: Dip the stencil in a vat of pulp Place the cardboard stencil between your mold and deckle. Dip the mold and deckle into the vat of paper pulp at a 45-degree angle and draw them toward you.
TIP: If you cannot find a mold and deckle at a crafts store, construct your own from two flat picture frames with a screen attached to one of them.
Step 3: Lift the stencil from the pulp Raise the mold, deckle, and stencil to the surface in one continuous motion. Then remove them from the pulp. Allow the water to drain, shaking the mold and deckle from side to side.
Step 4: Remove the frame from the stencil Remove the deckle and transfer the layer of pulp inside the stencil to a flat surface covered by a damp cloth by placing the mold upside down on the surface, tapping the screen several times, and then raising the mold up. Let the paper dry.
Step 5: Assemble the frame Cut a window for the picture out of the paper frame with your craft knife, and then tape the picture to the back of the frame. Finally, tape the cardboard stock backing over the back of the frame.
FACT: The picture frame was a late development in Western art, gaining popularity during the Renaissance in Europe.

You Will Need

A sheet of cardstock
A cardboard or thick plastic sheet
A craft knife
A mold and deckle
A vat of paper pulp
A flat surface
A damp cloth
Tape
Two flat picture frames (optional)
Screen (optional)

How to Make a Handmade Paper Envelope

Howcast — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:30:55 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create a stencil Unfold an envelope and trace its shape on a piece of cardboard or thick plastic that is the same size as your mold and deckle. Cut out the shape using the knife to create an envelope stencil.
TIP: The mold is a frame with a screen stretched across the top. The deckle sits on top of the mold and keeps the pulp from running off. Find them at a crafts store, or construct your own from two flat picture frames with a screen attached to one of them.
Step 2: Dip the stencil in a vat of pulp Place the cardboard stencil between your mold and deckle. Dip the mold and deckle with the stencil sandwiched in between into a vat of paper pulp at a 45-degree angle, and draw them toward you.
Step 3: Lift the stencil out of the vat Raise the mold, deckle, and stencil to the surface in one continuous movement. Then remove them from the pulp. Allow the water to drain. Shake the mold and deckle from side to side to allow the paper fibers to settle.
Step 4: Remove the envelope from the stencil Remove the deckle and transfer the layer of pulp inside the stencil to a flat surface covered by a damp cloth. Place the mold upside down on the surface, tap it a few times, and then raise it up and let the paper dry.
TIP: If you plan to write on the envelope, coat it first with a sizing solution made by boiling ½ teaspoon gelatin in 1 cup of water.
Step 5: Assemble the envelope Fold the side and bottom flaps of the envelope and glue them down.
FACT: The first envelopes are believed to have been made of clay.

You Will Need

An envelope
A cardboard or plastic sheet
A craft knife
A mold and deckle
A vat of paper pulp
A flat surface
A damp cloth
Glue
Two flat picture frames (optional)
Screen (optional)
Sizing solution (optional)

How to Make a Handmade Paper Greeting Card

Howcast — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:15:48 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create a stencil Unfold a greeting card and trace the shape on a piece of cardboard or thick plastic that is the same size as your mold and deckle. Cut out the shape using your craft knife to create an envelope stencil.
Step 2: Dip the stencil in a vat of pulp Place the cardboard stencil between your mold and deckle. Dip the mold and deckle with the stencil sandwiched in between into the paper pulp at a 45-degree angle and draw them toward you.
TIP: If you cannot find a mold and deckle at a crafts store, construct your own from two flat picture frames with a screen attached to one of them.
Step 3: Raise the stencil from the vat Raise the mold, deckle, and stencil to the surface in one continuous motion. Then remove them from the pulp. Allow the water to drain, shaking the mold and deckle from side to side.
Step 4: Remove the card from the stencil Remove the deckle and transfer the layer of pulp inside the stencil to a flat surface covered by a damp cloth by placing the mold upside down on the surface, tapping on the screen, and then raising the mold up. Let the paper dry.
TIP: If you plan to write on the card, coat it first with a sizing solution made by boiling ½ teaspoon of gelatin in 1 cup of water.
Step 5: Fold the card Fold the card, put it in an envelope, and send it to someone you love.
FACT: The oldest known greeting card in existence is a Valentine made in the 1400s.

