This week we have lots of tips and projects as well as some uses
for old neckties. I hope you enjoy them!
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.
You don't have to be an artist to create beautiful hand-painted candle holders from inexpensive glass containers.
Wash container with soap and water and let dry. Clean outside of container with alcohol to prepare the surface and get rid of any residue. Choose a small picture of flowers or design of your choice. Tape the picture to the inside of the glass container. Paint over the design on the outside of the container. Allow to paint to dry for about one hour. It may take more than one coat for good coverage. If the container has a lip, tie coordinating ribbon around top edge. Place candle inside. (The paint must cure for ten days before being hand washed. Following care instructions on the label.)
Take black sparkle felt (or foam or reg felt) and cut out two bat wings and 2 little ears. I made a template out of regular paper before I cut into the felt. Glue wings so sparkle side is facing front. Glue wiggle eyes on front. I used the fringe yarn they have now for around the eyes but it is not necessary. Cut a piece of red chenille stick for mouth and glue. Cut fangs from white felt, paper whatever you have and glue to mouth.
There you have it, a sock bat puppet
Here is a fun craft to make this fall. I made a ton of them last year, they are cheap and easy.
Place your TP roll in the middle of your fabric, right side down. Put polyfill around the TP roll to desired "plumpness". Be sure and tuck it under the TP roll so the bottom looks normal. Gather fabric up around the TP roll and polyfill and tuck it inside the hole of the TP. Push it in as far as it will go. Wrap a separate pieces of floral wire, one at a time around a pencil so they curl like a vine. Tuck on end of each into the tp hole. Crumple up a small piece of paper bag, then roll it so it resembles a stem. Push into the TP hole.
First measure your shower, then cut your fabric to size. Fold over at top for the rod to go through. You will need a long piece of fabric and the short piece as in picture or you can just use 1 long piece if you want. Then sew on your ribbon. you can make any theme you want. I made one for every holiday using seasonal fabric. I hand sew mine but of course you can use a sewing machine. (This is the outside curtain NOT the actual shower curtain.)
Wooden spoon, dish towel angel. Great house warming gift or holiday gift
Take dish cloth and fold back and forth lengthwise. Take spoon and wrap around spoon. Take ribbon and cut extra long. Tie dishcloth with ribbon at bottom of spoon part to form the dress. Take dish cloth (waffle style) and roll on the diagonal and wrap around spoon and tie in front as if they were hands. Take the ribbon which is hanging in back from where you already attached the dress and tie 2nd cloth to wooden spoon. Take pot holder and fold up like wings and tie up to back with same ribbon and finally tie ribbon to front in bow.
I took an empty coffee can, painted it orange then sponged another layer of a different shade of orange to look like stripes on the body. The face was cut out of wood scrap with a hole cut out for the mouth and then stapled the plastic lid to the wood. I painted a face to match the body. I used L-brackets to attach a string to the top to hang the bird house. The tail is cut from foam and painted to match the body. The colors could be painted to suit your taste. I hung mine out in my yard and it has a nest inside. To clean out the bird house, just take the lid off, clean then put the lid back on.
By Craftingblues from Havre, MT
It will be 9 years next month since we moved into our house. There were absolutely no drapes in the house. So I had to find a frugal way of either buying drapes or making them myself. My husband and I first started shopping for drapes at several stores. I looked at the price tags and was astonished and knew right away that it would have cost us a lot of money to do the entire house. We price shopped at a number of stores, and still the same thing, just too expensive. Then we tried some thrift shops such as the Salvation Army and the Goodwill, and didn't find anything to our liking. The drapes were either too long, too short or too narrow for our windows and I would have had to alter them so they would fit the windows anyway.
I either read this frugal tip in a magazine or heard it on TV about making drapes out of flat bed sheets. I thought to myself, "Why not give it a try". I purchased two flat queen sized sheets from Sears because I fell in love with the large flower pattern. The flat twin size sheets were either purchased from K-Mart or Walmart. I also had to purchase some drapery rods for the kitchen, bathroom and three bedrooms.
