Crafting on a Budget: money saving crafts

Showing posts with label money saving crafts. Show all posts

Monday, August 30, 2024

Crafter's Square vinyl at Dollar Tree!

I was shopping at one of my area Dollar Trees the other day and saw a shelf full of Crafter's Square vinyl! So, I bought one of each color, which at that store was black, white, red, blue, yellow and green and in glitter vinyl there was silver, gold and rose gold. If you follow my facebook page you would have seen a live review I did using both the regular and glitter vinyl. Be sure to check out the Facebook page to see that review.

The book I put the vinyl on was handed off to my granddaughter. So far, with the exception of some picking attempts, the vinyl is holding up. Would I use this on a tumbler or mug that I wanted to last more than a few weeks? No. But if you are making a shadow box and placing vinyl on the glass, this would work. Or if you are wanting to put vinyl on birthday treat bags. 12" wide by 48" long is a lot of material for $1. Well worth it, I would say.

See, making beautiful things can be affordable!

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

October Update!

Although I've been quiet on here, I have been pretty busy with a few projects. They range from birthday t-shirts, to Halloween wreaths! I thought I would take a few minutes to share them with you.

Made using the Crafters Corner sparkle tulle from Dollar Tree along with bats and spiders. Lights were from my stash purchased 3 years ago at Hobby Lobby.

Made with Dollar Tree sparkle tulle, bats spiders and led lights.

I spent a day running around to several Dollar Tree stores in my area looking for the sparkle tulle, and the metal wreath rings to make these. After watching a YouTube tutorial and seeing how easy it was, I wanted to make one for myself. It's the top picture. I then made one for my daughter and a son. I was able to make these for a cost of about $10 each. And they all have led lights. It was fun, but very messy. I have glitter everywhere. The video is from 2016, and I didn't find the Halloween mesh, so I used the tulle. I still love the way it turned out.

Made using 3G jet-Opaque for the logo and Red Ranger, and black htv vinyl for the name.

Made using the 3G Jet-Opaque for the Godmother and glitter htv for the saying.

I have also been designing and making t-shirts for birthdays. I made one for my grandson's #2, (not pictured) and one for the son of a friend. The "Cinderella" themed shirt is for my granddaughter. I will also be making the svgcuts pumpkin carriage for a center piece. I have made additional shirts for the grand kids, but I don't always think to take a picture before they are "worn away"!

In the mean time my massive paper collection is sitting idle wondering when I will start using it again, while my heat transfer vinyl collection is growing. But I have my papers picked for the coach and I'll be cutting and gluing it this weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Teacher Appreciation 2017

Can you believe it? It's already May! Are you scrambling for a last minute teacher appreciation gift? I got the Oracal 651 out and sat down with ecal 2 and made this design for some of the teachers in our life. I admit, I had some trouble and had to remove, re-cut and then reapply my design on a couple of these, but FINALLY I got the look I was shooting for.

I finished them with some paper and foil shred. If you make some using the Dollar Tree tumblers, be sure to include a note to handwash only. Have fun creating!

Friday, February 12, 2016

It's Been A While

Someone may be wondering where I disappeared to, so I thought I would take a minute and update by blog. In September, a new grandson was born. Then in October, and new granddaughter was born. I watch the grandson and his sister (who turns three in a few days) Monday through Friday and I watch the new granddaughter about 2 Saturdays each month. That doesn't leave much time or energy for crafting these days. I do manage to sneak in an item or two here and there. I did make a free file from Dreaming Tree for preschool teachers.

It was quick and very easy, but looks so nice! The papers are from my stash. I got them several years ago. Makingmemories Je t'adore. And foil paper I found by chance at the Dollar Tree. It's called Do It Yourself Projects Holographic and Foil Sheets by Jot. It came with 20 sheets of varying colors. I was shocked. It cut very nicely. The trim around the bottom was from Micheals. It's called Fabulous Finds Adhesive Trim. It's a really fun touch that looks so sparkly.

I hope to get a rhythm back for more crafting soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, October 2, 2015

A Free SVG File You Don't Want to Miss!

Happy Friday!

I'm finally back in my craftroom with a free SVG file to share. If you haven't seen the new Dreaming Tree website, then I highly encourage you to check it out. Right now they have the cutest coffin SVG to download for FREE! Yes! FREE! (update there is also a free Santa Paperscape Box card and Stingy Jack Lantern for a limited time)

Free Dreaming Tree SVG File Spooky Coffin

Did I mention Free?

I was able to make this coffin with one sheet of 12x12 cardstock and some scraps. The base and lid were made from a Making Memories Toil & Trouble collection from 2010 that I have been hoarding. It's a lovely 2 sided cardstock I bought from an online craft company that has since gone out of business. The purple is scrap from some Halloween projects I made last year, and I always have black and yellow scraps! I did a little inking around the edges. This little guy is 3 1/2 inches tall and 2 inches wide at the biggest section. It will be fun to fill for the grandkids!

