Hot Hobbies & Toys How-Tos
How To: Recycle plastic bottles to make a toy windmill
In this tutorial we learn how to recycle plastic bottles to make a toy windmill. First, cut the bottle in half so you just have the cap end of it. Then, use the scissors to cut strips in the plastic, all running next to each other. Once you have all of these cut, pull the strips out so they are flared away from the cap. Then, twist these so the are all going backwards from the cap and place a stick on the bottom of these, connecting with the cap. Now you can use these as a toy windmill, enjoy...
How To: Do mini buns on your American Girl doll
In this video, we learn how to do mini buns on your American Girl doll. Firs, you will grab a section from the top half of one side of the head. Then, you will put a rubber band around the hair. From here, you will twist the hair around the make a bun, then secure it with another rubber band. Repeat this on the other side of the head so there are two buns on the top of the head. This will look cute on the front and the back! If you want, you can keep going and make two more so you have four m...
How To: Make a small, easy, functional telescope
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a small, easy, functional telescope. First, glue a lens in place with glue underneath a piece of cardboard with a circle cut in it. Then, cut this into a circle and tape it to a paper towel holder. Then, you can wrap this in some paper mache around the cardboard. Then, wait for this to dry and spray paint it with gold and black paint. When finished, you will have a functional telescope ready to go and use! This is cheap and a fun project to make with chi...
How To: Do floating braids on your American Girl doll
In this tutorial, we learn how to do floating braids on your American Girl doll. First, take a small section from the top right side of the head. After this, brush it out and split it into three parts. Then, braid over three times and take a piece from the top and instead of adding it in, put it in the front over her arm. After that, braid over and take a section from underneath. Add this into the braid and then go over. Now, repeat the same process by putting the section of hair to the front...
How To: Do a spiderweb hairstyle on your American Girl
In this video, Sarah teaches us how to do a spider web hairstyle on your American Girl. You can do this with any doll, even if they have short hair. To start, you will pull the hair from the front of the head back and then clip it in the middle. Next, take the sides of the hair and do the same process. Repeat this on the other side of the hair, doing the same process. Next, you will split the hair in half from each clip and then meet it up with the half of another piece. Continue to do this a...
How To: Do reverse French braids on your American Girl doll
In this video, we learn how to do a reverse French braid on your American Girl doll. First, part the hair in half and put one half to the side. Then, take a piece of the front on one section and split it into three. From here, you will go under the hair instead of over like a regular braid. Then, start to pick up pieces from the sides on the left and right. Put it underneath the whole braid and then go under with it to the other side. Continue to do this until you reach all the way down the h...
How To: Straighten American Girl Doll Julie's braid
In this video, we learn how to straighten American Girl Doll Julie's braid. First, you will need to take the hair out of the braid and then separate that area. From here, cover the doll with a towel and brush her hair out. Wet down the area by dipping the comb into the water and brushing it in the hair. From here, you will bring the doll over to a flat surface. Then, lay some really heavy books down on top of the strand that needs to be straightened. Do this four nights in a row, then the hai...
How To: Solder wires to your rc car motor
In this tutorial, we learn how to solder wires to your rc car motor. First, you will put the flux on the out wires. Put a small amount on, but make sure it's evenly coated all around. After this, do the same process for the motor tabs. Then, tin the wire and then wipe off with a damp sponge. From here you will do the same thing for the motor tabs, taking the back off the motor tabs to make it easier to move around. After this, put the wire on top of the tab and pres with the iron. Now you sho...
How To: Do a fishtail on your American Girl doll
In this video, we learn how to do a fishtail on your American Girl doll. You will need a doll with longer hair to do this correctly. Brush the hair out, then grab two rubber bands and set aside. Start out by putting the hair into a ponytail with the first rubber band. Then, section the hair off to create a double braid in the hanging hair in the back. This will create a look like a fishtail braid. Continue to do this until you reach the bottom of the hair, then tie it with a rubber band. Enjo...
How To: Double french braid your American Girl Doll's hair
In this tutorial, we learn how to double French braid your American Girl Doll's hair. First, part the hair right down the middle so you have the left and right side. After this, pull one of the sides into a pigtail. Next, go to the other side and grab a small section from the top. Brush this out and then divide into three pieces. Start it like a regular braid, then start to grab hair from the bottom on each side, crossing it over the middle. Continue to do this until you reach the bottom of t...
How To: Construct a mousetrap car
In this tutorial, we learn how to construct a mouse trap car. You will need: wood, string, wood glue, duct tape, scissors, markers, a mousetrap, wheels, and a drill to do this. To start, you will lift the mousetrap up and tape duct tape around it along with a long stick. Then, tape this to a piece of wood. From here, you will glue together two sticks and then put wheels on the top and bottom of it. Next, you will lay the mousetrap on top of this and then push it. Then it will roll away! You c...
