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My big list of projects you can make is here

Make a Trebuchet Rocket Launcher
Make a Catapult
Make a Terrarium
Shoebox Diorama
Fantasy Diorama
Shadowbox Fantasy
Make a videogame
Brew Your own Honey Wine Mead
Make a BoxKite
Easy Paper Castle Better paper Castle Dragon Pinata

STORES

Posters
Writers Bookstore
Dioramas and miniatures
Classical Guitar store
Telescope Store

My Websites

Castlefiction.com
Epic-Fantasy.com
My Medieval Blog
The Fantasy Guide
Medieval Castles
Medieval Swords
Medieval Weapons
The Knight Medieval
willkalif.com
make-video-games.com
Telescope Nerd

Renaissance Mead Carboy Covers

MORE

Links
Banner Exchange MoreLinks
HobbyLinks
Edgar Cayce
Scrin Sculpture
More related links

Things

Earning money with your website

All Materials, unless otherwise stated are Copyright© 2001-2010
Kalif Publishing and StormtheCastle.com check out my copyright page for information about how to use any work on this site Here is an advertiser guide to this website and the subjects and projects I cover .

Hi, Thanks for visiting my website. My name is Will and if you have questions
or would like to
contribute projects or ideas you can

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I have a newsletter that you can sign up for. In it I give you lots of tips, tricks and hobby projects in a variety of different areas. I also will keep you updated on projects that I am making. Totally free and one click subscribe and unsubscribe. In upcoming newsletters I will be covering themes like Rubber Band Projects, Rube Goldbergs, and Making things with Paper. Going to be a lot of fun.

Be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel if you want to keep updated on my videos.

My latest Youtube Videos:

Inspire your creativity with projects for your mind and your hands.

Follow Me on Twitter - Keep track of all the projects I do and all my writing

Storm The Castle of Creativity!

Third Novel Get a sneak peek at the upcoming novel including some original sketches for concept covers.
The Left-Handed Sword

Some of my other interesting webpages

The Philosopher's Garden I have started a little garden this spring and it is where I shed insight into life and it's meaning. The Philosopher's Garden

Fantasy Swords - Our new section on swords of all kinds, movie, medieval and more. Fantasy swords

Lion's Last Kill Novel Podcast -Free Audio
Want to listen to an Epic Fantasy novel? It is totally free and it is one click away with no download necessary. music and sound effects. A new chapter is podcast every friday If you would like to start the novel from chapter one go to the Novel Home Page

• Epilogue - Sep 13 This completes the novel
• Chapter 26 Sep 1, last chapter - but there is an epilogue coming next week
• Chapter 25 August 25 The word is spoken
• Chapter 24 August 18 The plan begins
• Chapter 23 August 16 Return to the castle
• Chapter 22 August 10 Rescue
• Chapter 21 - August 3 Taken to the Brek lair
• Chapter 20 - July 27 Captured!

Note: August 18 - This novel is now available at online book dealers. You can now purchase a paperback copy. Here is a link to amazon.com

Things to think about and explore. "Creativity for your mind"

The Search for the Meaning of Life

Expand Your Mind
Your mind is the same as the muscles in your body. If you don't give it new challenges it grows weak. The potential within your mind is enormous. Did you ever want to learn a new language or a new skill? Did you ever want to learn about Botany or Zoology? Geology? There are so many amazing things to learn about in this world and in this life. If you want to expand your mind boost your creativity, become an artist or musician then go to the "Expand your Mind section."

Ignite Your Creativity
Creativity is a mysterious force of the highest kind. It brings enormous satisfaction and fulfillment. How many times in your life did you wish you were more creative? Did you always want to draw or oil paint or play a musical instrument? Did you always want to write? To create new worlds on paper? If you consider yourself not to be a very creative person then you are mistaken. We all have this incredible ability within us. But just like everything else in this life it takes nurturing. You do have a creative potential within you, and you can achieve it. Imagine the fulfillment and satisfaction you will find. Go to "Igniting Your Creativity"

Change Your Life
Are you stuck in a rut? Go to work, go to the store, pay the bills. Maintain the house, do the dishes. There doesn't seem to be enough time to do the things you really want to do. Are you going to wake up one day and realize that the juice of life has passed you by? Would you like to experience and do some remarkable things in your life? You can make your life magnificent! Instead of focusing on Making a living focus on building a life! Let me help you with this section on "ChangeYour Life."

The Serendipity Engine©
You think in patterns. We all gather information about the world in similar ways and you run the risk of thinking in the same rut as everybody else. The Serendipity Engine© helps combat this. Would you like to expand your mind by finding something totally out of your normal routine. Serendipity Engine

Special Books
There are books that can change your life and the way you think about life. -Books that can change you in profound ways. Go to the section on special books.

