Easy and Inexpensive Jewelry Crafts for Girls

When I was a little girl I remember making all sorts of jewelry out of odds and ends I found around my home, and I treasured my creations. Little girls like crafting, and they like jewelry so naturally there are a lot of fun jewelry craft projects that can be made. This article will discuss some fun jewelry themed craft projects that are easy and inexpensive.

Rice, seed, and bean bracelets are fun and easy to make, and they are very inexpensive. You will need rice, beans, and seeds, glue, and a hard plastic bracelet that can be purchased at the local dollar store. To make this bracelet you can glue the various beans and seeds onto the bracelet in a pattern or you can cover the bracelet with glue and roll it in the rice, seeds, and beans. Either way these bracelets are a lot of fun, and there are a lot of dried beans that you can choose from to make a variety of bracelets.

Film container seed necklaces are a great jewelry craft project that will last for a long time, and grow into a beautiful plant. These necklaces are also great because they are reusable. You will need 2 or 3 cotton balls, an empty film canister, a short screw, a seed, and ribbon. Simple screw the screw into the lid of the film container and tie the center of the ribbon to it. Next fill the container with cotton and add water to get it damp. Now place your seed inside and reattach the lid. You will be able to watch this seed grow, and plant it when it gets big enough. This project is fun, and it teaches children about nature.

Bottle cap pendants are another easy and inexpensive jewelry craft. For this project you will need old a bottle cap, some magazines, beads, gems, or any pretty little thing you have around the house, resin, paint, glue, and a pop top from a soda can.

Paint the back of the bottle cap and allow it to dry. Next cut a tiny image from a magazine and glue it inside the bottle cap. If you want to use gems and beads you can glue them to the inside of the bottle cap as well. Next mix the resin according to the directions on the package, and fill the bottle cap with resin. Allow this to set, and when it is dry glue the pop top to the back of the cap and hang on a ribbon for a necklace.

There are a lot of fun jewelry craft projects that will allow your daughter to have fun for hours. I hope these ideas have inspired you!

Easy and Inexpensive Personalized DIY Summer Wedding Invitations

Weddings are a sacred and special time, and it is important for everything to be perfect and personalized. Many things that you need for a special wedding can be made by you at home. Wedding invitations are extremely important when planning your wedding because it is the first step that you take. It is the beginning of a beautiful thing, and should be made to express you and your future spouse perfectly. Invitations for your summer wedding can be made at home cheaply and personally.

A supply that you will find to be most necessary is a heavy cardstock of thickness, color, and design, of your desired choice. I think most common color is an off white color. You can buy bulk cardstock or you can find special paper that has already printed patterns on it. Paper also has different textures so this is important to make note of when choosing papers.

After you have chosen appropriate paper for your invitations you can decide if you want to completely print your invitations or if you want to hand write them. All you will need for handwritten invitations is some nice markers. You can choose whatever colors you like, and there are even gold, silver, and copper colored markers that will work well. If you decide to print the invitation you can find basic templates for envelopes and invitations on Microsoft word. There are also many different fonts that you can use right in the program. You can also choose to incorporate a picture you and your fiance which can be copied and pasted into the card. Some more ideas to suit a summer wedding are pictures of a sunset at a beach or brightly colorful summer flowers. Many nice sayings and wedding invitation formats can be found on the internet as well.

Other supplies that can be used for your wedding invitations are ribbon, faux flowers, sequins and pearls. All of these items can be used as embellishments for your decorations. Another fun way to embellish your wedding cards is using paper cut outs. You can cut out various shapes of flowers from different colored paper to suit the theme of a summer wedding, and you can layer them on top of each other. Adding pearls or pretty beads also make these cards pretty and special. A simple bow can be made from ribbon and it can be glued to the card to make it tool like a present.

All of these ideas can help you make your own personal summer wedding invitations. Make sure no matter which methods you decide to employ that you love the finish product, and remember to enjoy the process because this is something you will remember forever!

3 Fun, Inexpensive, and Easy Dinner Party Invitation Ideas

Dinner parties are a lot of fun; they are a great way to get together with friends and have a good time. In order to add a little style and fun to your dinner parties it is nice to send out dinner party invitations, and this article will describe three different invitation ideas for a dinner party.

A fun and festive dinner party idea is a Hawaiian dinner party, and invitations for this type of party are easy and fun to make. All you will need for this invitation is some bright colored cardstock, some fake flowers, glue,and some nice pens or markers. Simply cut the cardstock to suit the size of the invitations you like. I prefer to make to smaller invitations from one piece of paper. Next glue some fake flowers to the corner, and draw some leaves and vines stretching out from the flowers to create a border. Next write a nice message on the front, and remember to mention luaus, tropical, or Hawaiian party. On the inside state the date, time, and location, and don't forget to tell them to bring their grass skirts because you will be providing the lays.

