Here’s an adorable and super-easy craft to make for friends, neighbors, or teachers: a DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Ornament. The secret to these cuties are the mini glass milk bottles and of course, some dollar store ingredients! Find my full instructions over at Live.Craft.Love: [DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Ornament]

Project Materials:

(Items in bold can be purchased at the dollar store)

• Mini Milk Bottle
• Hot cocoa mix
• Christmas sprinkles
• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Baker’s twine
• Red ribbon
• Funnel

Where did I get my inspiration for this craft?

Have you seen those cute clear ornaments filled with hot cocoa mix and given as gifts? I think they are really cute, but they freak me out. Why do they freak me out? Well, it’s because those glass bulb ornaments were never meant to contain edible items, and they often have shards of glass at the top hole of the ornaments. I would NEVER drink hot cocoa mix from one of those glass bulbs, and I would never tell you to make an ornament like that to give to someone else who might drink the mix. I would hate it if someone ingested a glass shard!

For that reason, I decided to create a food-safe version of the craft, using these mini milk bottles. And you know what? I think these are even cuter than the glass ornament version!

What do you think?

The post DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Ornament Gift Idea appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Project Materials:

• Dollar store treat boxes, 4 for $1
• White cupcake baking liners, $1
• A variety of dollar store candy or cookies, $1 per package — we used 5 per box

Total: $7 and up (less than $2 per gift box)

I was inspired to do this project for 12 Months of Martha by Martha Stewart’s line of holiday treat packaging, available at Michaels, Jo-Ann’s, and other craft retailers. You can find treat boxes, bags, and other goodies in the line. You will also find a variety of treat packaging at the dollar store – from treat boxes, to bags, to printed cellophane wrap.

Assembling a custom dollar store treat box

1. Choose a variety of cookies and candy at the dollar store. I chose mine based on looks and appeal. Some of my picks include: peanut brittle, old fashioned peppermint sticks, chocolate-covered peanuts, chocolate-nut clusters, frosted gingerbread man cookies, and red gummy fish.

2. Assemble a box, and insert white baking liners to hold candies.

Note: I found white baking liners in the cooking pan section of the dollar store, and I bought two sizes: standard cupcake and mini cupcake size. You can also use printed cupcake liners, but I think the white ones look classier and make a good backdrop for the color of the treats.

3. Fill the box with candy, adding a second layer of treats if desired. You will need to put some kind of sturdy divider between the layers of treats (I used a second treat box, collapsed).

Tip: If you will be shipping this gift box, you should stabilize the contents of the box with tissue paper to keep treats from shifting and mixing together.

The Martha Stewart treat box makes these dollar store candies look high end!

Yes, you can give a classy-looking gift on a dollar store budget! These custom candy boxes make great hostess gifts, or gifts for teachers, friends, neighbors, and others.

Disclosure: I participate in 12 Months of Martha, sponsored by Martha Stewart. I am provided with Martha Stewart product. Project, photos and opinions are my own.

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‘Tis the season to gift your teachers! That’s right, back to school! It’s a great time to bless your children’s teachers with a tiny token of your appreciation. I have a very simple dollar store teacher gift idea for you: A dollar store cake in a mug. You just need a few supplies, so let’s get going and I’ll show you how to make it. Last year, the parent-teacher group made 100+ of these for all the teachers in our school.

Of course, this gift is great for anyone! Give them to your neighbors, friends, mail carrier, etc. They are great hostess gifts for parties, so keep this idea in mind for showers, weddings (a pretty tea cup would be very cool!), holiday gifts, etc.

Project Materials:

• A mug, $1 each (per teacher)
• Clear cello treat bags, $1 for 20
• Ribbon*, on hand or $1
• Card stock for tag/instructions, on hand or $1
• Your computer and printer (or you can hand write), on hand
• 1 box cake mix, any flavor, $1
• 1 box Angel Food Cake mix, $1 and up
• A Tablespoon for measuring, on hand

Total: $4 and up (add $1 per mug)

*We used this pretty black and white ribbon from May Arts, but you can use any ribbon, twine or yarn you want.

