Hobby Hows
Bracelet of parachute cord
When my dad and I go fishing and hiking, I wear a bracelet made of parachute cord. We can use it for just about anything we need rope for. I can use it to make a snare or tie my shoes if my laces break.
-- Submitted by Jordan M., Grayson, Ky.» Permalink | | Read 1 comment
Steady photography
If you’re into photography, using a tripod will help steady a shot and improve picture quality a lot.
-- Submitted by Benjamin E., Geneseo, N.Y.» Permalink | | Read 1 comment
Duct tape on hiking poles
The Scouts in my troop always put duct tape on our hiking poles. It can be taken off for emergencies or something simple such as patching up a hole in a pack. Different colored duct tape also helps us tell hiking poles apart.
-- Submitted by Brandon L., San Jose, Calif.» Permalink | | Add a comment
Getting the smell out of your cooler
If your cooler smells gross after a camping trip, clean it, put a dryer sheet in it and close the top. The next time you use it, it will smell fresh.
-- Submitted by Nicholas K., Ballwin, Mo.» Permalink | | Add a comment
Fishing for trout
When fishing for trout, put a marshmallow on the hook, then whatever small light bait you use. When it sinks, it won’t hit the bottom of the lake. It will float a few inches above it. You’ll get the big ones!
-- Submitted by Matt P. » Permalink | | Read 1 commentChange the colors of flowers
When you have a vase of flowers in your house, use different colored food dyes in the water to alter the color of the flowers.
-- Submitted by Patrick K., Suwanee, Ga.» Permalink | | Add a comment
Sand the wheels on your pinewood derby car
Sand the wheels on your pinewood derby car. It helps them spin fast when rolling down the track.
-- Submitted by Kyle P., Saratoga, Calif.» Permalink | | Read 5 comments
For a terrific fall/winter panfish bait
For a terrific fall/winter panfish bait, try acorn worms. Gather a quart of acorns that have holes in them, put them in a can with one inch of dirt in the bottom, and the worms will crawl out so you can catch them. Keep the dirt moist so the worms won’t die.
-- Submitted by Fred R., Strongsville, Ohio» Permalink | | Read 3 comments
MAGIC IN A MINUTE
Fun magic tricks and jokes to amaze your friends
Most of us don't need a magic trick to make money vanish.For those who do, here is a great one you can do with just a quarter and a bandana.
>> Click here to learn the trick
>> See more Magic in a Minute
HOBBY HOWS
Hobby ideas and tips contributed by readers
From photography to fishing to coin collecting, Boys' Life readers share their hobby secrets. Here are the most recent:- An easy meal for camping
- Keep your peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich
- When I go on camping trips
- If you are into LEGO Bionicles
- Keep the number stickers on your derby racecar
- Use the clips that hold old socks together
- For perfectly round pancakes
- When you are modeling with clay
- For a Klondike derby
- If you have a good baseball card
>> Send us your tips
YOUR PHOTOS
Post your Pinewood Derby pictures
>> Click here to upload photos
>> Click here to see all the photos
COLLECTING
Readers tell us about their collections
If it exists, Boys' Life readers probably collect it. Here are some of the interesting, unusual and just plain cool collections that you've sent us.- I collect fortunes from fortune cookies
- I collect stamps
- I collect pencil lead
- I collect hat pins
- I collect coins
- I collect farm toys
- I collect mini football helmets
- I collect keychains
- I collect video games
- I collect medals from special events
>> Tell us about your collection
