Hot Hobbies & Toys Posts
How To: Snap your fingers
For most people it's just reflex, but some never learned how to snap or snap properly. This incredibly clear and detailed video tutorial explains the mechanics of snapping. Watch and learn, or learn how to better than you already do.
How To: Construct a Korean fighter kite with your kids
This creative kite is perfect for high flying! Watch this instructional how to video to learn how to build an intermediate level Korean kite. For this project you will need: rip-stop nylon, bamboo sticks, cloth tape, double stick step, scissors, magic marker, yard stick, toothpick, string and fuzzy string. Have fun creating your kite with an adult helper.
How To: Build a robot that delivers beer
In this tutorial, we learn how to build a robot that delivers beer. Are you tired of asking your children to bring you a beer when needed? This robot will help you out in no time! Now, to do this you are going to need to make the base of the robot. This includes following the directions off of the site: ifirobotics. You can also just order the parts from there and then put it together yourself. After you put this together and have all the circuits and wires connected, tests it out! If it work...
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: Make a simple heart out of balloons
Learn how to make a simple heart shape with twisting balloons, skill, and practice! 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: Make a diorama waterfall
If your son or daughter is planning on making a diorama for a classroom project or just because, making a cool water feature can be a great idea. Using real water may be fine and all, but if you want to prevent any kind of mess from happening, you can build one using materials that give a water like feel. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to make a diorama waterfall from scratch. It's great for dioramas and is sure to be a much better fit than actual water. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Clean dirty pennies with ketchup
In this video, Josh shows us how to clean dirty pennies with ketchup. You will need, a timer, ketchup, a dirty penny and a penny. First, pour ketchup into your cup or dish. You don't need a lot of ketchup into the cup, just enough to cover the pennies. Next, push the penny into the ketchup so it's fully covered. Now, set your timer for 2 full minutes. When the timer goes off, take your penny out of the ketchup. Place the penny onto a paper towel and wipe it off until all the ketchup is gone. ...
How To: Add battery power to a Power Wheels Jeep
So, your children have the same old boring Fisher-Price Power Wheels that all the other kids on the block have. Do you really want your child to be like all of the rest? No, I didn't think so. Turn those miniature Power Wheels, Dumar or Peg Perego vehicles into a little bit of realism, if you can handle it. All it takes is a little modification and you'll be wishing you were five again. With a few simple hacks, your son and daughter will be burning rubber, jumping curbs and burying those othe...
How To: Take apart a laser pointer
Have you ever had a combination of extreme boredom and an unrelenting curiosity? If so one thing you may have attempted to do is to take apart or "de-engineer" a common office laser pointer. In this online video we are shown how to take apart a cheap laser pointer. It should be noted if you are going to attempt to do this you should only try it on a laser pointer that is inexpensive so your loss will not be great if you should make an error.
How To: Inflate a Ball Without a Pump
Got a flat ball that can't be inflated because your pump is broken? This video tutorial shows a simple technique for how to make your own pump. It's fun and easy to do, and it's a great time- and money-saver. All you need is a pump needle, a balloon, scissors, and a rubber band.
How To: Make a robot car
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a robot car. To start, you will need to prepare the sensors by placing in the pins and soldering. After this, you will need to connect the wires to these and solder them into the correct places. Use a map to find the correct placement for everything. After this, you will take your sensor boxes and bolt them into place on the base of the car. From here, you will need to use a band saw to cut out the cover for the car and the sides/back. Glue the sensors i...
How To: Make a working "robot" model hand
In this four-part science tutorial, learn how to make a model of a hand that works like a real hand: with tendons that move the fingers. This is a great tool to teach kids the body's inner workings. Part 1 includes an introduction and parts 2-4 include the step-by-step instructions to contruct this learning tool.
