Daily Thrifty Tips - September 14, 2007

Here's today's featured request...

Making Frugal Lampshades

How do you make frugal lampshades or recover them? I have an old one I would like to recover but the bottom ring has come off can I still use it. If so how or what would I use as a bottom ring I have fabric and a string of sequins glue craft paper and little dolls(to glue on the base).

Jeanette from Detroit, Michigan

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Have a great weekend!

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Jess and Susan

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Snowman Ornament

Clear glass ornaments and styrofoam balls makes this cute snowman ornament. You can either use a bigger glass clear ball ornament or a smaller one, just make what size you use, have the head part smaller. We chose the smaller ones as that, my kids and I made 42 last year as gifts for their classrooms. The clear ball ornaments come in a pack of 6 or 12 depending on the size. The styrofoam balls we got at the Dollar Tree for $1 for 12. Everyone loved them!

Approximate Time 30 minutes

Supplies:

• clear glass ornaments
• hot glue w/hot glue gun
• Buffalo Snow (found in the Christmas isle
• tiny buttons
• eyelets (found in scrapbooking isles)
• pipe cleaner and/or orange paint
• homespun scraps of fabric
• ribbon
• Christmas ornament hooks
• scissors
• Deco-Art Snow Tex (found in glue section)
• 1 inch styrofoam ball (dollar store)
• black tulip paint
• paint brush

In the image, the styrofoam is not pictured.

Instructions:

1. Take the glass ball and push it into the styrofoam ball, just enough to make a dent into the styrofoam..release (meaning take it back off) so you have the clear ball in your hands only...not the other piece..
2. Fill the clear ball up with the Buffalo Snow snowflakes (usually found in the Christmas section of the villages) up to about 3/4, shake it a little bit..
3. Once filled with snow, you'll need to hot glue the styrofoam ball where its indented to push onto the clear ball and hold a few minutes...let sit for a minute or two.
4. Paint with the Snow Tex about 1/2 onto the neck of the clear ball and also the whole part of the styrofoam ball..make sure its good and covered...attached the hook and center on the top.
5. I used eyelets for the eyes (poke w/pencil and hot glue in place). You can find these in the scrapbooking sections of the craft stores. Otherwise, tiny buttons work too. Take the pipecleaner (I only had white) so I painted mine)..cut about 1/2 inch off and stick into the styrofoam ball for part of the face. Add the smile using the black tulip paint tip.
6. Once the Sno Tex is dried, you are ready for the scarf. I used Homespun because I love a Country Christmas. 12 inches should work, cut to size once on the snowman, tie a knot and may have to secure the bottom part of scarf just a bit so it doesn't stick up, depending how the scarf is tied.
7. Add a ribbon to hang as part of the ornament.
8. Don't forget to sign your name and year on the back of your snowman.

By Bonnie from Norman, OK

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Birdbath Play

Our 1 year old grand daughter playing in the bird bath in our back yard. I thought the water drops were so pretty reflecting the blue of the sky and the pink of her shirt.

By Donna from Millbury, OH

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Use Napkins as a Window Treatment

While I was washing my kitchen curtain, I decided to experiment. I layered three cloth napkins, that match my kitchen wallpaper, on my curtain rod for a new look. An inexpensive alternative for a curtain.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Wilson The Dog

Wilson is 6 and a half. I don't know what breed he is, I've had him since he was a puppy. He likes to play with his ball, go to the river, shag pillows. He's just sooooo lovely, pick my doggy :)

By Vikki from London

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Riesentruabe Tomato

This is a Riesentruabe tomato. The tomatoes start out separate but grow together as they ripen. The tomatoes can be pulled apart like cloves of garlic for use.

By Anna from Zanesville, IN

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Using It All - Deodorant

On our weekend away over Labor Day, I discovered that I had left the new deodorant behind, and only had the old one which was down to the plastic that holds the deodorant in! But, I managed to scrape enough deodorant off that holder with a toothpick to apply and it actually lasted over the long weekend. (Be sure to wash your hands throughly after, tho...)

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles. CA

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Save Magnets From Memo Pads

You know those large magnetic memo pads you get for $1.00. You stick them on your fridge and finally toss when empty. Well, keep the magnets from back for craft uses or to hang photos. Those magnets can be pricey at stores and great way to recycle.

By Carol from Massachusetts

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Use Baking Soda To Prevent SOS Pad Rust

How to get the most out of your S.o.S. pads. By putting a layer of baking soda wherever you store your used sos pads will prevent rusting. I only use a corner of the sos pad for small jobs then put the pad on the soda and you can use it over and over until it's ready to be thrown out without that nasty rust. I use a saucer but anything that is not paper will hold it. I find it amazing.

