My sister, Andrea Vargo, lives in Minnesota and is an avid gardener. She also is a dedicated dehydrator. She says if you grow a garden, dehydration is the best method for preserving all that bounty. It’s easy, the food retains its flavor, and it takes up way less space and equipment than … [Read more...] about Save money by dehydrating home-grown foods
DIY
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
5 best websites for do-it-yourselfers
A lot of my DIY knowledge came from my father. He taught me at a young age that French cleats are not shoes, tire irons do not flatten tires, and doing things myself can bring satisfaction. I held onto those tattered old Family Handyman books for years before passing them on to one of my sons. But … [Read more...] about 5 best websites for do-it-yourselfers
How to make your own toothpaste
Toothpaste varieties take up a large percentage of shelf space in the supermarket. A 2010 study predicted that the toothpaste market will reach more than $12 billion by 2015.Toothpastes come in packages of every color. There are ones that cater to kids; striped toothpastes; minty, cinnamon or … [Read more...] about How to make your own toothpaste
Make your own dishwasher detergent
I first tried my hand at do-it-yourself, homemade cleaning products when I concocted my recipe for laundry detergent. Years later I'm still using it, and I know that many of you are, too, as it continues to be a popular post here on Living on the Cheap. After my success with laundry detergent, I … [Read more...] about Make your own dishwasher detergent
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
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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
