Howcast
The best source for fun, free, and useful how-to videos and guides.
Aspiring animator? Learn a few fun animation techniques with these videos.
All you need are a few apples and some basic arts and crafts tools to tackle the fun and easy projects in this apple crafts video series from Howcast.
Learn circular knitting — also known as knitting in the round — from expert Jessica Kaufman in these Howcast videos.
Kids driving you crazy? Settle them down with the fun and easy art projects in this craft ideas for kids video series from Howcast.
Already know how to knit? Learn how to crochet with the crocheting lessons in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to use a digital camera and pick up some digital photography tips and techniques with these Howcast videos.
Take a crash course in digital photography from commercial photographer Dan Bracaglia with these Howcast videos.
Got a roll of duct tape? Then you’ve got hours of arts and crafts fun ahead of you with the duct tape crafts in this Howcast video series.
Get ready to celebrate Easter with this Howcast video series on how to decorate Easter eggs, make bunny ears, and pull together other Easter crafts.
All you need is a needle, thread, some fabric, and these step by step instructions to start sewing.
Increase your flower power with the easy flower crafts in this Howcast video series.
Learn about glassblowing from pros Todd Hansen and Ed Donovan in these Howcast videos.
Into arts and crafts? Check out the great craft ideas in this Howcast video series.
Makeup artist Kenneth Llambelis helps you create classic Halloween characters with the step-by-step instructions in these Howcast makeup tutorials.
Make sure Dad has a very happy Father’s Day with the ideas in this Howcast video series.
Make floral arrangements that rival those of a professional florist with help from this Howcast video series on flower arranging.
Pick up tips about how to become a professional artist in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to crochet with these Howcast tutorials featuring Andrea Lemire of Lion Brand Yarn Studio.
Learn how to paint a picture or design on someone’s face with the step-by-step instructions in these Howcast videos.
Pick up some great graffiti tips, tricks, and techniques from master tagger Paes 164 in these Howcast videos.
Check out the no-sew ways to make a blanket, scarf, tutu and more from crafty Jennifer Wiese in these Howcast videos.
Master the ancient art of Japanese paper folding with the step-by-step instructions in these tutorials.
Learn how to make fake cuts, blood, and other gore from special effects makeup artist Ciara Rose Griffin in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to do stop motion animation courtesy of Joe Vena of NYC’s Children’s Museum of the Arts in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to draw dogs, cats, leaves, flowers, fruit, grass, people, water, and much more from artist Rebecca Schweiger in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to sketch and illustrate with these video tutorials, which will have you drawing celebrities like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber in no time.
From figures and croquis to specs and clothing, learn to draw fashion sketches from fashion designer Garo Sparo in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to draw with the drawing lessons in this Howcast video series.
Budding graffiti artists and experienced taggers alike can learn something about how to tag from master tagger Paes 164 in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to draw manga with the step-by-step instructions from artist Chris Hart in these Howcast art tutorials.
Learn how to do all kinds of knitting stitches with the step-by-step instructions in these knitting tutorials from Howcast.
Learn how to make balloon animals from magician Jonas Cain in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make friendship bracelets from The Lanyard Ladies in these Howcast videos.
Put together a great Halloween costume with the ideas in this Howcast video series.
Whether you want to scare trick-or-treaters or entertain them, there’s an idea for you in this frightfully good video series.
Learn how to make jewelry from custom jeweler and sculptor Courtney Gray in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make children’s musical instruments out of stuff you have around the house from the founders of Music Moves Me in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make origami with these tutorials, which show you how to make an easy origami rose, star, heart, bird, frog, butterfly, and much more.
Learn how to make homemade pop-up cards and crafts with the step-by-step instructions in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make Rainbow Loom bracelets from The Lanyard Ladies in these Howcast videos.
Making your own soap is inexpensive, easy-to-do, and can be the perfect DIY gift for friends and family.
