ThriftyFun Crafts - October 15, 2008

We have lots of new crafts this week, including many Halloween ideas. Do you have any Halloween crafts to share? Be sure to submit them soon, so we can publish them in advance of the Holiday. You can submit them to one of the contest pages for a chance at winning $25 or to Crafts for Fun and Money where we pay $15 for every craft that we publish.

For more information about Crafts for Fun and Money visit:

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Craft Project: Picture Me
• Pumpkin Centerpiece
• Craft Project: Autumn Leaf Print Placemats
• Craft Project: Mummy Pumpkins
• Craft: Crocheted Plarn Rug
• Craft Project: Halloween Painted Jeans
• Craft Project: Spooky Luminieres

Tips:

• How to Make a Plastic Bag Storage Container
• Craft: Mooning Scarecrow
• Craft: Using an Old Window Frame
• Craft: Picture Books for Little Children
• Halloween Tree
• Flying Ghosts Halloween Decoration
• Christmas Stocking Hanger
• Prolong The Life Of Your Jack-O-Lantern
• Using "Spools" From Old Video Cassettes
• Craft: Use Lace For A Subtle Pattern
• Make a Keepsake of Old T-Shirts
• Halloween Gravestone Epitaphs

Requests:

• Warm Halloween Costumes
• Uses For Downy Fabric Softener Balls
• Crafts Using Glass Tiles
• Triple Crochet Shell Baby Afghan
• Using Plastic Stretch Cord
• Making Paper String
• Transferring a Picture to a Cup or Plate
• Dying Material Without Coloring Box
• Learning To Use Knitting Looms
• Making Sail Boat Out Of Drink Cans
• Pattern For Highchair Pad
• Uses For Old Keys
• Sewing Satin Trim on Blankets
• Books On How To Make Nylon Butterflies
• Painting Clear Glass Ornaments
• Making A Living Wreath

Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Craft Project: Picture Me
By Debra Frick

This is an easy craft for kids of all ages and something we just did with the kindergarten class that I volunteer in. It does not take much time but makes a beautiful gift for parents, grandparents or someone special. This craft can be done anytime of the year but we choose Fall because of the unusually nice weather we have been having.

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Pumpkin Centerpiece

Start by carving the pumpkin designs. Glue it to the base. Glue the candle jar on top, first cut off the stem, so the jar will sit flat! Then glue the wreath around the candle jar. Put the battery operated candle lite inside. Turn on the switch and light the top candle for an elegant table centerpiece!

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Craft Project: Autumn Leaf Print Placemats

Bring the beauty of fall indoors with these easy to make, leaf-printed placemats. The kids will have a ball making these.

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Craft Project: Mummy Pumpkins

A cute craft for Halloween, this pumpkin craft requires no carving and is appropriate for all ages. Very quick and easy to make.

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Craft: Crocheted Plarn Rug

Crochet yourself a round plarn rug. If you are not familiar with the term plarn, it's plastic bags cut into strips to create yarn. You then crochet with it. I have a free crochet pattern available if you want to make this rug. These plastic rugs are really handy for boots and doormats. You can just rinse them off and hang to dry. Here is the free pattern link:

• http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/09/27/recycled-round-plarn-rug/

By RecycleCindy from WA

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Craft Project: Halloween Painted Jeans

Transform those old jeans/overalls/skirts, etc into Holiday Wear. With this EASY Project for lasting results of enjoyment. All you need is a scene of your choice (here I did The Peanuts Gang with Charlie Brown receiving his bag of rocks) a fabric item of your choice (100% cotton items work best) a few simple paint supplies some old news papers an plastic container with some water and an old rag for clean up of your brushes between painted drying times.

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Craft Project: Spooky Luminieres

Construction paper and modge podge are all it takes to transform ordinary glass jars into a spooky Halloween setting.

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How to Make a Plastic Bag Storage Container

Take a piece of fabric, fold it over and sew side. Hem each end leaving space for the draw string. Run a draw string at the top with a string to hang the container on a nail. Run elastic around the bottom and pull together. Put your plastic bags from the store in them. If you need one pull from bottom.

By Carleen from Little Rock

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Craft: Mooning Scarecrow

Scarecrow for Halloween. Build a frame out of wood. Dress and stuff with hay. Add a few pumpkins. Great for doubletakes from passers-by.

By Vickie G from Earle, Arkansas

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Craft: Using an Old Window Frame

I was given this old frame, and decided to make it look realistic. I put a cut up poster behind the places where the panes were, and it looks like I am gazing out into a serene waterfall in the woods.