Note: Mix will make approximately 40 individual servings, so you can bag up several servings and put more than one in each mug. For 20 mugs (with 2 servings each), the total project cost would be $25, so just $1.25 per gift.

How to Make a Dollar Store Teacher’s Gift – Cake in a Mug

1. The cake mix: 3-2-1 Cake — mix 1 box of any flavor of cake mix with one box of angel food cake mix. This recipe is the 3-2-1 Microwave cake by Duncan Hines.

2. Spoon 3 Tablespoons of cake mixture into a cello bag, and secure with a twist tie or a piece of ribbon. Insert bag into mug.

3. Print instructions on a piece of paper or scrapbook paper (make sure the paper’s pattern allows the words to be legible! or print on the plain side of the scrapbooking paper.) Cut instructions into a tag size, punch with a hole punch, and tie onto mug with a piece of ribbon.

Instructions below:

CAKE IN A MUG

INSTRUCTIONS: To make the cake, Mix this with 2 tablespoons water; Mix together and microwave for 1 minute. Let this rest for 15 minutes and serve with toppings.

It’s as simple as that!

The post Tutorial: Teacher Gift: Cake in a Mug appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Two years ago, I collaborated with Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made to design a printable tea towel calendar. She provided the printable, and I designed the project and wrote the tutorial. I loved the design, and I have had some requests for a 2012 version, so I updated the calendar part so we could use it again. This is a simple project idea, great for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, and gifts for friends, neighbors, mothers, or anyone else who would appreciate a pretty folk art-inspired tea towel calendar. [For instructions on how to make the calendar, check this post: How to Make a Tea Towel Calendar]

See below for the free printable downloads!

Project Estimate:

• Flour sack towel or stash fabric, $1 or on hand
• 2 Iron-on transfer sheets, about $1 each
• Patterned tea towel (optional), $1
• Dowel (optional), $1

Total: $2 and up

For instructions on how to make the calendar, check this post: How to Make a Tea Towel Calendar

For tons of inspiration, check out Cathe Holden’s site: Just Something I Made

For the 2012 Printables:

Download Printable for 2012 Calendar:

(Hosted at Scribd):

• 2012 Printable Calendar, Page 1

Printable Tea Towel Calendar 2012 (Page 1)

• 2012 Printable Calendar 2011, Page 2

2012 Teatowel Calendar Page2

The post Printable Tea Towel Calendar – 2012 Download appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

These little wooden planters are charming, and so simple to make, even small children can successfully make them, using tuna cans and clothespins. Camilla at Family Chic is quite a talented designer. Her projects are always fresh, stylish, and simple to make using items you already have at home. She said, “Children love crafts that are simple, turn out well and can serve as a suitable gift for Mom – this craft is all of that.” I would add that adults like crafts like that too! [how to make wooden clothespin planters]

Make these for teachers in your life, or as a nice party favor (birthday, bridal or baby shower). Also keep these in mind for Mother’s Day gifts. Or hostess gifts. Pretty much, I think these would be great for any occasion!

Project Estimate:

• Recycled tuna can, on hand
• Clothespins, $1
• Construction paper, on hand
• Small plant, on hand or $1

Total: $1 and up

The post Make a Wooden Clothespin Planter appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

The best hostess gifts are projects that are cheap and easy to make, and can be made assembly line style.  I found these cute plastic candy jars at the dollar store and transformed them into old timey apothecary-style jars with a colorful twist. Fill the apothecary jar with sweets for an inexpensive hostess gift sure to brighten up anyone’s day. Make one for teachers, your hairdresser, UPS driver, or anyone you want to give a little gift to. [how to make a sweet candy apothecary jar]

My project was chosen by Krylon to featured on Your Holiday Style – one of their sites dedicated to sharing cool spray painted holiday projects.  Go check out all the great ideas already on the site, and upload your great ideas too! my project: [how to make a sweet candy apothecary jar]

Project Materials:

• 1 plastic or glass lidded jar (mine was pre-printed with Christmas graphics), $1
• 1 glass taper holder candle stick, 2 for $1
• Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Satin – Burgundy, and Gloss – Blue Ocean Breeze (less than one can), about $4 each
• Drop cloth or paint box
• Glass glue (I used E-6000), $4 or on hand

Total: $1.50 and up

Go check out my fellow Crafterminds‘ awesome projects too!

