Hot Hobbies & Toys Posts
How To: Clean Your American Girl Dolls' Skin
In this tutorial, we learn how to clean your American Girl's dolls' skin. To start, you will need to clean the marks on the face off with a magic eraser or a mixture of baking soda and water. To defrizz the hair, you can cut off the frizz with sharp scissors. To wash the hair, make sure you don't get the base of the head wet, or this will ruin the doll completely. Straighten the braids by pulling the hair down straight. Use these tips to help keep your doll in the best shape and it will last ...
How To: Build a coreless punch shield for boffer combat
Construct your own shield for use in boffer combat! This tutorial shows you how to construct your own large punch shield out of several layers of blue camp foam, a length of PVC for the handle, a measuring tape and some DAP adhesive.
How To: Make your own Brown Jenkin from H.P. Lovecraft's stories
This tutorial shows you how you can make a stop motion puppet modeled after Brown Jenkin, the eldritch horror that features in in the Cthulhu Mythos of H.P. Lovecraft. Brown Jenkin is a rat familiar with a human face, and this video shows you how to pull off this incredily creepy character.
News: Beautiful Kites From 1957
Usually when I see people flying kites at the beach, I associate the pace to a humdrum senior citizen activity. Serene for a few initial moments, dull for the rest.
How To: Rust a model car to make it look old and beat-up
If you like making miniature models for their own sake or for use in playing Warhammer and other table top games, there may come a time when you want a shiny new model to look like an old rusty model. If you're working with plastic, you've come to the right place, because this video will show you how to give plastic models a rusty look that will blend them into your post-apocalyptic or just plain derelict scene.
How To: Make the staging mechanism for a multi-stage water rocket
Most really powerful rockets fire their payload in multiple stages to distribute it better. To control the release of each stage, you need staging mechanisms. This video will show you how to make a staging mechanism for a multi-stage water rocket, and references written help here.
How To: Build a LEGO pick up truck
In this video, we learn how to build a LEGO pickup truck. First, you will need to lay out all the parts that you need to build the truck. This includes small and large parts that are in gray and white colors, as well as wheels. Start off by building the middle of the car, making room for the wheels to fit in. After this, start to add on the blocks that go on the back and the front to make the headlights and different features on the truck. Add on the block for the windshield, then add on the ...
How To: Make an easy no-sew voodoo doll
Caroline Dean show us how to make a voodoo doll in this tutorial. Start by grabbing two pieces of copy paper, and tear one sheet in half length wise. Next, roll one of the half sheets into a ball, this will become the head. After this, roll the other half of the paper into a tube shape, which will become the doll's arms. Next, place the ball into the center of the copy paper and then gather the corners of the paper around the doll, and roll it into a body shape. Now place a sharp object in th...
How To: Paint a Water Drop Effect on Your RC Cars
In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a water drop effect on your RC cars. This is very easy to do but very easy to mess up as well. Make sure you are careful while you are doing this so results come out well. First, grab your color change paint and spray a coat of it on the car. Let this dry, then grab a spray bottle of water and spray water onto the paint on all sides at different times. Then, take your paint and put a light spray over it. Once finished, let dry and do a heavier coat (aro...
How To: Make Optimus Prime out of Legos
Optimus Prime is one of the most famous and highly respected of all cartoon robots. Express your admiration and demonstrate you skill with Legos by using the instructions in this four-part video series to build a model of the leader of the Transformers. It is very elaborate, and requires many pieces, but the end result is very cool, and should justify not being taken apart for other Lego projects for a long time.
How To: Build a semiautomatic Lego gun
Most Lego guns require you to feed ammo, or at least cock the gun, every time you shoot. Not so with this model. This video features step-by step instructions and a demonstration of how to build a semiautomatic Lego rubber band gun quickly and easily. Never lose a Lego rubber band gun war to your friends again with the increased firepower of this semi-auto Lego shooting machine.
How To: Install a coin into the comparitor of a slot machine
If you're having slot problems in your casino, you're going to have to do some troubleshooting. Knowing all there is to know about slots is important for any casino or slot machine owner. This video will show you the trick to installing a coin into a coin comparator. One thing to remember, is that if there is no coin inside the comparitor, the machine will not work. And no matter what coin kind you have in the hopper, whether quarter, nickel, token, etc., it has to be the same coin inside the...