Let acrylic painting teacher Linda Rhea show you how to paint foliage, landscapes, seascapes, and much more in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to scrapbook with the ideas and techniques demonstrated by expert Carla Sylvester in these scrapbooking tutorials from Howcast.
Learn how to sew from expert seamstress Cynthia Mann in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to take better pictures with these Howcast photography tutorials featuring professional photographer Luke Ballard.
Learn how to take great portraits from professional photographer Joe Sinnott in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to tie dye with the tips, tricks, and techniques demonstrated in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to tie knots with the classic knot tying techniques demonstrated in these Howcast videos.
Do you like velvet Elvis paintings and don’t get abstract art? Then you need this Howcast video series on art appreciation.
Learn how to sew using a sewing machine from designer Jennifer Wiese in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to gift wrap a present like a pro with the tutorials in this Howcast video series.
Grab your needles and yarn and get ready to knit baby gifts, blankets, hats, scarves, and more.
Bring out your inner artist with these painting tips and techniques.
Learn how to make your own jewelry with the jewelry-making techniques demonstrated in these Howcast videos.
For film aficionados and cinema enthusiasts alike.
Transform boring sheets of paper into simple and fun craft projects.
Capture your subject in the best light with these photography tips that cover everything from nature and still-life photography to fashion photography.
Once you get the hang of quilting with these videos, you’ll never buy another blanket again.
Scrapbooking is a fun hobby anyone can get into, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly crafty. So grab some photos and card stock and prepare to scrap!
Learn how to thread a needle more easily and other neat tricks with these Howcast videos.
Learn studio photography tips and tricks from professional photographer Chris Ryan in these Howcast videos.
Instructions Step 1: Google If you’re trying to understand a famous work of art, a quick Google search will yield almost limitless information and countless explanations. Step 2: Read the plaque If you’re stuck on your own, start by reading the title card or plaque. If it has a self-explanatory name like ‘I love ham,’ …
Instructions Step 1: Have a go-to sentence Have a go-to sentence memorized, like, ‘I love Italy’s Renaissance artists—Masaccio, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Titian—they all move me so much.’ TIP: Be sure you know the correct pronunciation of the names or the jig will be up. Step 2: Learn a little-known fact If you’re at an art opening …
Instructions Step 1: Decide on synthetic or natural Decide if you want a synthetic or natural-fiber brush. TIP: When starting out, go with the less-expensive synthetic. Save natural-fiber for when you’re more experienced. Step 2: Choose medium Decide what medium you’ll be working in. TIP: If you’re painting in acrylics or oils, start with synthetic …
Instructions Step 1: Use ruler to draw frames Use the ruler to help you lightly draw a series of rectangles on loose paper. These will act as guides, or frames, for your concept. TIP: Start with about 48 frames—you can add or subtract later as needed. Step 2: Sketch animation in frames Conceptualize in your …
Instructions : Keep flammable items away from the stove. Never leave melting wax unattended and never use direct heat to melt it. If the wax catches fire, do NOT try to douse it with water—use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or, for a fire contained in a pot, cover it with the pot lid. Step …
Instructions Step 1: Choose your clothes When choosing your clothes, leave bright colors, crazy patterns, and horizontal stripes in the closet. Neutral colors look best. Step 2: Check your face Check your face in the mirror: Do you have any blemishes you could cover, or greasy skin that needs powdering? Could your eyes use some …
Instructions : Keep flammable items away from the stove. Never leave melting wax unattended and never use direct heat to melt it. If the wax catches fire, do NOT try to douse it with water—use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or, for a fire contained in a pot, cover it with the pot lid. Step …
Instructions Step 1: Choose vase Choose your vase or container first–the number of flowers you need will be determined by the width of its opening. TIP: If the container is transparent, line the inside with large leaves first to block any view of the floral tape you’ll be using. Step 2: Gather flowers Gather enough …