Beyond Harry Potter
So your kids are reading the Harry Potter series and they really love it. This series of novels has done wonders for getting kids enthusiastic about reading and you can keep this enthusiasm going! Here is a hand picked selection of books in the vein of Harry Potter that your kids will love!  -Beyond Harry Potter

Epic Fantasy If you are a fan of Epic Fantasy you should Check out our sister site Castle Fiction Epic & Heroic Fantasy Resources

Ever thought about getting a telescope? This is a wonderful and rewarding hobby. Go to the Storm the Castle guide to Telescopes and astronomy.

Celestron Powerseeker 60 Telescope

WORLD OF WARCRAFT FOR PC- The Massive Online Role Playing game that has taken the world by storm. (It has over 5 million subscribers) If you don't have this game and you are a fan of online games then you are missing out! If you play this game then here is a list of resources to help you improve. Check out my information and resources page.

Art and Drawing
If you always wanted to draw or paint now is the time to start. Here are some things to get you started, get you inspired, and get you more creative. Art & Drawing

For Fantasy Writers
Are you a writer or aspiring writer looking for tips and advice. Here is a series of articles on the craft of writing. Written by Will and focusing on the genre of fantasy in word and in video games. The Fantasy Writers articles The Latest essay in the series:

Webmastering
Creating, Designing, and improving a website is a challenge for both sides of your brain. It takes writing skill, design skills and artistic ability to do well. We have tutorials, tips and hints on all these aspects of having a website -Including some great stuff on how to make money with your website. The Creative Webmaster Section

Want to make money with your website? (The honest way) Check out my tutorial- Nothing there for sale. No pitch just honest information on how to make a website and earn some money with it. Everything you need from start to finish. Earn Honest money tutorial

Specific items

willkalif.com

The Knight Medieval site Information about medieval knights, how they lived, their history, their weapons and more.

An Interview with the director of the Dark Ages Film

I have had the opportunity to get a little bit of advance exposure to the History Channel's New film about the Dark Ages. This includes an interview with the Director! Read my interview and learn more about the upcoming film!

Make a Fantasy Shadowbox - This project shows you how to make a shadowbox out of an old picture frame. The scene it depicts is called Women Warriors prepare for battle. Go to the shadowbox project

The Warcraft Virtual Reality Pod! I have built my own personal pod for playing warcraft - right in my living room. It is complete with the bucket seat from a car, a mini fridge, telephone and two computers. See more pics and learn about the project and the game of Warcraft here.

Firefly Diorama

This is a great little shoebox diorama that uses tiny blinking lights as fireflies. Battery operated and you can make it. See the project tutorial and the video of it in action Firefly Diorama

Milkshape 3d tutorial How to Make 3d Models for your video games Start here This is part of my series on making video games. This tutorial is comprehensive and goes right up into animation of characters.

The Bicycle-wheel and Bowling Ball Trebuchet - This thing is crazy. The base is three feet long and it seriously throws projectiles! Was a fun project. See the tutorial and the video. But don't build this siege engine without the help of an adult!

Rainforest Diorama. This easy project uses the concept of the 5 layers of the rainforest canopy as its building structure which is a nice way to learn about the rainforest The Rainforest Diorama

Terrarium Projects

How to Make a Terrarium. This section has tutorials and instruction on making several different types of terrariums- complete with lots of pictures. Terrarium building home page

How to Make a Diorama

Dioramas are a great way to express creativity. You work through manys stages of the creative process. You conceptualize then design a scene then you work with the materials to make it a reality.-great tutorial that shows you how to make a diorama from start to finish. It walks you through all the steps and techniques.

Classical Guitar
Learn How to Play
If you never played and want to learn I have a whole section that will get you going including which books to get, selecting a guitar, how to tune your guitar, how to string it and some introductory lessons.
Learn How to Play Classical guitar

Little Wonders book of Star Gazing

Enjoying the pursuit of stargazing, easy to find nebulae, galaxies and more. Simple star and moon charts you can print out and use. Star Gazing Book

Fantasy Art School
Learn how to draw fantasy creatures, knights, armor and all sorts of fantasy and medieval things. I have just begun this series of art lessons and will be adding lessons daily but you can check out what I have - Fantasy Art Lessons

How to make video games
Are you looking for a way to express your creativity? Making video games is a great way to do it! Wouldn't it be great to make your very own video game? It could be anything you want. The only limit is your imagination and you don't need to know how to program. There is plenty of software available that will do that work for you. You can make your own video games! In the video game design section you can find lots of materials on designing, creating, and playing your own video games.

