Learn a Craft Technique - Tutorials, Tips, and Resources
By Sherri Osborn, About.com Guide to Family Crafts
You have come to the right place if you are interested in learning a new crafts technique or discovering more about a technique you already know. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crafter, you are sure to find something helpful here.
Felting
Felting is actually an ancient craft that has become increasingly popular lately. Felting is the process of transforming wool into a dense cloth by bonding and shrinking the fibers together. Technically, there are three types of felting: wet felting, needle felting, and commercial felting.
Beaded Safety Pins
Find out how you can thread beads onto several safety pins and then join them together to create a wonderful picture. This is a great craft for groups, such as scouts, and also a good fundraising or craft boutique item.
Decoupage
Decoupage This is a craft that produces a decorative effect on objects by gluing paper shapes and pictures to a surface and then sealing it with a clear coating.
Embossing
This is a crafting technique which creates a raised, or 3-dimensional, image on a piece of paper or other flat surface. It is very popular embellishing technique for making cards and other paper crafts.
- Introduction to Embossing
- How to Dry Emboss
- How to Heat or Wet Emboss
- Embossing Projects
- Embossing Terms Glossary
Paper Mache
This is probably the most popular craft technique on my site. For those who may not know, paper mache is a way to create 3D objects and effects by using paper stuck together or onto other objects using using a wet paste. The crafted object becomes hard when the paste dries.
- Introduction to Paper Mache
- Paper Mache Paste Recipes
- How to Create a Base for Your Project
- Step-by-Step Directions
Painting
Here are some fun ways you can take painting beyond a brush and canvas. Learn new, creative painting techniques and try fun projects.
Printmaking
With simple printmaking, you cover one item (usually one with a lot of texture) with paint or ink and press it onto another item (such as a piece of paper, t-shirt, etc.) to make a design. Here are some techniques and projects you can try...
Glass Etching
Find out the techniques and supplies involved in making etched glass. You just might be surprised at how easy it is create create stunning, etched glass masterpieces.
Jewelry Making
Explore simple jewelry making techniques that the entire family can enjoy.
- Explore Simple Techniques
- Beaded Jewelry Project Books
- Beaded jewelry Projects
- Hemp - Macrame Style Jewelry
- Make Bracelets
Garden Stepping Stones
Home-made stepping stones are a great way to personalize your garden, walkway, or anywhere! They make great gifts and keepsakes, and you can make your own following these directions.
- Introduction
- Stepping Stone Supplies
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Photos of Stepping Stones
- Tips and Helpful Hints
Create a Story Sack
By making your own story sacks, you can help nuture your children's love of reading and books.
- Introduction to Story Sacks
- Start With a Bag
- Picking a Story
- Ideas for Filling the Sack
- Story Sack Idea Index
Tie-Dye
If you have ever wanted to try your hand at tie-dye, these resources will get your started and take you even farther. Once you learn the basics, you can create colorful t-shirts, socks, bedding, towels, and much more.
