ThriftyFun Crafts - March 28, 2007

This week we have some cross stitch sayings, tips for organizing craft patterns and as well as an article I wrote a couple years ago about saving money by making graduation announcements for my daughter.

Here's an interesting and timely request...

Easter Egg Dye Recipes

I am looking for recipes for making my own easter egg dye for my 4H group. Does anyone have any recipes to share?

Thanks,
Diane

Post Feedback Here

Thanks for reading,

Susan

• Send to a Friend!
• Submit Craft Tips (You could win $25)
• Submit Photos of Your Crafts (You could win $25)
• Submit a Craft Request
• New! Crafting for Fun and Money!
• Link to ThriftyFun.com

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Making Your Own Graduation Announcements
• Easter Egg Wreath
• Panoramic Sugar Egg
• Bunny Easter Basket made from Formula Can
• Glitter Eggs
• Crocheted Recycled Denim Rag Bag
• Broom Bunny

Tips:

• Punch Embroidery Tip
• Paper Towel Holders For Ribbons
• Organizing Craft Patterns
• Cross Stitch Sayings

Requests:

• Plastic Card Holder Ideas
• Drum Shade Chandelier
• Making a Decoupage Tile Heat Resistant
• Seashell Mirror
• Making Fake Cakes
• Uses for Cereal Boxes
• Painted Coffee Can Ideas
• Making Hair Bows
• Fixing Mistakes on Counted Cross Stitch Projects
• Make Your Own Mouse Pad
• Temporary Glue
• Uses for Mint Tins
• Sunburst Window Treatment
• Decorating Paint Cans
• Mr. Bear Craft
• Sewing Tough Fabrics
• Easter Egg Dye Recipes
• Homecoming Mums

Articles:

• Easter Basket Ideas
• How to Make a Wheat Heating Pad

Making Your Own Graduation Announcements
By Susan Sanders-Kinzel

(Originally Published in 2005) The cost of graduation announcements can be very steep, but I wanted to send out something nice to all our friends and extended family to let them know that my youngest child was graduating from college.

What I did is buy some graduation announcement kits at Office Depot. We needed about 50 announcements so I bought 2 kits with 25 each. The kits included 25 announcements (black and silver lines framing each section that folded into 4 panels after laser printing), 25 foil add-ons in the shape of a graduation cap, and 25 envelopes.

I picked out a picture of my daughter to include with each announcement. Many of our friends and relatives live a long way away so haven't seen her recently. The picture was taken with a digital camera and I was able to get a bunch of copies at a local store with a photo/electronics department.

On the front I did the normal "Graduation Annoucement for (name) from (name of school). I used one of the inside panels to talk about her future plans and the other to announce the date, time and location for the graduation ceremony and a barbecue that we are having after to celebrate.

The announcements look good, are unique, and cost just over $1.00 for each announcement including postage. The announcements were $13.95 a box. I printed the announcements on my own laser printer. If I had had more to do I may have printed one (on blank paper) and then photocopied the design onto the rest. The digital photo prints were $0.19 each. A grand total of about $58 for 50 invitations ($28/invitations, $10/photos, and $20/stamps).

Do you have any tips for making your own invitations? Share them below.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf138363.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Easter Egg Wreath

Using a recycled grapevine wreath from Christmas, I bought 6 packages of different types of eggs from the dollar store. I used my hot glue gun to place the eggs. It only took about 1 hour to do, and the cost was about $8.

By Ragteller from Tofield, AB

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31962522.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Panoramic Sugar Egg
By Harlean Greathouse

Here are some lovely instructions for making Panoramic Sugar Eggs sent in by long time reader Harlean. (originally published 3-21-2005)

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf334674.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Bunny Easter Basket made from Formula Can

This Bunny Easter Basket is made from an empty baby formula can. I made this bunny for a cheap and quick Easter basket this year for my Pioneer Club (kid's bible study) class.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55534285.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Glitter Eggs

This is a quick and easy project you can make using bits and pieces of items you probably already have around the house. You can finish several, as described below, and hang them on a tree, or finish several without ribbons and flowers and use them to add to a table centerpiece or fill a bowl to set out as decoration.

Crafting Time: 20 - 30 minutes

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57349821.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crocheted Recycled Denim Rag Bag

Recycle those old denim jeans or shirts into a cool Rag Bag! I crocheted this rag bag using two old denim shirts that were worn out. Here is the link to the picture and free crochet pattern Crocheted Denim Rag Bag

Thanks for letting me share.