I didn't use a sewing pattern, just plan old ingenuity and the many years of sewing experience helped me out tremendously. I wanted to make floor length drapes for my living room windows. So I ran the curtain rod through the top casing on the sheet and hung it up to my window. Then stepped back and took a long hard look at what needed to be done. The sheet was extremely long so I measured as to how much I should cut off at the bottom. I cut both sheets the same length and sewed the bottom hems on my sewing machine. With the fabric that was left over, I made a separate valance. There was absolutely no material wasted. I did pretty much the same for the bedroom drapes, but sewed a valance at the top and still had enough fabric left over and made two tie backs and sewed plastic "0" rings on each tie back. I made a pair of drapes and a matching shower curtain for my bathroom, and for the master bedroom made the drapes and a matching duvet cover for our comforter.
I'm so frugal, that I didn't want to spend the extra money for another flat sheet so I made a pair of drapes out of the left over fabric that I used on the kitchen window.
They are so very easy to launder, and never need dry cleaning. Just wash, dry and press with your iron. I even bought four pairs of sheer drapes in a few garage sales that I used for my living room and bedroom windows.
Now you're probably wondering what it cost me to do the entire house. Would you believe if I told you about $109.00 - $115.00.
By Marge W. from Sanborn, NY
Here's a great way to save money on gifts and get the kids involved too. This particular gift idea is so easy and says "I love you" so well. Make several of these keepsakes and give them to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who needs a smile.
The best, inexpensive Christmas gift I ever received was from my daughter when she was in elementary school. The class took small empty boxes (toothpaste, jewelry gift boxes, etc.), wrapped them in wrapping paper, then tied them up with curling ribbon. Attached to the box was this note:
I took an ordinary box
As empty as can be
I filled it with a special gift
And wrapped it carefully.
But please don't ever open it
Just leave the ribbon tied
And hold it tightly near your heart
Because my love for you is inside!
I loved this gift and will keep it FOREVER. This would be a good class project for elementary school students or for a Sunday School class.
By MomOf1 from Wilkesboro, NC
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Wine Glasses as Candleholders
At a craft fair last week-end I saw the cutest thing to do with old wine glasses. Turn them upside down and take trim with beads on it and glue it to the edge of the base. The beads or trim will hang down towards the glass and make a nice border. On what was the bottom of the glass stem is where you set a candle. You could put anything you like inside them to make them even fancier. I think it would be a great way to use old glasses and make a fancy, inexpensive centerpiece.
By Chris from Oshkosh, WI
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Folding and Storing Sewing Patterns
This is for people who have a problem with keeping sewing patterns neatly stuffed in those too small envelopes.
I hold the pattern where the front picture is facing me. I cut the envelope across the bottom and up the right side making a folder. I then put the pattern pieces and instructions in the folder, then put all of that in a gallon size zipper freezer bag. You can take it with you to the fabric store and read through the bag to get yardages and notions. There is no danger of its being mistaken for a new pattern so there will be no discussion of payment when you get to checkout.
By MartyD from Houston, TX
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Recycle Crib Sheets for a Playhouse
When my toddler graduated from a crib to a twin mattress, I gave my older two children the worn out crib sheets. Earlier I'd brought home big boxes for them which they used to create a home, cutting out windows and entries. Then they used duct tape to secure the sheets for curtains and doors. It was a blast; they loved it! A person could also help them paint the boxes outside.
By Susan from Essexville, MI
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Reuseable Decorations for Baby Shower
Decorating the 2 chairs for the Mommy and Daddy to be. Unlike most decorations that are crepe paper and bows that get thrown away after a shower, Why not decorate with new and usable Baby items!
I decorated each chair with one, a blue fleece baby blanket, draping it triangular over the chair and tying the top with blue ribbon, and using a blue bib, That says "I Love My Daddy" on it, And the exact same for the Mommy's chair with a pink fleece blanket, pink ribbon and a pink bib saying "I Love My Mommy". It looked beautiful, and each item was reusable for the new baby.
By Jackie from Southern, MA
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Use Gift Bags For Cute Wall Art
My son loves Roy Rogers, and I've looked at prints and posters to decorate his room with, but most are a little pricey for a momma on a budget. While I was walking through the dollar store the other day, I noticed a gift bag that just happened to have a cute, good-sized tinted photo of Roy Rogers and Trigger, ONE ON EACH SIDE. I cut them out and framed them in dollar store frames. Two framed pics for $3.00--instead of $30.00.
