ThriftyFun Crafts - April 1, 2009

Sorry for the delay in sending out this newsletter. We have lots of Easter crafts this week.

Earthday is coming up, do you have an recycled crafts to share? Feel free to submit them to one of the contest pages or to the Crafts for Fun and Money program.

Happy Crafting!

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Fun Floral Ball
• Craft Project: Egg Balloon
• Craft: Turn Wool Sweaters Into Pants
• Craft Project: Crochet Jellybean Duck
• Craft: Frugal Party Vases
• Craft Project: Cotton Ball Lamb Basket
• Easter Activity Book
• Craft Project: 3-D Easter Bunny Card
• Craft Project: Recycled Candle Jars
• Craft: Easter Bunny Candy Dish

Tips:

• Craft: Coffee Can Toilet Paper Holder
• Painting a Bookshelf
• Try Tobacco String Instead of Crochet Thread
• Hang Shelves in Front of Your Windows
• Reuse Sticky Residue from Credit Cards for Crafts
• Decorating: Ceiling Fan Facelift
• Uses for Clothespins
• Create Your Own Ribbon Holder
• Save and Reuse Snack Containers

Requests:

• Jungle Themed Afghan
• Learning to Crochet
• Making Cloth Diaper Covers
• Make Your Own Postcards
• Crocheting a T-shirt Round Rug
• Dried Potato for Making a Dolls Face
• Painting Drawer Pulls
• Daisy Maker Instructions
• 50th Anniversary Centerpiece Ideas
• Postal Station Parade Float Ideas
• Crafty Uses For Plastic Baby Food Containers
• "Cut OK" Digital Eye Cutting Machine
• Painting Plastic Bags
• Plastic Candy Bar Floral Picks
• Decoupaging Ceramic Tiles
• Making A Cream Pie Miniature

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

Fun Floral Ball

This cute craft is a great way to welcome spring. Have the kids help and use these balls to replace candles for a floral theme. It's as easy as just sticking fake flowers into a styrofoam ball and enjoy.

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Craft Project: Egg Balloon

A colorful, fun craft just in time for spring!

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Craft: Turn Wool Sweaters Into Pants

Turn your old wool sweater into a pair of pants for your baby! Wash the sweater with hot water and dry with high heat to shrink it. Cut off the sleeves, and sew them together to make a pair of "legs". Finish the waist with a draw-string (an old shoe-string works great) or elastic. You can even use the collar or bottom of the sweater to make it look more professional around the waist. And, wool makes a great diaper cover, too!

By Jackie from Burlington, KY

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Craft Project: Crochet Jellybean Duck

This cute duck is fun for Easter or for anytime. She is crocheted with 4 ply yarn, with a drawstring under her tail. Fill her with jellybeans, and when you squeeze her tummy, she lays "jellybean eggs".

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Craft: Frugal Party Vases

We needed some cute vases for a baby shower, but funds were running low. So, I bought some Monetta Luxury cream wafer cookies, $1.00 a can at The Dollar Tree. I removed the cookies (and served them at the baby shower). I covered each can with a large size yellow napkin from Wal-mart (also $1). They fit great. No cutting involved.

I used a glue stick on the edge to secure the napkin. Then I hot glued a styrofoam ball inside each one to stick the flowers in. I added ribbon, rose buds, sequins, tulle and teardrop pearl beads. I attached them with a hot glue gun to the outside. I filled each one with bright green paper grass and pulled it up so it stuck out of the top about 2 inches. To some of the others, I added pink flowers inside them. They were a big hit at the shower and added wonderful touch. I added them to the guest tables and the Mommy and Daddy to be table. Everyone loved them. They were so easy to make.

You could really decorate these for any occasion. I am keeping them to do something for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have a huge sit down dinner at my house for these holidays.

By Tammy from Herrin, IL

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Craft Project: Cotton Ball Lamb Basket

Recycle an empty box or plastic container to create this little lamb basket.

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Easter Activity Book

I was making activity pages for a quiet book and this is one idea I thought of for a 'holiday' quiet book. I got a package of 50 foam sheets at Walmart for $5.00! They're a good size to use for quiet books.