How To: Clean dirty coins using multiple methods
Kevin demonstrates multiple methods to clean dirty coins.In the first method he takes some coke in a glass and hangs a dirty coin in it with the help of a string. This coke technique takes a few hours.In another faster technique which takes only 20 to 30 minutes he takes table salt and food vinegar. He takes the table salt and dissolves it in vinegar in a bowl. When most of it is dissolved he drops a dirty coin in it and waits about 20 minutes.Another method is to rub toothpaste on the coin f...
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: Make glass effect windows for dioramas & game terrain
putting glass in small diorama windows. These miniature windows give the illusion of a stain glass window or wrought iron window bars. Create the effect of real glass using products such as Weldbond,Crystal Clear, Water Effects from Woodland Scenics, clear RainGlo, or clear silicone.
How To: Make a semiautomatic Lego rubber band gun
Semiautomatic fire is practically a necessity for modern firearms. This video features a tutorial on making your own semiautomatic gun, but instead of metal, you will be working in Legos. If you can get past the cheesy music, this is a very cool little gun, and it will allow you to annoy your friends and family with great accuracy.
How To: Remove Power Wheels brakes for coasting down the road
So, your children have the same old boring Fisher-Price Power Wheels that all the other kids on the block have. Do you really want your child to be like all of the rest? No, I didn't think so. Turn those miniature Power Wheels, Dumar or Peg Perego vehicles into a little bit of realism, if you can handle it. All it takes is a little modification and you'll be wishing you were five again. With a few simple hacks, your son and daughter will be burning rubber, jumping curbs and burying those othe...
How To: Make a diamond shaped traditional kite
This is a very traditional kite you can make. Takes a couple of sticks and a plastic bag, add some string and masking tape and you are ready to go. This video tutorial shows how to make the classic diamond shaped kite, it's so quick and easy. Watch and learn how to make your own kite.
How To: Make fairy wings
Feel like getting crafty? In this 8-part video tutorial, learn how to create the perfect pair of mini fairy wings, approximately 6 inches wide. Also included within these videos is how to make realistic-looking bat and dragon wings. To complete this project, you will need cellophane, plastic coated wire, acrylic paints, polyester glitter, and a glue gun. Add these wings to a doll or a wall craft for the perfect mystical embellishment!
How To: Build a 2/5th scale M60 tank
This instructional video series is on how to build any type of 2/5th (40%) scale, fully functional tank. The specific model demonstrated is the M60 Patton. An MBT. A destructive force. If you have any questions about your backyard tank build, please address them to "Dave's Tank Foundry" at Scaled Tanks.
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: Fix your American Girl doll's frizzy hair or split ends
In this video, we learn how to fix your American Girl doll's frizzy hair or split ends. If the ends are frizzy or split, there is a way to fix it. First, you will need to wash the doll's hair the night before and brush it out. After this, take some scissors and start to cut small sections of the hair that have frizz on them. After this, you will cut the bottom of the section to make sure it's completely evened up. To make it easier, you can go section by section until you have it right!
How To: Build a spy periscope
This video is to show you how to construct a super cool spy gadget! You'll need some toilet paper tubes, tape, scissors, glue and an old CD. Then, just like that you'll be able to make home made spy gear in no time.
How To: Clean coins and make them shine like new
Is your money looking a little dirty? With this video tutorial you can clean your act right up. Find out how to clean coins and make them shine like new in under 5 minutes. Clean coins and make them shine like new.
How To: Make a simple homemade bottle rocket from household items
What's the best way to pass the time when you're bored beyond your wits? Make things explode, of course! But let's just say that you don't want your house to catch fire. The next best option that you've got is contained within this here video.
How To: Apply a neck ring and plug on a reborn baby doll
In this tutorial, we learn how to apply a neck ring and plug on a reborn baby doll. First, attack the neck ring to the doll head by pulling the vinyl onto the lip using your fingers. You will need to use your hands to push the inside of the neck through the ring. This will take a lot of pushing and pulling. After this, you will need to attach your plug. First, place it into the neck of the head to make sure it fits. After this, stuff it with cotton and then push it back in. Now you will be ab...
