Here's a project that will help you save on electricity from your dryer and eliminate the need for fabric softener. Wool dryer balls are simple to make and can cut your drying time by 25 to 50 percent by separating clothing and allowing warm air to circulate more evenly. By soaking up some of the … [Read more...] about Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Crafts
7 cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Every year before Christmas, our mailbox fills with holiday cards from family and friends. I hang them on the refrigerator or banister during the season for display, but once the holiday decorations come down, I’m always looking for something to do with the cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about 7 cool things to do with used Christmas cards
12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
Ho-ho-homemade is the key to cheap, but pretty, holiday decorations. I mean, have you seen the prices on real Christmas wreaths? Here are some ideas we gleaned from various sources to help you put some sparkle into your holidays without busting the budget. Bonus: Most of these ideas are easy … [Read more...] about 12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
6 cheap and easy Cinco de Mayo crafts
Colorful Cinco de Mayo crafts are fun to make and easy for the entire family. The name of the holiday literally translates to "the 5th of May," and it commemorates the Mexican army's improbable victory over a bigger and stronger French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Since then, Cinco … [Read more...] about 6 cheap and easy Cinco de Mayo crafts
12 cheap and easy Valentine’s crafts for kids
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with free and cheap craft projects that you can do with kids. Here are 12 ideas for using everyday household items in DIY projects that are extra sweet. 3-D Valentine’s Day Card – Take a photo of your child with their hand outstretched. Print the photo, and attach a … [Read more...] about 12 cheap and easy Valentine’s crafts for kids
Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
If you've ever tackled a do-it-yourself project of the crafty nature — or simply wanted to buy a cool picture frame as a shower gift — you know the frustration. You are face to face with that edge punch, that set of artist's brushes, that stem of artificial flowers, and the disappointment nearly … [Read more...] about Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
I remembered learning how to make a rubber-band powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty summer fun. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy during the … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
5 best websites for kids’ crafts
Summer officially began June 21 – but the real opening bell of the flip-flop season is the call, “Mom! I’m bored!” The answer doesn’t have to be a tightly scheduled day of expensive classes for the kids. Let them use their imaginations – yes, make-believe. Here are a few of my favorite sites that … [Read more...] about 5 best websites for kids’ crafts
Where to go for free craft lessons and inspiration
Crafting clearly fascinates many of us, or sites like Pinterest and Etsy wouldn't have exploded with followers. The rub comes when we have to pick up the needles, the glue stick, the fancy electronic cutting machines and do it ourselves. Certainly YouTube is a wealth of hands-on, how-to videos, … [Read more...] about Where to go for free craft lessons and inspiration
Crafty – and thrifty – gifts for Father’s Day
Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make the upcoming Father’s Day holiday June 16 stressful for their children. We just want to make sure our gifts let Dad know how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an … [Read more...] about Crafty – and thrifty – gifts for Father’s Day
15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
When Glad Press’n Seal first appeared on the market, I saw it as an expensive version of plastic wrap and couldn’t see how it would be worth the extra money. (Walmart sells a small roll – 70 square feet – for $2.88.) After seeing it in action at a friend’s house and finally purchasing my own box, … [Read more...] about 15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
Free hands-on craft workshops for kids
If your kids love to get their hands dirty, they've got ample ways to get creative on the cheap. During free hands-on craft workshops offered at major retailers, they can assemble Lego creations, build their own birdhouses and jewelry boxes, turn clay pots into animals or decorative gifts and more, … [Read more...] about Free hands-on craft workshops for kids