You Will Need

A greeting card
A cardboard or thick plastic sheet
A craft knife
A mold and deckle
A vat of paper pulp
A flat surface
Damp cloth
Two flat picture frames
A screen
Sizing solution

How to Fold Paper for a Paper Football

Howcast — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:15:48 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Fold and cut the paper Fold the paper in half lengthwise and cut along the fold, making 2 11-inch-long pieces of paper.
Step 2: Lay out the paper Lay one piece of the paper vertically on a flat surface in front of you and fold it lengthwise.
TIP: If your boss catches you in the act, give them the second piece of paper to fold and ask them to join you!
Step 3: Fold a triangle Fold the lower right corner up and to the left, placing the bottom edge of the paper along the left side. Crease the folded area.
Step 4: Flip the triangle up Flip the triangle up and over and crease the fold. Continue folding the paper into triangles and creasing the folds until you reach the top.
Step 5: Fold in the excess Fold the excess paper so it neatly folds into the pocket of the football. Apply a small piece of tape for maximum flight distance!
FACT: The first professional football league was formed in 1920 in Canton, Ohio.

You Will Need

Scissors
8 1/2 in. x 11 in. sheet of paper
Tape

How to Get Wrinkles out of Paper

Howcast — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:01:50 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Spray Spray, from a distance, a small amount of water onto the wrinkled area.
TIP: Use distilled water — tap water will stain the paper due to its mineral content.
Step 2: Place between objects Place the wrinkled paper between two hard, flat objects; allow it to dry for 1 to 2 days.
Step 3: Lay out Lay out the wrinkled paper on a flat surface in the bathroom away from the shower.
Step 4: Run shower Run a hot shower for approximately 10 minutes to help relax the paper fibers. Shut the door to the bathroom to allow the room to fill up with steam.
Step 5: Place between objects Take the paper out of the bathroom and place it between two hard, flat objects, like books. Allow it to dry for 1 to 2 days.
Step 6: Place cloth on top Place a cloth over the wrinkled paper and iron on the lowest setting. Keep the iron moving and allow the paper to cool before touching. Enjoy your like-new sheet of paper.
FACT: The average American uses 700 pounds of paper each year.

You Will Need

Spray bottle
Distilled water
2 hard
flat objects
Flat surface
Steam
Cloth
Iron

How to Make an Earth Day Coloring Book for Kids

Howcast — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:16:38 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw pictures Draw your own Earth Day Pictures on a piece of paper with a pencil, trace it with a black marker, and scan it into your computer.
TIP: Use a search engine to find Earth Day coloring pages you can print.
Step 2: Scan Scan pictures from magazines or existing coloring books. Do not break any copyright laws and just print them for your own personal use.
Step 3: Open pictures Open your pictures in a graphics program and make corrections or changes to your liking and then print them out.
Step 4: Punch holes Punch holes along one edge of the coloring pages with your hole punch.
Step 5: Bind pictures Bind your pages together — tie them with ribbon.
TIP: You can also staple them together.
Step 6: Get crayons Get out your crayons and markers and let the kids enjoy coloring in their homemade Earth Day coloring book.
FACT: Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in 1970.

You Will Need

Pencil
Black marker
Scanner
Computer
Printer
Magazines or coloring books
Graphics program
Hole puncher
Ribbon
Crayons and markers
Internet access (optional)
Stapler (optional)

How to Make a Milk Carton Bird Feeder

Howcast — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:16:02 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut a hole Cut a hole large enough for the birds in your neighborhood into each side of the empty milk carton with the scissors.
TIP: Kids, let an adult help you with this part.
Step 2: Poke a hole Poke a hole through the top of the milk carton with a pencil.
Step 3: Insert string Insert a length of string through the hole and tie the ends together.
Step 4: Fill Fill the carton with birdseed mix until it reaches the holes in the sides.
Step 5: Hang Hang your bird feeder on a tree branch by the string and wait for some hungry birds.
FACT: The ostrich produces the world’s largest egg, while a hummingbird produces the smallest.

You Will Need

Empty milk carton
Scissors
Pencil
String
Bird seed
Tree branch
An adult (optional)

