Putting together a kit of necessities for camping can be expensive — the right tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stoves, lanterns, etc. And it’s also a lot of fun to find the newest, most compact products on the market. But camping can be a messy affair, fraught with sudden storms, reckless youngsters and forgetful parents. So, perhaps, making some of the necessities, such as a lantern, from easy-to-find materials is the way to go. If it gets lost or stomped on in the dark, you can always make another one.

Here is a plan for a metal candle lantern made from a coffee can, metal clothes hanger and a stick of wood. You and your kids can make one for each member of the family. They could even be used for backyard nighttime adventures. Just remember, this is an open-flame lantern, so keep it outside to avoid accidental fires in a tent.

Rather than buying a new wooden desk for hundreds of dollars, this Instructables contributor used his creativity to built one himself — almost entirely out of recycled materials. 

Not only is this an innovative use of old boxes and crates, the project is simply explained by the author, who notes that he’s not a professional carpenter, just a guy who wanted to build a desk as inexpensively as possible. 

In addition to being low-cost and made of salvaged parts, the finished product is artistic. How could you ignore the urge to sit down to work if this desk were in your office? 

Show me how to make a desk using old wooden crates. 

For another easily constructed desk idea, check out Mother's Easy, Low-cost Big Desk. This project is also made from recycled materials. 

I know - it’s only September, and December 25 is a looong way away. But if you plan on making any holiday gifts this year, it is time to start planning. You’ve seen the ads on TV for the dad who is frantically finishing up a project at 2 a.m. on Christmas Eve - you don’t want to be that person!

When my brother was about 3 years old, my dad carved a rifle shape from a 2-by-4. He attached a clothes pin to the top, making it a fancy rubber-band gun. I can see my brother in his cowboy hat, with the “gun” lying across his arm and a big smile on his face. I was frequently the target of those flying rubber bands.

Kids have played with wooden toys since there were kids. It is a natural material to craft into so many shapes. You can find lots of kids wooden toy plan ideas - from dump trucks to a backyard slide - from the archive pages of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. But whether you follow one of these patterns or one from your imagination, a toy made by you for that special child in your life will be a memorable gift.

Have you created a wooden plaything for a child, either from a pattern or your own imagination? If so, tell us about it in the comments section below.

How-to online videos are great for help with just about any DIY project. Think of them as a primary resource — there is a lot more to videos on the Internet than funny animal stunts, embarrassing moments for celebrities and TV shows that have long been off the air.

Some how to online videos are quick and to the point, others are longer and more detailed, but all will help you in accomplishing the final project whether it’s building a garage workbench, replacing a shingle, building a handy laptop stand, constructing a bookcase, changing your car oil or building the coolest Star Wars bed you’ll ever see. Plus you might get some inspiring ideas for similar projects you’d like to build.

How to Build a Garage Workbench
The garage workbench video is extremely helpful and detailed, even though it’s on the long side for an online DIY video, at almost nine minutes. The video says that building the workbench only takes two hours and costs around $50 in supplies, which you may already have some of. Plus, a garage workbench will give you a place to work on future DIY projects.

Replacing an Asphalt Shingle
This quick and easy video shows you how to replace a three-tab asphalt shingle on your roof in a matter of seconds. As the video says, “the hardest part about the job is getting on and off the ladder.” This video will give you the confidence you need to climb up there and replace old shingles yourself. But remember safety first: Make sure you’re not climbing on the roof of your house while no one else is home before you start your shingle repair.

How to Build a Laptop Stand
The Instructables website is a goldmine for any do-it-yourselfer. There are easy-to-search DIY categories from crafts to science. This particular video is longer, but well-worth the time. The project requires some metal work and a wider range of tools, but the Instructables website provides step-by-step photos and written instructions to go along with the video. This new piece of furniture functions as an adjustable laptop stand or a handy mini-table for snacks and beverages.

How to Build a Bookcase
The bookcase video comes from the DIY Network, so it’s polished, professional and easy to follow. The video shows you how to build a quick and simple bookcase for any place in your home. The instructions are simply and the finished product looks store-bought.

How to Change Your Car’s Oil
This video shows you step-by-step how to change the oil in your car and which tools and supplies you’ll need. It’s easier than you might think to change your own oil, as long as you’re willing to get a little messy. Don’t forget to take the used oil to your mechanic or a recycling center.

How to Build a Star Wars Bed
This is another Instructables video and it will make any Star Wars fan drool. The thought of a Star Wars Imperial Walker bed (with an emergency hatch!) is tempting for a fan of any age, but you might make this bed for your child or grandchild. The video is a photo montage and it’s not as detailed as the others. But the intro, concept, music and little boy dressed up as Darth Vader make it entertaining. A warning for those of you who are not fans of Star Wars, this video may seem slightly disturbing.

So now that you understand this modern resource, start a new project inspired based on these how-to online videos, or look for videos that could help you with some of those long-delayed projects you’ve wanted to do for years. Keep checking the Internet for more great ideas, there are thousands out there!

Resource Links:

Instructables
YouTube
MOTHER EARTH NEWS YouTube Channel

My paternal grandmother lived about three hours away from my family, so I saw her only once or twice a year. But two summers, after third and fourth grades, I spent a week at Grandma’s house, along with my cousin, who also was my age.

We spent our week doing pretty much the same thing each day: In the morning, there were some chores to do, then we would walk to a neighborhood park that had a wading pool. Once during the week, Grandma would give us each ten cents (this was 1954) and we would get a brown paper bag of penny candy from the little store across from the park. After lunch we took an hour nap. My cousin had a bout of scarlet fever and she needed to rest each day, so I did also — I usually read for the whole hour. Then we might play Go Fish with Grandma.

But the best indoor activity we did each day was building marble mazes out of blocks made from 4-inch 1-by-4s. Grandma had a whole box of them that a friend gave to her. They were perfect for building castles and houses, but especially for making marble slides and mazes. We spent hours, both summers, spreading our creations across the living room floor. I can still remember the piney smell of the blocks.

Kids love to build forts and space ships, and create secret places to dream and imagine. What was your most cherished childhood building project? Share your childhood memories in the comments below.