Another fun dinner party invitation can be made for a Chinese food themed dinner party. These dinner parties are fun because they take a lot of the work out of the dinner, and you will be able to relax. These dinner party invitations are a lot of fun because they are super easy to make. All you will need is some white colored cardstock or paper and a printer. To make these invitations use a card making application on your writing program on your computer. Next find a picture of a fortune cookie on the internet and copy and paste it onto the invitation. Underneath the cookie write open the card to find your fortune. Inside the card make up a fortune that describes your party; a good idea for this is to write you will have a great time at my party. Remember to include the date, time, and location. The fortune cookie will remind your invites that this is a Chinese themed dinner party, but you can also mention that they will be using chopsticks and sitting barefoot on the floor.

A fun theme for dinner parties is the casino night dinner party, and making dinner party invitations for this party are easy and fun as well. All you need for these dinner party invitations is some paper, a deck of playing cards, glue, and some markers. In order to create these invitations fold the paper in half, and write a message on the front that says roll the dice, or something similar. Next have fun cutting up the playing cards and arranging them on the front of the invitation in a fun pattern or border. Next fill in the inside of the card with a message that invites them to a fun night at your casino. This party will be a hit.

Making invitations are a lot of fun, and they get the people invited excited about coming to your dinner party. I hope these dinner party invitation ideas have helped you plan a fun dinner party!

Inexpensive Vegetarian Camping Recipe

 

Cooking over a fire when camping can be intimidating, but it can also be delicious. There are many vegetarian recipes you can cook when camping, but this recipe is inexpensive, vegetarian, and delicious.

For this camping recipe you can use a small camping stove or you can use a fire. The only cooking utensils you will need are a large pot and a spoon. A vegetarian diet must have protein, and here are the ingredients for this inexpensive camping recipe.

1 cup water

2 Ramen noodle packs

A can of chic peas

A can of creamed corn

A can of mixed vegetables

1 cup instant mashed potato flakes

A pinch of salt and pepper

Start by cooking the noodles with the water in the pot until soft. Add the cans of vegetables and the chic peas and mix thoroughly. Then add the salt, pepper, and mashed potato flakes. Stir together and heat until the mixture has thickened up.

Serve hot; this camping recipe makes 7 servings. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top if this hardy vegetarian camping recipe; or you can add a can of tuna if you are not vegetarian.

This easy camping recipe is a treat for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The ingredient combinations may seem strange, but the finished texture and taste is excellent. This easy and inexpensive camping recipe only requires one pot, and it serves many people.

Try this recipe when you are camping and you will be warm, full, and satisfied.

Inexpensive Pirate Party Favors for Kids

 

Pirates are popular amongst kids, and many kids enjoy having a pirate themed party. Pirate themed parties are fun to plan, and there are many great pirate party favor ideas that are easy and inexpensive. This article will provide you with several inexpensive ideas for pirate themed party favors that your kids will love.

Eye Patch

An eye patch is a common pirate party favor, and they can be found for inexpensive prices at your local dollar or discount store. You can even make very inexpensive pirate eye patches for your party favors. All you will need is some black felt, scissors, black elastic cord, and glue or a hole punch. Simply cut the felt to a nice eye patch shape and add the elastic to make this eye patch wearable for kids.

Sword

Swords are another popular pirate party favor, and you can find them for inexpensive prices at local toy stores. They can also be bought cheaply at local dollar stores. If you can not find an appropriate pirate's sword for your party favor you can make one.

Simply cut two identical pirate's sword shapes out of cardboard and glue them together. Add foil to the metal part of the sword and paint the handle black or brown. You can also add some yarn or cord to the handle for grip. This inexpensive pirate party favor is a hit with kids.

Foil Candy Coins

A very inexpensive and awesome pirate party favor is foil wrapped candy coins, and you can find them for low prices at local dollar stores, drug stores, and gas stations.

Candy Rings

One of the best parts about being a pirate is the treasure, and candy rings are perfect party favors for a kid's pirate party. These inexpensive party favors can be bought in bulk for an even more inexpensive price.

Parrots

Every pirate has a parrot, and you can find inexpensive stuffed parrots at local dollar stores and toy stores. Also check online for bulk stuffed parrots and you will be able to find them for a good price.

Treasure Maps

A fun and easy party favor to create is a treasure map, and this party favor will be sure to be a hit with the kids at your pirate party. You can create this awesome party favor using markers, paper, tea bags, and imagination.

