A strictly passive solar design uses no mechanical elements to distribute heat.Buena Vista Images/Photodisc/Getty ImagesA passive solar design is one that relies solely on the strategic placement of windows, walls and floors to absorb and distribute heat from sunlight. The savings in...
Shoulder pads cut from garments can recycle for a whimsical touch. Pads shaped like semi-circles offer both flexibility and structure for crafting personal accessories and decor items. Stitching a variety of fabric covers, appliqués and trims can transform what is usually hidden into a visual
Magnetic materials should maintain a balance between temperature and magnetic domains (the atoms' inclination to spin in a certain direction). When exposed to extreme temperatures, however, this balance is destabilized; magnetic properties are then affected. While cold strengthens...
Sterling silver wire can be used by jewelry makers to make rings, ear wires, clasps and other findings. Sterling silver wire can also be used to create filigree and other sterling silver embellishments.
If you're looking to power a light electric motor for a project, you can use a solar cell. The solar cell produces direct current (DC), so for efficiency and simplicity, the motor must run on DC. For the motor to work, the cell must provide sufficient electricity at the motor's rated voltage and cu
The band saw is such a versatile machine. It can handle tight curves, resawing large planks and even milling small logs. This makes it the perfect tool for a large variety of interesting and creative projects, most of which can be made from leftovers and scrap lumber. Let your imagination...
Coating a light bulb with silicone adds a protective barrier to make the bulb more durable. In addition, a silicone-coated light bulb produces a warm glow that can add ambiance to a room. Silicone-coated light bulbs are sold at specialty stores and typically cost more than a regular bulb. According
If you are an amateur radio enthusiast with a hand-held VHF radio, a homemade mobile antenna can improve your signal range. Many areas of the country have access to VHF repeater stations that allow long-distance broadcasting. This accessibility is appealing to both veteran and novice hams alike, whi
Designing sand paintings, layered sand art vases and other craft projects provides an unlimited variety of quick gifts that even young children can make. Purchasing the sand in different colors isn't always convenient or practical, especially when you only need a spoonful or two out of the large com
The BasicsWhen a salt is added to water, it dissolves into its component molecules until as many salt ions as the water can hold are floating around the hydrogen and oxygen molecules. When this happens, the solution is "saturated." As more salt is dissolved, sodium and chlorine ions bump...
Alternating current circuits or AC circuits are used for transporting electricity, changing its voltage level, and changing its current level. AC circuits are also used to power and control machines such as motors, solenoids, and other electromechanical devices. Since electronics operate on direct
Stereochemistry is the study of stereoisomers, compounds with identical molecular formulas but different 3-D arrangements of their atoms. Stereoisomers are a subclass of isomers, a broader term referring to any two compounds with identical molecular formulas but different structural formulas. The si
Rare earth magnets are strong permanent magnets (i.e., magnets that create their own magnetic field). They differ from alnico magnets in that they are produced from rare earth elements such as neodymium and samarium, rather than the nickel and aluminum that make up alnico magnets. In production sinc
Grandfather clocks are popular tall clocks. A pendulum regulates the time, and a system of weights supplies power to the inner gears. As each weight descends, it pulls on a chain or cable that slightly advances a toothed wheel. The wheel, in turn, moves other wheels that power the hands, dials and c
Biomass fuel is fuel that uses renewable, organic resources to produce energy. In the United States, biomass energy is the most produced renewable energy after hydropower. Biomass fuels are more popular today because of the increasing price of fossil fuels. While using biomass fuel has some advantag
You can turn a regular wooden chair and some fabric into a throne for your own little princess. Make the throne for the guest of honor at a fairy tale or princess-themed birthday party or turn each chair into a princess throne for a Halloween party. Cover the chair with a luxurious or simple fabric
Profile sanding blocks can be anything but flat. You make profile blocks to fit moldings, inside raised panel doors, or anywhere a flat block will not work. To make profile sanding blocks, you start out with a flat block of wood and customize it to fit any profile that needs sanded. Profile blocks c
A hallmark is a symbol, set of initials or signature written, carved or stamped into a piece of jewelry. Each hallmark represents the work of a different artist. Indian jewelers started using hallmarks in the 1950s when their art became more popular. Some used the hallmark as a way of recording the
Vases may be containers for flowers but they also contribute to the decor of a room. They can be any shape you choose and you can make them from a variety of materials, including recycled items. Hobbyists can make vases from recycled bottles in little time.
An adult queen ant populates and sustains an ant colony. Female worker ants cater to the queen, while the queen's only role is to reproduce. Without the queen ant, an ant colony would not survive. Worker ants would die, and there would be no way of replacing them. If you want to grow a long-lasting
