Have you noticed that constellations are an up-and-coming trend recently?  The starry configurations are popping up everywhere from jewelry to throw pillows.  Jessica from Mad in Crafts had the brilliant idea of putting some on pumpkins!  It works great with the traditional lit-from-within look of a Jack-o-lantern but gives it a whole new twist. If you don’t have a drill or Dremel to use for making the holes, these foam pumpkins are also fairly easy to puncture with a sharp pencil – but however you make the hole, remember to be careful! [how to make a drilled constellation pumpkin]

Project estimate:

• Foam pumpkin, $1
• Paint, on hand or $1 and up
• Drill or Dremel, on hand
• Sharpie, on hand
• Battery-operated tea light, on hand or $1

Total:  $1 and up

Looking for more pumpkin crafts?

The post Make Constellation Pumpkins appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

A couple of us DSC girls have been involved with a site called Crafty Hangouts, where once a month we get the chance to share a craft demonstration via live video feed. This month’s theme was patriotic crafts, and we received some lovely paper crafting supplies to use in our projects. I was immediately drawn to some paper printed with constellations and thought it would make a fun take on “stars and stripes.” I even punched out all of the stars in the constellations so that the light from the candles shines through, creating a really neat effect. Check out all of the details over at Mrs. Greene! [how to make a constellations and stripes patriotic candle holder set]

Project estimate:

• Paper, about $1
• Ribbon, on hand or $1 and up
• Mod Podge, on hand
• Needle or pin, on hand
• Glass containers, on hand or $3
• Battery operated tealights, on hand or $1 and up

Total: about$1 and up

The post Make a Constellations and Stripes Patriotic Candle Holder Set appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I’ve always loved the look of 3D tin stars, which is what these paper stars remind me of.  Morena from Morena’s Corner made a short video showing how to make them, and you won’t believe how easy they are!  Once you see how simple the process is, you’ll be making pretty paper stars to embellish everything in sight.  They’re great as hanging decorations like these, or glue them onto nearly anything else you can think of – you can even coat them with some Mod Podge to stiffen them up a bit for adding them to things like picture frames or jewelry!  [how to make 3D paper stars]

Project estimate:

• Paper, on hand
• Glue, on hand
• Ribbon, on hand

Total:  Free!

The post Make 3D Paper Stars appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Paint chip art has so many possibilities – and since the chips come in every shade and hue imaginable, they’re a great medium for creating custom projects that match any decor or theme. Over at Positively Splendid, Megan used a stack of red and blue samples punched into stars and arranged in various patterns to create some fun, patriotic framed artwork. Her instructions even include easy-to-follow diagrams demonstrating the different ways she placed the stars together to make different looks. Use one of her designs, or if you’re feeling extra creative, play around with different arrangements and come up with your own unique spin on the project! [how to make patriotic paint chip art]

Project estimate:

• Paint chips, on hand
• Paper, on hand
• Star punch or template, on hand
• Frame, on hand or $1
• Glue, on hand

Total: Free or $1

Feeling apprehensive about using paint chips for crafty purposes? Amanda at Craft Gossip asked the paint companies how they felt about it – read the article here.

The post Make Patriotic Paint Chip Art appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Are you looking for the perfect nightlight for your little one’s room? Starlight lamps aren’t anything new but if you want to buy one at the store, expect to drop a pretty penny. Gabrielle from Design Mom made her own constellation lamp from items available at the dollar store. Making your own lamp not only saves you money and gives you DIY street cred – it also lets you pick your favorite constellations. [how to make a constellation lamp with a baking pan]

Project estimate

• Wide mouth jar, on hand
• Disposable baking pan, $1
• Small light, $1 and up
• Awl, on hand
• Scissors, on hand

Total: $2 and up

The post Make a Constellation Lamp with a Baking Pan appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Wedding season is almost upon us once again!  Are you or anyone you know preparing for the Big Day?  Wedding crafts are among the most popular category of dollar store crafts; when planning a wedding on a budget (and who isn’t these days?) even those who’ve never crafted a day in their lives pick up their glue guns and DIY as much as possible in the name of saving money.  We’ve rounded up some of our favorite wedding-related dollar store crafts.  Wondering what kinds of things you should look for at the dollar store for your wedding crafts?  All of these crafts involve items you can find at Dollar Tree.