Start by ripping the edges off of a piece of paper to make it look old and soak the tea bags in some water. Then squeeze the tea bags onto the paper and spread the brown water around. This will stain the paper and make it look like a real treasure map. Simply use the markers to create directions, and this pirate party favor is practically free.Party favors are one of the best parts of parties, and these inexpensive party favors are sure to please all of the kids at your pirate party.

Updating Your Bedroom on a Budget

You Don't Have to Spend a Fortune to Update Your Bedroom

So have you been laying in bed thinking I wish I had some money to fix up my bedroom? I know I have, and I am here to tell you that you can update your bedroom for under $200. Here are five great tips for updating your bedroom.

Color is everything in a bedroom and it sets the mood you are going to be in as soon as you wake up so it is very important to the mood and style of your bedroom. You can find cheap paints on the discount rack at many home improvement centers. If you are not sure about changing the entire rooms color simply paint one wall or two. This will add depth to the room while adding a new flare for your senses.

Another way you can update your bedroom is by adding a textured finish to the walls. You can keep the color you already have when creating this effect. Simply use a large dry sponge to add a detailed textured effect to the walls with a new color. This technique is simple and all you have to do is dip the sponge in paint and press it lightly to the wall moving in an overlapping pattern until the wall is fully colored. Remember when doing this to blot the sponge first or you will end up with uneven color.

Updating your bedroom can be accomplished by changing the lighting in the room. Lighting creates ambience and allows the room to be used in different ways. Buying a new lamp or adding a ceiling fan can completely change the atmosphere of the room, and these items can be purchased second hand or at discount prices.

To update your bedroom on a budget you can add a border around the room using stencils. These items do not cost a lot or take much time to complete. Using a stencil is simple, and all you will need is a stencil brush, some paint, and a good stencil. Stencils come in a wide variety and are very in expensive.

Another simple and inexpensive bedroom update can be made by changing the curtains. Curtains are inexpensive and can be made at home. First measure your curtains and figure out how much fabric you will need. Go to your local fabric store and check out their clearance rack. You can always find great deals on fabric on these clearance racks. To make your own curtains simply sew a hem on the top and the bottom, but make sure the top hem is wide enough to fit your curtain rod. This curtain will add a fun and personal style to your bedroom.

Updating your bedroom on a budget does not have to a struggle, and there are many minor changes you can make that will guarantee your bedroom a new style so be creative.

Recycled Collage Crafts for Your Bedroom

 

Collages are a great way to make beautiful arts and crafts using many different items and themes. Any room in your home will be enhanced with a unique collage, and your bedroom is a great place to start when creating collage crafts. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating several different recycled collage crafts for your bedroom.

Inspiration Collage

Making an inspiration collage for your bedroom is a craft that will provide you with encouragement everyday. For this craft you should think about what you find inspiring; quotes, colors, and images are all important for this recycled collage craft. You will need a piece of cardboard, glue, old magazines, scissors, and other inspirational recycled items you happen to find.

Now start this project by cutting out inspiring images and words from the magazine. If you all ready have a quote in mind cut the letters out of the magazine and set the aside. Next glue the quote into the middle of the cardboard and decorate around it using the other items you have chosen. When the glue has dried you can hang this recycled collage in your bedroom.

Goal Collage

Creating a collage with a goal in mind will help keep you motivated and on the right track. Start by thinking about a goal you want to obtain. You will need old magazines, a piece of cardboard, glue, scissors, and a photo of your self; you may also like to use markers to add details to this collage. Recycled pieces of ribbon, yarn, and string are also fun to use for this collage craft.

Begin this craft by cutting out images that remind you of your goal. Now glue the photo of yourself to the middle of the cardboard and glue the images related to your goal around the photo. Add lines using the string or yarn to connect the images to your photo. You can also use the markers to add interesting ideas, messages, and inspirational quotes to help keep you motivated. This recycled craft collage is a fun project that will help keep you on track with your goals, and it will look awesome in your bedroom.

Photo Collage

Your bedroom is the perfect place for a photo collage made with recycled items. This collage craft will make your bedroom feel more personal and one of a kind. For this craft you will need several photos of you, your friends, and your family; you will also need scissors, glue, an egg carton, an old cereal box, tape. and other interesting papers.

Start by cutting a rectangle out ofthe center out of one of the large sides of the cereal box, and remember to leave about an inch from the outside edge. Next cut a line from the corners of the holes to the outside edge of the box, and push the inch edge back into the box; use the glue to attach this edge to the inside.

Now cut the egg carton into pieces and glue in various parts of the box; this will add depth and intrigue to your collage. Also add the extra paper to cover the box in different areas. Now add your photos using the tape so that they are removable, and your photo collage craft is complete.