How to Make Papier-Mache

Howcast — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:31:15 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make paste Make papier-mache paste by mixing equal parts flour and water in a bowl, stirring the mixture with a spoon until it is smooth and soupy.
TIP: Substitute white glue for water for big projects, such as a volcano or large masks or figures.
Step 2: Tear newsprint Tear newsprint into long, thin strips for round papier-mache project forms and wider strips for other shapes.
Step 3: Make form Use inflated balloons, cardboard boxes, wire mesh, or any combination of rigid materials to make a skeleton or frame for your project.
Step 4: Oil the form Lightly oil the skeleton so you can easily remove it when the papier-mache dries.
Step 5: Dip strips into paste Dip your newsprint strips into the paste, making sure each side gets thoroughly covered.
Step 6: Lay strips Lay strips on the skeleton, overlapping them and smoothing them out with your fingers. Continue adding strips until the form is covered with at least three layers.
TIP: Use powdered wallpaper glue if you want to preserve your papier-mache project for many years.
Step 7: Allow to dry Allow the project to dry completely, adding more layers if necessary. Carefully remove the skeleton after final layers have had time to dry.
Step 8: Paint Paint your project using any type of paint you like and get ready to hear some oohhs and ahhs when you show off your original paper mache dolls, animals, and other creations.
FACT: Papier-mache models of the human body were used for study by medical students in the 1800s.

You Will Need

White flour
Water
Newsprint
Skeletal structure
Cooking oil
Paints
Paintbrush
White glue (optional)
Powdered wallpaper glue (optional)

How to Make a Cardboard Desk

Howcast — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:45:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut front opening Use the scissors to cut the flaps from the box. Then turn the box upside down and make an opening for your child’s legs by drawing an arch from the open, bottom end of the box and cutting it out.
Step 2: Repeat Use the cutout as a template for an identical cutout on the opposite side.
Step 3: Create side storage Create side storage bins by removing the flaps and inner wrappers from the cereal boxes and taping the boxes to the sides of the desk with colored tape.
Step 4: Wrap in tape Secure the side pockets further by wrapping tape all the way around the desk several times.
Step 5: Make desktop bins Make bins instead of drawers for crayons, brushes, and other items by gluing circular canisters along the back of the desk.
TIP: Use small, clean, empty food containers on top of the desk for pen and pencil caddies.
Step 6: Cover with shelf liner Cover the desktop with contact paper. Encourage your child to personalize the box with drawings, paint, or stickers.
FACT: The world’s largest cardboard box measured 37 feet 10 inches by 15 feet 1.5 inches by 7 feet 7 inches in 2007. It was designed and constructed by college students in Denmark.

You Will Need

A large cardboard box
Scissors
A pencil
A variety of cereal boxes
Colored packaging tape
Craft glue
Contact paper
Decorative stickers or paint
Small
clean
empty food containers (optional)

How to Make Bumper Stickers

Howcast — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:37:01 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose printing method Decide whether to print the stickers with an inkjet printer at home, or order them online.
Step 2: Design the sticker Design the bumper sticker with your computer’s drawing program. Web sites that sell custom bumper stickers often feature templates and programs that can be used to make stickers.
TIP: Use bright and contrasting colors in the design of the sticker to make it easier to read.
Step 3: Follow artwork guidelines Follow image resolution requirements specified by the web site you are ordering from, or, when printing stickers yourself, find out what resolution works best.
Step 4: Order Order the number of stickers you want if you’re making them online.
Step 5: Step 5. [Print] Print the stickers on inkjet vinyl paper if you’re printing from home. Carefully roll out the glossy laminate over the vinyl and use a ruler to smooth away air bubbles. Separate the stickers with a knife or razor blade.
FACT: In 1946, Forest P. Gill combined fluorescent ink and self-sticking adhesive and created the first bumper sticker.

You Will Need

Internet access
Drawing program
Inkjet printer
Waterproof inkjet self-adhesive vinyl
Glossy laminate
Ruler
Knife or razor blade

How to Sharpen Scissors

Howcast — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:01:31 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut a piece of sandpaper Cut several notches in a piece of fine-grit sandpaper, with the rough side facing down.
TIP: Cut with long strokes, so every part of the blade touches the sandpaper.
Step 2: Test the scissors Test the scissors by cutting through a scrap piece of paper. If they do not seem sharp enough, repeat the process.
Step 3: Cut through aluminum foil Use aluminum foil to sharpen the edge of your shears. Fold the foil a few times to make it thicker, and then cut several slices through the foil.
Step 4: Test the scissors Test the scissors by cutting through a scrap piece of paper. If they do not seem sharp enough, repeat the process.
Step 5: Use steel wool Use steel wool to sharpen your scissors. Make several cuts through a steel wool soap pad, rinse the blades, and then try them on paper.
FACT: Modern scissors were first manufactured by Robert Hinchliffe in 1761.

