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 wondering what to do with the old cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about 16 cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Crafts
Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
For fall decorating, you could purchase a ready-made scarecrow-on-a-stick from a craft store. Or, you can make your own one-of-a-kind scarecrow mostly using materials you have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to construct your own scarecrow: Safety pins and/or various lengths of … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
Make felted wool dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Here's a project that will help you save on electricity from your dryer and eliminate the need for fabric softener, which has harmful chemicals and perfumes. Fabric softener can be expensive, isn’t recommended for certain articles (towels, cloth diapers) because it reduces absorbency, and it can … [Read more...] about Make felted wool dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
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. After seeing it in action at a friend’s house and finally purchasing my own box, it’s definitely something I plan to keep in stock. It … [Read more...] about 15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make Father’s Day stressful for their children. We want our gifts to show Dad how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an age where they really don’t need anything. … [Read more...] about Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Game time is fun, but for bigger fun, you need bigger games. You may have seen those giant outdoor games made from ordinary board games. These are perfect for the kids to play with all summer or for pulling out for a summer party. But buying them can cost hundreds. Fortunately, you can … [Read more...] about Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls
I love reading magazines and get a lot of free and cheap subscriptions. Once I'm done reading them, I often swap them with friends or leave them at the gym for others to read, but I always end up with a stack at home that I need to get rid of. One of my favorite ways to recycle magazines is … [Read more...] about Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls
Upcycled home decor: How to decorate with things you already have
If you’re trying to redecorate your bedroom, study or other living space, don't buy anything new until you've assessed what you already own. With a little bit of imagination and some effort, you can repurpose things you already have to create new upcycled home décor for a fraction of the price. … [Read more...] about Upcycled home decor: How to decorate with things you already have
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 fun at home. 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 when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber band-powered boat
11 best websites for kids’ crafts
When kids get bored, let them use their imaginations with fun craft projects. The internet is full of creative art project ideas that are easy for kids to do and don't involve fancy materials. Here are a few of my favorite kids craft websites that offer FREE instructions for games and crafts, as … [Read more...] about 11 best websites for kids’ crafts
10 online resources for free craft classes and inspiration
You're looking for online craft lessons, but YouTube is full of amateurish tutorials and poorly demonstrated how-to's. It might take more time to find a truly helpful online crafting guide, than it does to complete the project itself. Are you ready to pick up the needles, the glue stick and … [Read more...] about 10 online resources for free craft classes and inspiration
Make your own easy holiday gift bags
This holiday season save money and go green when you make your own gift bags out of newspaper. Better yet, while school is out, keep your children busy with this simple craft that has your wrapping in the bag. To make your own small gift bag (5 inches tall), you'll need a few items that are … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday gift bags
How to make your own simple face mask
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised wearing cloth face coverings when you go out in public, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. With face masks hard to find, we suggest you just make your own. If you sew, there are many patterns out there. But we found a pattern so simple, … [Read more...] about How to make your own simple face mask
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 … [Read more...] about 12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
Make your own easy holiday wreath
As a traditional part of decorating for the holidays, we adorn our walls and doors with pine wreaths and garlands. The stores are full of wreaths with sensors that start music for passersby, simple plastic-pine wreaths embellished with bells and bows, and natural pine garland wreaths that fill the … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday wreath