Making fun collage crafts are a great way to decorate your bedroom, and these collage ideas are a perfect addition to any bedroom.

Inexpensive May Day Craft for Kids

 

May Day is a great holiday for crafting with kids; these inexpensive crafts are a fun way to add spring to your home while bonding with your children. This article provides you with instructions on how to create May Day crafts with your kids without breaking your budget.

Flower Charm

This charm is fun and easy to make. For this craft you will need fake or dried flowers, ribbon, clear packing tape, ribbon, scissors or a hole puncher, pins or thumbtacks, and glitter. Start by choosing a small flower or a few tiny flowers. Then help kids arrange them in a design they like. If you are using fake flowers it is important to remove the plastic backing so you only have the flower bud itself. This can be done easily with scissors.

Then cut a large piece of tape and use the pins to secure it to a book or piece of paper. Make sure to keep the sticky side up. Then help kids lay the flowers on top of the tape in the arraignment they chose. Make sure there is excess tape left around the edges of the flowers. Add some glitter now if you like. Also cut a piece of ribbon and find the center. Place the center on the top of the tape.

Then use another large piece of tape to cover the first piece. Help kids press the pieces together to seal the flower in between. Use the scissors to cut the tape into a nice shape, but make sure there is enough tape around the edges to keep the flower and ribbon secure. Kids can add extra layers of tape to the outside of this May Day charm to make it even stronger. It can be worn as a necklace or a keychain.

Indoor Garden

Another fun May Day craft for kids is creating an indoor garden. For this craft idea you will need a large water proof container, dirt, and seeds. You can also purchase small plants if you like. Small toys, beads, knickknacks, and other items your child chooses to add detail to the craft are a good idea as well.

Start by filling the container with dirt, and add water to make the soil moist. Then help your kid plant the seeds by following the directions on the package. You can also use paint or paint markers to decorate the container beforehand if you like. Then place the unique items in the container and wait for your May Day craft to bloom.

These May Day ideas provide fun and fond memories for you and your children. Kids will be proud of their creations, and these inexpensive craft ideas barely cost a thing.

Inexpensive Wedding Favors for Winter Weddings

 

There are plenty of inexpensive wedding favors for winter wedding available; you just have to know what to look for. When choosing wedding favors for your big day it is important to keep with your wedding theme. This article will discuss several inexpensive wedding favors for a winter wedding.

Candles

A traditional wedding favor is the candle, and you can find plenty of inexpensive winter themed candles for your wedding favors. Candles can come in snowflake, snowmen, or snow capped tree shapes that are great for a winter wedding. You can also choose a plain candle with a wintery smell like hot coco, sugar cookies, pine, mint, and cinnamon.

Snow Globes

Another wedding favor that is perfect for your winter wedding is a snow globe. These can be purchased inexpensively at local dollar stores, or they can be personalized through several different wedding favor companies. Snow globes are an inexpensive and unique wedding favor for your winter wedding.

Sapling Evergreens

A wonderful way to symbolize the growth of your love is by giving out sapling evergreen trees as wedding favors. This is also nice for a winter wedding because they are reminiscent of the season. These inexpensive favors can be placed in champagne glasses or small coffee mugs, and sapling trees can be purchased very cheaply.

Ornaments

Since winter weddings are so close to the holiday season, it is the perfect wedding season for giving ornaments out as favors. There are a large variety of wedding ornaments that are appropriate for winter including snowflakes, snowmen, icicles, bells, and sleighs. These ornaments can be purchased cheaply, and they can even be personalized.

Personalized Mint or Candy Tins

A popular wedding favor is personalized mint or candy tins, and this can be a great wedding favor for a winter wedding. Chocolate and mint is suggestive of winter, and you can get any special message printed on the tins to make this inexpensive favor special.

Snowflake Soap

Snowflakes are a favorite winter wedding theme, and they can appear just about everywhere for your winter wedding. Snowflake shaped soaps are pretty and inexpensive. They can be wrapped or placed in small cellophane bags for a one of a kind winter wedding favor.

When choosing winter wedding favors you do not have to spend a fortune. Try these favors for your winter wedding, and you will love the special touch they add to your special day.

Home Decorating Crafts with Picture Frames

 

Yard sales, dollar stores, and thrift stores are always filled with cheap and interesting picture frames. You can use these frames to make several home decorating crafts. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating home decorating crafts with picture frames.

Family Collages

Making collages with picture frames is a great home decorating craft for your old picture frames. For this craft you will need a picture frames for each member of your family; these frames can come in any shape or size. You will also need photos, images from magazines, or other items that remind you of the people your frames will be dedicated too. Glue, tape, paper, markers, scissors, hammer, and nails are also needed items for this home decorating craft.