Mod Podged Holiday Gift Tin by Amy from Mod Podge Rocks

Burlap & Chalkboard Fabric Gift Bags by Jen from Tatertots & Jello

Time Capsule Ornament by Beckie from Infarrantly Creative

p.s. Craft bloggers: Crafterminds hosts a Twitter chat on Mondays at 4pm Eastern all about craft blogging! Come join us!

The post Make a Sweet Candy Apothecary Jar appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Last year, I collaborated with Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made to design a printable tea towel calendar. She provided the printable, and I designed the project and wrote the tutorial. I loved last year’s design, so I updated the calendar part so we could use it again for 2011. This is a simple project idea, great for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, and gifts for friends, neighbors, mothers, or anyone else who would appreciate a pretty folk art-inspired tea towel calendar.

Project Estimate:

• Flour sack towel or stash fabric, $1 or on hand
• 2 Iron-on transfer sheets, about $1 each
• Patterned tea towel (optional), $1
• Dowel (optional), $1

Total: $2 and up

For instructions on how to make the calendar, check this post: How to Make a Tea Towel Calendar

For tons of inspiration, check out Cathe Holden’s site: Just Something I Made

For the 2011 Printables:

Download Printable for 2011 Calendar:

• 2011-teatowel-calendar (Page 1)

• 2011-teatowel-calendar-page2 (Page 2)

if those links don’t work, try this (hosted at Scribd):

• Printable Calendar, Page 1
• Printable Calendar 2011, Page 2

linked up:

Tatertots & Jello Weekend Wrap Up

The post Printable Tea Towel Calendar – 2011 Edition appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Thanks to Jessica from Happy Together, one of my favorite bloggers! She always has such cute ideas, and I am happy to share this great last-minute and hostess gift idea with you. -Heather

Pot Holder Dish Towel Tutorial by Jessica Fediw, Oh So Happy Together

This is a super quick, in a hurry gift. It’s cute and practical. I especially love these because my daughter can’t yank it off of the stove!

What you need:

-1 pot holder (the ones I found at the dollar store had 2 in a pack!) $1

-1 dish towel $1

-1 Button (not too small) $1 or on hand

-10 strip of ribbon/yarn/elastic/twill tape/etc. on hand

-Optional: Scrap materials for embellishing it

How to make it

1. The towel needs to be the same width as the pot holder, so gather the ends some if it is longer and pin in place.
2. Pin the middle of the pot holder to the middle of the dish towel, right sides together.
3. Sew straight down the middle and when the pot holder is folded it looks like this:
4. Pin the 10 inch piece of twill tape/etc. to the top middle back of the pot holder.
5. Sew in place.
6. Hand sew on button to the front top middle.
7. Embellish if you like. I did some embroidery and added on a strand of pom poms, ribbon, and rick rack to the front bottom of the towel. (the pictures in the next email)

The post Quick Gift: Pot Holder Dish Towel appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

• 1 Christmas Tree Shaped Ice Cube Mold, $1
• 1 Bag Peppermint Candies, $1
• 1 Bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, $1 and up
• 1 Package White Chocolate/Almond Bark, about $2.50
• 2 glass bowls for mixing and heating
• Various spoons for stirring.
• 1 small butter knife or child-sized knife

Total: $5.50 and up

The post Make Peppermint Bark Christmas Trees appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I am so excited! I love those old tea towels that have calendars printed on them, and I thought, hey, we can make one of those on Dollar Store Crafts! And then I thought, and you know who would design a FABULOUS calendar? Cathe Holden from Just Something I Made, that’s who! I first became aware of Cathe’s genius when I somehow stumbled upon her reverse-painted sign tutorial, and it totally blew my mind with its awesomeness. Then I found out that all of Cathe’s amazing creations are equally mindblowing, and I became an instant fangirl! So, I approached Cathe with my tea towel calendar project idea, and to my delight, she agreed to design the calendar!

