Crafts

Patterns are used in a variety of arts and crafts. They act as a template for creating shapes out of materials such as fabric or clay. Each material requires a pattern made from a different...

Have a blast making signs---literally---by learning this craft to create one-of-a-kind nostalgic-looking creations. Once an art that required time and physical effort to carve out words and images...

A band saw is a power tool designed to cut wood with a long, ribbon-shaped blade that is most ideally suited for cutting straight lines. While a band saw is not the most intuitive choice for...

A copper address sign adds a vintage appeal to your home or business. You can make your own sign with copper foil, a wood plank and a few supplies from your local hardware store. Look for a roll...

Woodcarving pictures are a labor of love. The cost of materials and availability of desirable wood in wide enough pieces is prohibitive unless you have access to a woodlot. It is possible to cut...

Relief wood carving is when you apply a pattern to a piece of wood, to chisel out the picture. Through the use of other various tools, you are able to make intricate patterns and designs.

Whittling is a craft that goes back for generations, conjuring images of the old man on his front porch with a whittler's knife and a piece of wood. One popular craft item in those days was a good...

Cedar is a strong, fragrant wood that can be carved with a carving shave, a sharp wood knife, chisel and saws. White cedar doesn't crack or shrink in water, making it a favorite medium for carving...

One of the most challenging things to do in painting is mix skin tones. For example, Caucasian skin tones have many shades not only among different people, but under different lighting. Luckily,...

Exterior signs serve as decorations that can display the name (usually surname) of the residents of the home upon which they hang. These are often found on cottages, which can become even cozier...

When we own a home it is our castle; we live, laugh, cry and entertain in our home. One of the more popular features to any house is the deck. This is where many funny stories are shared during a...

Hammers, axes, hatchets and other wooden handled tools often stand in need of replacements for their broken or otherwise deteriorated handles. You can buy these mass produced handles most of the...

Pipe windchimes are quick to make, fun to decorate with and soothing to hear. By making one yourself, you are the designer, the woodworker and the musician. Steel, aluminum or copper pipes all...

Collecting and building miniatures remains one of America's most popular hobbies. There's something magical about seeing rooms in miniature, whether they're from your imagination or reproductions...

Wooden signs are extremely popular as interior and exterior decorations, and they make innovative gifts. Numerous types of wooden signs are available in stores, but you can easily make them at...

Firing kilns cannot be made of wood, or you will have to replace your kiln every time you fire a piece of pottery. However, wood is a great fuel to power firing kilns, offsetting the cost of...

Whether stationary or portable, recipe book racks are a nice addition to any kitchen and a good beginner project for the novice woodworker. Magazines, books and free plans are available that have...

Listening to music is an enjoyable pastime for most people. Regardless of the type of music you listen to, keeping your collection organized is important. There is nothing more frustrating than...

Tung oil has been used for centuries as a finish for wood and for many other purposes.The Chinese used tung oil to waterproof masts and sails for their junks. The U.S. military used tung oil to...

A dovetail saw and a tenon saw are back saws that are used for making small cuts in furniture. The dovetail saw is used to make dovetail joints, while the tenon saw is used for making tenon and...

Crafts are an excellent experience for children, as they spark imagination and offer you some quality time to have fun with your children by making something creative. Wood crafts are especially...

Why waste your money on a new calendar every year when you can make one that will last forever? Using materials you probably have around the house, you can complete this project without spending a...

Barn crafts are home décor objects that look like they were made in the country with rustic tools. Barn crafts are generally reflections of items that one would find on a farm. The items are...

Making a tobacco pipe can enhance the experience of smoking. Designing, building and using a pipe of your own is the cheapest way to avoid spending a large amount of money on a pipe. Making your...

If you are looking for a craft the kids can help with, this homemade key holder might be for you. It's an easy do-it-yourself project for everyone to work on together. Let the kids paint and you...