How To: Make a 6 petal balloon flower
Before Valentine's Day, hone your flower ballooning skills! In this tutorial, learn how to impress a significant other with a wonderful six petal flower balloon. Your Balloon Man, Mr. Fudge, is full of balloon tricks! Be sure to find other balloon videos on WonderHowTo from Mr. Fudge teaching everything from animals to planes! In a few twists and a few ties, you'll be an expert balloon artist in no time!
How To: Do a kickflip on a fingerboard or tech deck
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to do a kick-flip on a fingerboard/Tech Deck. Begin by setting the fingers into a Ollie position with the middle finger on the tail and the index finger behind the bolts of the board. Pop the tail down and slide the middle finger on the edge of the board. Tilt the board forward and towards you. Users should catch the board with the two fingers in mid-air, and do not wait for it to land. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy playing with fing...
How To: Clean a penny using vinegar and salt
In this video, Do It Your Self Central demonstrates to viewers how to clean a dirty penny by using common household products, namely vinegar and iodized salt. He suggests to put 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 teaspoons of iodized salt into a cup. This solution will be used to clean the penny. He demonstrates the power of the solution by holding the penny into the mixture for a few seconds. After only a short time, he shows the dramatic change between the portion that was dipped in the solution and the...
News: Hot Android Chick is Even Creepier on the Inside
IEEE Spectrum has posted new pictures of Geminoid F, and yes indeed, underneath that smiley, soft, convincing exterior is a stone cold, emotionless robot.
How To: Make a basic rubber band car
To make a rubber band car you will need one sheet of card stock, four paper clips, two binder clips, one plastic straw, 8 inches of dowel that fits into the straw, two pencils and one rubber band. You will also need four CDs or round pies of cardboard, tape, a ruler and a marking pen. First, unfold the paper clips. Then fold the card stock and attach the paper clips. Cut squares out of the card stock. Then, cut the straw. Attach it to the card stock. Affix the pencils to the card stock with h...
How To: Make a Lego boomerang
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a LEGO boomerang. LEGO is a line of construction toys manufactured by the LEGO Group. This is a very simple LEGO construction. It only consists of 8 LEGO pieces and 2 optional LEGO pieces. It doesn't matter about the color of the pieces. The video provides a visual demonstration and step-by-step instructions for viewers to easily understand and follow along. The video is descriptive and explains all the instructions. This video will benefit th...
How To: Make a Lego sword
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a LEGO sword. LEGO consists of colorful interlocking plastic bricks and an accompanying array of gears, minifigures and various other parts. This video is very short and only lasts for 35 seconds. It is very basic and easy to follow. This LEGO construction is very simple, fast and easy to do. There are only 3 pieces required to make the LEGO sword. It does not matter what color the pieces are. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy pl...
How To: Make playdough and salty clay for kids
Anne, The Making Things Girl, demonstrates how to make play dough. Play dough is almost like clay in that you can bake it so it hardens. Then you can decorate it with things like paint, glitter and rhinestones. To make play dough you will need 2 parts flour, 1 part household salt and 1 part water with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix the ingredients in a mixing machine for one minute. Next, work and knead the dough in a bowl and then on the counter. Knead the dough for a while because it makes...
How To: Build hot air balloon out of a garbage bag
This is a simple and easy tutorial, and anybody can build a hot air balloon out of a garbage bag by following the instructions in it. All one needs is a garbage bag, some stiff industrial wire and fire starter bars. The important thing, according to the author, is to judge how many fire starter bars will be required to make the balloon rise without melting its plastic body. First, two long wires are twisted together in the middle to make an 'X'. A smaller wire is twisted onto the middle of th...
How To: Build a "pop-pop" or "putt-putt" steam engine boat
This extensive video series is all about making your own simple steam engine and boat, which is known variously as the "putt-putt" or "pop-pop" boat. Science Toy Maker gives the full details on making your own homemade steam engine model boat, which is similar to the one seen in the move "Ponyo".
News: Insane Eco-Punk LEGO Crawler Town
LEGO maniac Dave DeGobbi has created a small, traveling "eco-punk" city which exists on a mobile platform.
News: LEGO 1858 Remington .45
Meticulously crafted LEGO replica of a Remington .45, circa the Wild Wild West, 1858. Created by Flickr user Arkov.
