You’ve probably never thought of those plastic-y placemats as fashionable décor, but Desiree at The 36th Avenue is about to change your perception –  she used some of them to make these snazzy vase covers!  It’s a simple yet high-impact project, and you can use any cylindrical vase or other container for the project.  (Don’t throw away your next empty oatmeal container, it’ll look fab with this makeover!)  [how to make placemat wrapped vases]

Project estimate:

• Plastic placemat, $1
• Cylindrical vase or canister, on hand or $1
• Stapler or tape, on hand

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make Placemat Wrapped Vases appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

It’s time to get in the mood… for Dollar Store Crafting with Duck Brand® Tape! Lovey dovey, pink puffy hearts and chocolates kind of mood: VALENTINE’S DAY!! We have three clever Valentine’s Day craft ideas for you that use some Duck Brand® Tape Valentine's Day designs.

Our three dollar store Valentine's Day Duck Brand® Tape crafts are:

• 3D Valentine Heart Mobile
• Valentine Heart Candle
• Valentine Heart Placemat

Here are some of your Duck Brand® Tape Valentine's Day tape options:

You don't need much for these crafts – just a few rolls of Duck Brand® Tape and a couple supplies from the dollar store!

Project Materials:

• Duck Brand® Tape rolls, about $4.99 each – You need at least 2 colors of tape for these crafts
• Wax paper, $1 or on hand
• A plain white prayer candle, $1
• 3 pony beads, on hand
• String, on hand
• Scissors, on hand
• Hot glue gun and glue, on hand
• Heart templates, download for free here

Total: $11 and up – with lots of Duck Brand® Tape to spare for other Duck Tape crafts!

3D Valentine Heart Mobile Instructions

Make an eye-catching heart mobile with solid-colored tape, or add some extra pizzazz with Duck Brand® Tape in Valentine's Day patterns. Check out our clever technique for creating 3-dimensional hearts from Duck Tape.

Supplies:

• Duck Brand® Tape, 2-4 colors
• Wax paper
• 3 pony beads
• String or yarn
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Heart templates, download for free here

1. Cover a piece of card stock with red Duck Tape, on both sides. Cut out a large heart.

2. Punch a hole in the top of the heart, and add string for hanging. Punch a hole in the bottom of the heart, and on the bottom sides of the heart as well. Put large heart aside.

3. To create the 3D heart strings:

• Cut a small heart out of Duck Tape. Place half of the heart over the edge of wax paper.
• Place a second small Duck Tape heart over the sticky side of the 1st heart.
• Place a third heart over the sticky side of the 2nd heart, then peel the wax paper off.
• Before sticking the last two sticky sides together, put a string through the middle of the 3D heart, as shown. Attach the last sticky sides together.
• Continue making 3D hearts this way, about 1" down the string from each other, until your heart strings are about 18" long.
• Tie a pony bead to the bottom of the strings to weigh them down.

Tie heart strings to the bottom of the large heart.

Valentine Heart Candle Instructions

All you need is an inexpensive glass prayer candle to create this quick and fun Duck Tape valentine candle craft.

Supplies:

• Duck Brand® Tape, 2-4 colors
• A piece of scrap paper
• A glue dot or a dab of hot glue
• Scissors
• Heart templates, download for free here

To Make:

1. Put a red strip of Duck Brand® Tape around the glass candle holder, about 1" from the bottom.
2. Add another red strip of tape around the candle, about 1" from the top.
3. Add a contrasting colored strip of tape between the red tape strips.
4. Cover a piece of card stock with a piece of tape on both sides, then cut out a 2" heart.
5. Attach heart to center tape strip with a glue dot or a dab of hot glue.

Valentine Heart Placemat Instructions

Tweens (or any crafters!) will enjoy making custom placemats for Valentine's Day, or any occasion with a couple rolls of Duck Tape. Bonus: Just wipe up any spills with a damp cloth, and these placemats are ready to use again and again.

Supplies:

• Duck Brand® Tape, 2-3 colors
• Wax paper
• Scissors
• Heart templates, download for free here
• Paper trimmer, optional

To Make:

1. Create a sheet of Duck Tape fabric about 18" wide by 12" tall. Trim edges to square. A paper trimmer might be helpful for that!

–Alternately, you can cover a sheet of paper cut to the size of a placemat with overlapping Duck Tape.–

How to create a Duck Tape sheet:

1. Lay a strip out with sticky side up. Lay another strip over it, sticky side facing sticky side, with long edges overlapping slightly (about 1/2").
2. Continue to lay additional strips until the sheet is the desired size.
3. To create a "good" edge, fold the last piece of tape over the edge.

2. Add a contrasting strip around the outside of the sheet.

3. Overlap white strips of tape onto a piece of wax paper, about 7" square. Cut out the 6.75" heart, using the heart template. (download for free here)

4. Overlap red strips of tape onto a piece of wax paper, about 6" square. Cut out the 5.5" heart, using the heart template. (download for free here)

5. Peel the wax paper from the back of the smaller heart, and place the smaller red heart onto the bigger white heart.

6. Then peel the wax paper from the large heart, and place it on the center of the placemat.

Duck Brand® is on Twitter @TheDuckBrand
Follow @TheDuckBrand for tons of creative inspiration!