So--look over those cheap but cute giftbags and grab your scissors! Butcher a bag!
By Gina J. from Colorado
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Fold Patterns To Correct Size
This is for people who sew. I buy those multiple size patterns for many of my granddaughter's garments. I cut out the pattern pieces to the largest size. Then I cut across the cutting line at several places around the pattern. Then I fold the pieces to the cutting line for the appropriate size. This enables me to use the pattern for several seasons and I can also use size 6 length with a size 5 garment as she is rather tall for her age. The patterns last longer and will do for more than one child.
By MartyD from Houston, TX
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The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
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Making a Braided Rug from Crochet Chains
My daughter and her friend were learning to crochet and have made a bunch of chains. They were wanting to make rugs, like the braided rag rugs. I was wondering #1 how to make them and #2 how would you join the rounds together. The chains are yarn not cloth. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Dahart from Durango,CO
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Inexpensive Owl Halloween Costume For 5 Year Old
Looking for ideas to make an inexpensive owl Halloween costume for a 5 year old friend. Thank you.
Sally from Chewelah, WA
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Holiday Craft Ideas For Fourth Grade
This year I am homeroom mother for fourth graders. Really need some game/craft suggestions for upcoming Halloween party. Our school has a rule that we must use prepackaged snacks so that will be easy, BUT would love some ideas on, games or crafts that would be easy, inexpensive, and would hold the attention of fourth graders.
Also if you have any ideas for Christmas and Valentine parties.
Thanks
Linda from Brighton, MO
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Glass Box Decoration Ideas
What kind of decorations can you put on top of the glass box decorations to go along with the bows or without bows?
Jodi from Parkersburg, IA
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Instructions For Painting Laminate Counter Tops Like Brown Quartz
Is it possible to (step by step and what products) paint my laminate counter tops to look like dark brown quartz?
Lisa Russ from Florence, SC
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Making An Orange Light Ball From Solo Cups
Has anybody ever made an orange light ball out of Solo cups?
Machines from TX
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Help Drilling Glass Blocks
I am trying to drill the glass blocks. I have the 1/2 inch diamond drill bit but it seems to be taking a lot if effort. I put it in water first but it heats up rather quickly.
Carrie from Canada
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Craft Ideas for One Year Old
Any craft ideas for a 12 month old to make?
Gricelda from 209, California
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Need Instructions For Shell/Postage Baby Afghan
Looking for corner to corner baby afghan shell/postage crochet that dec after so many rows? Help, baby on the way!
Joyce from Ohio
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Free Baby Bib Pattern With Sleeves
Would anyone know where I can get a free pattern to make a baby bib with sleeves?
Nicole from Canada
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Craft Ideas For Fur Fabric
Can anyone help? I have just been given generous amounts of fur fabric by a friend. So far i have made a large pencil case for my niece but that's all. Apart from making teddy bears with the fabric- has anyone got some creative ideas for what to do with it please?
Many thanks.
Monique from Somerset.UK
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Looking For Reading With Reasons To Save Fabric Scrap
I used to work with a woman who had a little reading which had all the reasons for buying and saving fabric scraps. My favorite was so that you could have the most scraps boxed up under the bed when you die. Has anyone seen this? If so I'd like to know where I can get it. It is clever and refreshing and would be great framed and hung on the sewing room wall. It is about 8 1/2 by 11.
Marty from Houston, TX
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Putting Bows On Glass Blocks
I am making the decorated glass blocks.
How do you make the bows on them, or do people usually buy them pre-made? Can anyone let me know! I want to start making ASAP!
Carrie from Canada
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Making a Banner
Tips for making a banner for a birthday, holiday or any celebration. Post your own ideas here.
Use A Sheet
My grandkids and I used a twin size white flat sheet and spray paint to welcome home their daddy from Iraq. Suddenly we saw a whole lot of them around here.