I like to use super glue because it bonds strong and fast, but always be careful with super glue. First, I cut out the shapes I need; a yellow rectangle and then cut out "doors" like a cabinet and I super glued two small rectangle door knobs on the cabinet doors, a pink rectangle and cut slits out, like curtains and I drew a black curtain rod with permanent sharpie marker. I cut a 'bush' shape from green, and I drew leaf shapes with green permanent sharpie, Brown rectangle for a door. Next, I found a bunny head template on the web and cut that out. I drew in the pink ears, cut a half circle shape in red for the mouth, and I cut out a little rectangle and slits in black for the nose and whiskers. The whiskers were a bit tricky to glue on because they're so thin, so be careful. Using a hole punch, I punched two blues for the eyes, and I glued on the face. I also cut out a basket shape and drew in details.

Now you're ready to finish. Glue one side of the brown rectangle door and stick it on the white background. Draw the rest of the details and punch out a brown circle with the hole punch, cut it in half and glue it as the door knob. Glue the perimeter of the cupboard on the white sheet, careful to avoid the doors so they'll open. Glue two sides of the bushes onto the white background, leaving enough space so you can lift back the other corner of the bushes to hide the egg. Glue the top of the curtains to the white background. Glue on the basket and the bunny head at the bottom.

Remember to leave enough space at the top of the white background to write the words with a black permanent sharpie: "Help the Easter Bunny find all the eggs and put them in his basket!" As a last detail, I cut out the shape of a lamp and glued it near the bottom, above the basket and hid and egg up in there too, but I'm thinking it is kind of small for little fingers to get the egg out. Try it, see if you like that idea.

I found a template for an egg on the internet and cut about 7 out of white and decorated them with permanent sharpies. Now, hide the eggs behind the curtains, the bushes, the door, and the cupboard. I also found that another one will fit behind one of the bunny's ears! I'm just going to punch some holes in the side of the foam and put it in my book with the rest of the activities! Later, I'll post my other quiet book activities. Happy Easter!

Source: Just something I thought up.

By Stacey from Eagle Mountain, UT

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Craft Project: 3-D Easter Bunny Card

This 3-dimensional Easter card will bring a smile to anyone's face. It's a great way to wish someone special a very Happy Easter!

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Craft Project: Recycled Candle Jars

Save your candle stumps!

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Craft: Easter Bunny Candy Dish

Make a cute Bunny candy dish for Easter: Spray Paint a terracotta clay pot and saucer white (any size you desire is acceptable). Sponge paint the interior of the saucer with a spring color if you desire (I suggest petunia pink, daffodil yellow, grass green, lovely lavender or a light turquoise).

Paint a bunny face (Use black sharpie for easy control and precision when drawing the face). Paint a heart shaped nose and lightly dab a bit of paint/blush on his cheeks using your middle finger.

Decorate a straw hat with leftover artificial blossoms, eggs or what have you. Curl 2 ears from foam and attach with glue. Place hat jauntily on bunny head, fill with your favorite candy (purchased on sale and with a coupon of course!) and enjoy.
Make these using miniature pots for teacher gifts. They are adorable!

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Craft: Coffee Can Toilet Paper Holder

I take 3 metal empty coffee cans and cut the tops and bottoms out of two of them. I stack one on top of the one with the bottom still in it and solder it the bottom of the fist tube to the top of the can with the bottom. Then I take the third can (with both top and bottom cut out) and solder it to the top of the two that are already soldered. Decorate or paint as desired. I put one of the plastic lids on the bottom and one on the top to keep the paper clean.

You can do just two and make a matching trash can. You can decoupage paper on them if desired. They make a really easy and inexpensive bath accessory.

With the plastic coffee cans, I use to store beans, rice and other dried food items. They make really cure canisters too. You can spray paint them or cover parts of them with self adhesive paper. Makes great cookie jars, too. Really great for baked gifts.

By Debbie J from Hawkins, TX

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Painting a Bookshelf

If you only have a bit of paint, and don't know the color code or don't have much money, these are some pretty ways to save a little time and still have a nice item.