You Will Need

Scissors
Sandpaper
Scrap piece of paper
Aluminum foil
Steel wool

How to Make a Hot Air Balloon Centerpiece

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

Instructions

Step 1: Cut ribbon Cut two 48-inch lengths of ribbon.
Step 2: Lay ribbon out and tape Lay the ribbon pieces across one another in an X shape and tape at the cross.
TIP: Use translucent plastic netting, found in craft stores, in place of the ribbon to give the balloon an interesting, life-like pattern.
Step 3: Fill the basket Fill the basket with flowers, candy, toys, or other goodies.
Step 4: Lay ribbon over balloon Lay the ribbon over the top of the balloon with the ends hanging over the sides. Tape the X of the ribbon onto the balloon.
Step 5: Tape ribbon to basket Tape the ends of the ribbon to the sides or corners of the basket. Place on your table and let the celebration commence.
FACT: The first untethered, manned hot air balloon trip was made by Pilatre De Rozier of France in 1783. He traveled 5 and 1/2 miles before landing safely 20 minutes later.

You Will Need

Ribbon
Clear tape
Basket
Flowers
candy
toys
or other goodies
Helium-filled latex balloon
Translucent plastic netting (optional)

How to Make Business Cards

Howcast — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:31:26 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Determine a budget Decide how much money to spend to make your business cards. Hiring a graphic designer to create a logo and printing cards on high-quality paper can be costly.
Step 2: Pick a computer program and template Pick a computer program and template from which to create your cards. Select a template that creates cards that are 3½ by 2 inches – the standard size for business cards.
TIP: Use standard sizes for most businesses. Non-standard sized cards might be memorable, but they can seem unprofessional and might not fit into standard card holders.
Step 3: Gather the information for your card Compile the information that you want to list on your card, including your name, e-mail address, phone number, and web site. Add a logo designed by you or a professional.
Step 4: Add additional details on the back of the card Add additional information that you wish to include on the back of the card.
TIP: Keep the design of the cards simple. Have only the most important details on the front, and supplemental information, like your business’s mission statement, on the back.
Step 5: Print and cut your cards to size Print your cards using a quality cardstock or perforated business cardstock. Separate perforated cards or use a ruler and a craft knife to cut the cards to the correct size.
Step 6: Distribute cards to current or potential clients Distribute your cards to current and potential clients. Keep a stash of cards handy at all times – you never know when you might need them.
FACT: According to the Small Business Administration, just over half of all U.S. workers were employed by small businesses in 2008.

You Will Need

A budget
A computer
Cardstock
A printer
A ruler (optional)
A craft knife (optional)

How to Make a Helicopter

Howcast — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:31:17 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Print pattern Download and print out the paper helicopter pattern from the internet.
TIP: Print the pattern on colored paper to make the helicopter more colorful.
Step 2: Cut pattern Cut out the pattern. Cut only along the solid lines.
Step 3: Fold flaps Hold the front of the pattern toward you. Fold the top flaps downward so they are straight out. This forms the blades of the helicopter. Fold one flap toward you and the other flap away from you.
Step 4: Fold side flaps Fold the side flaps inward over each other.
Step 5: Finish model Finish the paper helicopter model by folding up the bottom flap. Slide the paper clip onto the bottom.
TIP: Decorate the helicopter by drawing designs with the crayons.
Step 6: Fly helicopter Put the helicopter in flight by dropping it from a high spot or throwing it high and hard. Outpace your paper airplane competitors and watch aerodynamics in action!
FACT: Invented in 400 B.C.E. in China, the first helicopters were toys known as Chinese tops, made out of feathers at the end of a stick.

You Will Need

Internet access
Paper helicopter template
Printer
Printer paper
Scissors
Paper clip
Colored paper (optional)
Crayons (optional)

How to Make a Silhouette Art Piece

Howcast — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:31:28 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Select a photo Select a photo of a person, a pet, an interesting object, or a simple landscape, keeping in mind that less complex images will be easier to reproduce.
Step 2: Size your image Size your image using a photocopier, either increasing or decreasing the image to suit your needs.
Step 3: Tape and cut Tape your image to a piece of black or white paper and then, using a craft knife or scissors, cut the image’s outline through both layers.
TIP: A silhouette may be cut from either solid black or solid white paper and mounted on paper of the contrasting color.
Step 4: Glue Adhere your image to background paper of the contrasting color with glue or spray adhesive.
Step 5: Cut to size Cut the background paper to fit your frame, leaving ample space around the silhouette for effect. Now hang your art work and get ready to bask in the praise of family and friends.
FACT: Contemporary artist Kara Walker is known for exploring racial myths, slavery, and gender politics through the technique of cut-paper silhouettes.