By KELLYCAJUN
Mother's Day Banner On Freezer Paper
Depending on how wide you need the banner to be, you might consider getting out the Freezer Paper and some markers, Write your message to Mom. Decorate with tissue flowers or silk ones or even large stickers. Take something she enjoys and decorate with that theme. If she likes to dress up, take a high heeled shoe and trace onto paper, color it in adding glitter and a dazzling pair of earrings, necklace. If she enjoys cooking, draw an apron, rolling pin, pot and pan, etc. or, if she love to garden, draw flower pots, spades, veggies, rakes, hoes etc. Is she into sewing, draw a tape measure, a huge thimble, a needle with thread coming out the eye and then make a checked fabric with markers. Does she like to quilt, do a patch work design. Just use you imagination and have fun ! She will love it because it came from you.
By Martha in TN
Dollar Store Mother's Day Banner
Depending on what you have to spend and how crafty you are AND if you have any help, it might be kinda fun to go to the dollar store and get the following:
- construction paper
- tissue paper in sheets or small to medium artificial flowers
- glue or glue gun with sticks
- hole punch and reinforcements for looseleaf paper
- flat back jewels or round stickers (like happy faces)
Choose a sheet of construction paper for each letter. You might like to use one color for each word, ie: green for "happy" etc. With each sheet vertical (up and down) measure and lightly draw a line down each long side, 1/2-1 inch wide and do the same on the short sides. In the resulting box, lightly print in large caps to fill the box each letter of Happy Mother's Day (give the apostrophe it's own sheet too)
In the margins of each sheet, punch a hole about 1/2-1" from both top and bottom of each sheet, keeping the holes on each sheet even with the following ones. This is best done by measuring and marking a dot with a pencil on each one, then punching at the dots. Don't forget this is done on THE LONG SIDES of each sheet ONLY. Apply reinforcements to each hole, FRONT AND BACK, to keep the holes from ripping when the banner hangs. Using the tissue, cut 4-6 inch squares and grasp the center of each square, gathering it tightly. Glue the resulting bunches along your pencil lines, forming a floral letter on each sheet.
I am more in favor of using the artificial flowers as follows: remove stem and center of flowers, separating into petals. Glue petals separately along the lines of the letters, filling any center holes with a sticker, jewel or other round decoration (sequins, buttons, etc.) Do this until you have each letter done. Arrange in order needed. Using some colorful yarn, string etc also available at dollar stores, tie each letter to the next one with a length of yarn, (not too long, experiment!) through top holes and bottom holes, leaving a little space between letter. On each end, add a hanging loop at top or bottom that you can hang over large map pins or stick tacks through to hang the banner. Good luck, if you use this, post a picture so we can all see it.
By thriftmeg
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Crochet Edge Around a Fleece Blanket
What is a good way to crochet an edge around a fleece baby blanket?
Quick Slip Stitch Border
Take the tip of scissors and poke small holes evenly spaced along edge of the blanket. Now take regular worsted weight yarn and slip stitch around the blanket. This is easy, quick and it gives a unique finishing touch to the blanket. For a baby, you could make small slits to run some satin ribbon through, make bows at all four corners.
By Debra in Colorado
Slip Stitch Good For Other Fleece Projects Too
Great idea! I was looking for a finishing idea for a fleece poncho. It can also be a nice finish on fleece hats.
By gelykn
Use A Chain Stitch
I do something similar, only I space the holes about an inch apart, and chain-stitch from one to the next (leave a bit of ease at the corners) and then go around again, which makes a nice little diamond pattern. I've also tried getting a scalloped edge with this, but I can't read crochet patterns, so I just faked it, it turned out ok enough to make it an interesting idea.
By chinacat
Corner Advice
You can also punch a hole with a metal crochet needle (the kind used with crochet thread). Then, when you get to the corner, make 3 single crochet stitches in one space for the corner - that way, you will have a smooth corner.
By tedsmom
Use A Punch For Holes
I use an old punch and a tack hammer and it makes the holes quite easily. Just make sure the punch is a small one.
By Linda Jo
Paper Punch Or Skip Stitch Blade For Cutter
For holes in fleece, I have used a regular 1/8 inch paper punch and it worked. There is also something out called a skip stitch for 45 mm rotary cutters. You can only get it online for about $10. The blade is made so that it puts little holes in the fleece edge as you would use a rotary cutter. I got one for a gift, works wonderful and fast.
