Hot Hobbies & Toys Posts
How To: Paint carbon fiber material the easy way
If you're a fan of remote control vehicles or plan on taking up the hobby, you'll need to know some tricks and tips. From putting together the tires for your vehicle to properly painting certain parts of the car.
Slink-O-Matic: Slinky Fun Without the Stairs
Thinking of buying a ranch style home, but worried about your slinky collection? No stairs, no problem, all thanks to Jim Sellers and his Slink-O-Matic.
How To: Install an RC airplane engine
If you feel like you're too stressed and need something to help you get away from it all, pick up a hobby. Maybe building and flying RC vehicles. This can be a great hobby to pick up on and not only will it help make you relax, but it can be a great way to have some fun in the process by flying planes. So check out the video above, good luck, and enjoy!
How To: Construct a kite messenger
This next video tutorial is going to show you how to make a cool kite messenger. If you don't know, a kite messenger is a little boat that fliesup a kite string to the kite. It then releases and comes all the way down the string. It's a cool little project that is sure to take up any time that you or your kids may have. So check it out, pay attention, and enjoy!
How To: Build a small catapult from a kit
If you recently purchased a Midwest catapult kit and need help putting it together, this next video is for you. In it, you'll get the step-by-step instruction for constructing your catapult. It's not very difficult to follow and makes life easier when putting this together. And if you don't own this product, you can always watch the video and build one yourself. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Make water effects for a diorama
If you are planning on making a diorama for a school project or anything else, using real like effects can be a big boost. Water effects can have a great looking effect, but using actual water can be messy and won't get the job done.
How To: Fly RC helicopters
In this video, we learn how to fly RC helicopters. The controls need to be moved very gently. The control on the left makes the helicopter move up and down when you push it up and down with your two fingers. When you swerve and move the controller it will move the helicopter as well. Move the sticks each way that you want the helicopter to go. Move the right stick to move the nose of the helicopter and make sure it's right in front of you at all time. Turns will be done with the left stick. P...
How To: Build a looping rolling marble machine with magnetic elevator
Wow! No longer do you have to buy those huge marble machine roller coaster toys — you can DIY one! This video covers the materials, tools and techniques used to make a homemade rolling ball marble machine. If you haven't seen this rolling ball marble machine toy in action yet, WATCH IT. It's a looping rolling marble machine made with wood, rebar tie wire and polyurethane tubing, featuring a magnetic elevator.
How To: Construct a working LEGO miniature soda machine
Even LEGO people get thirsty, and what better to quench the thirst than a nice cool can of soda pop? And what's the perfect way to get that cola to your LEGO men quickly? A LEGO soda machine! And believe it or not, this soda dispenser actually dispenses miniature soda cans! Watch and learn how to build this working LEGO soda machine, inspired by otlego's version.
How To: Make an Android doll at home
In this tutorial, we learn how to make an Android doll at home. First, print out the Android logo from the internet, making it large enough to make a doll. Now, cut out the print out with scissors cutting out the different sections individually. Next, place the cut outs onto a piece of green felt, then pin it down so it doesn't shift around. Now, cut around the paper so you get the same pattern. After this, cut out all the other parts, making two of the shapes so you have a top and a bottom. ...
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: Mix Oobleck
In this tutorial, we learn how to mix Oobleck. First, place some cornstarch into a large plastic bowl, then add in some water. After this, mix the ingredients together with a straw until you have a paste that forms from both of them. Don't add too much water, you want this to be more thick than creamy. Now that you have made this, add in food coloring of your choice to make this more fun, just make sure you don't get it on your clothing. After you have mixed the food coloring in with it, you ...
News: Casper, the Super Freaky Robot Ghost
Androgynous. Stumpy. Creepy. The horror movie robot, created by the notorious Japanese roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro, is projected to be available for around $8,000 later this year.
How To: Get a clear aerial video with a Sony DSC-P72
In this tutorial, we learn how to get a clean aerial video with Sony DSC-P72. First, you will want to get a large electric plane and mount the camera securely to the top of it. After this, remember to turn the camera on before you send the camera off. Now, control the plane and turn it into the sky. Make sure the video settings are on, then watch the plane go up in the sky and move it around to different spots up in the air. Move it to places you want to see that you can't while down on the g...
How To: Build spinning tops with everyday objects
In this tutorial, we learn how to build spinning tops with everyday objects. You will need: round recyclable plastic lids, skewers, hot glue gun, and washers or pennies. First, take your plastic lid and weight it with a penny, then poke a skewer through the middle of it. After this, you will have a top made out of homemade products! You can use anything that is laying around your home to make a top, no matter what it is. Just make sure you have something to place int he middle and the weight ...
