Smart Idea Search Results

How To: Build APRS on the cheap

Long-time packeteer Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, developed the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), which allows packet radio to track real-time events. It deviates markedly from the usual message- and text-transfer activity. Instead, APRS concentrates on the graphic display of station and object locations and movements.

How To: Make DIY customized soap

Looking to give a personalized gift for a birthday or for the holidays? How about a personalized bar of soap, specific to your friend or family's style? In this episode of ThreadBangers's Decor It Yourself, Meg visits Bobbie Thomas, an editor for the "Today Show" and learns how to make your own soap, and how to customize it to be just about any color, shape, or size!

How To: Make a masquerade mask

Ever desired your very own masquerade mask? ThreadBanger takes us through the fun, multiple steps to acquire your very own custom-fit plaster mask! Materials needed include plaster wrap cloth, water, scissors, petroleum jelly, spray paint (in your color choice), sand paper, paint sealer spray, and decorative additions to personalize your mask! This project will need to dry overnight, so be sure to leave enough time before your party or event.

How To: Make linoleum asphalt mosaics with Craftzine

Linoleum asphalt mosaics, also called Toynbee Tiles, are artworks permanently embedded in pavement. In this video I'll show you how to construct your own from inexpensive materials. You can get real linoleum (don't use vinyl flooring) for this project by ordering free samples online. By cutting out a mosaic design in the linoleum and sandwiching it between layers of paper, wood glue, and asphalt crack filler, you can affix the mosaic very permanently to an asphalt surface, such as your drivew...

How To: Construct a wooden Adirondack chair

In this video, we learn how to construct a wooden Adirondack chair. First, you will build the subframe followed by the back of the hair. After this, you will build the arms of the chair and connect all the different parts together. This is an easy and fun project to do, where you can enjoy your chair after you make it for many years to come. If you go to the website Lowe's Creative Ideas, you can get the blueprint on how to make this chair and what tools you will need to make it. When finishe...

How To: Make and decorate a dazzling day birthday cake

This video is a demonstration on how to make a festive and colorful birthday cake. The frosting on the cake is made of rolled fondant, which comes in bright colors already made. Roll the fondant about 1/8" thick. The cake should have a thin layer of buttercream frosting on it. Lay the fondant over the cake and mold the fondant over it with your hands, trimming the extra off the bottom. Fondant can also be used for decorations on the cake. They cut out squares of fondant to make birthday prese...

How To: Paint tears on a model car

Brian from thetoyz.com and ProLineRacing.com will show you some painting techniques in this video. He is decorating his Revo truck with a special paint design. Brian is painting tears on various shells of vehicles and he got his design idea from the label of a drink can of Monster beverage. Brian suggests using "liquid" masking to mask the base vehicle and then it will be this "shell" that you draw on, which in this case is a design of tears, tear like in air. Draw some tears on the body's sh...

How To: Make chocolate ganache frosting with Rose Beranbaum

Rose Levy Beranbaum demonstrates how to make a simple and delicious chocolate ganache frosting, and gives tips for frosting the cake. Only two ingredients are needed - 12 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, whichever you prefer, and 1 2/3 cups of heavy cream. Grate the chocolate in the food processor, then with the motor running pour in the cream, and it’s done. However, it needs to sit for a few hours to thicken. You can refrigerate it but don’t stir it.

How To: Hang a spoon on your nose

Want to learn how to perform the classic parlor trick of hanging a spoon on your nose? If so, this video can teach you how in a few short steps. First, it's a good idea to take a napkin or paper towel and wipe any oil from the outside of your nose. This helps to prevent the spoon from slipping. Next, you'll want to also wipe off the spoon itself, especially if it is dirty or has food on it. The last step is to hold the cupped section of the spoon up to your mouth and breathe some hot air onto...

How To: Arrange a dozen red roses for Valentine's Day

Making a rose arrangement is not difficult, but there is some skill to it. In this video tutorial from Fresh Flower Ideas, learn the tips and tricks of creating an arrangement with a dozen red roses for Valentine's Day. In this tutorial, a dozen red Freedom roses are used, but you can use whatever grade and type you want. You will also need sprigs of babies breath, leather leaf, and tree fern. To begin, clean off the stems and the rest of each rose. Add once piece of leather at an angle in th...

How To: Create a Christmas ornament in Illustrator

To create a Christmas ornament in Illustrator is very simple if you follow the steps below. Before starting the process one should ensure that all project files used in the tutorial is available. First by holding the shift key draw an oval, then go to gradient and create a new gradient which is at right side of the window. Now select red color and make it darker, then select 'Radiant' from the tool and switch the color positions. Select the ellipse tool once again and create a new shape on to...

How To: Make a spider sushi roll

This video explains how to make a spider roll. First, spread the rice for the spider roll. Make sure that the top and bottom edges have a thickness of 1/8 inches without rice, so that it won't squash it out when rolling. Then add some toasted sesame seeds. Place the rice patty vertical, with top edges empty, and place the deep fried soft shell crab into it. The claws and legs should be outside of it. Put some crab sticks, avocado and some cucumbers onto it and roll with leaf lettuce so that i...

How to Walkthrough Darksiders: The Hollows - Fight Griever

Prepare for the boss fight against Griever in the Hollows on the Xbox 360 game Darksiders. The idea here is for you to punch the flatbed train car into the Griever to topple the beast so you can reach his weak spot, that blue spot on it's belly. The problem is however, various blue crystals block the flatbed's tracks so you are unable to move it. As soon as the battle begins, you're goal is to clear the tracks in front of the flatbed of crystals. Run towards the Griever and begin destroying t...

How To: Make a wine rack from scrap wood & old belts

ThreadBanger's Decor It Yourself show us how to "do it yourself" when making a wine rack using just scrap wood and old belts. At a great size, it's easy to store and great to give as a gift. Looking to fill that wine rack and don't know where to begin? In the later half of this video, the gals from ThreadBanger take us wine tasting and give advice for your next wine shopping excursion.

How To: Make a piñata with household materials

Need a pinata for Cinco De Mayo or special occasion? This week Meg of Decor It Yourself shows you how with some simple house hold materials. Piñatas are a fun Mexican tradition, and are as easy to make as any paper mache project. Check out this how-to video to get ready for your next fiesta!

How To: Dive into playing the blues

Most beginners ask how to break away from basic chords and get new ideas. Check out this instructional guitar video that shows you various ways into playing the blues. The first tutorial video uses a mix of simple chord animations and video footage in an attempt to show how simple inner chording can be used as a step to blues improvisation.

How To: Tie a tie with the 'Christensen' (aka 'Cross') knot

This knot belongs to a bygone race and is one of the last remaining examples of old tie knotting. The knot was called "Christensen" due to its 1917 publishing in a catalog on behalf of the Swedish tie-maker Amanda Christensen. Its secret is not explained in any of the manuals of its time, and only in recent years has there been a renewed interest in the knot, and an explanation on how to tie it.