Instructions Step 1: Pull out yarn Pull out about 12″ of yarn from the ball. This is the “tail end” of your yarn. Step 2: Form loop Form a loop by crossing the yarn about 4″ to 6″ from the tail end of the yarn—it will make an “X.” TIP: Make sure the loose end …
Instructions Step 1: Cast stitches Cast on the appropriate number of stitches. Step 2: Position work Hold the needle with all your cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Position your work so that the cast-on stitches are at the right side the needle and the yarn trails …
Instructions Step 1: Loop counterclockwise Loop the end of the rope counterclockwise around the object you are hitching to (let’s say a pole) and cross it over the remaining length of rope. Step 2: Make another loop Make another counterclockwise loop around the pole, but this time pass the end of the rope through the …
Instructions Step 1: Position needle Hold your started project in your left hand, and the empty needle in your right. Position the left needle so the cast-on stitches run along its right side, and the yarn trails away to your right. Step 2: Insert right needle From above, insert the right needle into the first …
Instructions : Some people’s skin is sensitive to certain dyes, oils, or exfoliates—research your choices first before using them. Step 1: Cut base into cubes Cut your base into 1-inch cubes to allow for easier melting. You can approximate the amount to melt by seeing how many chunks fit into each mold. In general, a …
Instructions Step 1: Fill bucket Fill the clean bucket a third of the way with lukewarm water. TIP: If your flowers are a little droopy, or you want them to open up right away, use hot water—they’ll absorb it more quickly. Step 2: Add bleach & sugar Add a few drops of bleach and 1 …
Instructions Step 1: Tie slipknot & cast Tie a slipknot, leaving an 8-inch tail of yarn after it, and cast on 24 stitches. Step 2: Knit 15 rows Knit 15 rows of two-by-two rib stitch – knitting two stitches, purling two stitches, etc. TIP: Using a row counter makes it easier to keep track of …
Instructions Step 1: Position work Hold the needle with all the cast-on stitches in your left hand, and the empty needle in your right. Position your work so the cast on-stitches are at the bottom of the needle, and the yarn trails away to your right. Step 2: Slip needle through loop Slip the point …
Instructions Step 1: Fold one corner and unfold Begin with the white side up. Fold one corner to the opposite corner, making a diagonal crease, and then unfold. TIP: To make a family of baby swans, use a range of smaller sheets of paper. Step 2: Fold both edges to the crease and unfold Fold …
Instructions Step 1: Tie knot & cast Tie your slip knot and cast on a total of 26 stitches, leaving a six to eight-inch tail. TIP: Use a soft cotton or a cotton blend yarn that has a little stretch to it for added comfort. Step 2: Knit Stockinette Knit in Stockinette Stitch—that is, alternate …
Instructions Step 1: Hold needle & yarn Hold the needle in your left hand at the point where the knot sits on the needle. Hold the tail end of the yarn under your finger to keep it out of the way. TIP: As a beginner, use thicker needles—they’re easier to maneuver. Step 2: Make “gun” …
Instructions Step 1: Make a diagonal crease and unfold Start with the paper colored side up. Make a diagonal crease by folding one corner to the opposite corner. Unfold. Step 2: Repeat with the other corners Repeat with the other two opposing corners. You should now have two diagonal creases on the colored side of …
Instructions Step 1: Knit first stitch Knit the first stitch, just like you were starting another row. TIP: If your project was knitted with purl stitches, continue knitting with the purl stitch to cast off. Step 2: Knit second stitch Knit the second stitch, just like you were continuing another row. Now STOP; this is …
Instructions Step 1: Position work Hold the needle with all your cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right. Position your work so the cast-on stitches are at the bottom of the needle, and the yarn trails away to your right. Step 2: Knit 2 stitches Knit two stitches. Step …
Instructions Step 1: Fold one corner to opposite corner and unfold Start with the paper colored side up. Make a diagonal crease by folding one corner to the opposite corner. Unfold. Step 2: Repeat with other corners Repeat with the two other opposing corners. You should now have two diagonal creases on the colored side …