How To: Make mud and rubble in a WW2 diorama
In this tutorial, we learn how to make mud and rubble in a WW2 diorama. You can use corks as the rubble after you paint it and rip it into different pieces to make it look like destroyed buildings. You can purchase realistic water and gloss gel medium to look like water that is on the battlefield. If you mix them together with some chunky material, and then add in brown food coloring, it will look like mud. Using these tips and tricks, your diorama can look more realistic and look fantastic! ...
How To: Install a ProLine Slash Protrac for a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle
If you own a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle and plan on installing a ProLine Slash Protrac, then this tutorial is what you need. In both videos, you'll find out the necessary steps that are needed to help install whatever it is you need on your RC vehicle. The tools you'll need include, the installation piece, some drivers, flat tip screw drivers, and more. It's easy to follow and really helpful, so good luck and enjoy!
How To: Clean the transmission on a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash
If you own a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash RC vehicle, then this next tutorial may be for you. In the tutorial, you'll be finding out how to clean the transmission to your machine. Just like a car, keeping your RC vehicle in tip top shape is important for ensuring that your machine will last for a very long time. So if you need help with cleaning out your transmission, check out the tutorial above and good luck!
How To: Properly balance your RC's wheels
In this next video tutorial, you'll be finding out how to properly balance the wheels on your RC. Balancing them is important, just like a regular car, in making sure they work properly, don't wear out so soon, and will perform much better. It's not difficult to do and requires a few items that you will need. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!
How To: Tie a party balloon snowman figure with a top hat
Learn how to create a simple snowman figure from balloons. It's easier than you'd think! So easy, in fact, that this free video tutorial can present a complete overview of the process in just over two minutes' time. For specifics, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started making your own balloon snowmen, take a look.
HowTo: Build a Dancing Robot in Ten Minutes
Though named "Walker," this robot doesn't really ambulate so much as shimmy. Which, to tell the truth, is fine by us. Lots of gross things walk. Only cute things dance.
How To: Make homemade "Floam"
In this video, you'll learn how to make your very own floam. Floam is a fun little toy, kind of in between slime and silly putty, and you can make this with just a few household items. Just search in your garage, and with a few ingredients, you'll be making magic in no time at all!
How To: Craft a miniature rose and leaf from polymer clay
We don't know about you, but we're much more fond of fake flowers than real ones. Yes we know, real flowers are quite a bit prettier and smell like heaven on earth, but the great aspect about faux flowers is that they will never wilt.
How To: Make a ham and lettuce sandwich from polymer clay
We enjoy crafting of all sorts (nothing better to take your mind off, well, everything, after a long day at work), but polymer clay holds a special place in our hearts. Unlike painting or building contraptions out of wood, using polymer clay gives us the God-like power to make anything we want, and make that thing look mindblowingly real.
How To: Make a miniature Alice in Wonderland from polymer clay
At its heart, Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" is a book about growing up, about the sometimes crazy and nonsensical journey into the world of pretty crazy and nonsensical grown-ups. But at the same time it is a story that celebrates childhood and the wondorous imagination that one can only have at that point in time.
How To: Make a sakura (cherry blossom) from polymer clay
Cherry blossoms aren't just special because they're Bath and Body Works' best-selling scent of all time. No, in addition to their delicate floral smell, cherry blossoms are special because they are the first flower buds to open in spring. Spring officially stars when you see the cherry blossom trees bursting into color, and what a wonderful way to celebrate the new season!
How To: Make miniature polymer clay gym weights
We promise that even the wimpiest of lightweights can lift these weights. So small they can fit into the palm of your hand, these "weights" are actually made out of polymer clay. While they won't give you quite as intense a workout as your typical gym weights, they're awfully cute and a sweet gift for a friend who's a gym buff.
How To: Make an orange or lime candy cane from polymer clay
You know those sugary sweet jelly fruit slices you can get in little packets at every grocery and convenience store? Well, we've found a way for you to enjoy them without busting out of your belt.
News: Remote Controlled Monster LEGO Robo-Bot
This LEGO Mindstorms NXT Rover Bot is a monster. Depending on the camera angle, the scale looks huge (check out the person in the background). 9 NXT's controlling 16 XL power functions motors! Amazing.
News: The Future of Pancakes
Here's another latest in robotics: researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) have developed a robot that flips pancakes. The most interesting aspect of the project is the use of kinesthetic teaching, in which the user "trains" the robot by example. The user grasps the robot's limb, and guides it through the motions the user would like it to adopt. This bot takes about 50 trials to get it, but in the end succeeds. Previously, I Want a Robo-Chef in My Kitchen.