You can also look through lots of books and find the one right for you.How to make video games

The Table-Top Troll Catapult Build this miniature catapult from materials found around the house. It's an easy project and the catapult really fires projectiles! Catapult Project

Build This Trebuchet called "The Little Dragon". Complete instructions with pictures. Made from materials found around the house and hurls a small object 30 feet. Build The Little Dragon Trebuchet

Stop Motion Animation

All it takes is a cheap digital camera and a computer with Windows XP and you can make your own animations! You are only limited by your creativity. I have animations that I made and a tutorial that shows you how to make your own animations. Stop Motion Animation

Storm The Castle Catapult Game - Build a Popsicle stick catapult and hurl paper balls at the castle. How to make the Game and the catapult are here

Miniatures and Painting Miniatures tutorial. Learn how to paint miniatures. In the tutorial I paint this warhorse. Painting miniatures tutorial

Ocean Diorama

This is a unique little ocean diorama shaped like the porthole of a submarine and made out of a cookie tin. I have full instructions and artwork for you to print and make. Easy and fun project. A new take on the ocean diorama. Imagine looking out the porthole of your submarine and discovering Atlantis! Now you can. Ocean Diorama

Model Rockets!

Model Rockets are an inexpensive and fun hobby. You get to build them and then launch them. There are lots of ways to have fun with them and there are even rockets with onboard video cameras that you can watch on your computer. I have a whole new section devoted to model rockets

Brewing Mead

Mead is a thousand year old wine brewed from honey and water. It is truly a medieval drink. I have embarked on the adventure of brewing my own. See how I am doing and learn how to brew your own mead! Mead Brewing

300 Diorama - Battle of Thermopylae

I am currently working on a three foot long diorama of the battle of the Spartans inspired by the 300 movie. It is wired for sound and lighting ( A night battle scene will be great) - I have also made it into a tutorial so you can see how I make this big diorama and you can learn how to make your own great looking dioramas. 300 Diorama

Make a Paper and cardboard Castle

This is a fun project - I give you all the drawings and plans you need to make this castle thats ready for painting - Make a castle

How to Make a Volcano

This is a nice little project that has some improvements over the typical volcano. It is less mess and easy to clean. The bottle in the middle comes right out so you can clean it and do it again. It is also in a nice little box so the magma stays controlled - Less Mess How to Make a Volcano - New: The Mentos and Diet Coke Volcano - Fires a stream high into the air!

Free Hands-on Tutorials and Projects. "Creativity for your hands"

My Newest Projects:

Make a Spartan Shield

This is a great looking shield that is creative and easy to make. It looks just like the shields in the movie 300. Complete tutorial with video. How to make a Spartan Shield

Make a Micro Terrarium

These tiny terrariums have become very popular over the past few years. They are small, easy to care for and easy to make. I have a complete tutorial that uses the smallest flowers in the world. How to make a Micro Terrarium

Make a Tennis Ball Trebuchet - (Fast and easy)

A fast and easy trebuchet project with lots of power. How to make a tennis ball trebuchet I keep it simple and use common stuff so you don't have to spend any money.

Make 300 Spartan Greaves(leg-guards)

A tutorial on how to make paper mache and cardboard greaves that fit well and look good. Just like the ones in the movie 300. Make 300 Spartan Greaves

New Paper Game: Wizard's Quest
Downloadable Paper game. You are a wizard and you must choose from three magical paths and then defeat the dreaded Gegenhound in battle. Everything you need including a paper dice. Wizard's Quest Paper Game

How to make an Xbox as a Christmas Present
This tutorial shows you the Xbox I made for my son for Christmas. And I show you how to make one yourself - cheaply. How to Make an Xbox

Death Scythe from Dantes Inferno
Dante's Inferno is a video game coming out soon. The death scythe is the weapon that Dante takes from death and uses it in the game. This is a foam version that I made with a pipe core. It is about eight feet in length. .Dante's Inferno Death Scythe

How to make a small and easy telescope
This is a complete tutorial on how to make a small telescope using lenses. I show you everything you need to know. Make a small refractor telescope

How to make a paper mache diorama
Don't have the materials for a diorama? You can make one out of paper mache which is just flour and water. I show you how in this tutorial where I make a scene from the Lord of the Rings Castle Helms Deep. How to make a paper mache diorama

Make 300 Spartan Vambraces (armguards)

A tutorial on how to make paper mache and cardboard vambraces that fit well and look good. Just like the ones in the movie 300. Make 300 Spartan Vambraces