If you are new to the world of 3D paper creating and don't know where to go for fun files that don't break the bank, then this is one site that can fill the bill. Your friends and family will squeal with delight when they see what you can do with paper!

So head on over and check them out! Just click here!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wonderful Gift From SVG Cuts!

If you have an electronic cutting machine, (i.e. a cricut, cameo, eclips, brother) then you need to click on the link below and get your absolutely free Santa's Sweets SVG kit from SVG Cuts. It's their way of wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Santa's Sweets Kit, Free for a limited time!

Even if you don't have a cutting machine yet, and plan to get one after the first or as a gift, this is the time to get this free gift to get you started! You'll fall in love!

Monday, November 17, 2014

Crafting On A Budget-Making Something Personal

Christmas is getting closer! Radio stations are playing Christmas music and the stores have been full of Christmas decorations for weeks! My mind has been filled with Christmas projects as well! But not every project is planned entirely of paper. I know! That's not what my name would suggest! I do like to stray off the paper path every once in a while, just for something different to do. This Christmas I have plans to add vinyl to the very popular plastic tumblers that everyone seems to carry around.

I made this one as a test to see how difficult it would be for me. Working with the vinyl is a little challenging, but with more practice it will be easy. This tumbler is from the Dollar Tree. I bought the Oracal vinyl on ebay last year, but I'm just now getting around to using it. I went ahead and ordered a case of the tumblers from Dollar Tree direct, so I wouldn't have a problem getting the number I needed. Popular items can be hard to locate there, when you really want them! These should be super cute and I'm sure the "giftees" will really enjoy them!

I watched a YouTube video made by Christopher Alan Designs on how to apply the vinyl. Very helpful presentation. I already had some clear transfer tape from my very first attempt at vinyl several years ago, but when I came across the Magic Cover clear contact paper he talks about, I bought 10 rolls! (at the Dollar Tree of course!)

For another project, I wanted to get more use from my Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio tools. (I have acquired several of the shapes) They were having a sale on Joann.com for the charms that go with the various shape studio tools.

So, I bought some to go with my tools. But...I wasn't sure what to do with them. On another shopping trip to Michaels, I came across some bracelets that were only $2.49 each on sale. They are made with the stretchy cord and had at least one dangle hanging off of them. Light-bulb! Take off the dangle they had and replace it with a charm! Here is one of the bracelets I changed.

I also found some packages of heart charms and word charms that I added to this one. I like the way it turned out and for such a budget price! (less than $5.00)

Another project I did recently (sorry I forgot to take pictures of it) for a guy was to take some pictures of a mutual relative (it was for the other grandfather) and make little "tool box" magnets from the epoxy shapes. I also made the My Day with Dad toolbox to put them in. I did change the tag from dad to the recipients name. Another personal project that packs a big punch for such a budget price!

Just wanted to share these few easy, budget friendly projects to show that it doesn't cost a lot to show someone you care. Just a little bit of your time to make it special!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to like me on Facebook!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Crafting On A Budget-Dollar Tree Pre-Christmas Haul 11-4-2014

Hello Everyone.

I went to my local Dollar Tree today to stock up on essentials (face tissue, paper towels, baggies, bread). I always cruise the other isles, because you just never know. Today I made some fabulous finds, both for crafting and for gift giving! Here they are!

On the counter are, Skylanders fun tape, burlap ribbon, laser tap, some adorable compacts, a sweet Disney pen and pad set, and Christmas ribbon!

They were stocking some really nice looking pics and floral things too! I had to stop myself!

I love finding the compacts. They go inside the Luxury Handbags from SVG Cuts nicely for a little extra special something. These will be great for the younger gals.

I hunted at both Hobby Lobby and Michaels last week for Christmas ribbon for the Classic Christmas Advent Calendar from SVG Cuts. I was only able to find the 2" wide ribbon or the 3/8" wide. The ribbon I found at Dollar Tree was 5/8", which fits around the calendar better. The 3/8" ribbon works, but the thicker ribbon helps hide any little imperfections.

Not as many choices, but I'm not unhappy about the selection.

I'm also expecting a case of the plastic tumblers to personalize with some vinyl that I have been ignoring for a year! Can't wait! This is going to be a craf-tabulous Christmas for me!

Be sure to check out my Facebook page and "like" it. I have a monthly give away.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Crafting on a Budget, and Making It Look Great!

This was a fun project to make. It takes a lot of paper, but it's super cute and fun to have out for Halloween. But a project like this can really exhaust your crafting resources. and put a crimp in your craft budget. I'm going to share a couple of tricks I used to help keep this beauty below budget.

1. Use tissue paper instead of Velum. Velum can cost over a dollar per sheet. I can get an entire package of tissue paper at the Dollar Tree, for just a dollar! I can't cut it on my machine, but it's not hard to hand cut the pieces.

