Frugal Winter Wonderland: Ice Candles

Want to turn your backyard into a winter wonderland for pennies? Try making some ice candles! Making ice candles is an easy craft that you can do with your family. Children as young as preschool can help. You can make one or two ice candles for fun, or make a large bunch to light up your backyard, line your drive way and more. All lit up, these candles are truly magical. For supplies you will first need some containers to make the outside of the candles. Kid’s sand pails are a perfect size, but you can use almost any wide … Continue reading →

A Frugal Decoration: Candy Corn Candle Holder

Creating inexpensive decorations for holiday time can not only be a fun family activity, but it’s a great way to use what you have, or only purchase cheap, inexpensive supplies. Several years ago, I made candy corn votive holders. I thought I would share so that you too can make these inexpensive, easy decorations to place around your home. I created these with my son when he was about three or four. He is twelve now and we’ve used them every year since. And now I see manufactured candle holders quite similar to these at the stores for quite a … Continue reading →

Daring Frugal Ideas for Autumn Decorating

As mentioned before, Fall is my favorite season, and of course I love to decorate the house to reflect that. From a wreath on my door to simple decorations around my home, I love bringing fall indoors and enjoying it. These ideas that I have used have come from all over the places, but every single one of them is an inexpensive alternative to a more pricey store bought version. Saving money is important to me, family time is even more important. So while I am keeping money in my wallet, I am able to combine my love for crafts … Continue reading →

10 Things To Do With a Popsicle Stick

Summer is upon us and that means hot weather and cold Popsicles. Have you ever just looked at the amount of Popsicle sticks you can accumulate at one time? What do you do with all those little wooden sticks? There are all types of things you can do with a Popsicle stick. Plant Stakes You can use a Popsicle stick to create a plant stake. Either write the plant or flower name on it and stick it right in the dirt, or let your child color, draw or decorate the stick to make it a fun and festive addition to … Continue reading →

Stretch Those Craft Dollars

Do you enjoy doing craft projects with your kids? If so, you have probably come across some really cute projects. The only problem is that some can be quite expensive. Try these tips to stretch those craft dollars: Craft Kits Before buying expensive craft kits, check the clearance section of craft shops and online stores for discounts. Also, take a really good look at the kit and see if you can make the project yourself with your own supplies. In many cases, the crafts are simple and this is a do-able solution. The kits are more convenient because they have … Continue reading →

Keeping the Kids Entertained When it’s Snowy Outside with Snow Globes!

Remember how much fun snow globes were when you were a kid? You could shake the globe and watch the ‘snow’ sprinkle on a tiny little scene. It may not be snowing where you are now, but you can make your own globe featuring anything you wish. Young or young at heart, it’s a fun little project with a great outcome and a great way to pass an afternoon letting your kids be creative. What’s great about making snow globes is that you can totally personalize it to make it your own original. You can add various colors of glitter … Continue reading →

Homemade Gifts

I am all about cutting corners and buying things for less, but I also don’t want to give cheap presents. Gift-giving can sometimes be a difficult area to save money in. At times I have tried to cut cost by making gifts, only to end up spending more money on the materials I bought than I would have spent on just buying a gift outright. However, if you are smart you can find your own tried-and-true gifts that can be made over and over again for different people. The trick is to find homemade gift ideas that are useful and … Continue reading →

Don’t Get Rid of Last Year’s Calendar!

I know that it’s already a couple of weeks into the new year, but maybe you’re like me and you still haven’t thrown away your 2005 calendar for whatever reason. You know, it does feel like a shame to throw out a calendar that is full of great pictures. There are actually a lot of things you can do with those pictures instead of chucking them in the trash can. Now, if you are more on top of things than I am, and you still like some of these ideas, just go out and buy a new calendar. Since the … Continue reading →