Foam terrain for wargaming or dioramas

New Tutorial on how to use foam to make wargaming terrain or a diorama. This tutorial, which includes a video, shows you types of foam, good and bad foam, the tools used, including regular tools and hot wire tools. And it shows you the process for making terrain from foam. The project shown here is completely made out of foam -castle and all. How to use foam to make wargaming terrain and dioramas

The Wyvern Torsion catapult
Complete project with step by step assembly instructions, blueprints and a video for making this powerful 3 foot catapult. It uses twisted rope for torsion. This type of catapult is called a Mangonel.The Wyvern Catapult

Paper Parthenon -Acropolis
Complete downloadable project, print it up and glue it together. It is the Parthenon in Greece. I also have a video showing it and showing the real Parthenon. The Paper Parthenon

The DragonSlayer II Shoulder Fired Rocket Launcher! I don't have a tutorial on how to make this but I do have a couple of videos where I show you this project and how I launch it off! The DragonSlayer 2

How to mount a sword on the Wall
In this tutorial (complete with a video) I show you how to mount a sword on the wall. This uses traditional sword wall hangers. I also show you the inside of a wall so you can see what to do. How to mount a sword on the wall

Make a Model Rocket
I make the Estes Alpha rocket. Cost less than ten dollars and is a fun way to start into the hobby of model rocketry. See the complete tutorial here: Make the Estes Alpha Model rocket

Make a Spartan Spear like the movie 300
This is a fast and easy project that just takes a little bit of cardboard and a broomstick. Make the Spartan Spear

Stop Motion Animation with Pipe Cleaners
I show you how to do an easy stop motion animation with pipe cleaners. And I show you how to make a little animation studio with just a box and a few materials. I also have a 1 minute stop motion animation I made and you can watch. The picture is a screenshot from the little animation. Stop Motion Animation with Pipe Cleaners

Make a Spartan Helmet
Make this helmet out of paper mache and cardboard. Complete instructions and video, along with a download of the template The Spartan Helmet

The Ten Minute Terrarium
A terrarium doesn't have to be complex to be beautiful. I show you how to make what I call the single plant Zen terrarium, easy and beautiful.. The Ten Minute Terrarium

Tatebanko Castle - Paper Diorama
Tatebanko is the lost Japanese art of Paper Dioramas. I have a complete castle project that you can download, print up and make. Easy and fun paper project. The Tatebanko Castle

Paper Game: Slay The Dragon
You can download, print up and play the dungeon adventure game: Slay The Dragon Paper Game

The DragonSlayer Shoulder Fired Rocket Launcher! I don't have a tutorial on how to make this but I do have a couple of videos where I show you this project and how I launch it off! The DragonSlayer

Make a Medieval Flail (Ornamental)
With just a few basic materials you can make a great looking medieval flail for a costume or halloween. Make a Medieval Flail

Make a spectacular Wall diorama for your miniatures
This is an on going project that takes you through the construction of a wonderful wall diorama How to make a Big Wall Diorama for your fantasy miniatures

Make a clay Castle
I can't take credit for this project. A web vistior is doing this based on my paper Neuschwanstein castle plans. This project is not done yet but most of it is complete. Make a Clay Neuschwanstein Castle

Carve a miniature wooden dagger
This is a nice little project that you can use as a letter opener or as a necklace. I carve various sizes and show you how to do it. I include a template you can print up to make your dagger like mine. How to carve a minature wooden dagger

The Castle in the lightbulb diorama
Make this unique little medieval scene inside a lightbulb. It also has a magical little light on the top of the tower that is activated by a magnet. I show you how to make it and how to hollow out the bulb safely. A miniature Castle diorama inside a lightbulb

The Katana and the Watermelon
This is a series of videos and projects that are a lot of fun. First off I show you how strong the cardboard Katana is. (This katana is a project you can find further down the page). The Katana and the Watermelon, Paper Mache and Pinatas

Free Role Playing paper based game: Enter the Labyrinth and Rescue the Princess
This is a complete game that I made. It has everything you need in one download. The game pieces, the board and the rulebook. Paper Game: Enter the Labyrinth and Rescue the Princess

How to Make a Torsion powered catapult called a Mangonel:
This type of catapult uses twisted string or rope as a source of power and it is more accurate to the real catapults of Medieval times. Its an easy project and this little Mangonel reallly fires! How to make a Mangonel

How to Make a Cardboard Katana:
This tutorial shows you how to make a great looking katana out of cardboard. And it is super strong because we adapt the secret techniques of the Japanese sword masters to the art of cardboard. How to Make a Cardboard Katana

How to Make a Go Kart:
This is a tutorial on how to make a solid and fast go cart. Easy and cheap to make in a few hours. Also includes brakes. I call this Go Kart The Wyvern because it is thin, sleek, and fast. How to Make a Go Kart