I inherited a big, ugly brown book case from a neighbor when she left. My kitchen is country yellow and blues, so I set about painting it. I had just enough custom yellow for the things you could see, so I thought I would share this little bit of knowledge with you.

If the item is over 6 feet tall, don't paint the top. To save paint and time, don't paint the inside of the shelves at the bottom. You can put a dresser scarf, old quilt, place mats or custom sewn fabric inserts and no one will ever peek!

I ran out of paint before I got to the two bottom rows, so I put things down there I don't use often like appliances, candles, potting soils and pots, etc. I got some cheap curtain rods but you can use pvc, dowels, or just tack up your favorite fabric. These were a shower curtain, and I cut them off and made hangers like cafe curtains.

I think the effect is nice, and no one but my TF friends know my secrets! N-JOY

By Sandi from Salem OR

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Try Tobacco String Instead of Crochet Thread

When crocheting things like a bed spread, you can buy Tobacco string and use it like crochet thread. It comes on a cone and a lot cheaper then the crochet thread. You can buy it at the stores that sell seeds and feed for cattle. The thread is cotton.

By Doris from Randleman, NC

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Hang Shelves in Front of Your Windows

If you need more space and have no place to hang shelves you can hang open-backed shelves in front of your windows. In the kitchen, this is a great place to store colored glass ware (like depression or cobalt glass) because the sun looks great shining through the glass. And in a craft room you can put clear plastic shoe boxes with your crafts inside. Just remember to never store fabric or things that can absorb moisture on a window shelf, but window shelves are a great place to store your pottery, dishes and glasses!

By CDR

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Reuse Sticky Residue from Credit Cards for Crafts

My tip is to save all the sticky stuff that holds a credit card on paper, that attaches the label on plastic reusable containers and where ever else you find it. I carefully pull them up and put them of a piece of plastic. I then use them when I am making 3D cards and pictures. I cut them in little pieces. You can layer them too! That way I don't buy the dots, and you might say it is free!

By jlyoung from Martinsville, IN

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Decorating: Ceiling Fan Facelift

Giving Your Ceiling Fan a "Facelift" with Paint. My family is currently working on a house to get it ready for sale. We have gone room to room cleaning and doing updates as we go. We had a ceiling fan in one room that was totally out of place. We decided, rather than going to the expense of buying another fan, to take the fan blades off and give them several coats of paint.

We sanded the blades well on both sides and painted both with white paint. We also added a ceiling medallion to add more white with the brass fan. As you can see with the "before and after" shots that it made a huge difference. It doesn't even look like the same fan at all. (Sorry that one half of the fan is larger than the other side. It really is the same fan). I plan to do the same thing with fans in my house as well.

Source: Me: Trying to make changes and be FRUGAL at the same time. My Mother would be so proud of all of us being so frugal.

By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

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Uses for Clothespins

There are lots of uses for clothes pins! I have a hard time holding little nails still while I am getting ready to hammer them in the wall. Then I found about a great little tip - I hold the nail in place with a wooden spring type clothes pin.

Besides using as clip chips, I also hot glued a couple inside my cabinet to hold my rubber gloves. They also can hold small objects together while waiting for glue to dry. And hold curtains back in a pinch (you could even glue cute buttons on the front as a decorative touch).

By Carol from Landisville, PA

Editor's Note: What are some of your favorite uses for wooden clothespins? Post them here!

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Create Your Own Ribbon Holder

Create your own ribbon holder for less than $2 using leftover materials: Use an old wire basket (it is OK If some of the slats are broken) and several 12 inch long dowel rods (or pant hanger cardboard) cut to length.

Slide the dowel through one end of the basket, place the ribbon spools and then thread the other end through the basket. VOILA! A ribbon holder for less than $2. The craft stores sell these for $20 or more. Now you have more money to purchase those adorable patterned ribbons

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Save and Reuse Snack Containers

When I purchase pudding, yogurt or even jello, I save the plastic containers and wash them thoroughly with soap and water. They are the right size to either put snack such as raisins or trail mix in for kids. They are the perfect size to put paint and water in when kids want to paint. I love this because the containers are small enough for kids to hold. My daughter loves it.

