ThriftyFun Crafts - January 3, 2007

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Here are a couple pictures of the yard art that my husband and I make. They are hand cut from birch plywood and handpainted. The figures in the Charlie Brown Christmas display are about 24 inches tall, and the Grinch who stole Christmas is 48 inches tall.

By Harlean from Arkansas from Hot Springs, Arkansas
http://yardartplus.ecrafter.com/YardArtPlus/

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I wanted a chandelier over my diningroom table, but couldn't find any i liked enough for the price so I decided to hang a table lamp upside down over the table. Found this one at the thrift store and bought it for five bucks. It's glass hand blown into a wire cage with three little balls for feet that could be unscrewed off, which is how someone attached it to the ceiling. People don't even realize it's a table lamp until I tell them! I have experimented with many shades for many different looks and it is one of my prime spots for hanging Christmas ornaments.

By Sara from Rochester, NY

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This tiny tea set-to-go should delight the little traveler on the plane or in the car. Similar ready made sets sell for as much as $16, but we picked up the tea set and dolls at the dollar store.

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Deli lids and scraps of tissue paper can make beautiful "stained glass" window decorations for your kid's room.

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This one stems from the fact that I now have to use masking tape across the top of my daughter's nappy for it to stay on! It's a home made percussion instrument. A finger drum.

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I made these ornaments in 1992, and they still look new except for a bit of wear on the bows. They were so much fun, I gave them to business associates as well as friends.

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Sewing Hint: Have someone shine a laser beam on a piece of material you need to cut a straight line on. Just follow the laser line. Works great.

By Lois from Ontonagon, Michigan

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You can spend a lot of money on sewing patterns, especially if you are an avid seamstress. Save yourself a little money by saving your original multi sized patterns uncut. Most all patterns come in multiple sizes these days. If you cut it to make an X-small size, it is most difficult to impossible to piece it together to use it to make the same item in an X-large. Save yourself the headache! Simply purchase some blank pattern paper (for smaller patterns, you can use a less expensive tissue wrapping paper).

Lay out your uncut pattern and lay your blank pattern paper on top. Take care to smooth them out carefully. It pays to gently iron them before proceeding for greater accuracy. Gently iron on a low heat setting. After layering the blank pattern or tissue paper over the marked pattern piece, weight it down and simply trace the pattern marks with a fine point marker or soft point pencil. Don't press too hard, as the paper is delicate and tears easily. Frequently check to be sure the patterns aren't shifting during tracing. Be sure to copy all notes and markings pertinent to your sewing project. You can copy the pieces over and over and save the original in its' uncut state. It takes a little time, but well worth it!

I do this and then file them all together and place the copies in Ziploc bags and mark the sizes on the outside. If the copied pattern starts to get worn, simply recopy it! It works well, too, with patterns you use often. Hope this saves some of you a little money :)

By Cheryl at 2Ewenique from Peebles, OH
http://www.2ewenique.com

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This craft is easy and very versatile. Cut 1/2 inch around a blue jean pocket with a pinking shears. Attach a ribbon or shoelace to each top side of the pocket for a hanger. Fill with a pen, pad of paper and some markers. These are great for the car and hanging near the phone. Enjoy!

By Tedebear from San Jose CA

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My mom was a doll doctor. She would wash the doll hair with dish detergent. Allow it to dry. Use a curling iron to style it. SPRAY with hair spray to hold. Use the same process you would with a wig.

By lzygranny from NC

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Create a colorful wastebasket with duct tape.

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_baskets/article/0,2025,DIY_13744_5206370,00.html

Submitted by IMAQT1962

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We re-use those plastic coffee containers as frugal toys. They are fun for toddlers to stack and store things. My 15 month old loves to put things in them, and take them out, and put the lid on and off. We've also turned one into a sorter by cutting holes in the top in the shape of different blocks.

By Alexandra from Virginia

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I would like to learn how to make rag rugs. I have loved them forever and now have decided that I would like to learn how.

Beverly from West Chester, Ohio

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I am looking for step by step instructions on how to make a fresh, silk and dried flower arrangements using the floral and dry foam. Also, where can I get supplies at a discount price?

Thanks,
Nancy from Hatfield, PA

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What can I use to fill a homemade heat pack?

Lori from Ponca, NE

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I am looking for a recipe to make a simmering potpourri that I can heat in a small electric potpourri pot.

Bsue from Coshocton, OH

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How do I add scent while making a candle?

Debbie from Alliance, OH

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I want to make a fake wedding cake for displays. Any ideas?

Diana from South Carolina

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How do you make a blanket where the edges are cut in strips and then tied in knots all around the edges? It is a double sided blanket. I would wont to make a large one for a double bed.

Debby from Vinton

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How do I make homemade acrylic water for my silk flower arrangements?

Lady of the World

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I am looking for a doily patterns made with Knifty Knitter.

Judy from Traverse

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I'm new here and was wondering if anyone knows how to make the quilted and cross-stitch christmas balls. I want to make them for my workers. They are made from styrofoam balls, fabric and pins, with a cross-stitch picture in the middle. Any help with this would be appreciated. Every year I make my "girls" at work something homemade. I thought these would be nice.

Thank you,
Candace from Ontario, Canada

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They make candles to get rid of smoke odors, pet odors, etc. Do you all know if they make a candle you can burn to get rid of germs when someone is home sick with a cold?

Thanks a bunch,
Pam from Lincoln, DE

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I have little squares of fleece leftover from making blankets. Any suggestions for uses?

Connie from Owosso

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I purchased a 13 inch oblong knifty knitter and I didn't receive any instructions on how to wrap the yarn or use it. Does anyone know?

mis2521 from Prairieburg, Iowa

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I need directions on making a bib holder for Seniors with small clothespins and ribbon.

Terri from Illinois

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Does anyone know of a craft using those beautiful cocktail dresses and formals that you see at all garage sales, that nobody will buy and wear?

Judy W from San Angelo, TX

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Please offer any ideas for crafts to make with wallpaper.

Thanks!

Laura from Elberta, AL

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Where do you purchase the oils to make my own Lampe Berge Fragrane. I bought some candle oil from a craft store and mixed it up, but is smells like burning alcohol. So I added more and now it will not burn.

Debby from Vinton, LA

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My daughter has been saving plastic baby food containers for me. I volunteer at a crisis nursery and I would like to have a craft project for preschool children with which I can use these containers. Anyone out there with ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Cindy from Berea, OH

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More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65884370.tip.html

Here are a couple pictures of the yard art that my husband and I make. They are hand cut from birch plywood and handpainted. The figures in the Charlie Brown Christmas display are about 24 inches tall, and the Grinch who stole Christmas is 48 inches tall.

By Harlean from Arkansas from Hot Springs, Arkansas
http://yardartplus.ecrafter.com/YardArtPlus/

Read More: Click Here

Tips and ideas for using sewing patterns.

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