Hot Hobbies & Toys How-Tos
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.
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...
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...
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).
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.