Looking for a quick and easy modern centerpiece that won’t break the bank? Check out this wonderful find: Modern Metallic Centerpieces. This project is perfect for holiday decorating, or for adding a bit of glamour to a wedding, a shower, or maybe even your work cubicle. Find glass cylindrical vases at the dollar store, and transform them into sleek and modern metallic print vases, with just a couple simple steps. Find the instructions for this elegant dollar store home decor craft over at The Craft Patch: [DIY Modern Metallic Centerpiece]

The post Easy Dollar Store Metallic Modern Vase appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

There are some items that I see at Dollar Tree that I always grab every time I see a shipment because my local store tends to sell out of them quickly, and paper lanterns are one of those things.  And since I pick up a few here and a few there, I have managed to amass quite a collection!  Most of them are in solid colors, but what if you want something a little fancier?  Sara at Creative Jewish Mom had some sun-faded lanterns in need of a revamp, so she used tissue paper to add some bright stripes to them.  This is a cute, easy way to make them match your decor, or to dress them up to fit a party theme or wedding colors!  [how to make tissue paper embellished lanterns]

Project estimate:

• Paper lanterns, $1 and up
• Tissue paper, on hand or $1
• Mod Podge, on hand

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make Tissue Paper Embellished Lanterns appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Paper bags are handy for so many things, but here is a use you probably haven’t thought of yet:  Making paper lanterns!  These lanterns, made by Landee at Landee See, Landee Do would make such a fun, easy addition to any party decor (or even your regular decor!), and with party stores offering bags in just about every color under the sun, you can make them match any scheme or theme you want.  (How great would these be for weddings?!)  You could even use plain white or brown paper bags, or hand over the bags and some markers to your kiddos to create fun kid drawing lanterns.  Or splatter paint plain bags.  Or use tea or coffee to dye the bags for an antiqued look.  Or coat the finished lanterns with a bit of Sparkle Mod Podge…  The list goes on and on!  Oh, the possibilities!  [how to make paper bag lanterns]

Project estimate:

• Paper bags, on hand or $1 and up
• String, on hand or $1

Total:  Free and up!

The post Make Paper Bag Lanterns appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Lanterns hung from trees are so romantic. They give any plain space a warm, inviting feel. You could even use them to keep buggies at bay during the summer by using citronella candles inside. Cindy from Skip to My Lou shows us how to make these impressive lanterns from nylon cord or hemp twine and an old glass jar. [how to make a hanging mason jar candle holder]

Project estimate:

• Nylon cord or hemp twine, on hand or $1 and up
• Glass jar, on hand or $1 and up
• Candle, on hand or $0.25 and up

Total: free and up!

The post Make a Hanging Mason Jar Candle Holders appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Wedding season is just around the corner and I would bet someone you know if not yourself is trying to come up with some inexpensive centerpieces. Heather and I had an awesome afternoon brainstorming and crafting together using Martha Stewart products. We came up with the very elegant candle holder which will have all your guests asking, “where you got those beautiful centerpieces?” If they only knew!

Project estimate:

• Plastic champagne glasses, $1.00 for a 6 pack
• Martha Stewart punch, on hand
• Martha Stewart scrapbook paper, on hand
• Martha Stewart glitter, on hand
• Hot glue, on hand
• Charm or bead, on hand
• Clear thread or fishing line, on hand
• White glue, on hand

Total: $1.00 and up

Using the punch make two matching pieces to place together. Sandwich two sides together with string in the middle. You will need to add a bead or some type of charm to the base to hold it down when hanging.

Place a small amount of glue in the bottom of the cup with the glue gun. Be careful to not get it on the sides of the cup.

Here comes the tricky part. Using a pencil make a small slit in the eraser and put string/thread into it. This will hold it in place to put it in cup. Push end of thread then into the glue and allow to set. Now you have your monogram in place.

Now onto the glitter. Apply a small amount of glue to the rim of the cup. Then cover it with glitter by rolling it in a plate filled with glitter.

Using the same technique glue the base of the cup and glitter it. Once it has dried you can place a punch in the center to put your candle on.

Light your candle and you are ready to have the wedding of your dreams!