By Lucy
Blanket Stitch Then Chain Stitch
I made several fleece dog blankets recently for our local humane society. All I did was to sew a narrow blanket stitch onto the edges with yarn and a large needle (the kind designed for plastic canvas works really well). Then, I crocheted an edge onto the blanket stitch like this: I attached the yarn to an edge and made 3 chain stitches, made a single crochet in the second blanket stitch, chained 3 more stitches, made a single crochet into the next blanket stitch, etc. until I got all the way around. It makes a pretty, small ruffly edging. If you want the ruffles to be larger, then just chain stitch more stitches and skip more blanket stitches.
By tedsmom
Tips For Holes, Yarn And Finishing
Here is the easiest way I have found to put the holes in the fleece. I use a small hole paper punch (found at Michaels or any craft store) about 1/8 size. Make sure your round the corners of your fleece, it makes it much easier to work the stitches in. I punch the holes about 1/2" apart all the way around. Using a size G hook, I then crochet 2 single crochet stitches in every hole around. This will give you a base to work your edging. My favorite yarn to use around the fleece blankets is Caron, Simply Soft. You can buy the fleece fairly inexpensively at Walmart. I usually use about 1 1/4 yards per blanket for the younger kids. I made my oldest daughter one using 1 1/2 yards, and my husband one using 2 yards. They are easy, and can be made up easily in a weekend or a couple of evenings.
By mom2hhh
Step By Step Shell Border
I make flannel baby blankets much like mom2hhh does using the smallest hole punch to make the holes spaced 1/2" or slightly less apart around the edge of the flannel. I use 2 yards of flannel for each blanket and fold it in half and trim the edges (prewashed flannel). It makes a nice large double sided baby blanket. I do single crochet stitches in each hole with baby sport yarn. This looks like a blanket stitch around the edge. Then in the single stitch spaces, do a shell stitch edging - 5 to 7 double stitches, skip a stitch, single stitch, skip a stitch followed by 5 to 7 double stitches. I try to space it so that a shell lands on the corner. I haven't rounded the corners. I will try that - it will probably be easier.
Expert Advice For Blanket Stitch
You can try using a tiny metal crochet hook (the kind that's made for crocheting doilies) and a thin "doily lace" thread. (These usually come in preshrunk "mercerized" cotton) to crochet right through your fleece. (If the weave is open enough)
If your hook won't go through your fleece, you'll have to first embroider your edge with a BLANKET STITCH (also called a "buttonhole" or "hem" stitch) using a large eye needle and either yarn or cotton doily thread.
After you have done one round with embroidery (needle and yarn or thick thread) then just crochet the rest of the rounds using whatever type of yarn and stitch you'd like, working the crochet into the top of the embroidery stitches. (I'd use double crochet, or make shells around the edge)
This is the way they used to do it way back in the old days, especially when crocheting baby clothes edging.
How To Embroider A Blanket Stitch (also called a "buttonhole" or "hem" stitch)
Below, is the reverse of the way I'm talking about, They show how to FIRST crochet the edge, THEN sew it on AFTER crocheting the edging, I don't recommend this unless you've already bought a great piece of edging and you wanted to sew it on.
Using The Embroidery Blanket Stitch To Edge Crochet
By Cyinda
Feel free to post your ideas below!
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Crafts Using Neck Ties
Craft tips using old neck ties from the ThriftyFun community.
Watch Washing Instructions And Other Tips
Just a caution for all those gorgeous and lovely ties, be sure whatever you make uses ties with the same washing instructions. It is disastrous to combine washable and unwashable ties in one craft, I learned to my sorrow. Be sure and let any recipients know if the ties CANNOT be washed.
You can make a great windsock with old ties and a tall plastic container. Cut out the bottom, punch holes in the narrowest opening, add the 4 strings(kite string works best) and knot together, add a swivel hook(fishermen know what that is) Fold under the narrow end of each tie and staple. Then using a exterior glue, glue the ties close together around the plastic container, leaving the wide point of each one hanging down for the streamers. Pick matching or coordinating or go tropical for summer.
By thriftmeg
Chair Back
At a coffee shop once, they had a ladder-back chair seat made of ties. It looked really cool!
By suzi homemaker
Curtains
You could use them as funky tiebacks for curtains, I saw that once on a decorating show and it looked really neat!
