Hot Hobbies & Toys Posts
How To: Make a Nerf crossbow out of household materials
Do you find that ordinary Nerf guns lack power, DIY flair, and intimidating looks? This video can take care of that. It provides instructions for making a sort of Nerf crossbow out of common household materials. It shoots like the dickens, and looks like it could kill a vampire. Very cool.
How To: Make a simple balloon cat
Learn how to make a simple balloon cat in a few twists of a balloon in this free ballooning tutorial. For cat lovers and children of all ages - This balloon creation is sure to please. 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: 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: Make a Lego gun without Technic pieces
This is one of the longest, most detailed instructional videos on how to make a toy gun out of Legos. Another advantage it has over its plentiful Lego gun-making-video competition is that it doesn't require any of the expensive and specialized Lego Technic pieces. It can be made entirely form the stock Legos you have sitting around from that castle you took apart two years ago. It may not look like a traditional gun, but it shoots like one!
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.
News: Stabilizing Bracelet Helps Artist with Parkinson's Draw Again
Having control of your basic motor functions is something most people take for granted, but for individuals with Parkinson's disease, that is not the case.
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: 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: 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: Build your own Japanese katana out of foam
If you're looking to play a samurai or other Japanese inspired character at your next boffer larp, this tutorial is for you. You're shown how to build a foam katana using duct tape, a razor blade, measuring tape, cloth athletic tape, DAP contact cement, liquid craft latex, fabric to cover your blade, rope, fiberglass core, and of course, foam!
News: Deviously Clever Prison Contraband
We've featured Temporary Services before, but we thought they deserved a full spread. In this post, we've included some of their How-To drawings and examples of recreated prison art.
How To: Blow the biggest, best bubble-gum bubble
Think you can beat the bubble-gum bubble record? Follow these steps and learn how to blow the biggest bubble ever!
How To: Remove a clutch nut and flywheel from a nitro engine
Paul Onorato, senior editor of Radio Control Car Action magazine shows you how to remove a clutch nut and flywheel from a nitro engine. It's difficult because a wrench spins and pliers can pinch. Watch this video tutorial and learn an easy way to remove a clutch nut and flywheel from a nitro engine on an RC engine.
How To: Hack together the DIY video chat robot
Sparky is a wireless, web-based video-chat robot from the Gomi Style crew. You can learn how to make your own Autonomous Telepresence robot using spare computer parts, some old toys and a bit of custom software (that we provide at gomistyle.com). This robot is operated with a Make controller circuit board. Sparky is a retired electric wheel chair with a monitor as a head.
How To: Make a balloon bird
Michael is here again to show us how to create another balloon animal: the bird! This guy knows his stuff, so pay attention and you'll be making a balloon flock in no time. This particular balloon bird looks more like a parrot, so you can also sit it on your shoulder.
How To: Make a realistic looking landscape diorama
Watch this video series to learn how to make the base shell, terrain, trees, bushes, tufts of grass, and cast plaster rocks for a fantasy landscape diorama.
How To: Make a Homemade PVC Rocket
This homemade hairspray-powered PVC rocket takes less than an hour to construct and only costs about 20 dollars to make. Check out my video below for the step-by-step instructions on building your own backyard rocket, and follow the written guide below for reference.
How To: Make sanity reducing creepy Cthulhu tentacles
Now you too can build your own prop of eldritch horror! Guaranteed to induce a SAN check in anyone who sees it, this tutorial shows you how to build a set of flexible Cthulhu tentacles out of one inch furniture foam, half inch furniture foam, steel wire, pantyhose, one inch PVC tubing, epoxy and a jar of latex.
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: Convert 2D Photos Into 3D Models
The video below demonstrates how you can convert you 2D Photos into 3D Models using 3Defy. You will need to follow these steps:
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: Make a Bridge Out of Popsicle Sticks
Do you have free time? Then build your own bridge out of Popsicle sticks. Bre Pettis goes over the basics of building bridges. As a bonus, you get to watch other people stand on their own bridges and break them.
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: Whistle loudly using your teeth
Never doubt the volume of your whistle again. This video shows you how to whistle loudly using your teeth. You'll learn proper position of your mouth and tongue to be able to make the loudest sound possible. With lots of practice you'll be the only one heard at the local games as you cheer on your favorite team or player. Watch this to get all you need to know to achieve that super loud whistle you've always desired, on the field or indoors.
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: Easily make a bridal veil for your doll
This video shows you how to make a bridal veil for your doll. Take some 58 inch wide ivory tulle netting. Assorted floral decorations, scissors, thread and pins. You also need some floral tape, artificial leaves, wire and wire cutters, fancy ribbon, and some white feathers. First, make a floral arrangement with the flowers and leaves tied together with floral tape into a bunch. Wire some leaves and feathers to the outside of it. Cut 18 inches of tulle and leave it folded in half. Gather it at...
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.
Sexxxy Roxxy: World's First Sex Bot (NSFW)
Toss that blow up doll aside. An interactive sex-android might be a little more...functional. Here are the specs, via TrueCompanion's Press Release (careful about clicking that link, definitely NSFW):
How To: Make an ethnic reborn baby doll
Here is all you need to begin making your very own ethnic reborn doll. In this six part series Nikki Holland demonstrates all you need to know to have a realistic bi-racial doll. She shows us how to correctly use our tools, paint our dolls for a successful realistic result.
News: How to Make Tinfoil Cars
In this video, I show you how to build tinfoil cars for crushing with toy Monster Trucks. My son Eston and I love monster trucks. One of the most exciting things when you go to see monster trucks live, is when they crush cars. Problem is, when you use your hot wheels or matchbox cars with your monster trucks, they don’t get smashed. So the realism isn’t there.
Baby Voldemort: The Creepiest of All Harry Potter Reborn Dolls
Demented newborn baby? No—creepy "reborn" baby modeled after what Lord Voldemort would look like straight from womb of his pure-blood witch of a mother. As if reborn babies weren't disturbing enough, artist Tracy Ann Lister has gone and created a slew of ultra-realistic baby dolls fashioned after the characters from the Harry Potter series. It was bound to happen someday.
How To: Make a Simple Pop Pop Boat
This video tutorial shows you how to make a simple pop pop boat (putt putt boat) out of house hold items. Very simple and easy to do.
How To: Make a short sword with a safe stabbing tip for boffer larping
This tutorial shows you how to make a very safe short sword with a stabbing tip that will pass safety inspection for most games. You'll need filament tape, cloth tape, glues and adhesives, a fiberglass or graphite core and foam coating.
How To: Fill a hopper with coins in casino slot machines
Almost every coin handling device has a hopper inside. In a slot, it's usually in the bottom of the machine. Troubleshooting casino slot machines can be tricky, but if it's a mere coin dispensing issue, it might just mean you're running low on coins. This video will show you how to fill the slot machine hopper, and it's best to use about 200 coins— at least. It's just a basket that holds the tokens, so when someone wins, the machine will dispense them.
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: 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: Builds a diorama for a cliff dwelling
Papa Tom teaches users how to build a cliff diorama for a cliff dwelling adobe looking house. You'll need a hobby knife, water, and sticks.
How To: Construct a basic boffer longsword using a foam noodle
This tutorial shows you a very basic method to create an effective boffer sword using PVC pipe, a foam noodle, duct tape and some open-cell foam for a stabbing-safe tip. You're also shown a good method for constructing the hilt. This is a great tutorial for anyone looking to make a foam sword for their favorite boffer larp!
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...