Start by gathering all the materials together and separating them by person. Then cut a piece of paper to fit inside the frame. Arrange the other gathered items on the piece of paper and write the name of the person somewhere if you like. Place the paper in the frame and repeat for the rest of the family.

Finish this home decorating craft by hanging your picture frames in a cluster in your home. This family collage adds warmth to your home decorating while using unwanted picture frames.

Memory Board

Picture frames are a great tool for creating memory boards. These boards can hold pictures, notes, and anything else you would like to remember. For this craft you will need a large picture frame, ribbon, scissors, batting, fabric, cardboard, a hot glue gun, and hot glue sticks.

Start by cutting the cardboard to fit in the picture frame. Cut the batting to match the cardboard. Then cut the fabric so it is slightly larger than the cardboard on all sides. Place the fabric face down on work space. Place the batting in the center of the fabric. Place the cardboard on top. Use the glue gun to glue the edges of the fabric to the back of the cardboard.

Then cut several long pieces of ribbon. Lay them on the work area at a diagonal to the cardboard. Space the ribbon about 4 inches apart. Then lay more pieces of ribbon going in the opposite direction creating diamond shapes. Place the fabric covered cardboard on top of the ribbon lattice and glue ends to back of cardboard. Next add a drop of glue to the points where the ribbons overlap and press into the fabric to secure. This home decorating craft is a great way to use a picture frame.

Picture frames can be useful for many crafts. These home decorating ideas are fun and easy; they will add a special touch to your home decor.

May Day Party Ideas on a Budget

 

May Day is a great holiday for celebrating the coming of spring, and you can share this excitement with your friends and family by throwing a May Day party on a budget. This article describes several ideas for throwing a party for May Day party without going off budget.

Invitations

Invitations are fun and easy to make by hand. For this invitation you will need index cards, spring patterned scrapbook paper, markers, glue, scissors, and some May Day inspired stickers such as flowers or butterflies.

Start by writing out the information that is important about your party on the blank side of an index card. Then measure the card against the scrapbook paper. Cut a piece slightly larger than the index card so the patterned paper creates a border. Then glue the cards together, add the stickers, and mail them to your party guests.

Games

Some fun May Day games should include spring ideas such as an outdoor scavenger hunt. Provide guests with lists and bags to place their items in. For adults you can add riddles to make the game more exciting. You can also play blindfolded game of guessing smells and tastes of spring. Try fresh fruit, scented oils, and other things that remind you of spring. Everyone who guesses right can get points or prizes. These games are great for your budget because they use things found around the home.

Food

May Day food should include fresh vegetables and fruits that become available in spring. For this May Day party it is also nice to add herbal teas and fruit punches to bring the bounty of spring to the party. Light fare is appropriate and budget friendly for your party, and inexpensive appetizers of crackers and nuts complement the fruit and vegetables of spring.

Decorations

Decorations are also easy and inexpensive for a May Day party. Gather fresh or flake flowers, pine cones, acorns, and other nature items. Make garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces using this spring treats. Fresh fruits and vegetables and herbs also add to the May Day decorations and they can also feed your guests.

Throwing a May Day party is perhaps the best way to get everyone excited about the new season. It is also a great way to have fun with the people you care about without spending a fortune.

Ten Tips for Redecorating Your Home on a Budget

 

Your home is where the heart is, but if you are unhappy with the way your home looks, don't fret. Here are ten tips and tricks for redecorating your home on a budget.

1. Redecorating on a budget is easy, and a couple of simple changes can make a huge difference. Start small. If you are sick of the color of your couch just buy some cheap new pillows and the couch will take on a whole different appeal. You can find a lot of cheap pillows at thrift stores and yard sales.

2. A quick fix in many rooms of your house is shelves. Shelves can be bought inexpensively and many can be repainted or decoupaged to suit your needs. You can find shelves in many thrift stores, yard sales, or craft stores. A new shelf can give you more room, and add a place for your to put your sentimental items.

3. Repainting furniture can completely change the look of a room, and it can be done easily and cheaply. Many home improvement stores have discount paint that people ordered but did not want. All you need is some paint and newspaper. Move the furniture outside and sit on newspaper. Just paint and wait until it is dry, and you will have a whole new look.

4. A great tip for redecorating on a budget is a wallpaper collage or border. Many home improvement stores provide wallpaper sample books. You can use these samples to create a unique wall collage or a border around a room. All you need is wallpaper paste and sample wall paper scraps. This project is fun and super cheap.