By Stainless from Toronto, Canada

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Make Emergency Kits In Free Bags

When you get free bags from conferences or baby formula companies, keep them. Load them up with a variety of things you might need in an emergency or during a delay. Some ideas are extra diapers, bottles of water, baby bottles, formula, baby cereal or food, blankets or towels, non-perishable snacks, a disposable camera (to take pictures for the insurance company), toys or books, and a flashlight.

The bag keeps your things organized and compact while fitting neatly in the corner of your trunk or in the floor space below a car seat. You will know where to find everything and will not spend the money on an expensive commercial package that does not meet your family's needs. It's so inexpensive, you can create one for each car!

By Laurie from Circle City, Arizona

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Ovicollar Flea Treatment

There is a new product out for dogs who have fleas or for prevention. It is called the "Ovicollar". it contains methoprene which kills the flea eggs and breaks the cycle of fleas. It spreads through the animal's skin to completely cover your pet within 24 hours. The eggs wither and die instead of falling off into your carpets to continue their cycle. The best part is that it is approximately $20.00 and lasts for 8 months on dogs (full 12 months for cats) but you have to get it from your vet so far, in combination with the salt/borax vacuuming method.

Our Vet has still recommended Revolution as the best spring treatment as it is also for heartworm, some intestinal parasites, and now ticks as well. We had no luck with Advantage last year and will return to Revolution next spring for sure. Hope this helps

By Kim from London, Ontario

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Pill Box For Earrings

A seven day pill box is a good organizer for storing your earrings.

By Betty from Louisburg, NC

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Storing Crochet Patterns

I do a lot of crocheting. I put my patterns, graphs and charts in those plastic sheet protectors, then into a loose leaf binder. When I'm ready to crochet, I pull out the pattern I want, and have it right there with me while I'm working on the project. I don't have to worry about spilling anything on it (or my cat doing it for that matter!). I also use dry erase markers to keep my place or make notations when working on the pattern. When I'm done all I have to do is wipe off my marks!

By Irene from Ft. Lauderdale

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Making Your Own Brown Sugar

Tips on making your own brown sugar at home. Post your own techniques here.

Making your own brown sugar is easy and cheaper than buying it at the supermarket; it tastes great on cooked oatmeal in the morning or used in any recipe calling for brown sugar.

To 1 cup granulated sugar, add 2 Tablespoons molasses. Stir together until evenly mixed with a fork. After trying it once, vary it by using 1 Tablespoon molasses, using the dark molasses or the light molasses. We prefer 1 cup sugar to 1 Tablespoon light molasses, but I have made all the other variations. I make a double batch every time.

By Betty

I have made my own brown sugar for years. You use white sugar and add molasses and mix well. I was always running to the store for brown sugar until I discovered this hint. You can make a little or a lot. You can make light or dark depending on the amount of molasses you add.

By Dameemag from Rothbury, Michigan

Make your own light brown sugar at about half the cost per pound of store-bought. Add 2 Tbsp. of dark molasses to 1 cup of white sugar and mix thoroughly. (I use blackstrap molasses, and 1 Tbsp. per cup makes a nice dark brown sugar.)

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Gardening Clean Up

I like to wash my hands outside after gardening and weeding. I gather up soap pieces, put them inside an empty onion net, and tie it to an outdoor spigot.

By Zuni Moon from Cleveland, Ohio

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Apartment vs. Condo

What is the difference in an apartment and condo? How do you turn an apartment into a condo? Also, why would you? Thank you.

Peggy from Brawley, CA

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Cleaning Burnt Food From Non-Stick Pan

I think I ruined the pan! I think I destroyed my non-stick pan by burning peaches,water,sugar & lemon sauce. I'm afraid that if I haven't already ruined it, different remedies might be bad for the surface.

Can anyone help me?

Debby from San Diego, CA

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Looking For Thomas the Train Fabric

I am looking for Thomas the Train fabric that has squares with #1 Thomas, #2 Gordon, etc. Can anyone help?

Jane

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Too Much Mayonnaise In Macaroni Salad

if you use too much mayonnaise in a macaroni salad how do you take out the overkill of the mayonnaise with out adding more macaroni.

Barbara from Sealy, TX

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Dyeing Bleach Spots From Black Dress

I have a black dress that has two very small bleach spots. They have discolored the black. How can I dye them black without ruining the dress?

Molly from Baton Rouge, LA

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Garland Decoration Ideas For Wrought Iron Chandelier

I have a black wrought iron chandelier in my dining room, and I would like to put some kind of old fashioned vine type garland around and through it. My home was built in 1870's, and my dining walls are painted 'antique ruby'. The less expensive the better...any ideas? Thanks for your help.

