I think that this is just the neatest idea! I would have never thought to decorate my own welcome mat! Click here to see how the simple holiday mat is done!
Have you got a frugal DIY project that you’d love to share? Send your idea or blog post to me here!
This year for Christmas, I wanted to create something personal and unique for our nieces. Especially since they have somewhat unique names themselves. I know what it’s like to have an unusual name and not be able to find my name personalized on anything in the stores!
This may not be a surprise to most of you, but I like easy projects. (Easy with a capital ‘E’.) If a craft project will take me longer than an hour to complete, I say forget about it. This Sharpie mug project is almost embarrassingly easy. Including the mug washing, drawing and baking, these mugs were finished in an hour. And the baking takes 45 minutes!
Here is how to make DIY Sharpie Snowman Mugs:
You will need:
1. Head to your nearest dollar store and buy some plain white china mugs. Then hit up Michaels (use the 40% off coupon!) or a craft store that sells oil based paint pens. They must be oil based or the ink will rub off after use.
2. Wash the mugs in hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly. Clean the area you will be drawing on with rubbing alcohol.
3. Start drawing the snowman face. (Copy my finished pictures if you want.) If you make a mistake, the ink rubs off easily with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.
4. Once you’re satisfied with your drawings, place the mugs on a baking sheet. Then place the tray into a cool oven (placing a cool mug into a hot oven may crack your cup!), set the temperature for 350 degrees, and then bake for 45 minutes.
Note: Be sure to hand wash these mugs! Placing them in the dishwasher could result in the ink being removed.
There you go! World’s most simple, but fun craft project! One I’m sure someone on your gift list is sure to love!
Do you have a Superhero wannabe in your house? Then you’ve got to check out today’s homemade Christmas gift idea! Create super cool, no sew superhero mitts!
So, I love these mitts. I actually want to keep a pair for myself, but fortunately for my nieces, they get to have them for Christmas! (Their Dad is going to be jealous…) This project was so fun to do, mostly because it was so easy! Quick and easy crafts are just my style 😉
Supplies needed:
Directions:
Your no-sew hero mitts are now complete! When washing, turn them inside out and allow them to air dry. This will help protect the embellishment.
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Did you know that you can make the most amazing, 2-ingredient, vanilla extract right at home? It’s quite a bit cheaper than store bought and it makes a fantastic, thoughtful gift!
I finally made some homemade vanilla extract!! I had been meaning to make it last year for gifts, but…it never got done. It’s sooo easy too! I’m not sure why I waited so long!
All you need is some vodka and good quality vanilla beans. I used cheap vodka and Madagascar vanilla beans. While this only takes minutes to put together, you will need at least 8 weeks for the vanilla beans to work their magic.
If you use a lot of vanilla, learning how to make homemade vanilla extract will save you a bundle in the long run. Homemade vanilla extract also makes for a fantastic gift idea for teachers, neighbors, party hosts, and, well, pretty much anyone!
Vanilla beans may seem expensive, but when just a few of them make a whole cup worth of delicious vanilla, you’ll quickly see the cost savings of making homemade. Plus, you can actually reuse the vanilla beans by adding more vodka to the bottle!
For those of you that would like to make some Homemade Vanilla extract, I made some super simple labels that you’re welcome to download and print for your bottles or jars! (click on the picture to print the PDF)
If you have extra vanilla beans, you might want to try making some vanilla sugar! Vanilla sugar is a great addition to coffee, tea or baking!
This is such a fun activity for kids (and adults)! We played with this Inside out Sensory Slime for a long time too. That’s always a bonus in my books. Something that keeps Sienna entertained for more than a few minutes. 🙂 I even threw a little bit into a zippered plastic bag so that I could have some in my purse for Sienna when I have appointments…etc. Just make sure to keep the bag closed tightly when the slime is not in use!
It’s easy and fun to put together too. It’s possible you have the ingredients on hand already, or else they’re easy to grab.
INGREDIENTS
These ingredients are needed for each batch of slime.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In one medium bowl, mix 1 teaspoon borax with 1 cup of water.
2. In another bowl, pour one whole 4 oz bottle of Elmer’s school glue. It’s important to use Elmer’s for the recipe to turn out right. Add food coloring to the glue now, using the guide for each color. Add 1/2 c water and mix well.
Red: 80 drops red
Blue: 17 drops regular, 3 drops neon blue
Green: 15 drops regular
Yellow: 10 drops regular
Purple: 10 drops neon purple
3. Pour one mix into the other, it doesn’t matter which way you do it but it looks a little different each way. The picture of the blue slime is what it looks like when the water is poured into the glue. The green slime is what it looks like when the glue mix is poured into the borax mix. Again, it doesn’t matter, it’s just different.
4. Mix with your hands, and then separate the slime from the water using your hands.
5. At this point, the slime isn’t going to look right, but after you squish it around for a few minutes it takes on the right consistency.
The slime takes on the shape of whatever container it’s in, breaks apart easily, and stretches out too! Store in a plastic bag with as much air removed as possible, and take care to not let it sit on any surface that might stain, as well as any carpet or clothing.
If you are looking to warm up your wardrobe this fall, these frugal fall bangles are perfect. Easy to make and inexpensive too, they are fun to make during a girl’s night or when you are just in the mood for a fun DIY. Here is how a trip to the craft store and a few basic crafting supplies can help you get the job done!
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut a long length of ribbon/twine/burlap of your choice.
2. Add a tiny dab of hot glue to the end. Press it to the inside of the bangle. Hold in place until secure.
3. Start wrapping the piece around the bangle. Pull tightly as you do to avoid wrinkles or bulkiness. Lightly overlap as you wrap.
4. Once the bangle is covered, cut the ribbon/twine/burlap to fit. Add a dab of glue and press to the inside of the bangle. Hold in place until dry.
If you wish, you can cover the entire bangle. Or, like we did with the gold bangle, leave part of it exposed. The contrast in colors and textures is actually quite pleasing!
Gather your supplies and give these easy frugal fall bangles a try. They are simple to make and easy to enjoy!