You Will Need

Photo of your subject
Photocopier
Tape
Black or white paper
Craft knife or scissors
Glue or spray adhesive
Frame

How to Make a Paper Gun

Howcast — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:16:19 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Fold lengthwise Fold each sheet of paper in half lengthwise, three times.
TIP: You can also use two sheets of colored construction paper cut to size.
Step 2: Create barrel Create the barrel of the gun by folding one of the folded sheets in half crosswise.
Step 3: Fold ends of other sheet Fold both ends of the other sheet downward at a 90-degree angle, leaving a 4-inch section in the middle.
Step 4: Fold in half Fold this same sheet in half in the center of the 4- inch section. The two angled ends will now be aligned. This is the gun handle.
Step 5: Slide in barrel Hold the barrel in one hand with the open, non-folded end facing toward the handle you are holding in the other hand. Slide each of the 90-degree-angled ends into each of the folded pockets on the barrel.
Step 6: Cock the gun Cock the gun by sliding the barrel forward and then back.
FACT: In 1955, Mattel introduced its popular, patented automatic cap gun, the Burp Gun.

You Will Need

2 sheets 8u00bd” x 11″ paper
Colored construction paper (optional)

How to Antique Your Own Paper

Howcast — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:01:17 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Write on the paper Write or print text or images on a clean sheet of paper that you intend to antique. Printer paper works well.
TIP: For added character, try a heavier bond or thickly textured paper.
Step 2: Crumple Crumple the paper into a ball, and then open it and smooth it out on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Brew tea or coffee Brew a cup of coffee or tea and paint it onto the paper with the paintbrush. You can also pour the liquid over the paper as long as you are quick to soak up the excess.
Step 4: Preheat oven Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
Step 5: Bake Bake the paper for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t catch fire.
Step 6: Remove Remove your paper from the oven and put this now-ancient map or manuscript to good use.
FACT: In 1984, archaeologists excavated the main Roman entryway into Jerusalem and unearthed the tallest Roman structure in the country thanks to a 6th century mosaic treasure map.

You Will Need

Sheet of paper
Pen or printer
Baking sheet
Coffee or tea
Paintbrush
Oven
Bonded or textured paper (optional)

How to Make a Paper Hat

Howcast — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:45:45 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Lay out the paper Fold a sheet of newspaper in half on your work surface.
TIP: The bigger the paper, the bigger the hat. Experiment to find the right-sized paper.
Step 2: Keep the fold at the top Arrange the folded paper in front of you so that the fold is at the top and the opening is at the bottom.
Step 3: Fold the corners Fold the two top corners to the middle of the paper so that you form a point on top.
Step 4: Fold the brim Fold the top sheet of the bottom, open end upward and over the flaps you folded down. Double the fold and then turn the hat over to fold the other side.
Step 5: Add the chinstrap Punch holes in either side of the hat, thread an elastic cord through the holes, and tie it for the chinstrap.
Step 6: Customize your hat Customize your hat with streamers, crayons, or other decorations to make each child’s hat unique.
FACT: Napoleon wore his bicorn hat with the two horizontal points parallel to his shoulders to distinguish himself from other officers on the battlefield.

You Will Need

Newspaper
Flat work surface
Elastic cord
Hole punch
Hat decorations

How to Make a Paper Boat

Howcast — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:31:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Lay out the paper and fold Lay the paper on a flat surface. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
TIP: Use paper larger than the standard 8.5- by 11-inch size for a larger boat.
Step 2: Fold the corners Fold the two corners of the folded edge in toward the middle to form a point.
Step 3: Fold the brim Fold the loose rectangular edge on the top side of the paper up over the flaps and fold down the overlapping triangles at the ends. Then turn the boat over and repeat on the other side.
TIP: The paper should now resemble a hat.
Step 4: Open the boat Turn the hat 90 degrees and open it. Lay the upper and the lower parts on each other.
Step 5: Fold two more triangles Fold the lower triangle flap upward and onto the upper triangle. Then turn the boat over and repeat with the other side.
Step 6: Open the boat again Open the resulting square, putting the upper part on the lower.
Step 7: Finish to reveal the sail Open the flaps, revealing a triangle sail in the middle of your new paper boat. Now you are ready to sail away. Bon voyage.
FACT: The Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac is the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world totaling 333 miles. The first one took place in 1898.