Some of my snail collections are on it, and for the photo, I would have taken them off. However, I have cats, and everything in this house is glued down! But, this may inspire some of you just the same.

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Craft: Picture Books for Little Children

My little one doesn't seem to like board books with drawings for pictures, and rather than go out and buy more books, I decided to make them. I used ziplock bags (not the zipper lock bags), construction paper, old magazines, and yarn. I cut out pictures of animals, babies, trucks, etc. from the magazines and cut the construction paper to fit inside the bags. I grouped the pictures by subject and glued 1 picture to each side of the construction paper. Then I slipped it into the baggie, sealed it closed, made holes in the baggies by the ziplock, and threaded and tied the yarn.

Source: I found it on a website, but I don't remember what it is.

By Jenn T from Lenox, MA

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Halloween Tree

I noticed on my tree Box in the closet, it said Holiday tree so I decorate it for every holiday. Each season gets a new tree. This is my Halloween Tree and below it is my 4th Of July Tree. The grandkids love it and it gives them something to work on each Holiday

By Janet B. from Moberly, Missouri

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Flying Ghosts Halloween Decoration

Make some "Flying Ghosts" to hang from tree branches or porch. Gather a few "Leggs Eggs." Sandwich some filament or string between the two halves at the top. At the bottom, add three narrow strips about a foot long cut from a white plastic bag and glue shut. Paint the Egg white and hang to dry. When completely dry add a funny or scary face using black paint or a magic marker. (eyes, mouth, eyebrows will do) Hang your spooky ghosts from a low tree branch or the roof of your porch.

By Carol Jean from Sidney, Ohio

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Christmas Stocking Hanger

Use Christmas decorated ribbon the length of ceiling to floor or as long as you like. Let the kids paint special clothespins to hang their personal stocking. Hang each stocking along the ribbon. This will also work as a Christmas Card Holder.

This is very useful for me because I hang 26 stockings a year for my grown children and my grandkids. I use the same stockings from year to year. Some of mine are 20 years old.

By Janet from Moberly, Missouri

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Prolong The Life Of Your Jack-O-Lantern

To prolong the life of your jack-o-lantern after making the cuts, coat the cuts with petroleum jelly.

Source: Backyard Living magazine.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Using "Spools" From Old Video Cassettes

OK, some of you are thinking "this woman has too much time on her hands" but since I quit my job several months ago, I have been continuously going through my house and downsizing. Yesterday, I was straightening up in our video/DVD armoire. I found numerous video cassettes that through the years I would record my soaps on so that I could watch them to relax when I got home from work. I also found some that you use to get with different products like a lawn mower, etc. I got to thinking about what I could do with these tapes. Especially since I DON'T tape nor watch my soaps anymore. (It's funny how you are relaxed, even while cleaning out your home.)

Anyway, I decided to take one of the cassettes apart. After all, the tapes were useless to me. I took the 5 or so screws out of it and pulled it apart. I looked at the two spools that had the video tape on them. I pulled all this off and of course, put it into the recycling bin along with the other casing. I then decided to use the spools and put ribbon on them (gift ribbon that you curl with your scissors and thin satin ribbon for crafts or other projects). I hate the thin paper rolls that the ribbon comes on that get bent and not hold the ribbon straight!! The paper rolls will now go into the recycling since I am using the plastic spools which can be used over and over again when you run out of the ribbon! This is a win, win situation for the environment.

If anyone has any other ideas of using any other part of the casing and such, please post it on the website. I am ALL about recycling everything I can!

Source: Me. I figured that something inside that cassette could be used for something else.

By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

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Craft: Use Lace For A Subtle Pattern

I wanted a subtle pattern on the table that I painted and then thought of the idea that I used quite some time ago on a trunk. First I primed and painted the table a soft green and let it dry. Then I bought some lace with a large pattern and laid it over the top. I sprayed in a very soft gray. I also did the drawers. This matches very nicely with other things in my bedroom but, if you wanted to, you could make the contrast more extreme and it would also look good. I then put a coat of water based polyurethane on it.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Make a Keepsake of Old T-Shirts

My daughter had two old camp shirts. One was a tie-die and the other had the name of the camp. They were too small and had a couple of stains. After washing, I turned the tie-died one into a small pillow. I cut the camp name out of the other shirt. Before I stuffed the pillow I sewed on the camp name. Now my daughter has a wonderful keepsake of her camp time!

By Savings Assistant from Georgia

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Halloween Gravestone Epitaphs

I came up with a series of silly epitaphs for tombstone shaped Halloween cards, but I thought other crafters might come up with other ways to use them.

