Knife

Making Bar Soap

Making Bar Soap

Just where and when humans first observed the chemical reaction between oil and potash is unknown. One legend says it was at “Mount Sapo” in ancient Rome, where a creek flowed over a deposit of wood ash and animal fats created by sacrificial fires for the gods. There’s evidence that the ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, and […]

Simple, Cheap, Multi-Channel, Sound-Reactive EL Wire

Simple, Cheap, Multi-Channel, Sound-Reactive EL Wire

Most EL wire displays are static, because they use an inverter that simply turns the EL wire on (i.e. constant-on). Sound-reactive inverters are available, but most of these are only “single channel”, so the wires are either all on or all off. To really make your display dynamic you need an inverter with multiple output […]

Sushi for Sweet Tooths

Sushi for Sweet Tooths

Disguise your fruit in these clever get-ups. Bring the yummy stars of the party. Like all the best party food, these fruity sushi and sashimi are tasty, bite-sized morsels with a cheeky twist that’ll steal the show at cocktail hour. Serve with plenty of chopsticks and a selection of sweet and tangy dipping sauces. Reserve […]

Making Soap

Making Soap

Just where and when humans first observed the chemical reaction between oil and potash is unknown. Legend says it may have occurred in ancient Rome, on Sapo Hill, in an unusual scenario where a creek flowed over a deposit of wood ash and animal fats, created through many years of sacrificial fires and beasts incinerated […]

Electromagnetic Aluminum Levitator

Electromagnetic Aluminum Levitator

About 13 years ago I learned of some military research into a satellite- and missile-defense device that would propel projectiles using Lenz’s law, which governs the direction of electrical current induced by a changing magnetic field. I decided to make a little gadget based on the same principle for my kids, to get them interested […]

Safe Bamboo Swords

Safe Bamboo Swords

At an outdoor festival, my sons and I saw a group of teens play-fighting with padded swords. That looked like a lot of fun, so we tried making our own. It was remarkably easy and inexpensive — each sword costs about $4.

Alarm Purse

Alarm Purse

By Norene Leddy with Ed Bringas and Johana Moscoso The Alarm Purse is a simple, fashionable way to add an audible alarm to your handbag. Tuck it away when you don’t need it (so it won’t go off by accident) and quickly hook it up when you do. The latest addition to the ongoing Aphrodite […]