Instructions Step 1: Position Bird Base Position the Bird Base so that there are separate right and left flaps on the bottom. These flaps will be the tail and neck of the bird. Step 2: Fold flap up and at angle Fold one flap up and out to the side at a 45-degree angle above …
Instructions Step 1: Fold the edges to the opposite sides and unfold With the colored side up, fold one edge to the opposite edge, then unfold. Rotate the paper and do the same with the other two edges. Step 2: Flip the paper over and fold corner to opposite Turn the paper over to the …
Instructions Step 1: Make diagonal creases and unfold With the paper colored side up, make a diagonal crease by folding one corner to the opposite corner. Unfold. Repeat with the two other corners. You should now have two diagonal creases on the colored side of the paper. Step 2: Fold corners to the center and …
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 …
Instructions Step 1: Hold flowers Place the flowers one by one in your hand so their tops are more or less even. Hold them together. Step 2: Tie together Tie the bunch together at the stems with one of the ribbons. Step 3: Cut stems Cut the stems straight across the bottom with a pair …
Instructions Step 1: Position paper as diamond Position the paper in front of you in a diamond shape with its white side up. Step 2: Fold bottom corner up Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner. Step 3: Fold right corner to left and unfold Fold the right corner over to the left …
Instructions Step 1: Choose container Choose a casual container that fits the feel of summer in your location— an earthenware pitcher, colorful jar, painted bucket, wicker basket—anything that conveys a lighthearted and laid-back summer vibe. TIP: If the container you choose won’t hold water, place a smaller plastic container—like a yogurt or cottage cheese container—inside …
Instructions Step 1: Fold corner to opposite corner and unfold Begin with the white side of the paper facing up. Fold one corner to the opposite corner creating a diagonal fold. Unfold. Step 2: Fold edges to center line and unfold Fold one edge to line up on the center diagonal line. Fold an adjacent …
Instructions Step 1: Cut soap into cubes Cut the soap base into 1-inch cubes to allow for easier melting. You can approximate the amount to melt by seeing how many chunks fit into each mold. In general, a pound of soap base will make about 3 medium-sized bars of soap or numerous smaller ones. TIP: …
Instructions Step 1: Cut base into cubes Cut your base into 1-inch cubes to allow for easier melting. Step 2: Heat soap base Place your soap base into the glass bowl or measuring cup, cover the top with plastic wrap, and heat it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. If the base isn’t …
Instructions Step 1: Cut base into cubes Cut your base into 1-inch cubes to allow for easier melting. You can estimate the amount to melt by seeing how many chunks fit into each mold. In general, a pound of soap base should make about 3 medium-sized bars of soap, or numerous smaller ones. Step 2: …
Instructions Step 1: Position the card Position the card in front of you with the lined side facing up, and one of the short sides closest to you. TIP: The stiffer the paper you use, the farther your frog will jump. Step 2: Fold the top corner to the opposite edge & unfold Fold the …
Instructions Step 1: Position Bird Base Position the Bird Base so that there are separate right and left flaps on the bottom. These flaps will be the tail and neck of the bird. Step 2: Fold the right flap to the center edge Narrow the top layer of the right flap by folding its outer …
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 …
Instructions Step 1: Choose vase Choose the vase or container you want to use and gather enough of one type of flower to comfortably fill its mouth with stems. Make sure that each flower is very healthy-looking, since there won’t be any foliage to hide bruised or damaged petals. TIP: Daffodils are ideal for single …
Instructions Step 1: Place paper sideways Place the paper on the flat surface with the long edges at the top and bottom. TIP: 8 ½” x 11″ printer paper works well, but the cover (or a page) of a magazine works even better—and it’s a great way to recycle. Step 2: Fold long edge to …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Instructions Step 1: Choose flowers Choose the flowers you want to use—your choice of vase will be based on the size and shape of the flowers. Step 2: Long-stemmed vase For long-stemmed flowers—like roses or sunflowers—use a tall, slender vase. You don’t need many blossoms to create a striking look. Step 3: Short-stemmed vase For …