5. Sponge borders add a new twist to a room as well, and they can be achieved easily. All you need for this project is some household sponges and paint. Simply cut the sponge into a pattern you like; stars and moons are my favorite for this project. Now dip the sponge in paint and press against the wall. It will leave the pattern of the sponge, and you can continue around the room in a border.

6. A great tip for redecorating on a budget is to change your lampshades. This can be done buy painting them with fabric paint. You can also add a new look to your lamp shades by gluing some beads, flowers, or ribbons to them. Just remember to use glue that can tolerate heat.

7. Another fun project that will update the look of your home is contact paper decals. You can make these easily by using clear contact paper. Simply draw a picture you would like on the paper, paint it in with acrylic paints, and spray it with acrylic sealer. Now using a pen knife cut the picture out of the sheet of paper and remove the backing. Place it on the wall, and it will give the room a dramatic effect.

8. In your kitchen it is easy and inexpensive to add a new twist as well. Buy new handles for all the cabinets and replace them. This is a simple fix that can add a whole new look; I have used many different doorknobs and handles for an eccentric look that I find very appealing.

9. Another easy and inexpensive way to redecorate is to buy slip covers. Many slip covers can be bought cheaply, and you can even make your own if you are feeling crafty. This will change the entire look of a room, and it makes cleaning easier.

10. Hang your photos. Cheap frames can be bought at thrift stores, craft stores, yard sales, and dollar stores. So break out your old photos and hang them. This will make a room feel much more personal, and you will get many memories from these pictures.

It may seem like an impossible task to redecorate your house on a budget, but these simple tips can help you find a new style in your home without putting a dent in your wallet.

5 Rustic DIY Wedding Decoration Ideas on a Budget

 

Rustic weddings are popular because of their romantic charm and their customizability. This style is perfect for new brides that want to make their wedding stand out while allowing family and friends in attendance to feel right at home. Here you will find 5 rustic wedding decoration ideas you can create yourself without spending a fortune.

1. Burlap Table Runner

Burlap is cheap and easy to work with. It can be used to create a ton of rustic wedding items cheaply. To make a rustic wedding table runner with burlap just cut a piece to the appropriate length and width. Then use liquid seam finisher all along the edge of the table runner. You can add lace, pearls, or other items to make your decoration more personal with fabric glue or you can leave it plain. Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours and you're done.

2. Mason Jar Lantern

For this DIY wedding decoration you will need mason jars, tea lights, and twine, ribbon, or lace. To assemble just add a candle to each jar. Then tie a long piece of twine, ribbon or lace around the rim of the jar; make sure there is at least 12" remaining after the knot. Tie a second piece around the jar, but knot it on the opposite side. Gather the twine together above the jar and tie in a knot so the rustic lantern can be hung anywhere you choose. When you are ready to use light the candle!

3. Lace Placemats

Lace is another popular rustic wedding item, and it is easy and fun to use. To make placemats simply cut the lace into the size and shape you would like. Then use thin ribbon or twine and fabric glue to personalize your placemat. You can add a border around the edge or simply add a little bow to a corner.

4. Rustic Nature Filled Centerpiece

This rustic DIY wedding decoration is created using a variety of jars, bottles, and vases. Simply gather nature items such as dried flowers, pine cones, twigs, acorns, and leaves and fill each jar with them to your desired preference.

5. Chalkboard Signs

This fun wedding idea is a great decoration as well as tool for your rustic wedding. All you need is some old picture frames, heavy duty cardboard or cardstock, chalkboard paint, a pen knife, spray paint and a paintbrush. Start by spray painting the frames whatever color goes with your wedding theme. Then cut the cardstock to fit into the picture frames. Follow the chalkboard paint instructions and paint the cardstock. When everything is dry put the pieces together.

Having a rustic themed wedding provides a bride with the opportunity to really show her style. These crafts are a budget friendly and easy DIY way to add that rustic appeal to your wedding.

Inexpensive Home Decorating Ideas for Spring

 

Spring brings us a breath of fresh air, and this feeling can carry over into your home decorating ideas. Sunshine, pastels, and growth are popular themes for spring. This article will provide you with inexpensive home decorating ideas for spring.

Eggshell Art

Eggshells are undervalued as garbage, but they can easily be turned into something beautiful with a little creativity. Try using eggshells to create candle holders or vases for your home decorating needs. Simply break up the eggshells into smaller pieces and use glue to add a mosaic look to any object you like. You can dye the eggshells using inexpensive dye kits that are easily acquired during the Easter season. You can use watercolor paint to add color to the shells after they have been glued to your home decorating items.