The post Tutorial: 3 Duck Tape Valentine Crafts appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Dollar Store Crafts was given the opportunity to work with the yo-yo maker tool from Clover and to get inspired by a book called Indygo Junction’s Fabric Flowers by Amy Brickman.  I was so excited to add it to this super easy purse I made out of a Dollar Store place mat.  I already have a plan for my purse:  it’s going to make an awesome bible bag!  Know what’s even more exciting?  We’re giving away a copy of the book and a yo-yo maker so you can try it out for yourself!  Read all the way to the end of the post for details!

Project estimate:

• 2 place mats, $2
• Sewing machine, on hand
• Hot glue, on hand
• Yo-yo maker, about $5 (or win one below!)
• Scrap fabric, on hand

Total cost: $2 and up

To get started take one of the place mats and fold in half.  Then measure 1″ from the center crease on each side.  Draw a line across to make a guide for your fold.  Using an iron  press on the line to create the bottom of your purse.

Using the other place mat cut a strip 2 1/2″.  With the place mat I used I was able get two piece from one strip. (It was double fabric with interfacing in the middle) If you only have one strip you’ll need to cut another one.  These pieces will be the sides to your purse.

Starting at the base or bottom of your purse pin the side and secure  with sewing machine.  The pin the sides and secure with your sewing machine.  To make it easy to secure, sew from the outside of the purse.  Its way easier this way and the thread will blend well so don’t worry about how it will look.  You can just sew up the stitch that is already there on the place mat.

Now to attach your handles.  Cut two 1 1/2″ strip for the straps.  You can make the straps bigger or small depending on what you are using your purse for.  To keep the strap from coming apart stitch up the side with a 1/4″ seam.  To secure the straps to the purse measure 1″ from the side and pin in place.  Using a zigzag stitch secure straps to purse base.

Once you have the purse complete you can decorate it how which ever way you would like.  I couldn’t wait to use the yo-yo makers. I used some coordinating fabric and a button to make a pretty yo-yo flower.  I attached the yo-yo flower with my glue gun.  To finish it off I put a button I had in the center.

Want to win a copy of Indygo Junction’s Fabric Flowers and a yo-yo maker of your very own?  Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want more chances to win?  Check out the rest of the Indygo Junction virtual book tour!  You can see more about the book on the following blogs:

• 2/2/13 – Indygo Junction Kick Off Post
  
• 2/4/13 – Kollabora
  
• 2/5/13 – CraftFoxes
  
• 2/6/13 – Sewing Secrets
  
• 2/7/13 – Princess Lasertron
  
• 2/8/13 – Dollar Store Crafts
  
• 2/11/13 – Tatertots & Jello
  
• 2/12/13 – Family Ever After
  
• 2/13/13 – This Mama Makes Stuff
  
• 2/14/13 – Amy’s Creative Side
  
• 2/15/13 – Today’s Creative Blog
  
• 2/18/13 – Lazy Girl Designs
  
• 2/19/13 – Skip to My Lou
  
• 2/20/13 – The Sewing Loft
  
• 2/21/13 – The Crafty Cupboard
  
• 2/22/13 – Fishsticks Designs
  
• 2/25/13 – Taradara
  
• 2/26/13 – Diary of a Quilter
  
• 2/27/13 – Craft Gossip
  
• 2/28/13 – How Joyful
  
• 3/1/13 – Lindsay Sews
  
• 3/4/13 – Flamingo Toes
  
• 3/5/13 – In Color Order
  
• 3/6/13 – See Kate Sew
  
• 3/7/13 – Handmade Charlotte
  
• 3/8/13 – Sew Caroline
  
• 3/9/13 – Indygo Junction Wrap Up Post, Bonus Giveaway & Free Flower Project
  

The post Tutorial: Placemat Purse (plus win a book and fabric yo-yo maker!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

We always, no matter how crazy our day is, sit around the table for dinner.  This can be a bit difficult with young children.  Someone is always done before everyone else or dinner is taking a little longer than expected.  I came up with a way to make those wait times a little easier on my kiddos.  Using Dollar Store placemats I created chalk boards to keep my children occupied at the table.

Project estimate:

• Vinyl/plastic placemat, $1
• Chalk board paint, on hand or about $5 and up
• Foam paint brush, on hand
• Chalk, on hand

Total: $1.00 and up

This will be one of the easiest crafts you’ll ever make.  All you need to do is paint the placemat with chalk board paint.  It will take at least 2 coats.  For the best results, paint the first coat with brush strokes going on one direction (left-right or top-bottom), then apply the second coat with strokes in the opposite direction.  Let the paint dry fully.  After it is dry chalk over the entire area and wipe clean with dry cloth.  This will allow for the mat to be wiped off easily after you children draw on it.

I made a placemat above for the table.  It’s my sons birthday today and its a fun way to wish him a happy birthday.  May daughter thought it would be fun to make a sign for her horse Indie’s stall.  One of the ladies at our stables said it would make a wonderful mouse pad.  It’s very versatile and you can do many things with this fun, easy craft!