How To: Do a cute hairstyle on American Girl with medium hair
In this tutorial, we learn how to do a cute hairstyle on American Girl with medium hair. This is great for a doll that has hair that flips out at the bottom or hair that is curly. First, you will take most of the hair, except for a thin layer of hair on the underneath area. Put a rubber band around this part of the hair, then put a hole with your finger above the band. Flip the hair through this, so the hair is sticking up. Then, curl the hair under and clip it into place on the back to finis...
How To: Flat iron your American Girl doll's hair
In this video, we learn how to flat iron your American Girl doll's hair. First, heat up your flat iron on the lowest heat setting it has. Now, brush your doll's hair so it doesn't have any lumps or bumps in it. Clip the to of the hair up and then take a small section from the bottom of the head. Then, squirt some water on the hair until it's wet. Comb through the hair and then run the flat iron through the hair very quickly. Run it through again if needed, then continue on to other sections i...
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: Make a paper mache Helm's Deep
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a paper mache Helm's Deep. You can make a pretty good one just using paper mache if you don't have the professional materials. Build it on a cardboard surface and then use cut outs from cereal boxes to make the structures and building features. The paper mache will go over the buildings, so you can make different types of structures. You can also use crumpled up news paper to make the terrain so it will maintain its shape. After you put the mache on, it ...
How To: Do twist braid pigtails on your American Girl doll
In this tutorial, we learn how to do twist braid pigtails on your American Girl doll. Start by brushing the hair out and combing it in the middle. Then, take a small section in the font and split that in half. Start twisting it towards her face and then twist them together away from her face twice. Then, pick up a piece from the bottom and twist it into the braid. Continue to add in hair from the bottom until you have all the hair inside the twist braid. When finished, tie off at the end and ...
How To: Do a cute hairstyle on an American Girl with layered hair
In this video, we learn how to do a cute hairstyle on an American Girl with layered hair. First, brush the hair back until it's smooth. Then, pull the front section of the hair back, going off from where the eyes end. Then, you will pull it up into a ponytail. After this, you will take a section from the side of the head on both sides. Then, you will bring these together in the back of the head and tie together with a ponytail holder. Now, take another section lower down on the had and repeat...
How To: Do wrapped pigtails on your American Girl doll
In this video, we learn how to do wrapped pigtails on your American Girl doll. First, separate the hair from side to side. Then, take a small section from the front of the hair and put it aside. After this, you will need to comb the hair back into a ponytail and secure with a rubber band. Secure the other side into a ponytail as well, but put all the hair back into it. After this, you will take the front from the other side and wrap it around the ponytail. Clip it into place and then you will...
How To: Do a cute downhair style on your American Girl doll
In this tutorial, we learn how to do a cute down hair style on your American Girl doll. First, you will need to braid two braids on the doll's hair on each side. Tie it off at the end with a small rubber band. Do five of these around the head, from the top of the hair to the tip of the bottom! Line these up on the top so it looks even and not random. When you're finished, you will have a cute look that only takes minutes to create. If you want, you can tie this into a ponytail for an up-do!
How To: Build your own stomp rocket out of household materials
In this video, we learn how to build your own stomp rocket out of household materials. Materials you will need are: plastic bottles, bicycle inner tube, 2 feet PVC pipe, duct tape, masking tape, and file folders or card stock. Now, take your PVC pipe and roll paper around it and tape it. Then, remove the paper from the pipe and tape it more so it's completely closed. Then, make your nose cone for the rocket. Place this and the wings onto the rocket in your choice of colors. Then, make the lau...
How To: Redo American Girl doll Mia's braid
In this tutorial, we learn how to redo American Girl doll, Mia's, braid. First, you will need to brush out the hair for the doll. After you do this, you will take a little section of the hair from the front and split it into three. Then, take another little section from underneath this and clip it away. From here, you will start to braid the hair, clipping off the sections underneath separately so they don't get mixed together. Then, you will take the rest of the hair and put it into a ponyta...
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: 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: Use foam to make diorama terrain
In this tutorial, we learn how to use foam to make diorama terrain. Foam will make a realistic diorama because it comes in so many different shapes and sizes. You can buy this from hobby shops and even online. To put these together, you will simply use some wood glue. You can easily cut this with a sharp knife, scissors, and anything else that is sharp! You can use a hot wire cutting tool to mold and sculpt the foam as well. You can also use a hot glue gun to connect the pieces of foam togeth...