Instructions Step 1: Cut sheets Cut five sheets of tissue paper to the same size. The bigger the sheets, the bigger the flowers. TIP: Mix two or more colors of paper to make really cool-looking flowers. Step 2: Stack sheets Stack the sheets one on top of the other so they overlap exactly. TIP: Cut …
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 …
Instructions Step 1: Cut floral foam Cut the floral foam so it fits snugly into your vase or container. TIP: Use an opaque container—such as a ceramic bowl or terra-cotta pot—so guests can’t see the foam base inside. Step 2: Soak foam Remove the foam from the container and soak it in water. When it’s …
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 …
Instructions Step 1: Grab ends Grab a hold of both ends of the rope. The end in your left hand is end B, and the end in your right hand is end A. Step 2: Cross ends Cross end B in front of end A so that the end B is behind the loop and …
Instructions Step 1: Pass end through ring Pass the end of the rope up through the ring from below. Step 2: Pass behind standing part Pass it behind the remaining end—or ‘standing part’—of the rope. Step 3: Pass end through loop Bring the end back up and pass it through the eye of the loop …
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 …
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: …
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. …
Instructions Step 1: Lay out lunch bag Lay your lunch bag down in front of you with the folded flap on top. The flap will be the puppet’s face, the crease will be its mouth, and the rest of the bag will be its body. Step 2: Cut red oval Ask a grown-up to help …
Instructions Step 1: Place paper Place the paper on a flat surface in front of you, as if you’re about to write a letter. Step 2: Crease paper Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Make a crease, then unfold the paper and smooth it flat again. TIP: Use the edge of a ruler instead of …
Instructions Step 1: Place paper Place the paper on a flat surface in front of you, as if you were about to write a letter. Step 2: Crease paper Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Make a crease, then unfold the paper and smooth it flat again. TIP: Use the edge of a ruler instead …
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. …
Instructions Step 1: Fold paper Fold the paper in half so the shorter sides meet. Set the paper on your work surface so that the fold is at the bottom. TIP: If you want a fancier kite, use crayons or markers to decorate the paper before you fold it. Step 2: Measure & mark Use …
Instructions Step 1: Make “Q” shape Cross the end of the rope over the top of the remaining rope, making a “Q” shape. Step 2: Make second loop Take the end of the rope, or the tail of the “Q,” and cross it over again, making a second loop to the right of the first …
Instructions Step 1: Make loop Make a loop by crossing one end of the rope—or “working end”—over the remaining rope—or “standing end.” Step 2: Form smaller loop Pass the working end horizontally behind the loop, forming a smaller loop at the base of the larger loop. Step 3: Poke end through small loop Bring the …
Instructions Step 1: Make “Q” shape Cross the end of the rope over the top of the remaining rope, making a “Q” shape. Step 2: Tuck end through loop Tuck the end of the rope, or the tail of the “Q,” up through the loop from behind. Step 3: Tighten Pull the rope at both …
Instructions Step 1: Make “Q” shape Cross the end of the rope over the top of the remaining rope, making a “Q” shape. TIP: Be sure to give your “Q” a very long tail—you’ll need some extra length to complete the knot. Step 2: Pass end through loop Take the end of the rope, or …
Instructions Step 1: Pass end of rope Pass the end of the rope up through the ring from below. Step 2: Bring behind other end Bring it down and behind the remaining end—or “standing part”—of the rope. Step 3: Pass end through loop Bring the end back up and pass it through the eye of …
Instructions Step 1: Form bend Fold one end of the thicker rope back on itself to form a bend (or “bight”) that looks like an “U” shaped, tipped on its left side. Step 2: Slip thin rope through bight Slip one end of the thinner rope through the bight from behind. Step 3: Wrap thin …
Instructions Step 1: Create bight Create a large “U”-shaped bend—or “bight” tipped on its left side—with the end of the rope. TIP: This knot requires a minimum of seven turns, so leave plenty of rope after your bight to work with. Step 2: Create another bight Create another bight at the end of the first …