How To: Construct a ship in a bottle
Learn to make a model ship to put in a bottle with this video guide. 1. Take clean plastic bottle with mouth about 5 inches to fit the ship
News: World's Largest RC Model Airplane
Built by three Belgian guys, this bad boy holds the Guinness Book of World Records for largest RC plane. It has a span of 8.9m, 4 X 160cc engine, it weighs 210 kg and is built on a scale of 1/5 of the B29.
How To: Build a rubber band powered mini car launcher
What is it about boys and toy cars? Speed, motors, and lots of fun! In this video, Kipkay shows us how to make a mini toy car launcher that is powered by rubber bands. Make sure an adult supervises this project, as power drills are required. Once it's completed, your kid will have a blast with his or her Hot Wheels and some rubber bands. Don't forget to download the PDF of the project before you start.
How To: Use fiberglass finish over balsa wood for RC airplanes
Check out this five-part video tutorial on how to use fiberglass finish over balsa wood for RC airplanes. If you like building engines and bodies for remote-controlled vehicles (airplanes), then this will definitely help you out, just by learning how to apply simple fiberglass to the balsa wood parts of the RC airplane body. You will learn all of the tricks needed for fiberglassing.
How To: Make a dragon kite
The awesome kite in this how-to video has a long tail just like a dragon and is traditionally flown to celebrate the Chinese New Year! You will need RSN, tyvek, heavy duty plastic garbage bag, cloth tape, a bamboo stick - 48" long (window blind source), magic markers, a ruler (yardstick), objects to make 2 circles i.e. pot lid, string, a pencil, a toothpick, a hobby stick, and the step-by-step instructions in this video kite-making tutorial. Make a dragon kite.
How To: Tape and decorate a hula hoop
Add a little bit of flair to your hula hoop. Ribbons and tape can add some color and design to an otherwise plain hoop. However, it's important to be careful of certain techniques when decorating as to not disturb the aerodynamics of the hula hoop. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to tape and decorate a hula hoop.
How To: Install RC airplane hinges
Model Airplane News Editor Gerry Yarrish shows how to install RC airplane control surface hinges. You'll need an Xacto knife, hinge installation tools, and hinge glue. It's a pretty basic procedure. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to attach hinges onto a remote control airplane.
How To: Drain gas from the engine of a remote control vehicle
Matt Boyd shows you how simple it is to drain a gas engine on an RC car. Fuel belongs in a fuel cannister, not in the vehicle while it's being stored. It will extend the life of the RC engine. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to drain gasoline from the engine of a remote control vehicle.
How To: Make a Lego balisong butterfly knife
Balisong knives, or butterfly knives, are folding pocket knifes with two handles that can counter rotate. People love performing tricks with them because of the balisong butterfly knife's flipping ability. Since knives aren't toys, make your balisong butterfly knife out of Legos. You still might hurt yourself, but not as badly as with the real thing. Learn how to build a Lego balisong butterfly knife by watching this video tutorial.
How To: Make a bridle and fly-line for your kite
You can't fly a kite without a bridle and fly-line, so let this instructional how to video show you the ABC's of kiting. For this project you will need: garbage bag, wooden dowels, cloth tape, ribbon, scissors, magic marker, yard stick, and a pencil. Have fun creating your kite with an adult helper.
How To: Build a dragon kite with a gold tail with your kids
This awesome kite has a long tail just like a dragon and is traditionally flown to celebrate the Chinese New Year! Watch this instructional how to video to learn how to make a dragon shaped kite. Have fun creating your kite with an adult helper. For this project you will need: rib-stop nylon, bamboo dowels, cloth tape, pencil, scissors, and gold tinsel.
How To: Blow up a balloon by mouth
Watch this video to learn how to blow up a balloon with your mouth. This is great to know how to do if lose your pump, but it takes some practice.
How To: Paint rock faces for model trains using acrylic washes
This video demonstrates how to spray paint realistic rock faces on hills and mountains using acrylic paint washes. The process is easy and enhances model train track backgrounds.
How To: Make a larp shield out of foam and cardboard
This tutorial shows you how to make a fun boffer shield out of foam and cardboard. You'll need four pieces of corrugated cardboard cut into 18 inch diameter circles, a craft razor, spray adhesive and paint.
How To: Modify a Nerf Longshot CS-6 gun
Watch this informational two-part video on how to improve your Nerf gun. With a simple mod, you're Nerf gun will be better than all of the rest.
How To: Make a robot spider
Here's how to make an electric motor with some wire. It looks like a cool spider.