Eggshell art is a fun way to add that special spring feeling to your home décor and it works well with the pastel color theme of spring. Eggshells also enhance the idea of growth and new beginnings which is popular during spring time.

Seedlings

Another inexpensive decorating idea for your home during springtime is starting some seedlings. Seedlings look lovely in teacups, eggshells, and old glass jars. If you start your seedlings in spring they will be ready in time for your to plant them in the garden in summer.

Try filling jars and other items with some stones and dirt. Then plant inexpensive seeds in them. You can even plant vegetable seedlings to transplant later. Pea plants and tomatoes look great as décor, and you can also start flower seeds or bulbs. If you choose to use eggshells gently remove only the top fourth of the shell. Then place several in a bowl surrounded by rocks or marbles to balance them. You can also place a single egg in a shot glass for a simple look.

Curtains

Spring is a good time to change your curtains; this will allow for the sunshine and warm breeze to enter your home. Lace and thin, gauzy materials are great for spring, and curtains can be made easily using fabric glue, scissors, an iron, and fabric. Sheets sell for inexpensive prices at thrift shops, and light fabric is often pretty cheap when bought in bulk.

Use the glue and iron to make simple straight edges all the way around. Make sure the hem on top edge is wider so the curtain rod can fit through it. These simple curtains add a wonderful ambiance to your home when decorating.

These ideas are inexpensive and easy to make. They take little time to complete, and they will add that spring fresh feel to your home.

Update Your Bathroom on a Budget

 

My bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is the room where I can draw a warm bath and relax. If you love your bathroom, but feel like it needs a new look I am here to tell you that you can update your bathroom inexpensively and easily with a few tricks. This article will give you five tips on how to update your bathroom on a budget.

First you must think of your bathtub because that is where you spend most of your time relaxing in your bathroom. A new shower curtain is the first step to updating your bathroom. You can find bath curtains for cheap at many local home good stores. Remember to pick your curtain wisely because you will have to coordinate everything else along with it. After you hang your curtain trim a few inches off the bottom and spray it with vinegar; this will decrease the growth of mold.

Now that you have a new theme or color tone for your bathroom you will need new hand towels to match. You can find many varieties of hand towels for cheap, and if you want to customize them to match your décor you can attach some iron-on patched to them for style. If the hand towels you already have are a lighter color you can dye them to match your new curtain, but remember to consider what colors mix well with each other. If you dye a yellow towel blue it will probably come out green.

A simple and useful way to update your bathroom is by adding shelves. Shelves can alleviate closet space and clutter, and they can give you room to add some knick knacks that you have always wanted to put out. Shelves are inexpensive and easy to assemble. You can even buy unpainted shelves from arts and crafts store that you can decorate to match the room. If you are afraid that you may not have room for shelves you can buy shelves that fit over toilets and in corners. There are a wide variety of shelves that can suit your needs and tastes for cheap.

Mirrors are an inexpensive bathroom update that is easy and accessible to all people. Mirrors come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They add light and depth to the room, and they allow you to get a better view of the back of your hair as you are getting dressed. Mirrors can be found for cheap at yard sales and thrift stores.

Another way to update your bathroom on a budget is by adding a plant. There are many herbs that will add a beautiful look and smell to your bathroom, and they are very cheap. A few small plants lining your windowsill will add style to your bathroom. If you do not have a windowsill you can add fake flowers in a small vase to add color to the room instead.

There are many inexpensive ways to update your bathroom so be creative!

Spring Handprint Crafts for Kids Using Paper

 

Handprint crafts are easy and fun for kids to create for the spring season. Handprints crafts can be created using paper, and they teach children dexterity and coordination. This article discusses spring themed handprint crafts using paper that kids will love.

Butterfly Mobile

Butterflies bring in the spring season, and they can be the theme of a great handprint mobile. For this craft you will need construction paper, glue, markers, tape, scissors, yarn or string, a pencil, and a paper plate. Start by helping kids trace their hands onto several different colored pieces of construction paper.

Then help kids cut small circles out of black or brown paper. Also cut out the handprints they have traced already. Then use the markers to add different patterns and colors to the handprints. They handprints will be the butterfly wings. Then help kids glue the palm sections of two wings together to make a butterfly. Add the black circle to the center like a head for the butterfly.

Create several butterflies in this fashion. Also cut several long pieces of string. Poke enough holes in the plate to attach all of the strings. Stick the string through the hole and use tape to secure it. Then fold the butterflies in half lightly and tape the other ends of the strong to the inside of the fold. Hang your handprint mobile by adding more strings to the top of the plate.