The post Tutorial: Monogram Candle Holder appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

When Janet from The Painted Piglet found herself in charge of decor for decorating banquet tables at a gathering for local motorcycle owners, she came up with a great idea.  By wrapping her floral centerpieces with bandanas, it not only gave them a fun, country look, it also gave them a little bit of a biker edge – and at the end of the night when they gave the centerpieces away, a bunch of bikers all went home with new bandanas!  These would be great for any country-themed gathering, including weddings!  [how to make bandana floral centerpieces]

Project estimate:

• Flowers, $1
• Floral foam, $1
• Jar or small vase, on hand or $1
• Bandana, $1
• Raffia or twine, on hand or $1

Total:  $3 and up

The post Make Bandana Floral Centerpieces appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

So you want an elegant wedding, but you don’t want it to be all stuffy and overly formal.  A shabby chic theme may be just the solution you are looking for!  Melissa from Serendipity & Spice combined rhinestones, satin, and burlap to decorate some dollar store vases, turning them into fabulous table decor that marries and air of sophistication with rustic charm.  I love the contrast of textures between the rough burlap and smooth satin ribbon!  [how to make shabby chic wedding decor]

Project estimate:

• Glass vases, $1 each
• Burlap, on hand or $1 and up
• Ribbon, on hand or$1 and up
• Rhinestones or other embellishments, $1 and up
• Hot glue, on hand

Total:  $2 and up

The post Make Shabby Chic Wedding Decor appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Spring will be here before you know it, which means we’re also on the verge of wedding season! To celebrate, Angie at The Country Chic Cottage is hosting a whole week of DIY wedding ideas, and we couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. After being inspired by some silly, oversized “diamond” rings in the Valentine’s Day offerings at Dollar Tree, I came up with a cute favor idea. I think they would look adorable worked into luncheon place settings or scattered on a buffet table or down a table runner!

Project estimate:

• Oversized “diamond” rings, $1 each
• Ribbon, $1 and up
• Hang tags, on hand or $1
• Letter stickers, on hand or $1

Total: $2 and up

It all started when I came across these big rings. They are too big to wear on a finger, so I figured they had to have a decorative use. And of course, I immediately thought of weddings!

Then I found some thin, wire-edged ribbon that says “with love” on it and I knew it was just what I needed to turn the rings into something more.

Cut the ribbon into segments; I cut mine so that the “with love” sentiment would show on both sides when the ribbon is folded in half. Fold the ribbon around the ring, then twist to secure it in place.

Adding the tag is where you can really go crazy personalizing this project! I used letter stickers to make a simple monogram, but you could also add a love sentiment or an image. Try writing each guest’s name on a tag and use them as place cards!

Finish the favors by attaching a tag to each ring and you’re done! Now on to the next wedding project…. Make sure you stop by The Country Chic Cottage this week for lots more great wedding craft ideas!

The post Tutorial: Engagement Ring Bridal Shower Favors appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

12.  How to Make T-shirt Yarn

T-shirt fabric is one of our favorite recycled craft supplies.  It’s versatile, it’s cheap, and it’s easy to work with even if you completely lack and kind of sewing skills.  One of the most popular ways to use old t-shirts in crafting is to turn them into t-shirt yarn, a continuous strand of fabric that can be used any way you would use regular yarn.  We put together the ultimate guide to t-shirt yarn, including several different methods for making the yarn and a bunch of project ideas to inspire you!  [how to make t-shirt yarn]

11.  Tutorial: Rain Chain from Wire-Wrapped Rock

The concept of the rain chain was very popular in the home and garden world last year, so it’s no surprise that our DIY rain chain tutorial did well.  Why use a boring ol’ downspout when you can replace it with a work of art instead?  [how to make a rain chain from wire-wrapped rock]

10.  Make Soda Can Lanterns

We are constantly amazed at the creative ways we see folks reusing materials out of the trash or recycling bin.  In this project by Theresa at The Star Online, some clever cutting takes empty soda cans and turns them into useful, artful little lanterns.  A string of these colorful can lanterns would look great lighting a garden party!  [how to make soda can lanterns]

9.  Make A Ping Pong Ball Pendant Lamp

Ping pong balls in a home decor project?  That’s how we roll.  We were totally captivated by this project from French magazine Marie Claire Idées, and so were you!  Thanks to Jan at Poppytalk, who translated the directions to English so those of us stateside can take a crack at making our own version!  [how to make a ping pong ball pendant lamp]

8.  Tutorial:  Blowing Dandelion T-shirt

Back in the spring, Liz from My Messy Desk dropped by as a guest to share a tutorial for this fabulous, nature-inspired t-shirt.  You won’t believe her super-simple secret to making this design!  Of course, it’s not just limited to t-shirts – you can add this motif to just about anything you want.  [how to make a blowing dandelion t-shirt]