A fancy walking staff lets all of your fellow hikers know that you take hiking and fashion seriously. By making your own staff, you can add personal touches that identify it as uniquely yours. You...

Crafting walking sticks is an old art. Many artisans choose sticks with natural curves that are not intended for actual use beyond decoration. These walking sticks are pleasing to look at, but...

Cutting into a nice piece of cedar is a joyous experience for a woodworker. The smell that is released, the color, texture and softness of this wood make it fun and easy to work with. It is all of...

Oftentimes, when you're out camping, whether for sport, family recreation or with an event, a wooden camp chair can come in handy. Making them yourself doesn't have to be difficult. Use some...

Many modern pistol cases are nothing more than glorified metal suitcases with locks on them. While this might be practical, the aesthetics leave a lot to be desired. The good news is that making...

Help Ted E. Bear escape from being underfoot. Don't just keep on picking him up and sticking him somewhere. Build him an attractive park bench to sit on with materials available at your local...

A band saw is one of the most useful tools in any wood shop. The narrow blade can be useful in cutting curves of retailed work, but can also be used for larger jobs. However, as with all tools,...

Cedar is a versatile wood with a deep amber color. Because cedar is weather-resistant, it's a great option for many outdoor projects. Cedar has a unique smell, which sets it apart from many...

Wood working is a hobby with a large learning curve. The craft requires years of practice, and even with a lifetime of experience, you can always learn a new trick or two. Learning methods and...

Kid always want to rewards parents. This crafts idea can brighten up any day and is perfect of holidays and birthdays. There are several way to do up this plaques but the two most important...

Chanukah (also spelled Chanukkah, Hanukkah and Hannukah and known as the "festival of lights") is nearing and you and your kids want a craft project to get into the holiday spirit. This...

Exotic hardwoods offer a broad range of alluring beauty to woodworking. With their vibrant colors and unusual grain patterns, it's no wonder they are prized among woodworkers, wood turners, and...

Paint a wooden picket welcome sign to greet guests as they arrive at your home. Made from an actual picket fence, the sign has the look and feel of primitive country décor. Look for old wood...

More often than not, cabinets come with shelves you can install. Depending on the age and the use of the cabinet, however, the shelves may get damaged or broken. When that occurs, you may need to...

Hanukkah menorahs are used to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukkah, Chanukah and referred to as the "Festival of Lights"). You and your kids can make your own...

Crafting out of balsa wood is a common beginner's level wood craft. Balsa wood is an extremely light wood which is sold either in sticks or sheets. One use for balsa wood sheets is the...

Woodworkers may ponder which to add to their shop first, a planer or a jointer. The answer is they really should have both. A jointer alone will not get boards to a consistent thickness. A planer...

Balsa wood is strong and lightweight wood sheeting. Because it is so soft and porous, it is easy to cut, sand and takes glue well. Because it is lightweight and easy to work with, balsa it is...

Many children's and pet toys on the market come in bright attractive colors, but you are not always sure how safe those brilliant paints and stains are. If you want to provide wooden toys for your...

Kids can do many craft projects with wood. Thanks to unfinished wood items available at your local craft store, no cutting is necessary. With wood craft projects, your kids will be able to create...

Clothesline drying may be old-fashioned, but even in modern days it's a great way to conserve energy and prevent indoor overheating. Since line-drying also requires the use of clothespins,...

Woodburning is a fun craft that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. It is not hard to start. No special skills or equipment, other then a woodburner are required. You can start...

While caring for exterior wood can be labor intensive and seem to take forever, proper care, restoration, and refinishing is important for the look and life of your home. Not only will the...

Refinishing fine wood furniture is a satisfying hobby that gives you the option of using age-old techniques to restore wood to its original luster and beauty. Modern woodworkers now have a choice...

A wood panel makes a nice surface for a painting; you can use either oil or acrylic paints as the medium for your artwork. Don't forget that the wood surface has to be properly prepped before you...