How To: Do a Y braid on your American Girl doll
In this tutorial, we learn how to do a Y braid on your American Girl doll. First, brush your doll's hair out and then put the hair in pig tails. From here, you will split the tail in half on both sides. Then, you will combine the two middle pieces and start to braid the hair like normal. Do this all the way down until you reach the bottom of the hair. When finished, tie the end with a rubber band to keep in place. This will finish the Y braid look for your American Girl doll, enjoy! Decorate ...
How To: Do the triple nifty knots hairstyle on your AG doll
In this video, we learn how to do the triple nifty knots hairstyle on your AG doll. First, comb the doll's hair back and then take the hair from the crown of the head. Put this into a ponytail and then secure with a rubber band. After this, section the tail off into two parts and twist them individually. Then, bring these around each other and create a bun at the top of the doll's head. Secure this with a rubber band. Do this with two other sections of the hair on the left and the right. When...
How To: Build a simple mouse trap car
In this tutorial, we learn how to build a simple mouse trap car. To do this, you will need: a ruler, two records, a thin metal rod, and a mousetrap. First, you will lay the ruler down to measure out where you are going to place the records. Next, you will hold these into place by using the metal rod in between the two of them. If it's not secure, use washers and glue to keep it in the proper place. Then, attach the mousetrap to the middle of the rod in between the records. This is it! Now you...
How To: Make a LEGO replica of the Lancer chainsaw / machine gun from Gears of War
The Lancer chainsaw / machine gun from Gears of War is the weapon that first sold that game, Cliff Bleszinski's twisted brainchild that made the multiplayer so much fun. If you like LEGO and Gears of War, watch this video to learn how to make a replica of the Lancer out of LEGO for your minifigure to dismember each other with.
How To: Make a chainsaw for a LEGO minifigure
If you've been working on a LEGO battle scene and need a gnarly chainsaw to complete the esthetic, watch this video. It will teach you how to make in improbably large but really cool custom chainsaw out of spare LEGO bricks.
How To: Make a chain gun for a LEGO minifigure
Outfitting your LEGO minifigures for battle is one one of the best parts of playing with them, and tiny LEGO parts offer nearly unlimited options for weapon construction. Watch this video to learn how to build a Star Wars chain gun for a Stormtrooper or plucky Rebel Guard
How To: Build a custom LEGO General Grievous Magna Guard from Star Wars
General Grievous was by far the coolest new character introduced in Star Wars Episodes I- III. If you enjoy LEGO and Star Wars, watch this video to learn how to build an awesome custom General Grievous Magna Guard bodyguard out of LEGOs.
How To: Make a remote controlled engine boat from useless junk parts
Have you ever tried making your own remote-controlled water boat, but were missing all the key parts? Well, now you don't need to worry about expensive ingredients, because this video will show you how to make an RC engine boat with useless junk. You just might have some old used crap lying around, collecting dust, so why not put it to use making this awesome toy? You'll need some basic used parts, a plane toy and power supply fans.
How To: Build a simple solar rope-shimmying robot spy toy
If you want to become a great robotics engineer, then you need to start out small, and this robot is a great first-time project. It's the simplest kind of robot, with only one motor and a gear box, but it moves really interesting, capable of shimmying across a rope. You can send this rope-shimmying robot tospy on your neighbors for you (when you're too lazy to do it yourself). See how it's done!
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: Construct your own set of plastic armor for medieval reenactment
Medieval knights did not have access to plastic, but modern reenactors certainly do! This tutorial shows you how to take a food-grade plastic barrel (at least a quarter inch thick) and turn it into a set of medieval style armor!
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: Make a safe boffer arrow out of foam
Add to your boffer larp arsenal with these foam arrows! This tutorial shows you how to make a modular boffer arrow out of three different kinds of foam, a cloth cover, arrowhead shafts, scissors, duct tape and your favorite kind of spray adhesive.
How To: Construct your own replica of a keyblade out of craft foam
If you're looking for how to make the perfect cosplay prop, this tutorial is for you! You can construct your own replica keyblade! You'll need some heavy craft foam to sketch out the keyblade design, and then a sharp craft knife to cut it out. Then cover it and paint!
How To: Make Lal Mirch's goggles from Katekyo Hitman Reborn for cosplay
It's not a real Lal Mirch cosplay costume without the goggles! This tutorial shows you how to make the goggles from one of Katekyo Hitman Reborn characters from cardboard, posterboard and some craft foam. You'll also need some glue, a marking tool, scissors, a utility knife, goggles, headphones, tape and some paint.
How To: Make a thin core boffer sword out of latex
An online class on how to build your own boffer sword! Every combat group is different, so make sure this sword is safe by the rules of your boffer larp. This method goes beyond the simple foam and PVC method and teaches you how to use latex to make an awesome looking sword.