2. If your decorative panels are of a heavy, sturdy card stock, use lighter cheaper paper for the base. It won't have the sturdiness you would get from a project made of all AC card stock, but no ones going to be living in it. However, if the decorative panels are of a cute paper, and not card stock, don't scrimp. (On the roof I used a sturdy purple card stock and some cute Halloween paper I bought a couple of years ago at Michaels.)

3. Skip additional embellishments. This house has so much fabulous detail, it doesn't need any embellishment. On the trim pieces I just inked and embossed.

4. Mary at SVG Cuts, put a lot of thought into this project and included lining for the interior to finish if off nicely. That's a wonderful touch, but I saved myself four pieces of paper by leaving them off.

5. Don't go cheap on glue. It is what holds your project together. I like the quick drying glue from 3M. Even though they changed the bottle and perhaps the formula, I still haven't found any I like better. It doesn't make the paper wet like some glue does. It doesn't require much to get the job done. And once it's set, it is set! (I buy it at Micheal's with a 40% off coupon)

6. I buy most of my "holiday" papers after the holiday, when it's being cleared out. So, yes, a lot of the projects I make are with last season's paper, or even several years ago. But who really knows or cares. I can get more bang for my buck by shopping clearance sales!

I realize that my tips will not change the course of crafting, but perhaps it will help a few of my fellow crafters enjoy more affordable crafting. If you have a money saving tip, why not share?

Thanks for reading and craft happy!

Friday, August 22, 2014

Giving something back better than you received it!

One of my grandsons was receiving tutoring over the summer, and the teacher sent a deck of vocab game cards home with us for further practice. She asked us to return them when school started, so I thought it would be nice to dress them up a little and add a few tokens of appreciation. I have been wanting to make the backpack from SVG Cuts Back to the Books kit, so I thought this would be a great way to tackle two issues. 1. Returning the cards in better condition than we received them, and 2. Making the backpack.

I put the cards and a couple of note pads, and sticker sheets into this little darling and sent it off with my grandson this morning. I'm sure she loved it!

As a side note:

I used 2 12x12 sheets of AC solid color card stock for the back pack. One sheet of DCWV premium stack called The Grade School stack. The pocket on front was made from scraps. The dot sheet from the Grade School stack, and the main pocket piece was from Making Memories Dilly Dally collection. The button and letters are from Doodlebug Designs and the twine was from the bargain bin at Michael s. I did ink the edges of the pocket and the panel. I think I got is cut and assembled in about an hour. Super easy. Super cute!

To keep my crafting costs down, I buy all of my paper stacks when they are on sale for 40-50% off. I try not to buy online unless I'm getting free shipping. I use to find great deals at Oh My Crafts, but they have gone out of business. I now find a lot of great deals at JoAnn.com. That is where I buy my AC card stock when it's half off. And right now...

10% off your total purchase + Free Shipping w/ $60 purchase*. Code DBLUP235

Thank you for stopping by. Please visit my Facebook page and give me a like!

All projects are cut using the Sizzix eclips version 1.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Crafting on a Budget.

Paper projects are fun to make, but paper can be expensive. I have found some ways to make my paper pads go a little farther so I make sure to get my money's worth. It helps me afford the svg kits I love to buy from SVG Cuts. I would like to share some of my tips with you, so that you too can enjoy more crafting on a budget.

Today I'm sharing my love for The Dollar Tree!

I have found so many things at the Dollar Tree that I can use in my crafting. And for $1 it is usually a savings over the craft stores or even Wal-Mart. I did some shopping there this week for the first day of school teacher gifts I'm sending with the boys. I bought some little note pads, pens and sticky notes. With these few items, I'll fill up a desk set and it will be adorable, useful and cheap! And each purchase will make more than one gift.

In the front is a pad of sticky notes. I get one package of 5 and split them out. The pens came 3 to a package. Next are the cards that I made. Behind the cards and their envelopes are two little lined note pads. There are 5 pads in one package. The last item is a really nice set of sticky notes that have standard size notes and little "flag" type notes. I left them intact since they were just a $1! To keep from using two pieces of the decorative card stock on the desk set, I cut the bottom piece from the same card stock as the green piece on top. I was able to use the entire 12x12 sheet. So, for these two sets, instead of using 5-6 sheets of card stock, I only used 3 sheets. The apple is one, the one with the writing is two and the green for the border piece and bottom was three! Even on the cards, I changed the size a little so I could cut two card bases from one piece of 8 1/2 x 11 card stock, instead of a 12x12. I also save by using the thinner paper from the large paper pads for decorative panels.

This is just one example of ways you can save on supplies and add-ons to keep gift items within budget. I'll share more money saving tips in the future and would love to hear how you save too!

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Crafting on a Budget