The post Tutorial: Chalkboard Placemat appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I have to say this is probably one of the coolest Dollar Store Crafts I have ever made.  This is just to awesome not to share.  It is so versatile.  You can use it as hanging storage or as a roll up storage bag.  Who would have thought something as simple as a placemat could be so fun!

Project estimate:

• Placemat, $1
• Straight pins, on hand
• Sewing machine or needle and thread, on hand
• Fabric pencil, on hand or $1 and up
• Matching ribbon (optional), on hand or $1
• Velcro strip (optional), on hand or $1

Total: $1 and up

First choose which side you would like facing outward,  This is also the side you will see when you fold the bottom up.  Then fold bottom up pinning 3 1/2″ from the top.  You may choose a different size depending on your project.

With your sewing machine stitch each side closed.  I used a 1/4 inch seam on each side.

After securing the sides measure and mark every 2 inches from the side.  You may leave the last pocket a little larger for bigger items.  After you have marked the top and bottom you may then draw a line connecting them to make an even line which you will follow to sew the pockets.

Once your pockets are created you can then decide if you’d like to make a hanging storage or a roll up storage.  If you decided to make a roll up storage you can now attach a piece of ribbon to one end by folding it in two and sewing the folded edge to the side of your place mat.  If you are going to hang your project you can attach velcro to the back or you may simply nail directly to your wall.

The post Tutorial: Placemat Storage Bag and Organizer appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Some of my fondest memories of childhood are of using fabric paints and pens to make custom t-shirts, pillowcases, and quilt blocks. I would have loved this technique, demonstrated at No Time for Flashcards — using a product called Ink Effects, she painted these colorful letters on a sheet of paper, and then ironed it on to a placemat. The paint-and-transfer technique has me totally intrigued! I know I would have loved that as a kid. I love it now, too! [how to make an easy ABC placemat]

Another good thing: these inks transfer best onto polyester blends, so most of the textiles at the dollar store would be prime candidates for this iron-on treatment.

Project Estimate:

• Placemat, $1
• DecoArt Ink Effects, $3 per color
• Paint brushes, on hand
• Paper, on hand
• Iron, on hand

Total: $4 and up

The post Easy Painted Alphabet Placemat appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

We love our placemats around here.  There are dozens of different things you can use them for besides dressing up and protecting your table!  I’m working on a massive garden project this year, so I am especially keen on outdoor projects; these candle holders by Jean at Flower Hill Design are just the kind of project I’ve been collecting to try out this summer!  Not only do they look slick adorning your patio table during the day, they also look amazing lit up at night!  [how to make outdoor bamboo candles]

Project estimate:

• Glass jars, on hand
• Bamboo placemat, $1
• Hot glue, on hand
• Tealight candles, on hand or $1

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make Outdoor Bamboo Candles appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Fifteen minutes or less.  That’s seriously how long it will take you to make this pillow!  Angie from The Country Chic Cottage whipped it up as part of a 15-minute craft series that she hosted in conjunction with Moore Craft Time.  (Check out more 15 minute crafts!)  The project requires minimal sewing and uses paper doilies to create what looks like painstaking detail without needing any crazy artistic skills (or unending patience)!  [how to make a doily placemat pillow]

Project estimate:

• Placemat, $1
• Paper doilies, on hand or $1
• Paint, on hand or $1 and up
• Polyfill, on hand or about $3 and up
• Needle and thread, on hand

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make a Doily Placemat Pillow appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Here at Dollar Store Crafts, we love our placemats! They have to be one of the easiest items to transform into fantastic craft projects. Brittany at Pretty Handy Girl created this eye-catching yard flag by embellishing a dollar store placemat. She wants to encourage the weather to give her some of the white stuff! [how to make a yard flag out of a placemat]

Brittany embellished her placemat with Tulip Shimmer Sheets and Fabric paint, but you can use anything you want to decorate your yard flag. Craft acrylic paint will work well, and you can use craft glue and sprinkle with glitter (not sure how the glitter will hold up in the elements, though!)

Project Estimate:

• 2 placemats, $2
• (optional) Tulip Shimmer Iron-on Sheets, $14.99
• Paint, on hand
• Sewing machine (or needle & thread), on hand

Total: $2 and up

The post Placemat Turned Yard Flag appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I’ve seen some interesting placemat ideas over the years, but few as nifty as these denim placemats that Sam from Today’s Nest made out of old pairs of jeans!  I’m absolutely giddy over the silverware and napkin tucked in the pocket.  I’ve been avoiding yard sales and thrift stores lately (I need to get rid of stuff, not accumulate more), but this project might call for an exception.  You can use pretty much anything for backing fabric; I like the idea of using rubberized shelf liner on the back side to make them non-skid as well.  [how to make upcycled denim placemats]

Project estimate:

• Kid’s jeans, on hand or about $1 and up
• Adult jeans, on hand or about $3 and up
• Backing fabric, on hand or $1 and up
• No-sew fabric adhesive tape, on hand or $1 and up
• Iron, on hand
• Scissors or rotary cutter, on hand
• Sewing machine or needle and thread, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Make Upcycled Denim Placemats appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.