7. Turn a Rubber Door Mat into Wall Art

Sometimes all it takes to come up with an amazing project is to think entirely outside of the box.  That’s how Kate at Salvage Dior ended up turning a fancy welcome mat into some equally fancy wall art!  It has the look of antique wrought iron, but it is far more lightweight than its metal counterpart and therefore much easier to hang.  [how to turn a rubber door mat into wall art]

6.  Three Awesome Teen Girl Craft Night Ideas

When Heather was challenged to come up with activities for a teen girl craft night, she didn’t disappoint.  The young ladies participating in the event had a blast making DIY jewelry and accessories!  Not only does she break down each idea in her post about the event, she also provides some great tips for hosting your own crafty party!  [three awesome teen girl craft night ideas]

5.  Braided Ribbon Flip Flop Makeover

Every year Dollar Tree sells basic, plain flip flops, and every year we see a ton of great ideas for dressing them up!  This simple method from Andrea’s Bow Cottage uses ribbon and some simple macrame to take a pair of sandals from yawn-worthy to yes-worthy in just a few minutes.  Why spend money on fancy flip flops when decorating them yourself is so cheap and easy?  [how to make braided ribbon flip flops]

4.  Make a Glass Marble Tiled Table

Anyone who thinks the bags of flat glass marbles are just for filling the bottom of an aquarium or adding weight to a vase hasn’t seen this project by Shannon at Madigan Made.  Using resin to “grout” the marbles, she created a flat, stable tabletop surface that looks absolutely stunning.  Put this table in front of a window and enjoy the bright, cheery look of the sunlight hitting the glass!  [how to make a glass marble tiled table]

3.  Black and White Wedding Ideas

While budgets have been shrinking in recent years, every girl still wants to have her dream wedding.  Rather than skimping on the glam factor, more and more brides are opting to use DIY ideas to cut their costs.  We rounded up 15 inexpensive ideas on a black and white color scheme, but these ideas are all easily adapted to fit any wedding colors your heart desires.  [black and white wedding ideas]

2.  Tutorial:  PB-Inspired Tiled Mirror for $10

We love designer-inspired projects, especially when the DIY version is much cheaper to make than the cost of the original.  Sure, you could drop a few hundred dollars on a large tiled mirror to hang above your mantel, but we would rather spend $10 on supplies and make our own!  (And so would our readers!)  [how to make a PB-inspired tiled mirror]

1.  What to Buy at Dollar Tree for Your Wedding

Yes, DIY wedding ideas were a big winner in 2012!  Our most-viewed post of the year was this list of project ideas using various items that you can find on the shelves of Dollar Tree.  Our list of seven projects, including decorations and favor ideas, will help you get that dream wedding look within the reality of your budget!  [what to buy at Dollar Tree for your wedding]

The post The Best of DSC: Top 12 Posts of 2012 appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

This month we challenged our readers to come up with ideas for our Wedding Craft Challenge sponsored by Dollar Tree.  There were so many awesome entries, and once again it was a huge challenge to choose a winner.  And now it’s time to announce that winner!

Our guest judge for this month’s challenge is Amy Anderson from Mod Podge Rocks!  Her blog is all about Mod Podge (and you know we love us some Podge!) and features a myriad of projects involving the craft room staple, including these Mr. & Mrs. blocks that would make adorable table decor!

After much contemplating, we narrowed the field to our top five entries.  We know you’re excited to see which ones, so here they are!

5.)  Heart Chandelier by Malia at Yesterday on Tuesday

4.)  Lotus Blossom Wax Paper Pomander Ball by Carolyn at Carolyn’s Homework

3.)  Placemat Bridesmaid Clutches by Lavender Paper Hearts

2.)  Amazingly Cheap T-shirt Flower Bouquet by Sara at Endorsed by Igor

And the number one entry and winner of a $100 gift card to Dollar Tree is…

1.)  Faux Pewter Bird Centerpiece by Morena at Morena’s Corner

Congratulations, Morena!  We can’t wait to see what you do with $100 worth of stuff from Dollar Tree!  There were a ton of other great entries too, so make sure you check out our contest linkup to see them all!

Stay tuned for another great challenge sponsored by Dollar Tree, coming soon!

The post Wedding Craft Challenge Winner and Best-Of Roundup appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.