By Cindy from Washington
http://www.myrecycledbags.com/

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87461490.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Broom Bunny

Here's a cute Easter decoration made from a little straw broom, a stuffed bunny, plastic eggs and flowers.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92024935.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Punch Embroidery Tip

When making garments with punch embroidery, iron on interfacing to back of work when finished so that the embroidery does not pull out. This is a jacket that I made for my great grandson.

By Norma from Cedaredge CO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24652395.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Paper Towel Holders For Ribbons

First of all, I would like to thank all of the Thrifty Fun readers who have taken the time to leave such wonderful feedback on my craft projects. It's a great feeling when people like what you do.

Here is my craft tip: Save or collect (from yard sales) old paper towel holders, either the counter stand kind or the hang-on-the-wall kind, and use them to store your ribbons for both crafting and wrapping. Not all ribbon spools will fit, but a lot will, and it's a great way to keep track of the ribbon you have.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46957120.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Organizing Craft Patterns

Tips for organizing your craft patterns from our ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas.

Patterns In Sheet Protectors

Categorize and keep clean your craft patterns by inserting them into plastic page protectors, then into labeled binders.

By Bev B

File Folders

I drop mine into labeled file folders in a cabinet. Recently I started scanning them and organizing them on my computer so I can send them to friends, etc. who need ideas.

By bunnyboo

Color Coordinate And Sort Into Categories

I keep all of my patterns sorted by the type of craft it is. I sew, cross stitch, crochet, beading and many more so I have a different color file for each craft. My patterns are also sorted by the season, holiday, size and finally sex. All of this might seem like a lot but when I'm looking for a pattern, this makes it much easier to find it.

By Carol

Tote Bag For Project

I use a tote bag to carry my project and my yarn in. For my craft patterns, I have a binder with sheet protectors that I use, too.

By Debra

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf615187.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cross Stitch Sayings

Here are cross stitch sayings that have been submitted from our creative ThriftyFun community. Post your own favorites here.

"With the children asleep and crying now past,
Know that while days are long, the years go fast."

"Peace on Earth Begins at Home"

"Who waits outside the door, one may never know.
So tarry not, my friend, he too may have to go."

"Memories are the most cherished keepsakes."

"On my road through life, may I handle each crisis as a small bump and not a major chuckhole."

"A true friend warms you with her presence,
Trusts you with her secrets,
Remembers you in her prayers."

"There are two lasting gifts we can give our children.
One is roots, the other is wings."

"Never let go. Dreams take time."

"Housework never killed anyone.
But I'm not taking any chances."

By Sharon, KY

Favorite cross stitch saying:

"Grandparents are oldies with goodies."

By Julie

My favorite, seen a long time ago, remains:

"If a mother's place is in the home, why am I always in the car?"

By Karen

By Nicole

"God blesses this kitchen - but He doesn't clean it!"

My personal fave, on my wall as a gift from my grandmother.

"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!"

Gram was a real hoot sometimes.

CJ in Dallas

"Work like you don't need the money,
Love like you've never been hurt, and
Dance like you do when nobody's watching."

By Pam819

"An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other toys"

By Nex

My mother in law had this one hanging in her bathroom that was used for the children. And you can just imagine WHY!

By Elizabeth

"If you sprinkle when you tinkle. . .
Please be neat and wipe the seat."

"Life is for living, not just surviving"

"Sometimes you have to fall, just to remember how far from the bottom you are"

"Those who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt those doing it"

"Don't just get along, get along in style!"

"Friends come and go, you stay forever!"

By Panne

"I'm smiling because you're my sister
I'm laughing because you can't do anything about it"

By Barb

Post your favorite cross stitch sayings below.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf918195.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Plastic Card Holder Ideas

I'm looking for ideas for a holder for my ID, credit cards, etc. i really don't care about instructions for a tri-fold because i don't carry cash. I just carry plastic. Most of them are clubs cards like Air-miles, Esso Extra, PetroPoints, Video store membership cards, debit card, ID, that sort of thing. I can't find anything retail that really JUST holds plastic or i can't find anything I like... So, now I'm looking for ideas to create a holder, with individual spots for each card. whether it be made by Duct tape or tetra packs or anything.

Any ideas?

