Hot Hobbies & Toys Posts
How To: Craft a Hannah Montana figure from polymer clay
As the Disney Channel hit "Hannah Montana" rolls into its last season, millions of fans across the country will mourn the loss of their favorite pop star/ordinary kid (sort of). If nothing else, if you're a teen then you grew up on Cyrus' catchy tunes from the show, like "One in A Million" and "Life's What You Make It."
How To: Make a Lady Gaga "Alejandro" figure from polymer clay
As outrageous, shocking, and sometimes grotesque as Lady Gaga is, you have to admit that she's awfully cute when transformed into polymer clay form.
How To: Make Ariel from "A Little Mermaid" from polymer clay
If you're of the older generation (and by older we mean you're completely not feeling the Justin Bieber thing, so let's say mid twenties), then you probably grew up watching a slew of happily ever after Disney movies.
How To: Make a Michael Jackson "Bad" figure from polymer clay
The world will never forget Michael Jackson's death. True, dude did get freaky as he got older (we're not one to judge what "normal" is, but the turning white thing and the head-scratching dillemma of the disappearing nose were, well, freaky), but he also made a lot of contributions to pop music and to style.
How To: Make a yummy hostess cupcake from polymer clay
Want to be the "hostess" with the mostest? (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun here). While serving these delightful polymer clay hostess cupcakes at your next party may not be the most appetizing adventure for your guests (though they will agree that they're cute), these clay cakes make great necklace pendants or earrings.
How To: Create a pink princess cupcake from polymer clay
We don't know how it happened and can't particularly pinpoint when it happened, but over the last few years cupcakes have way overtaken cakes as to go-to dessert. Perhaps it's because they're pre-portion sized, or perhaps it's because they're so darn cute and easily transformed into any shape we can imagine.
How To: Make a polymer clay Elphaba and Glinda from "Wicked"
Over the last few years, the musical "Wicked" has become a highly popular phenomenon whose awesomeness has spread mostly through word of mouth. Well, that and the musical's extremely talented and gorgeous costars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, have unparalled charisma and vocal ranges that do nothing less than astound.
How To: Make a Starbucks Coffee cup from polymer clay
These days, with such an intense demand for everyone to be on the go, up, productive, and "happy," it's no wonder we supplement our tired souls with a cup of coffee every morning. In fact, we know of some friends who simply don't function without that first cup...or two.
How To: Make a kid wearing a Tigger costume from polymer clay
Polymer clay boys and girls want to get dressed up too for Halloween! Deck out a little polymer clay boy or girl with festive Halloween attire by creating a "Winnie the Pooh" Halloween costume.
How To: Make a Chinese fortune cookie from polymer clay
Fortune cookies are quite ephemeral things. You break 'em open after a nice meal of Americanized orange chicken and broccoli and beef, start overanalyzing your fortune that "your relationship will take an unexpected turn," and then chomp down on the delicious wafer as you contemplate if he really is The One.
How To: Craft a plate of sushi out of polymer clay
Are you a sushi addict whose idea of heaven is a world filled with tuna roll bricked houses and streets of shrimp tempura? Then craft a piece that shoes off your love for the fine Japanese delicacy by watching this tutorial for making a plate of sushi out of polymer clay.
How To: Make the Domo Kun character from polymer clay
Domo Kun, also affectionately and poignantly known as Domo, is one well off Japanese cartoon character. While he's actually nothing more than Japanese TV show NHK's mascot, this rectangular shaped monster with a need for gobbling up yummy food has his own line of fan merchandise, including plushies, toys, t-shirts, notebooks, and really the list goes on and on. He's also the star of some stop-motion animation episodes by Tsuneo Goda.
How To: Make a miniature baby bottle
In order to make a miniature baby doll bottle to be used in a dollhouse, you will need the following: orange paint, white paint, a paintbrush, and a light bulb from a string of white Christmas lights. The light bulb must be a standard light bulb. It can't be a replacement bulb, because it needs to be clear. The wires do not need to be removed.
How To: Make a prop lightsaber
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a prop light saber. you will need rubber o rings, a metal pipe, a dow rod, and attachments to combine the rods together. First, grab the metal pipe and dow rod, and place the rod inside of the pipe. After this, use an attachment to combine the two together. Next, cover one end with duct tape. Now attach two endings onto the rod and place a longer dow rod covered with duct tape onto the rods. When finished, use the o rings to keep the blade in place and y...
