How To Do It - Scout Life magazine %

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.

Make A Native American Rattle

Create your own Native American Rattle out of dried gourds.

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.