News: Bicycle-Riding Robot Puts Pedals to the Metal
Robots have a long-standing obsession with tandem bikes. The first song ever sung by a computer? "Daisy Bell." If you don't recognize the title, you might nevertheless recognize the song's famous refrain: "But you'd look sweet/Upon the seat/Of a bicyle built for two." That was 1961. Fast forward nearly forty years and robots aren't merely singing about bicycles built for two, they're riding them. Take Joules, for example:
How To: Install a new engine in an RC Nitro Truck
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a new engine in an RC Nitro Truck. First, fix the engine fly wheel and then fix the clutch shoes. After this, fix the drive gear by making sure the bearings are fit into place. Next, put the drive gear on, then make sure there isn't any friction. Now fix the lock, then fix the clutch shoe spring. Make sure the spring is locked and fit into place. After this, tighten the screw to lock the drive gear, then you are ready to use this engine. Place it into...
How To: Make a miniature medieval flail
In this video, we learn how to make a miniature medieval flail. You will need: glue, string, scissors, drill, paper, cardboard, paints, masking tape, electrical tape, plastic chain (optional), a brush, and a wooden handle. First, crumple up a couple sheets of paper to make it into a ball. Wrap masking tape around it so it keeps its shape. Next, wrap your string or twine around the ball several times at various angles, tying it each time at the bottom. After this, tape it again with masking ta...
How To: Make a Tyler Oakly inspired rag doll
In this video, we learn how to make a Tyler Oakley inspired rag doll. You will need: an old t-shirt, a needle, felt, googly eyes, pen/pencil, paper, yarn, thread, and scissors. Start out by drawing the body of the doll out on the piece of paper, then cut it out. Now, trace the body shape onto the t-shirt and cut out two of these shapes. Now, take a needle and thread, and sew the two pieces of fabric together, leaving a small opening. Next, fill up the doll and then sew it back together. Now, ...
How To: Repair a crashed 3D helicopter
In this video, we learned how to repair a crashed 3D helicopter. If you have a crashed helicopter that isn't flying or is flying off center, repair it. You will have to have some knowledge of how to repair helicopters, and know which part is broken. Repair the parts that are broken and when you are done you will need to replace all the parts that you previously removed. After you are done with this, you will be able to turn the helicopter back on and test its flying abilities. If the helicopt...
News: LEGO + Android + Robot + Rubik's Cube!
Or otherwise known as nerd nirvana. The ARM Powered Android LEGO MultiCuber steps it up a notch to the 7x7x7 rubik's cube.
How To: Replace the main gear on a Honey Bee King 3 helicopter
In this video, we learn how to replace the main gear on a Honey Bee King 3 helicopter. First, take the main blades off with a 2.5mm wrench. Remove the connectors, then remove the nut from the bottom gears and set it aside. Take out the gear and replace it with a new one. Screw it back into place, then make sure it's tightened. After this, you can place the blades back onto the helicopters and screw them into place. It will be hard to place some of the nuts back on, since they are located in s...
How To: Properly wash your American Girl doll's hair
In this tutorial, we learn how to properly wash an American Girl doll hair. First, rinse warm water through the doll's hair, then wash the hair with Herbal Essence's hydration shampoo. After this, rinse out the shampoo until there are no more bubbles. Next, place conditioner in the hair, the rinse off the conditioner until it's completely rinsed out. Comb your fingers through the hair so there are no more knots in the hair. When finished, comb out the hair and then blow dry it until there is ...
How To: Twist a balloon chihuahua and a teddy bear head
In this video, we learn how to twist a balloon to make a Chihuahua and teddy bear head with balloons. First, take a balloon and make a soft bubble. Next, twist this and make the side of the head and ear. Next, pinch and twist these and bend the side of the balloon. After this, make the top of the head, followed by the other ear and pinch them together. Now, twist a new bubble to match the opposite of it, and twist them at the neck. Shove the snout into the middle of the bubbles, then repositi...
How To: Insert eyes from the back of a reborn baby doll
In this tutorial, we learn how to insert eyes from the back of a Reborn baby doll. To do this, you will need: a cutting knife, glues, and the correct type of eyes for your baby doll. Start off by cutting the vinyl on the back of the head, using your thumb to push the socket back into the head. After this, cut the bottom half just enough to push the eye through the socket. Insert the eyes into the cuts that you made, letting it sit flush to the vinyl. Look at the front of the doll to make sure...