1. I'm with stupid

2. If you can read this, you're too close

3. For a good time call...

4. Sam I am, I am Sam. I ate green eggs and ham, and now look where I am

5. Hey! Get off me!

6. Anybody get the number of that truck? Because I sure didn't!

By Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON

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Warm Halloween Costumes

I need some help with ideas for a Halloween costume for a 1 1/2 yr old. I looked at Walmart but the costumes for that age are just so boring and standard. So I was trying to think of some on my own. Any ideas? They also need to be warm since are weather is getting really cold.

Natalie

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Uses For Downy Fabric Softener Balls

I'm looking for an idea to recycle the Downy fabric softener balls. At one time I saw an idea card from Downy using them as night lites but have never seen the pattern/instructions. I have gone to the Downy web site but there doesn't seem to be any information. I hope someone can help with this or give some ideas.

Patsy from Salem, MO

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Crafts Using Glass Tiles

I have square, clear glass tiles with etched/frosted Celtic circles. The glass is not thick. I would love to do art project with them. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Marie from NYC

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Triple Crochet Shell Baby Afghan

I am looking for a pattern or kit for a triple crochet shell baby afghan. I bought a kit many years ago but now can't find a kit or pattern. Can anyone help me? The shells sit on top of each other so a circle is formed.

Sandra from Red Creek, NY

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Using Plastic Stretch Cord

How can I tie off clear stretch cord? It keeps slipping out. I am trying to make a bracelet with the stretch cord. I have tried burning it, and gluing it.

Sarah from Texas

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Making Paper String

I found a great project for a spool knit necklace made out of paper string and I need instructions on how to make the string. I'm not sure what kind of paper to use, but it's definitely not ordinary copy paper.

Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON

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Transferring a Picture to a Cup or Plate

I want to know how to transfer my kid's picture to a cup. What kinds of photo paper can I use and kind of cup? Thanks for any help.

Abdolqader

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Dying Material Without Coloring Box

How do you dye material without buying a coloring box?

Emily from Branson West, MO

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Learning To Use Knitting Looms

I was at Walmart and I saw a Loom Craft kit with several different shaped looms. It said that full instructions were included in the kit. The cost was $20.00. I don't really know anything about Loom Crafts, I assume that I use the loom to help me make hats, scarves, etc. I was wondering if anyone knows of this product and has any feedback?

As far as crafting I am a novice. I have just started crocheting and it's coming along well enough. I am teaching myself and have nearly mastered the single crochet. Any advice about this product would be really appreciated.

LeAnn from Gaffney

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Making Sail Boat Out Of Drink Cans

I saw at a craft fair that someone had these model airplanes and models boats and cars made out of soda cans and beer cans. I've been searching all over for how to make a sailboat out of beer cans. Can anyone help me?

Sabrina

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Pattern For Highchair Pad

Does anyone know where to get patterns for a highchair pad? I bought a chair at a thrift store, and it needs a new pad. I could order one from the company, but they want 3 times what I paid for the chair. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

LeaAnn from Mitchell, SD

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Uses For Old Keys

I love to find new uses for old things. I have tons of keys and was wondering if anyone had any idea what could be done with them?

Kristie from AR

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Sewing Satin Trim on Blankets

Is there a no fail way to sew satin trim on blankets? Mine always gets bunched up or even completely missed my sewing machine when I am trying to sew it on with just one side visible to the eye.

Helen

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Books On How To Make Nylon Butterflies

I have been having such a difficult time trying to find out if there are any books to buy that explain how to create the nylon butterflies, flowers and dragonflies? I was mainly searching for the type of nylon fabric I would need to purchase in order to create the nylon butterflies. I have tried everything and have been unsuccessful. I went to craft stores, book stores and even onto the internet. Nothing at all!

I called several web-sites that had the butterflies on them but they didn't know either. I was referred to you from BUGS-N-BLOOM. I pray that you can help me or know anyone that can. I would appreciate and information that will help me to finally find what I have been looking for. Thank you so much.

Patricia

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Painting Clear Glass Ornaments

I have seen Christmas balls that are originally clear glass. The balls have paint on the inside that has been swirled around. They were lovely. How do I make them? I have tried with my regular paint and with glass window paint neither did any swirling. Thank you.

Sandy from Halethorpe

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Making A Living Wreath

I have a large group of lavender plants and want to make a wreath. I have never done one and could use any suggestions on how to go about starting. Thanks.

Kathy from Lawrenceville, NJ

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