How To: Fix American Girl Doll Nicki's hair
You will need to begin by brushing her hair out, in order to remove all of the knots and tangles. Brush it gently. Don't pull it too much. Section the hair. Pin half of her hair up. Then, brush out the lower section. Then, twist curl her hair. Take a small section of her hair and twist it in a one direction. This will make spiral curls. Next, remove half of the hair that it pinned up. Pin the remaining hair. Then, twist curl this section, as you did the lower section. Once you've worked your ...
How To: Glue VTR tires easily for your RC
If you're getting into the hobby of building RC vehicles, there are many different tasks that need to be done before you have a beautiful working, and looking, vehicle. Tires, engine, the body, etc. all can be built from the very start.
How To: Apply decals to RV cars
In this tutorial, we learn how to apply decals to RV cars. First, peel your decal from the paper they come on and then place it onto the RV car where it is smooth and there are no ripples on the vehicle. Make sure the entire decal can fit onto the spot where you want to place it. If you put it onto a bump, it won't seal and there will be blur with the lines. Once you apply the decal, push on without letting any air through, dragging the paper along the artwork. To make it more flat, take a cr...
How To: Make a mini K'Nex pistol
This video tutorial is in the Hobbies & Toys which will show you how to make a mini K'Nex pistol. Chris Swartzentruber shows you how to do this in this video. First make the trigger mechanism with the green, white, blue and orange parts as shown. Next make the handle using the parts as shown in the video. One end of the handle is green and the other end is orange. Then you make the handle support, barrel, magazine, rod pusher and the firing pin as demonstrated. Attach the handle to the barrel...
How To: Assemble a model rocket for launching
In this Hobbies & Toys video tutorial you will learn how to assemble a model rocket for launching. This video will show you how to do this using the Estes Alpha model rocket. For this project you will need the rocket kit, masking tape, glue, sand paper, a knife, scissors and a pencil. First you sample the engine mount, glue it up and set it aside to dry. Next you cut out the fins and sandpaper them together. Then you apply glue on the inside of the tube up to 1 1/2" and push the engine mount ...
How To: Make a mini cappucino machine for a dollhouse
In order to make a mini cappuccino machine for a dollhouse, you will need the following: a copper fitting (from the hardware store), glue, pliers, and old jewelry.
How To: How About a Ride on My Robo-Insect?
This simple yet odd robot moves like a four-legged, single unit of a centipede, which unfortunately makes me think of the Human Centipede (shudder, don't click on the second video in the gallery below if you're faint of heart... or at work).
News: Giant Madagascan Hissing Cockroach Pilots Robot
This project has been posted on Vimeo for the past two years, and somehow has just entered my radar now. Get this: A robot is manned by a Madagascan hissing cockroach. Each movement the roach makes (perched atop a trackball type ping-pong ball) controls the movement of the robot.
How To: Use tin foil to stop polymer clay from burning
Learn how to construct a tin-foil tent to prevent your polymer-clay sculptures from burning as they bake. While this tutorial is best suited for those with some familiarity of polymer clay sculpture, novice sculpters should be able to follow along given a little effort. For specifics, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started protecting your own PC creations, watch this video guide.
How To: Remove lint or a burn mark from polymer clay
Learn how to rid polymer clay of lint and burn marks with this free video crafts lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for those with some familiarity of polymer clay sculpture, novice sculpters should be able to follow along given a little effort. For specifics, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started cleaning up your own polymer clay, watch this handy hand-sculpture tutorial.
How To: Make an extruder tool for polymer clay modeling
Learn how to make an polymer clay extruder tool with this free video craft lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for those with some familiarity of polymer clay sculpture, novice sculpters should be able to follow along given a little effort. For specifics, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started crafting your own extruder tool, take a look.
How To: Remove anodize from aluminum and polish it
This next tutorial can be a bit dangerous and requires that you take full precaution when performing this. With that out of the way, in this video, you'll be finding out how to remove the anodize from aluminum and then polish it for a nice clean, sparkling look. It's pretty easy to follow and can lead to a nice look for your RC vehicle, so check out what you need to do and good luck!