By Madelynnsmama
Angel and a Snake
You don't have to be too crafty for this angel:
Tie Angel
And this one came from this website:
Sneaky Snake (Made With Men's Ties)
By angelsmom10
Ties Skirt
Many years ago a friend made a skirt of old ties. Surely someone out there has a pattern for it. The wide pointy end was at the bottom of the shirt. Seems like it was about mid-calf length. And very colorful.I think the waistband was about 2 inches wide with a side zipper. And a tie added for a sash. I still have two of my fathers ties. He has been gone for 23 years. I use them to display his tie tacks. Most of which he made.
By Great Granny Vi
Christmas Tree Skirt
I saw a Christmas Tree skirt one time. The ties were just tacked together around the base of the tree except for two ties that when they met had hooks on one side and eyes on the other. That way you can undo it later and put it away for next Christmas.
By Susan
Purses And Clothes
I make purses from old neck ties, I have also sewn them on skirts and jeans they are really fun appliqué on they are on the bias so you can go anywhere. Also cut out the interfacing and press and cut bias strips to bind jacket labels, hems hats etc. (12/01/2006)
By Jackie
Make A Vest
They make beautiful vests, I have seen these on a sewing website several years ago.
By Betty
Necklace
I have seen necklaces made with a tie. You load the tie with a bead then put on a bead that you can see then again put a bead inside of the tie and so on. I have seen these and they very pretty. I don't have the full instructions though.
By sandy63
Use As A Belt
I saw a cute idea in the Family Fun magazine. You make belts with them. It sounds weird, but they are actually really stylish right now. Just look on their website under neck tie belts, and you should be able to find them. Looks really easy too! Good luck!
By thriftymomof2
Use In A Shadowbox Frame
You could take a shadow box frame and use the ties as a border to "frame" pictures of your father with the children. With a shadow box frame, you just use pins, so the ties won't be damaged. You can personalize them by putting in pictures of the kids with their grandpa an make a gift for each of your children. I have to say one of my most beloved and treasured family pictures is my grandparent's engagement picture.
By Carrie029
Snake Door Draft Catcher
Once you make all those wonderful suggestions above, give the cast offs to teachers to make Door Draft Catchers. It's this fast and easy kind of craft that teachers love! My Sunday School class did these for Father's Day. Unstitch the narrow end of the tie and stuff the center with batting or other filler. (Most ties will require reinforcing of the opposite pointed wide.) Stitch it closed! Then take the wide pointed end of the tie and glue on eyes and a felt tongue. Voila`! Instant Snake Door Draft Catcher.
By galoosh
Pillow
Cut about 18 inches from the narrow end of the ties and then use these pieces and weave them in to a square. Cut a square from a piece of material and sew this onto the outer edge of the ties. Fill the inside with stuffing and you have a pillow.
By Selma
Necktie Pillow By Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart featured a decorative pillow using old neckties which looked great. If you're interested, check out her website at http://www.marthastewart.com and search on necktie pillow.
By Claudia
Dad's Ties In A Skirt Or As A Memory Quilt
My dad just passed away and he too had a collection of ties. One of the ideas that I had was to make a skirt from the ties. With the rest that we have, we're going to have small quilts made from them that us kids can pass onto our kids.
By Mara
Neck Tie Quilt
My aunt made a fabulous quilt using old Ties. She made a "star" pattern in the middle laying the ties in a circle and stitching them together. Then filled in the rest with other ties. She may have cut the ties in half - I can't remember. Good luck - this could be a fun project.
By Pam
Quilt With Matching Pillow
My sister made a beautiful quilt from her hubby's ties. A quilted throw pillow cover would be nice too. I'd just sew them together on the sewing machine. They don't have to actually be quilted. Rip the seams. Lay them end to end. Sew on the machine. It will be like a "crazy" quilt pattern, I think. I'm not a quilter or crafter, but I think it would work.
Warm regards!
By Carol in PA
Quilting Patterns For Neckties
There is a quilt pattern called Dresden Plate which you can use to cut and join your ties. Another pattern you might consider is Grandmothers Fan. You don't have to make a quilt, of course, but it's nice to have the patterns for the ideas. There is also a book about making quilts and things from neckties. I think the title is something about "Your father's neckties." I wish I could remember the correct title for you.
By BLINDQUILTER
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