Search Results for: fun special projects

Fun On a Budget

Crafting may seem like an expensive hobby, especially if you have a house full of kids who want in on the action.  Fortunately, frugal families don’t have to put the kibosh on creating handmade masterpieces.  Rather, with a little ingenuity you can make priceless crafts on a tight budget. Clothespin Pinwheel Materials: Double-sided patterned paper Ruler Pencil Scissors Glue Thumbtack Wooden clothespin with spring Directions: Cut a five-inch square from a sheet of patterned paper. Draw an “X” on the paper from corner to corner. Cut three inches along each line. Fold every other point toward the center of the … Continue reading →

Affordable Snow Day Fun

  With yet another wicked winter storm readying to slam into several states from New Mexico to Illinois, millions of parents are gearing up for a snow day.  For kids, having a day off from school is a dream come true, but for many moms and dads the unexpected break is a true nightmare, especially if said children turn restless and cabin fever strikes. To preserve your sanity as Old Man Winter blasts into your neck of the woods, consider the following fun and affordable projects and games designed to keep your kids busy and out of trouble: DIY Decorative … Continue reading →

Simple and Affordable President’s Day Fun

Having your kids home from school on Presidents’ Day may not sound like a ton of fun for busy parents, but with a few holiday-themed projects to keep them busy, the third Monday in February can be an exciting time. Rather than use Lincoln Logs to build a replica of Abe’s cherished cabin, spice up the construction by using pretzels.  All you need is a paper plate, a small, empty milk carton, some vanilla frosting, a bunch of three-inch pretzel rods, some green gum drops, and a butter knife.  To make the edible cabin, spread generous amounts of the white … Continue reading →

Simple and Affordable Valentine’s Day Fun

    Why say it with fancy flowers, expensive jewelry or extravagant five-star dinners when you can show love this Valentine’s Day with affordable gifts from the heart? Whether you are celebrating the holiday with your child or a significant other, these simple crafts will go a long way to show your special someone how much they mean to you: I LOVE YOU HEART BANNER Materials: 12×12 scrapbook paper in Valentine’s Day colors or prints Red, white or pink cardstock Scissors Ribbon Hole punch Directions: Cut-out heart shapes from the 12×12 scrapbook paper. Make one heart for each letter of … Continue reading →

Affordable Holiday Fun

For most American families, Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of the summer. It’s a time set aside for picnics, parties and last-minute back-to-school shopping. Of course, the latter is no fun and the two former options can be pricey if you aren’t careful. So, what can you do to make the last long weekend of summer memorable if you don’t have money to burn? Here are some ideas: Dress-Up: This idea is perfect for young kids who enjoy imaginary play. Collect clothes from around the house that can double as uniforms. You can help your children celebrate the … Continue reading →

Cheap Labor Day Fun

Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer. The end of summer! That’s no fun. Or, is it? For most families, the long holiday weekend is the last chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company without the stress of homework, scheduled sporting events and other school-related functions. However, if you are trying to keep a handle on your spending habits, Labor Day may not be the time to splurge on an expensive getaway. Fortunately, you can have a blast bidding summer a fond farewell, bond with your family and preserve your budget, all at the same time. Here’s how: … Continue reading →

Johnny Appleseed Day Fun

I am very aware that Johnny Appleseed Day was yesterday, but, how much fun would it be to celebrate the event all! week! long! Yeah, my 7-year-old didn’t buy it either, especially since I made the suggestion after forgetting to send apple treats to school yesterday. There’s nothing fun about being labeled “That Mom.” The one who can’t remember to place pre-packaged applesauce into her only kid’s backpack. The fun part comes in trying to make up for my mistake. As my daughter shared tidbits about John Chapman (a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed) and the orchards he planted in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, … Continue reading →

Easy Photo Projects

With family reunion season in full swing, cameras are working overtime snapping shots of multiple generations loving on each other in the summer sun. The special moments made and shared during these annual weekend get-togethers often make their way into albums, scrapbooks and onto social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. However, there are a slew of other ways you can preserve and display the images snapped during these special occasions. Here are just a few: FAMILY TREE Typically during a family reunion, each clan poses for a portrait. However, instead of filing away each shot, consider displaying them … Continue reading →

Cheap Valentine’s Day Fun

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about diamonds, champagne and expensive meals. Did I just write that? The adage: “It’s the thought that counts,” comes to play quite frequently during the Valentine’s Day gift-giving season, especially if you have young children. After all, what mother would choose a diamond tennis bracelet over a crooked construction paper heart made with love and a bunch of broken crayons? If you are looking for inexpensive ways your kids can share the love with their favorite family members, then consider these simple yet fun Valentine’s Day craft projects: Heart Plates: Visit your local … Continue reading →

Fun Chocolate Thanksgiving Treats

My best friend from Hawaii and her husband will be joining us for Thanksgiving this year. I couldn’t be happier. We’re already planning a special feast and my 6-year-old is thrilled to put her first grade Thanksgiving-theme crafts on display for all to see. Given that our friends are traveling such a long way to celebrate the holiday with us, we thought it would be nice to incorporate some of their favorite foods into the meal and decor. For example, since my BFF’s husband is a chocoholic we’re planning to make a special chocolate tart to add to the dessert … Continue reading →