How to Make a Ventriloquist’s Puppet
Build this goofy-looking ventriloquist's figure, then put on a show using ventriloquism (making it talk without moving your mouth).
How To Do It
A peek at BL Workshop projects from decades past
To close out our 100th birthday year, here's a glimpse of some BL projects from decades past.
Primitive Rope with a Twist
American Indians made rope and twine (cordage) using natural fibers from trees, plants and animals. You can make cordage using common materials found around the house or at the hobby store. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Build a Custom Desk
Build your own desk with a tray for your computer keyboard, shelves and even a secret drawer.
Build your own skate longboard
Todd Davis, author of "Handy Dad," offers step-by-step instructions for creating your own skate longboard. With a little work, you can be carving back and forth across the blacktop in no time.
How to build a bug board
They might annoy us or amaze us, but there's no question about it: Bugs are an essential part of the natural order of things. Here's how to make your own nature museum to display them.
How to build a rain barrel for collecting rainwater
Conserve water by collecting rainwater and using it for your garden or lawn.
Make a 3D camera
Make a stereograph, using two cameras to create cool 3D snapshots.
Make a “10,000-Year-Old” Lamp Shade
Cave paintings have been around for thousands of years. Light up your own bedroom "cave" with this torn-paper lamp shade.
Make a classic Soma puzzle
Looking for a homemade gift or just a fun game. Try making this classic Soma puzzle.
Make your own banjo
Make a simple banjo and start making your own music.
Twist Wire to Make a Great Present
With a few tools, you can twist and turn metal into something that is functional and easy on the eyes. Here's how to wire up some new things around the house.
Make your own mailbox stove
Looking for a unique and fun way to cook for your troop? Do what this North Carolina troop does: Cook in a mailbox.
Build a flagpole, table or chair for your camp
With the right pioneering skills, you can create all kinds of contraptions that come in handy at a campsite.
Make a Civil War pinhole camera
Make your own pinhole camera, much like the ones photographers used in the Civil War.
How to start a fish aquarium
Having an aquarium is cool -- and easy! Here’s how to start yours.
Make a Native-American Drum
This authentic Native-American drum will challenge your skill, but the results are well worth it.
How to Build a Homemade Radio That Really Works
Radios might seem super high-tech. But with about $10 and one afternoon, you can make one at home.
Build a working robot
Build GISMO 4, a quick, remote-controlled robot that can do battle with other robots or roll around the house.
Make a suit of chain-mail armor
Here’s how you can become a knight in shining chain-mail armor.
Turn Your Old Action Figure Into a Toy Acrobat
You can turn an old action figure toy into a neat new acrobat that can do flips and somersaults.
Make Your Own Dino Swamp
Create a cool prehistoric scene for your dinosaur toys using items you may already have at home.
Reuse a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle to Grow Plants Indoors
You don’t have to wait for the right season to plant your flower and vegetable seeds. Grow plants indoors any time of year with this easy project.
How to Build a Camp Table Between Trees
Keep your stuff out of the dirt by building a table for your camp. It's easy if you have the pioneering skills.
How to Build a Flagpole For Your Camp
Show your colors by building a flagpole for your camp. It's easy if you have the pioneering skills.