How to sculpt fantasy miniatures:
This is an in- depth series of tutorial including videos that shows you how to sculpt fantasy miniatures and gives you the practice, techniques, skills, and tips needed to do a good job of it. How to Sculpt Fantasy Miniatures

Add realistic rubble to your dioramas:
This technique uses cork and is easy, inexpensive and looks great, particularly for battle or combat scenes. Perfect for military dioramas. I have an included video tutorial Rubble in Dioramas using Cork

Two easy pranks: Dismembered finger and rattlesnake in an envelope.
easy and fun pranks to pull on your friends. Two Pranks

Make a cemetary Diorama
This is a nice spooky diorama with gravestones, a creepy fence and a small mausoleum. I show lots of tips on using everyday materials like popsicle sticks and toothpicks. I also have a video with this tutorial. Cemetary Diorama

Make a Cardboard Shield for Halloween or just for fun
I have some nice tips and a tutorial on how to make a good looking cardboard shield. Make a cardboard Shield

Four Cardboard Swords for Halloween
Wnat to make a safe cardboard sword or scythe for Halloween? I have a tutorial that shows you how. I make the Buster Cloud sword, a reaper scythe, a pirate cutlass and a traditional knight't sword. Easy to make and look great. Make a cardboard Sword

Wizards Tower Diorama and Video Game
This tutorial shows you how to make a foam diorama. It is a battle between a wizard and a dragon. But I took it to another step and make a video game out of the diorama! In the video I play the game for you to watch. Diorama/Video Game.

A Unique Dinosaur Diorama
Not your typical dinosaur diorama. In this one a meteor streaks across the sky and a super volcano erupts. Nice project for learning about the extinction of dinosaurs  Make a Dinosaur Diorama Includes drawings of 6 dinosaurs and all the artwork and instructions you can print out and color.

How to Take Star Photos without a Telescope
Using an old 35 mm camera I show you how to take some great star photos. I give you tips on how to do it, what film to use and show you some of the pictures I took. This project is on my other site "The Telescope Nerd"  How to take star photos without a telescope

An RC Model Airplane
40 Dollars got me started in this great hobby. I have a whole new section of my site devoted to RC Airplanes and a video and page devoted to my airplane, also a beginners guide if you are thinking about remote control Airplanes  -RC Airplanes

A Motorized Drawbridge
I use a cheap remote control car to make a motorized drawbridge on my eight foot castle diorama. Learn More

Creative Stop Motion Animation
I teach you 9 creative techniques for doing stop motion animation drawings. And I have an animation that shows the techniques: Stop Motion Animation Tutorial

A Terrarium for Kids
Some guidelines and tips for great terrariums that kids can make. Includes a learning sheet that explains how a miniature ecosystem works.
A Terrarium for Kids

Black Dragon Paper Castle
My latest paper castle project. Nice project and a bit of a challenge because of the curved shapes. Nice metaphor of a dragon turned into a castle (Project tutorial not yet completed but coming soon . Black Dragon Paper Castle

Make Miniature Trees
This is a new tutorial in my series of Diorama Making projects. Traditional tree making and some great ideas for creative tree making. Make Miniature Trees

Make a Paper Castle (Neuschwanstein)
This is nice paper project where I give you all the plans, You print them up and put them together , Not too hard and looks great - Paper Castle

How to Make a Traditonal Kite

This is an easy kite to make. Just two sticks, some plastic and tape and you are ready to fly it - Make a Regular Kite

How to Make a Box Kite

A Boxkite is a unique kind of kite that is easy and fun to make and really flies - Even though it doesnt look like it can fly - BoxKite Tutorial

The Backyard OGRE Catapult

This is a powerful two foot long catapult. I have complete instructions and tutorial on how to build it here The OGRE

How to Make a Dragon Pinata

All it takes is a balloon, some paper mache and a little creativity and you have a great themed pinata. Add a sword and your party is transformed! How to Make a Dragon Pinata

Free Paper Game: Storm The Castle an adventure..

Print, make and play this adventure game. You are a knight and you have to storm through the castle and overthrow the King! Along the adventure you run into guards, wandering beasts and more. Totally free game that you can print up, assemble and play. Including a paper dice if you don't have one. The Paper Game

How to Make a ...

Scrounging around on the internet looking for some new and fun projects I realized that there are a lot of potential projects out there! Lots of people are looking for how to make something. So I have started a section of my site called the How to Make a... section. I take the most popular requests for how to make and I do them. There are easy projects and more challenging projects. If you are looking for a new project to do you might want to check it out here: How to Make a...