You Will Need

Piece of paper
Flat surface

How to Turn Old Magazines into a Coiled Paper Basket

Howcast — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:31:18 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut magazine pages Cut magazine pages into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 2: Fold strips into thirds Spread glue over a strip with the paintbrush. To make the strip thicker, glue another on top of it, add more glue, and fold it into thirds lengthwise.
TIP: You can also use rice glue, available in some craft shops.
Step 3: Wrap strip around a piece of cardboard Coil the strip around a rectangular or oval piece of cardboard that is about a half-inch long to form the core of your basket.
Step 4: Fold, glue, and fill in center Fold more strips of paper and glue them in concentric circles around your core, making a flat, round plate for to bottom of your basket.
Step 5: Fold, glue, and wrap core Turn the bowl upside down and line the outside with wax or parchment paper or aluminum foil, and fit your base on the bottom. Then continue folding and gluing paper strips in circles, slightly overlapping, gradually moving up the sides of the bowl.
TIP: Join long strips at their ends to make them longer, spread them with glue, and coil to save you time.
Step 6: Build upward Continue building upward, using the mixing bowl as a mold. When the desired height is reached, allow the glue to dry overnight.
Step 7: Apply decoupage Paint a thin layer of decoupage glue on your basket with the foam brush.
Step 8: Allow to dry Allow your basket to dry for at least 48 hours before using it.
FACT: Coiling techniques were popular in the basketry of Native Americans in Southern California.

You Will Need

Old magazines
Scissors
Glue
A paintbrush
A small piece of cardboard
A bowl
Wax or parchment paper or aluminum foil
Decoupage glue
A foam brush
Rice glue (optional)

How to Make Your Own Book or Journal

Howcast — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:45:49 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the blank paper Cut the blank paper to the size you want. Then fold each page in half and insert them one inside the other.
Step 2: Cut the decorative pages Cut the decorative sheet of paper to the same size as the blank sheets. Fold this sheet in half and place it on the outside of your folded blank pages.
TIP: Use a paper cutter to measure and trim the pages and ensure sharp, even edges for your book.
Step 3: Cut the cover page; fold Cut the cover page slightly taller and wider than the other sheets. Then fold it in half and place it on the outside of the decorative sheet.
Step 4: Mark three sewing points inside the book Open the folded pages to the center. Measure and mark the center of the fold with a pencil. Then mark two more spots – one halfway from the center to the top and one halfway from the center to the bottom.
TIP: Make five sewing marks in the fold if you make a book using more than 10 pieces of paper. A stronger seam will strengthen the spine of the book.
Step 5: Pierce holes Use the bookbinder’s awl to pierce a hole at each of the marks in the fold. Be sure that each hole goes all the way through the cover page.
Step 6: Sew the book in the center Thread the needle and push it through the center hole from the outside of the book to the inside. Leave 3 inches of thread hanging on the outside.
Step 7: Continue sewing through the other holes Push the needle through the top hole to the outside of the book. Then bring the thread across the back of the book to the bottom hole, and thread it back through the center.
Step 8: Tie the thread and cover the spine Tie off the thread and trim the ends. Then glue your strip of colorful paper down the outside of the book’s spine to cover the thread. Now, grab a pen and start writing.
FACT: In 1868, David McConnell Smyth patented one of the first sewing machines specifically made to bind books.

You Will Need

10 sheets blank paper
A sheet of colored or decorative paper
Scissors
A sheet of cardstock
A ruler
A pencil
A bookbinder’s awl
A large sewing needle
Waxed thread
A decorative strip of paper
Glue
A paper cutter (optional)

How to Reuse Old Business Cards

Howcast — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:46:28 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Save the page Save your spot in whatever fiction, nonfiction, or textbook you are reading by using old business cards as bookmarks. They are also a great way to flag favorite recipes in cookbooks.
Step 2: Jot down notes Jot down notes. Keep a pile on your desk to use as scrap paper, or a few by the phone for messages. They are also great for making a compact grocery list.
Step 3: Don’t spend extra Use business cards as gift tags. With the printed side down, glue or tape one on a gift and label the recipient on the blank side.
TIP: Dress up gift tags by gluing or taping decorative paper onto the printed side, folding it in half, and writing your message inside.
Step 4: Get a cue Use business cards as cue cards. When giving a speech or presentation, old business cards are a great place to jot down your talking points.
Step 5: Study Study your second language vocabulary or help your child study multiplication by using them as flash cards.
Step 6: Label Label file folders or moving boxes so that you don’t forget what’s in them by gluing cards to the outsides and noting the contents. You’ll be in business when it comes time to unpack.
FACT: It has been estimated that 15 billion business cards are produced each year in the United States.

You Will Need

A pen
Business cards
Glue or tape