How To: Choose the best crawler tire for your RC
If you're having a hard time figuring out which tires are the best for your RC vehicle, then this tutorial should help.
How To: Add weights to your RC crawler tires
If you're looking for a video on how to add weights to your RC vehicles tires, you've come to the right place! In this tutorial, you'll find out what you can do to add weight to your tires as well as where are some of the best places to get them. Weights can help add of course weight down on your tires making them a bit more stable and useful when out in a rocky area. So check out the video and enjoy!
How To: Tell the difference between LPR and VTR tires
People who may be getting into the hobby of building RC vehicles, need to know which is the best fit for their cars. Purchasing the wrong tires can lead to unnecessary damage and a waste of money.
How To: Install beadlocks in your RC tires
Installing beadlocks in your tires can help make sure that the wheel is secure and won't be going anywhere. There are many different types od beadlocks that can be purchased, but for this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to install one in an RC tire.
How To: Balance your RC tires properly
If you need help balancing our tires on your RC vehicle, this tutorial should help. Like a regular car, tire balancing is very beneficial since it can make things last a lot longer and make your RC drive smoother.
How To: Get an RC sponsorship and what to expect
If you're interested in getting sponsorship for something that you do well, like build RCs, then this tutorial will help. Getting sponsors not only can help put food on the table, but it can help with your publicity and getting your name out into the world. But, too many people are unable to get sponsors for many reasons.
How To: Make a mini jelly roll for a doll & dollhouse
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a mini jelly roll. First, take your baby syringe and add in clear caulk then add in red food coloring and mix together with a toothpick. Now take some white and red clay and lay them on top of each other, then roll them out and square out the ends. Now, roll them together and cut them into small wheels so they look like jelly rolls. Add some of the jelly you made to the jelly roll and you're finished! You can place these on mini plates you have made and ...
How To: Wash American Girl dolls' short hair
In order to wash your American Girl Doll's hair, if she has short hair, you will need the following: Scotch tape, cotton balls, a towel, and Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo or wig shampoo.
How To: Return the needle settings on a HBI 21BB engine
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to return the base settings on a HPI 21BB engine. The engine has 3 needles carburetor: high speed, mid-range and low speed. Begin by turning the high speed needle clockwise until it is closed. Then turn it 3 1/2 turn counterclockwise. Then turn the mid-range needle clockwise until it is closed. Then turn it 3 1/4 turn counterclockwise. When adjusting the low range, make sure to hold the mid-rang with a screwdriver to prevent it from turning. Now turn ...
How To: Make a basic balloon laser sword
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a basic balloon laser sword. Users will need a tube balloon with approximately a 3 finger tail. Begin by twisting a 2 finger bubble and then turn it into a pinch twist. Now make a second finger bubble and turn it into a pinch twist as well. Measure the size of the handle and then twist it at that point. Now create another 3 finger bubble with a pinch twist for the top of the handle. Pull the blade part in between the 3 pinch twist and straight...
How To: Clean a hummel figurine
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to clean a Hummel figurine. The materials required for this task are: light fluid or ammonia, warm water soft cloth and a toothbrush. Begin by mixing the fluid into some warm water and dipping the cloth into the water. With the wet cloth, apply it onto the figurines and rub it gently. If you can't remove the stubborn spot, use the toothbrush and clean in a back-and-forth or circular motion. This video will benefit those viewers who collect Hummel figu...
How To: Twist an easy balloon sword for the kids
Real swords are dangerously sharp. Wooden swords are safer, but can still pack a punch. So what's the safest for children to play with? Balloon swords! This video will show you the steps to shaping a balloon sword for the kids.
News: Hello Emily. Goodbye Pamela Anderson.
There is little design artifice to this device. This EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving LanYard is a $3500 robot-lifeguard purchased for Malibu lifeguards. Remote-controlled and capable of 28 mph, product testing confirms that EMILY just might be smarter than David Hasselhoff and more buoyant than Pamela Anderson.
How To: Make your own hangers for your American Girl dolls
In order to make your own hangers for your American Girl Dolls' clothes, you will need the following: wood, nails, a hammer, a marker, one American Doll hanger (to be used as a pattern), 14 gauge wire, pliers, and wire cutters.