Tag Archives: crafts

Simple Summer Crafts

Simple crafts are the perfect remedy for cabin fever.  This summer, the following easy and affordable projects have been lifesavers when it’s been too hot or too wet for my 8-year-old to run amok outside.  An added bonus:  these kid-friendly activities require very little adult assistance.  This makes them ideal to include at a variety of summer events such as family reunions, church picnics or birthday parties. Homemade Suncatcher Materials: Colored tissue paper cut into small pieces of varying shapes and sizes Safety scissors Clear contact paper Two large paper plates Yellow craft paint Paint brush Yellow poster board Craft glue Hole … Continue reading →

Toddler-Friendly Fourth of July

Not all toddlers embrace Independence Day events as enthusiastically as their older siblings.  Late nights, thunderous fireworks displays and way too many sugary snacks can lead to epic meltdowns. In order to celebrate the holiday without sending your tot over the edge, consider these low-key, yet festive Fourth of July activities: Fireworks in a Glass    Fill a tall glass with warm water.  Next, add a little cooking oil to the water.  Depending on the size of your container, one to two tablespoons should suffice.  Then, add a few drops of food coloring to the oil and water.  Gently stir the … Continue reading →

Have Fun Repurposing School Supplies

Forget about packing lunches; unpacking my kid’s backpack on the last day of school has got to me the worst mom job ever. The sheer volume of crud that is shoved into that Scooby bag is mind-boggling.  While I’d love to dump the contents of the entire bag into the trash, I am far too frugal to let even the smallest pencil stub enter the garbage if it can serve a purpose somewhere in our home. If you are looking to save money this summer, don’t give into the temptation to dump your child’s old school supplies.  Rather, sort through … Continue reading →

Dive Into Summer Fun

Contending with rising temperatures doesn’t have to be a summer bummer.  With a little planning you can have fun beating the heat without busting your budget. Splash into the season with a pool party to remember; only instead of draining your wallet on expensive invitations and activities, consider these affordable options: DIY FISH INVITATIONS Download a fish template from the Internet or free-hand one on construction paper and cut out the center of it.  When you are done, you should have a fish-shaped frame and a smaller paper fish.  Place the frame on the sticky side of clear contact paper. … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Sanity Savers

School’s out for some kids, while others are just a few weeks away from enjoying the freedom of summer vacation. For parents, the end of the academic year brings excitement and some trepidation.  After all, most moms and dads know it’s just a matter of time before seasonal boredom sets in. To preserve your sanity in the weeks to come, consider keeping your kids busy with the following summer-themed crafts: Sugar-Free Ice Cream Cone Not only is this adorable ice cream cone sugar-free, it’s also calorie-free and drip-free.  All you need to make this cute craft are a few sheets … Continue reading →

Affordable Pampering for Mom

Moms, grandmas, aunts, or beloved female friends; no gal is going to turn down a gift that promotes relaxation especially when life is so stressful.  Sadly, indulging in a day of pampering doesn’t always come cheap.  A trip to a professional spa can run upwards of $200 depending on the number of services rendered. Paying for luxurious privileges is no fun even if it’s a Mother’s Day gift.  Fortunately, there is a way to enjoy treating mom to a day of decadence without breaking the bank.  Here’s how: DIY Neck Wrap Materials: Fabric Dry, uncooked rice Dried lavender or rosemary … Continue reading →

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 →

How to Make Natural Easter Egg Dyes

Kids love crafts, and coloring Easter eggs is a fun tradition that parents have been doing with their children for many years. Of course, when our great grandmothers were dyeing eggs with our grandparents, they probably were not using the egg coloring kits that you can find at the store today. If they were not using egg coloring kits, what did they use to dye their Easter eggs? They may have used one or more of the following natural coloring methods. Choosing which colors of dye to make can be a lot of fun. Canned blueberries, red cabbage leaves, or … Continue reading →

Ways to Spice Up Your Easter Party

Add some spring to your step and kick up your upcoming Easter get-together with extended family and friends.  The following fun-filled activities are designed to supplement traditional egg hunts without breaking the bank or forcing you to your breaking point: Craft Stations:  Before the annual Easter egg hunt gets underway have kids partake in some craft making.  This can be done by setting up various stations in your home.  Not only do these project centers keep kids busy while the adults mingle, but they also ensure your youngest guests have something to take home besides a bunch of chocolate.  An … Continue reading →

Basket Full of Fun

Easter is right around the corner and there is no shortage of egg, chick and bunny-shaped paraphernalia available to cram into your loved ones’ baskets.  But what if you don’t want to stick with the traditional basket or fillers this year? For those looking to hop down Bunny Trail with a few unique Easter or spring-themed treats, consider the following: Teacup:  Personalize plain, inexpensive teacups for your family members and friends and fill them with foil-covered chocolate Easter eggs.  Next, nestle a few artificial flowers inside, and then wrap the entire cup in organza or tulle. Bakery Boxes:  Plain, cardboard … Continue reading →