Um, it’s almost 2016? Yikes, that certainly snuck up on me quick! Luckily there is still plenty of time this week to make some cute and festive accessories for ringing in the new year, like these glittery headbands from Sarah Hearts. Whip up one for yourself, or go assembly-line-style and make up a whole batch for your entire crew! [how to make glittery New Year’s headbands]

Project estimate:

• Printable 2016 template, free
• Headbands, $1 and up
• Streamers, on hand or $1
• Paper, on hand
• Glue, on hand
• Glitter, on hand or $1

Total: $1 and up

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If you’re throwing a Halloween party, chances are you’ve already got balloons and crepe paper streamers on your shopping list.  Make sure you grab some googly eyes too, because then you’ll be able to make these adorable mummy balloons from Haeley at Design Improvised.  Make sure you stop by her blog and check out her entire series of balloon decorating ideas – this mummy is just one character in a whole cast of Halloween balloon monsters, and they’re all just as cute and easy as this one!   [how to make mummy balloons]

Project estimate:

• Balloons, on hand or $1
• Googly eyes, on hand or $1
• Crepe paper streamers, on hand or $1
• Glue, on hand

Total:  Free and up!

The post Make Mummy Balloons appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Does your family do an advent calendar? I am always on the lookout for really unique advent calendar ideas, like this piñata-style idea by Sara at Handmade Charlotte. Each day you pull the string on one of the hanging mini piñatas and out drops a treat! The tutorial uses a pre-made paper fringe, but you can also cut your own fringe from crepe paper steamers – a great way to use up any you may have left over from party decorating! [how to make a pinata advent calendar]

Project estimate:

• Paper cups, $1
• Tissue paper, on hand or $1
• Crepe paper streamers, on hand or $1
• Glue, on hand
• String or twine, on hand or $1 and up

Total: $1 and up

The post Make a Piñata Advent Calendar appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

For some reason, owls are something I associate with fall decor. Maybe it’s because they were so popular in the 70s, and the trendy colors of the day were oranges, browns, and golds – fall colors! Whatever the reason, I love working owls into my fall projects. If you’re hosting any kind if celebration this season, this owl piñata by Tonya at Create Celebrate Explore would be a fun addition to the festivities! The kids will love it and it’s something I continue to enjoy as an adult – you’re never to old to take a swing at a piñata, right? [how to make an owl piñata]

Project estimate:

• Cardboard, on hand or $1 and up
• Crepe paper streamers, on hand or $1
• Paper bag, on hand
• Cardstock, on hand or $1
• Tape, on hand
• Glue, on hand
• Zip tie, on hand or $1
• Rope, on hand or $1
• Candy, $1 and up

Total: $1 and up

The post Make an Owl Piñata appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Christmas lights aren’t just for Christmas.  There are a ton of ways you can dress them up for other occasions as well!  While these particular colors make the project read Halloween-y, the fringed lights that Kelly at Studio DIY made are an easy way to add a little color and personality to the decoration for nearly any event.  If you are concerned about the potential fire hazard of gluing paper to your string of lights, look for LED lights which stay cooler to the touch.  And if you use glue that is repositionable or easy to remove, you can disassemble the fringe quickly when you are done and the lights will be as good as new, ready for your next crafty escapade.  [how to make a fringed light string]

Project estimate:

• Christmas lights, on hand or $1 and up
• Crepe paper streamers, on hand or $1
• Glue, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Make a Fringed Light String appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

They might not make your bike go any faster, but handlebar streamers sure do make it look cooler!  These DIY streamers by Catherine at Bunch are not only cute, they are also very inexpensive because they are made out of plastic bags!  She found hers in the party section of the dollar store, but you may have suitable bags on hand already that you can recycle.  Look for heavier bags that will hold up better to play and weather.  [how to make bicycle handlebar streamers]

Project estimate:

• Plastic bags, on hand or $1
• Tape, on hand

Total:  Free or $1

The post Make Bicycle Handlebar Streamers 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.

The post Shopping at DollarTree.com: Wedding Edition appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I have been really excited about garden ideas this spring, and this idea for DIY seed tape made from dollar store streamers is possibly the best idea I’ve seen so far this spring. No surprise it was from Jess, the brilliant mind behind Mad in Crafts. Jess is a genius with dollar store crafts! Jess has created a very simple way to sow seeds in your garden, and even get your kids involved (but still get everything done right). [how to make homemade seed tape]

You can even pick up seeds at some dollar stores this time of year.

Project Estimate:

• Cornstarch, $1
• White party streamers, $1
• Measuring tape, on hand or $1
• A washable marker, on hand
• Seeds, $1 and up

Total: $3 and up

The post Make Homemade Seed Tape With Streamers appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

If you’re planning a birthday party, here’s an idea for you to take a whack at.  (Yuk, yuk, yuk!)  Our friend Beckie at Infarrantly Creative has been perfecting the art of the paper bag piñata, an alternative to the papier mache variety that cuts out the mess and the drying time.  It’s quick enough that you can make it last-minute, and it’s easy to customize for any party theme.  Now you have no excuse not to have a piñata ever again!  [how to make a paper bag piñata]

Project estimate:

• Paper bag, on hand
• Crepe paper streamers, $1
• Plastic hanger, on hand
• Artwork, on hand
• Sewing machine (optional), on hand
• Packing tape, on hand
• Hot glue, on hand
• Candy, $1 and up

Total:  $2 and up

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Ever since I was a little girl I’ve had a love of Asian-themed designs.  One very popular motif in Japanese imagery is the cherry blossom, and iconic symbol of spring manifested in gorgeous pink flowers.  If you want to add a sophisticated touch of Asian flare to your home, try this great idea from Tristin at Two Girls Being Crafty.  She used plain ol’ crepe paper streamers to fold up some little pink flowers that she them glued to a bare branch.  Voila, instant oriental that is just begging to be added to a mantel display!  [how to make faux cherry blossoms]

Project estimate:

• Tree branch, free
• Pink crepe paper streamers, 50 cents and up
• Hot glue, on hand

Total:  50 cents and up

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