Kevin from Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18457065.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Drum Shade Chandelier

I like the look of the big drum shades used as chandeliers over a dining table, but don't have much money and actually haven't seen any in stores. Couldn't a regular table lamp drum shade be modified to hang as a pendant/chandelier?

Cindya

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20874034.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making a Decoupage Tile Heat Resistant

How can I make a tile that I have decorated with paper into a hot plate? I used something like Mod Podge to bond the paper onto the tile then I varnish with water based varnish. I am not sure how water/heat resistant a tile like this would be.

Thank you,
Lisa from Greece

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32728547.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Seashell Mirror

I'm looking for instructions on how to make a seashell mirror.

Thank you,
Linda from Anna Maria, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36926197.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making Fake Cakes

I finally found out how to make fake cakes but I can't find out how to make the "fruit topping" that looks like the fruit is in juice that I have seen on fake pies and cakes. Also, I need help with making fake crumbs that go on the side of fake carrot cakes or fake angel food cakes. If anyone could please let me know to make these or knows a useful website for the supplies, I would greatly apprieciate it.

Have a great day!
MommyMitchell from Delaware

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43087332.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Uses for Cereal Boxes

I find myself throwing out cardboard cereal boxes and things like pot pie boxes, etc, and I hate doing it, but I don't know how to recycle them as fast as we use that stuff. I don't have kids at home anymore, so I don't really need them for craft projects. Any ideas would be appreciated no matter how "far-fetched" they are. Oh, and I should point out that there is no household recycling pickup in my area.

Jacquelyn from Walker, LA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf456819.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Painted Coffee Can Ideas

I am looking for painted coffee can ideas. Many years ago, in Pack O Fun, there were ideas for a Santa Claus and a pumpkin. I am looking for other holiday can ideas.

Rileen from Collinsville, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47796982.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making Hair Bows

How do I make a hair bow?

Melissa from Elsa, Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60137910.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Fixing Mistakes on Counted Cross Stitch Projects

If you mess up stitches on counted cross stitch, how can I fix them?

Therese from IN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60178854.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Make Your Own Mouse Pad

Does anyone have ideas on how to make your own computer mouse pad? I like the ones that look like little carpets, but they are so expensive! What else can be done?

Lynn from Albany, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68260203.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Temporary Glue

I am trying to find a glue that can be removed from antique buttons later if I want to take them out of a display frame. They are fragile. There is a cloth backing inside the frame. I tried removable glue spots and they won't hold the heavier buttons. Some of the buttons are over 80 years old.

Rae Ann from Templeton, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71729877.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Uses for Mint Tins

I need craft ideas for the empty metal cans with hinged lids that have Altoids and other mints in them. They are so lovely that I hate to throw them away.

Shirley from Lacey, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78103742.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Sunburst Window Treatment

I am in need of instructions for making a sunburst window treatment to fit into an arched window top. I know it's gathered around the half circle of the arch and in the bottom center the excess fabric is gathered into a rosette.

Any responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81147906.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Decorating Paint Cans

How can I decorate a paint can to give as a gift. I would want it to be permanent and look brand new, not hand made. Where would I buy a new empty can?

Giftsandbags.com

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83341412.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Mr. Bear Craft

What size stocking loom is used to make the Mr. Bear? Thank you in advance. I really want to make this darling toy.

Virginia from San Diego, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84952950.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Sewing Tough Fabrics

Tips for sewing tough farbric. Post your ideas.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf890545.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Easter Egg Dye Recipes

I am looking for recipes for making my own easter egg dye for my 4H group. Does anyone have any recipes to share?

Thanks,
Diane

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93140348.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homecoming Mums

I was wondering if anybody knew how to make homecoming mums? You all remember those crazy overpriced dangly things we wore in high school? Now it's my son's turn to buy one and I was hoping to make one to save some money. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Andjerm from DFW

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99364193.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here

Easter Basket Ideas

Here are some good thrifty Easter basket ideas that are healthy and fun. Post your own ideas here!

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000796.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

How to Make a Wheat Heating Pad
By Christine Miserandino

We have all seen those microwave heating pads selling in the stores for big bucks, and I always thought "Boy I wish I knew how to make one" They look so easy to make. So my new friend Wendy gave me the "directions" and it is easy enough to do and so helpful to those of us who get cold easily or have sore muscles.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf634836.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print