Beth from New Hampshire

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Making Frugal Lampshades

How do you make frugal lampshades or recover them? I have an old one I would like to recover but the bottom ring has come off can I still use it. If so how or what would I use as a bottom ring I have fabric and a string of sequins glue craft paper and little dolls(to glue on the base).

Jeanette from Detroit, Michigan

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Homemade Body & Facial Scrubs For Baby Shower Favors

I want to make homemade body and facial scrubs to give out as favors, to my baby shower party I am hosting. Any recipes out there?

Thank you.

Nelly

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Simple Menu Options For Baby Shower

I am doing a baby shower for my daughter-n-law in November. It will be at my house. I want to do a simple menu, only about 40 people mostly women.

Want a light menu, setting is outside.

Time of day will be like 1pm to 4pm or so. I don't want to do any heaving cooking. more like buffet style. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Nelly

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Grape Nuts Yogurt Bar Recipe

Back in 1983-1984, Grape Nuts had a recipe on their box for a yogurt bar that contained powdered milk, yogurt, and Grape Nuts. Does anyone remember this recipe?

Debbie from Shallotte, NC

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Advice For Selling Jewelry

Learning to sell jewelry any tips on displaying and selling jewelry. Just beginning, marking, laying out on table, lighting, things like these.

Sherry

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Straightening Wavy Hair

Can any one give me a solution to straighten the waves in my hair without using chemicals or iron? I would look great without these waves!

Prova from Bangladesh

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Planting a Boston Fern

Has anyone planted a Boston fern, after they have spent the summer on your porch in the ground and had them to come up the next year?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Peggy from Chillicothe, OH

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Refilling Swiffer Mop Containers

Has anybody had any luck in filling the Swiffer mop containers, if so how did you do it. Thanks

Peggy from Chillicothe, OH

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Babysafe Homemade Laundry Detergent

What do you use to make your own laundry detergent? My husband and I are expecting and I am trying to think of new ways to cut costs....does anyone know how to make homemade laundry detergent? If so please post the recipe!

Thanks!

Mandi Curtis

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Removing Rubber Carpet Back From Cement Floor

I need help! I want to change the flooring in my basement...but when I pulled the carpet up, I discovered that the previous owners laid rubber back carpet on the cement. It has left the rubber on the floor in huge patches that I have, as yet, been unable to remove. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to remove rubber backing from a cement floor? Thanks in advance for any help.

Mel from NS, Canada

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Getting Rid of Dog Urine Odor From Microfiber Couch

I have a lovely little chihuahua who has peed on more than one occasion on my microfiber furniture. I have cleaned it up and there are no stains, but I still have an odor problem. Any ideas to get the urine odor out?

Becki from Dallas, TX

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Problems With Air Fresheners Fading

I think that something is wrong with me or my house. I love my house to smell clean, so I keep on buying candles, air fresheners, plug ins, etc...but somehow they seem to fade away. Does anyone have a good way to keep the smell in and make it stay in? Or does someone have a home remedy to make at home? Please help.

Janie from Edinburg

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Advice For Patching Hole In Sheetrock Ceiling

I am about to patch a hole in my kitchen ceiling(sheetrock) . Do I need to wet the sheetrock tape before applying? Thanks

Bub from Oswego, New York

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Advice For Kitten With Small Uneven Eyes

I just adopted a stray 6 month old kitten. She has had a visit to the vet already and is in good health. I just noticed that her eyes look small. They dilate unevenly. Does anyone have an opinion as to what to do?

Bonnie from Gainesville, Fl

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Ideas For Door Prizes At Womens Church Function

I am looking for ideas for door prizes for a womens function at church. All ideas are appreciated.

Betty from OH

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How To Prevent Lettuce Rotting In The Fridge

How can I keep lettuce form rotting in fridge? The veggie bags with little holes are no longer on the market and I find the lettuce gets too wet in the veggie drawer.

Miriam from Southbury, CT

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Help Identifying Large Gourd

My friend recently received this very large garden item and doesn't know what it is. He received it from someone who too had no idea what it is. He thought at first it was a melon but we actually believe it is a squash/pumpkin of some kind. If anyone has a clue as to what it is we would greatly appreciate any info on it and whether it can be cooked and eaten.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Melody from White City, Oregon

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Getting Rid of Spiders

Any ideas to get rid of indoor spiders? THEY BITE!

Sheilac

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Use for Crystal Light Canisters

I am on Nutrisystem and using Crystal Light like it is going out of style. Any ideas on what to do with the containers? They are a nice weight with a lid and other then storing little things in I just can't think of something else to do with them. Perhaps some craft ideas? I sew, do machine embroidery and a lot of crafting, so can tackle most anything.

Thanks in advance !

Cheryl from Peebles, OH
www.2ewenique.com

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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

Cutting Foam For Crafts

How do you cut craft foam at home? Here are tips posted from the ThriftyFun community.

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