How To: Fix a loose transmitter antenna on an RC vehicle
This instructional video demonstrates how to fix a transmitter antenna that won't tighten. To do this you will have to take apart your remote control radio. Luckily, this is not as difficult as it may seem.
How To: Build a rocket from everyday household trash
This video tutorial will show you how you can build a rocket from trash. That's right... trash. To make the rocket, you'll need a paper towel roll (or three toilet paper rolls), a spray can cap, a model rocket engine, scrap cardboard or wood pieces, hot glue gun with glue, a straw and a paper cup.
How To: Make a simple Knex gun with trigger
These are assembly instructions for a simple Knex gun with trigger
How To: Deal with a flooded Nitro engine on an RC vehicle
Alishan Mao describes how to fix a flooded Nitro Engine on an RC car, remove the excess fuel, and start the engine. Flooding of the engine can occur when priming the engine. If you prime the engine too much, the engine can get flooded, making it difficult to pull the pull start. A simple way to fix this is to remove the glow plug. Cover the top of the engine with cloth or rag and hold it there so that the fuel does not splash all over the place. Pull the pull start several times. The fuel wil...
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: Make a dreamcatcher
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a dream catcher. You will need: 1 metal ring, leather, sinew, decorations, scissors, and a clothes pin. First, wrap the leather tightly around the ring. Clip the clothes pin on the top so you don't have to hold it as you go around the circle. After this, remove the clothes pin and cut the leather off. Then, tie it at the bottom with a double knot. Next, measure the sinew to 3 yards, then pull it apart. You will be left with very thin strings. use a folde...
How To: Make a 2 balloon simple snake
Balloon art is a great way to lure a crowd at county fairs, restaurants or events. In this video, learn how to make a simple, 2-balloon, snake that is quick and easy to make!
How To: Repair decorative figurines with molding clay and glue
This video explains how to repair decorate figurines using modeling clay as a clamp to help you glue it properly. It can be hard to glue broken figurines, because it's difficult to keep the pieces held together while the glue is drying. He suggests using modeling clay to hold the pieces together. First stick a hunk of modeling clay to your table or work bench. Stick one part of your broken figurine into the modeling clay to hold it at the proper angle. Take the other piece and line it up wher...
How To: Remove ink stains from your American Girl doll
In this video, we learn how to remove ink stains from your American Girl doll. If you get ink marks on your doll it's pretty easy to get off with just some Oxy spot treatment clear. The main ingredient in it is Benzyl Peroxide, which is an acne medicine. After you have this, you will put a little bit of it onto the stain on the doll. Apply this using a Q-Tip and not your finger, to avoid oils. Press this all over the spots on your doll, then cover the spots with plastic wrap. Put the doll in ...
How To: Tie a Chinese Cloverleaf knot
Knotmaster JD from Tying It All Together offers us another of his informative and oddly soothing knot-tying instructional videos. This is teaches us to tie a Chinese Cloverleaf knot, a good-luck charm in both East and West that makes up for its lack of practicality with timeless beauty. From the knot-tyer himself:
How To: Make a wooden fingerboard
If you're into fingerboarding, then you're going to want to watch this video tutorial to see how to improve your fingerboard skills. Watch to learn how to make a wooden fingerboard. With just a few materials, your finger-skateboard will be up and running in no time.
How To: Begin to carve foam for dioramas and game terrain
Watch this two-part instructional video to begin carving gaming terrain and various art projects out of high density foam. This type of pink foam is called Styrospan. It's easy to carve, inexpensive and can be easily repaired with glue.
How To: Build an expert level Bermuda kite with your kids
In Bermuda, people celebrate holidays and special occasions by creating and flying colorful kites! Now you can join in the fun and learn how to build this traditional kite.
How To: Transform a toilet paper roll into a sling gun
Watch this tutorial to learn how to transform a toilet roll to the sling toy. You'll need a toilet paper roll, tape, scissors and a balloon. You can shoot anything out of this simple gun.