So, I’m going to give you the instructions for making your very own 2010 tea towel calendar, and Cathe has graciously provided the accompanying printables on her website. She’s also provided a printable card graphic that matches the calendar, so your gift and card will be all coordinated! So head on over there and download them, then get printing and make some calendars. These will make amazing hostess gifts, gifts for co-workers, grandparents, or anyone who needs a little gift. The cost is pretty low per piece, and you don’t have to do much hands-on work to make a great-looking handmade gift.

Click here for Cathe’s 2010 Blog friends calendar printable

UPDATED: Download Printable for 2013 Calendar: Free Printable Calendar for 2013

Project Estimate:

• Flour sack towel or stash fabric, $1 or on hand
• 2 Iron-on transfer sheets, about $1 each
• Patterned tea towel (optional), $1
• Dowel (optional), $1

Total: $2 and up

I got iron-on transfers at my local big box store in a package of 6 for about $7.50. They are slightly less expensive if you buy a package of 12 (about $15).

You can use one flour sack towel to make two calendars (you’ll cut the flour sack towel in half, and then hem the edges), or you can use one flour sack towel calendar sewn on top of a colorful towel. I used a red and white gingham towel. It’s not very difficult, and it looks great!

When you place the calendar on the towel (prior to ironing), remember that you will be folding about 1″ over on the top to make a channel for a dowel (if you’re using a dowel for hanging).

Also, remember to iron your flour sack towel well before you begin. Because of the loose weave on the dollar store flour sack towels, the fabric isn’t very stiff and has a tendency to stretch and get wonky (see photo below for an example – the top hem is crooked!). Pins are your friend!

To make plain flour sack towel version:

1. Cut flour sack towel in half, if desired.
2. To make the channel for the dowel: Fold top of flour sack towel over approximately 1″ from top and pin in place. Sew across the pinned area, about 3/4″ from the edge. This is where you’ll slip the dowel through when you hang the calendar. Skip this step if desired… thumbtacks will work fine for hanging the calendar!
3. Print out the printables onto regular iron-on transfer sheets and follow manufacturer’s directions for ironing.
   Printing reminder: Make sure you choose the “mirror” setting when you print them up – so they print up backward, but will face the right direction when ironed on! Also, there are two iron-on sheets, so make sure they are facing the same direction when you iron them on (just in case we have any crafters in the audience who might be related to me and my non-detail-oriented ways!)
4. Iron printables onto flour sack towel or light-colored plain stash fabric.
5. Fold raw edges over, and fold over again. Iron the fold in place, pin, and sew around edges. (I cut the already-hemmed edges off of my flour sack towel so I could hem both sides to match!

If you’re doing the plain flour sack towel version, you’re done!

To make gingham dish towel version (steps 1-4 are the same):

1. Cut flour sack towel in half.
2. To make the channel for the dowel: Fold top of flour sack towel over approximately 1″ from top and pin in place. Sew across the pinned area, about 3/4″ from the edge. This is where you’ll slip the dowel through when you hang the calendar. Skip this step if desired… thumbtacks will work fine for hanging the calendar!
3. Print out the printables onto regular iron-on transfer sheets and follow manufacturer’s directions for ironing.
   Printing reminder: Make sure you choose the “mirror” setting when you print them up – so they print up backward, but will face the right direction when ironed on! Also, there are two iron-on sheets, so make sure they are facing the same direction when you iron them on (just in case we have any crafters in the audience who might be related to me and my non-detail-oriented ways!)
4. Iron printables onto flour sack towel or light-colored plain stash fabric.
5. Cut flour sack towel down to fit inside the edges of your backing dish towel. Be sure to leave at least 1″ around edges of printed area for folding/hem area.
6. Fold raw edges over, and fold over again. Iron the fold in place, pin to backing dish towel. Sew around edges.

The post Make a Tea Towel Calendar (with FREE Printable!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.