By Chris from Ohio

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Jungle Themed Afghan

I am about to be a first time grandma or I guess I should say step-grandma which makes this all the more important. I want to crochet a baby afghan for my coming grandson. They are doing a jungle theme room. I would like to make something not lacey but kind of like a net I guess to fit the theme.

I am a simple crocheter but need something that turns out looking spectacular. That is just what my daughter-in-law expects. Please give me ideas for what kind of yarn and hook to use. Please help me out here. No one on this site has ever let me down! Thanks!

By Karen from Port Clinton, OH

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Learning to Crochet

I would like to learn how to crochet. Any tips that might I learn from? Thanks.

By Debbie1995 from Julian, NC

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Making Cloth Diaper Covers

I am looking for a free pattern to make the little underpants that go over a child's nappy to hide it. My friend it having a girl and I really would like to make her some cute ones as she is using cloth nappies.

By emmasm02 from Adelaide, Australia

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Make Your Own Postcards

Has anyone ever made their own postcards? I would like to make my own but do not know where to start. Any suggestions? I have inks and stamps. Thank you.

By Dianne from South, AL

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Crocheting a T-shirt Round Rug

I would like instructions for crocheting a t-shirt round rug.

By Dee

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Dried Potato for Making a Dolls Face

Does anyone remember the dolls made out of real potatoes, and if you do can, you tell me how they're made.

By Sherry from Deming, New Mexico

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Painting Drawer Pulls

What type of paint to should I use to give my drawer pulls a new look?

By Cherylarthur from Coeur d Alene, ID

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Daisy Maker Instructions

I am looking for instructions on use of a Daisy Maker or where a new one can be purchased.

By Rosina from Stillwater, OK

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50th Anniversary Centerpiece Ideas

I am planning a 50th wedding Anniversary for parents. Money is tight for everyone so we decided to have a family get together at restaurant. My parents think that my brother is taking them out to eat and well the rest of us will already be there. I want to make a nice centerpiece for the table but am on budget sort of speak. Does anyone have any good ideas for me?

By Jenwoodard from Columbus, GA

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Postal Station Parade Float Ideas

I need ideas for a parade float for a wellness/weight loss clinic and yoga studio. The parade theme is the town celebrating 100 years as a postal station.

By tkabatoff from Sundre, AB

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Crafty Uses For Plastic Baby Food Containers

I have a ton of the plastic square baby food containers with lids. We would like to use them for VBS crafts. Does anyone have any simple kid friendly craft ideas that we could use these in? Thanks.

By April from NW Missouri

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"Cut OK" Digital Eye Cutting Machine

Has anyone used a Cut Ok digital eye cutting machine? If you have I would love to share experiences. I have only just bought mine and I am struggling to get into the swing of using it. It is the Chinese version of the Craft Robo. Any ideas or helpful tips would be welcome. Thank you.

By Crafty Linda from Chesterfield Derbyshire, Uk

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Painting Plastic Bags

I'm working on a project with plastic bags (the kind you get from Walmart) and was wondering if there is any type of paint that will stick to them? I want them to be a burgundy color or a clay looking color.

By Cindy from Bloomington, IL

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Plastic Candy Bar Floral Picks

Where can I find plastic floral picks, similar to the ones that hold cards in bouquets. However the ones I am looking for are a bit wider to hold a candy bar. I am trying to make the Mother's Day Candy Bar Bouquet.

By Marie from Hartford, CT

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Decoupaging Ceramic Tiles

Is there a way to decoupage a ceramic tile to be used as a coaster?

By Teresa from Crosby, MN

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Making A Cream Pie Miniature

When making a miniature cream pie (artificial), how do you lighten up the caulk that is used for the topping? I would like it to be a little bit fluffier. I'm making miniature ones with filo clay, no hole beads and need a light fluffy topping to look like meringue.

By Doris from Moline, IL

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