[Tissue Paper]

[Balloons]

[Tissue Paper Balloon Lanterns by Kleas]

If you’re looking for an economical, DIY alternative to store-bought paper lanterns, try this easy idea incorporating balloons and tissue paper.  The resulting papier-mache-like lanterns can be customized easily by using tissue paper in your wedding colors.

[White Wedding Favor Boxes]

[Heart Favor Boxes by Shindig Parties To Go]

This project was originally made for Valentine’s Day, but it translates well to weddings!  Using colorful scrapbook paper, plain white favor boxes are transformed into festive heart favor boxes!  Replace the colors and embellishments however you see fit to make them match your wedding theme; the technique remains the same.

[All-Occasion Gift Wrap]

[Fruit Drop Candies]

[Extra Large Star Party Favors by The Cheese Thief]

These origami star favors are super economical; just a few rolls of wrapping paper is all you need to make enough for all of your guests!  Tuck hard candies or other treats inside as a special surprise for the recipients.

[Clear Cello Wrap]

[Cellophane Origami Star Garland by The Cheese Thief]

Once you’ve mastered folding origami stars, grab a roll of cello wrap and some string to make this crystal-like star garland.  Hang them alongside clear Christmas lights for a little bit of elegant sparkle!

[Silk Roses]

[Round Candle Holders]

[Rose Votive Candle Holders by Two Crafty Mules]

Don’t know what to do with all of those silk flowers in the craft department at Dollar Tree?  If you can find roses in the right colors for your wedding, make rose votive holders!  Look for glass candle holders that are rounded to make a nicely-shaped flower.

[Serving Trays]

[Taper Candle Holders]

[Colorful Tiered Trays by Joy’s Hope]

Tiered trays are one of the most popular varieties of dollar store craft.  This variation, assembled from serving trays and candlesticks, uses spray paint to add a pop of color.  (If you use paint that is not food-safe, make sure you do not place food items directly on the trays; use a barrier such as cocktail napkins or cupcake liners to keep your guests safe!)

[Crepe Paper Streamers]

[Crepe Paper Flower Corsages by Under the Table and Dreaming]

Let’s not forget one of the handmade goodies you will need for members of your wedding party and for distinguished guests: corsages!  While crepe paper streamers are a party decorating staple, fashioning them into frilly flowers is a twist you might not have considered!

What are your favorite wedding crafts using dollar store items?

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by DollarTree.com.  All opinions are 100% my own.

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Do you have extra wrapping paper laying around?  I always end up with partial rolls left over after buying them to wrap one gift; a friend’s wedding, a coworker’s baby shower, or some other occasion comes and goes and my wrapping paper collection grows and grows.  Short of wrapping everything in sight, how do you use up some of that stash that’s lurking at the back of your closet?  Rena from The Cheese Thief used long, skinny strips of wrapping paper to fold origami stars that she filled with treats, making fun and super-duper cheap party favors.  Even if you have to go out and buy paper, you can make dozens of these in any theme for just a few bucks!  [how to make extra large star party favors]

Project estimate:

• Wrapping paper, on hand or $1
• Treats, $1 and up

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make Extra Large Star Party Favors appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

No, these beautiful stars aren’t made out of glass.  Or crystal.  They’re not even acrylic.  They are actually made out of recycled cellophane!  (Are you having the same OMG moment that I had when I saw them?)  Rena from The Cheese Thief folded the glass-like stars using strips cut out of the packaging from some note cards.  Imagine the strung across your windows, used as wedding decor, or with many strands hung vertically on a wall for a photo booth backdrop.  Or wrap them around your Christmas tree!  [how to make a recycled cellophane origami star garland]

Project estimate:

• Cellophane, on hand
• String, on hand or $1

Total:  Free or $1

The post Make a Recycled Cellophane Origami Star Garland appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Stuck in a cubicle and wish you were home crafting? Get out those metallic star stickers and some cardstock and make some holiday cards when your boss isn’t looking.* This is also a great idea for a kids’ activity. You can lightly outline the shapes you want on cardstock, and then let them fill in the blanks with stars. [project: bhg]

Project Estimate:

• Metallic star stickers, $1
• Cardstock, $1

Total Cost: $2

*Just kidding! I would never advocate stealing from your company! Do it on yer own time, ya schlub!

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