Tulip Bouquet

Tulips are a wonderful sign of spring, and kids can create tulips using handprints and paper. For this craft you will need construction paper, scissors, pencils, tape, glue, green paint, a paintbrush, and sturdy plastic straws. It is also a good idea to cover the workspace with newspaper to prevent mess.

To begin help kids trace their handprint onto the construction paper. Pastel colored paper works well, but pink and yellow are also appropriate colors for spring tulips. Then kids can cut the handprints out.

Then help kids cut the last inch of one end of the straw into small strips. Remember to leave the straw strips attached to the straw. Then help kids glue the hand prints together by placing the right side of a palm against the side of the palm of another handprint. Angle the hands slightly and overlap the palms so they appear slightly curved when put together. Add two or three more handprints in the same manner. This will make a circular shape.

After the glue has dried, help kids twist the handprints into a cone flower shape. Use the tape to secure it together. Then place the straw through the hole in the center of the cone and tape the flower to the straw. The cut strips should face out of the flower. Finally let kids paint the straw and tape with the green paint, and your spring tulips are complete.

These easy crafts welcome spring and get kids excited for the season. Using paper and handprints is easy and fun, and kids will love these spring themed projects.

Macaroni and Cheese: An Easy and Inexpensive Thanksgiving Side Dish

by Sarah Ganly @ sarahganly.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year to eat and cook. I love to bake and make huge meals, but the problem is money and time. Over the years I have devised some recipes that are not only cheap, but also quick and painless. Here is my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe.

A great and simple side dish to make is macaroni and cheese. You can buy pasta for very cheap, and most supermarkets sell the cheese ends for way cheaper than sliced cheese. Get as many different cheeses as you like and cut them into chunks. One cup of cheese is enough for 2 cups of uncooked pasta. Multiple measurements to suit the amount of people you are feeding.

Cook the pasta in boiling water until it is soft. While the pasta is boiling put the cheese chunks in a sauce pan and add milk or cream until the cheese is a quarter submerged. Stir this sauce constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon. Make sure to keep the flame low enough to not burn the sauce. When the cheese and cream have combined remove from heat and strain the pasta. Now add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot and put the pasta back in it. Toss the pasta in the butter quickly and add the cheese sauce while stirring to combine.

You can eat this macaroni just the way it is or you can add a few special variations. Macaroni and cheese can be made with many different ingredients added in for different flavor combinations.
One delicious variation is to sprinkle parmesan cheese on the top and bake until it is crusty and golden. You can sprinkle crispy fried onions on top and bake until golden as well.
Another healthy and colorful way to spice up macaroni and cheese is by adding sautéed vegetables such as red and green peppers, celery, carrot, or onion. Diced tomatoes can also be added to this recipe; the tomatoes do not need to be cooked. Canned peas can also be stirred in for a softer taste.
My favorite macaroni and cheese recipe involves mixing some well strained spinach with the macaroni and sprinkling the top with crumbled up crackers. The spinach dish should be baked for about 10 minutes.

Thanksgiving dinner may be a little overwhelming but this recipe and the variations I have supplied can help you save time and money this Thanksgiving. The macaroni and cheese recipe is delicious as well!

Tips on How to Make Inexpensive Homemade Wedding Favors

Weddings are that special day where everything from the flowers to your shoes has to be just right, and all of the little details can start to add up to a number a lot higher than your budget. Are many things one can do in order to lessen the cost of their wedding. Here is a list of inexpensive wedding favors you can make in the comfort of your own home.

Chocolate dipped marshmallows are another budget friendly option for your wedding. Simply melt some chocolate chips in a microwave for a few sections and stir to make smooth. Stick marshmallows on lollipop sticks and dip and roll in the chocolate. Then roll the marshmallow in sprinkles or cookie crumbles. Allow to dry and put in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon. 

Another easy and inexpensive wedding favor can be made right in your kitchen. The ingredients you will need are Jordan almonds, dried fruit such as apricots and cranberries, a couple yards of netting, and ribbons with the couples names and wedding date printed on them. Mix the ingredients together and cut the tool into squares. Fill the squares, bunch up the netting and tie it with the ribbons. You can add candies or chocolates to these favors, and you can also tie little flowers around the favors if you like.

A very unique and inexpensive favor can be made for weddings happening in the spring or fall. For fall weddings all you need is some flower bulbs, ribbon, fake flowers, and squares of netting. Place a couple of bulbs in the squares of netting and tie them up with the ribbons and flowers. Another good idea is filling the netting squares with flower seed packets. These favors are frugal, and when planted your wedding will be remembered for a long time to come.

Weddings are wonderful events that should be cherished for years to come, and it can be celebrated in a way that is not expensive but still perfect with these little tips!

written by Sarah Ganly