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
Crafts
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
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
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
Create sweet Valentine’s Day crafts using photos
Between digital cameras, cellphones, and an influx of school portraits, most of us have tons of great photos. And where are they? Stuck in a drawer or, more likely, in a computer file. If you have these great shots, you should use them. Print them out and make some simple, inexpensive Valentine's … [Read more...] about Create sweet Valentine’s Day crafts using photos
5 perfect, affordable gifts for crafters
We all know her and some of us hate her: the gal who can whip up a clever place tag, a holiday banner, a birthday card like magic. Pssst, she has a secret up her sleeve, and chances are she's always jonesing for more supplies to make that happen. Here are five craft tools you can wrap up to … [Read more...] about 5 perfect, affordable gifts for crafters
5 best photo gifts for less than $20
For simple, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, look no further than your camera. With your digital images and a few other materials, you can make affordable gifts for everyone on your list.Photo Calendar You'll find calendar templates at almost any photo lab or on websites like Snapfish and … [Read more...] about 5 best photo gifts for less than $20
Daily savings for papercrafters who like deals
Papercrafting is a hobby that includes so many moving parts — paint, sewing, alcohol markers, inks, mists, stamps, edge punches, buttons, flowers, diecuts and, of course, the paper — it's easy for crafters to get more wrapped up in buying than using these supplies.So by your second shopping … [Read more...] about Daily savings for papercrafters who like deals
Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
When it comes to kids' crafts, I like projects they can make and use rather than just make and throw away. During a recent sleepover in my house, I enlisted the help of two kids to try out one of the DIY projects I have bookmarked on Pinterest.Using fleece fabric left over from winter projects, … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
Free and cheap crafts and classes for adults
Whether you're looking for decorating ideas for your home, camping how-tos or scrapbooking techniques, you've got quite a few ways to try something new on the cheap. During hands-on craft events and expert-led workshops at major retailers, you can participate in jewelry-making demos, find out how to … [Read more...] about Free and cheap crafts and classes for adults