Today I would like to show you how I took my favorite gift wrap from the holiday season and re-purposed it into a new wreath! I used stuff I got at the dollar store, and things I already had in my craft stash to make a cute and funny wreath that I’m excited to hang up in my office. Do you have extra gift wrap with a cute design that would make a great wreath? Then read on for instructions on how to transform your gift wrap into a simple and fun wreath project.

Note: This post contains affiliate links to the products I used, in case you want to shop for them.

Wreath a Day: #1

I bought this winter taco gift wrap on the first day it was for sale (for $2 a roll) at Target. I had to have it — who doesn’t love tacos? And I get sick of the samey-samey holiday gift wrap. I instantly gravitated toward the cute tacos wearing scarves and their avocado compadres. (I admit, I am a bit of a gift warp hoarder… it’s hard for me to pass on cute gift wrap.)

My favorite gifts under the Christmas tree were definitely wrapped in this taco paper! So when I went looking for supplies in my craft hoarder’s paradise, ahem, I mean my garage, I was immediately drawn to this paper once again. I grabbed it, and some dollar store stickers (that I also found in my CHP — yeah, Craft Hoarder’s Paradise), and went to town.

How to Make a Recycled Gift Wrap Wreath:

Supplies Needed:

• A foam wreath form, $1
• Roll of gift wrap, on hand or $1
• A sheet of card stock, on hand
• Stickers, on hand or $1
• Glue (I used Aleene’s Clear Tacky Glue)
• Hot glue gun and Glue Sticks
• Baker’s twine, on hand or $1
• Ribbon, on hand or $1

Total cost: $1 and up

Step 1: Cut out all the cute things printed on your gift wrap.

In my case, I carefully cut out tacos wearing scarves, avocados, and tomatoes. Your gift wrap probably has something different on it, and that’s okay! Notice what colors are used in your gift wrap, and pick one of the colors that you’d like to highlight when you choose your card stock. I chose to use a red striped card stock I had on hand.

Step 2: Glue the gift wrap cut outs to the card stock, leaving enough space around them to cut them out and provide a card stock border.

Alternately, if you don’t want a card stock border, you can skip step 1, and glue gift wrap directly to the card stock, then cut out the figures in one step.

The card stock IS important to provide stability to the gift wrap, which is lightweight and too floppy to glue directly to the wreath.

Step 3: Cut out the figures from the card stock, leaving a small border.

Step 4: Cut strips of wrapping paper about 1″ wide (doesn’t have to be exact).

Step 5: Secure gift wrap strip to the foam wreath form with a dab of hot glue. Wrap the strips around the wreath, overlapping as you go, to cover the entire wreath form. When you reach the end of a strip of gift wrap, glue it to the wreath, then start a new strip where the old one ends.

And, the wreath form is all covered! Now it’s time to decorate it.

Step 6: Tie a piece of baker’s twine to the top of the wreath for a hanger. Then tie a piece of ribbon into a bow to put on the top of the wreath and glue it in place with hot glue.

Step 6: Prearrange the pieces of the wreath to decide where they will go, then when you are happy with their placement, glue them into place with hot glue.

Step 7: Add dollar store stickers to the rest of the wreath to finish it.

Then you’re done! This wreath is a great lightweight wreath to use for home decor, or put in your cubicle at work.

The post Make a Recycled Gift Wrap Wreath appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I’ve made a new commitment for 2017: I am going to make a wreath a day for the entire year! That’s 365 wreaths, and I am gonna make them all!

First I want to tell you about the rules I have laid out for myself:

1. I will make 365 wreaths this year
2. I will focus on using materials I already have in my stash (read: my full garage of stuff)
3. I will post about my wreath-making progress right here at Dollar Store Crafts
4. I will attempt to make one wreath a day, BUT
5. If I fall behind, I am allowed to make it up, as long as
6. I will make 365 wreaths this year.

That way, if I have a day where there’s no way I can make a wreath, my project isn’t completely blown. I am happy with this set of rules because it allows me to complete my goal without getting upset if for some reason I fail on one day.

I hope that you will join me in making some wreaths this year!

The post A Wreath a Day: Is She Crazy? appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Our most recent craft challenge sponsored by Dollar Tree was a 30 minute craft challenge – just how much crafty can you cram into a half hour?  We asked, and you answered with an amazing assortment of projects!  Choosing just one winner was so tough this month – if only we could give a prize to everyone!  But alas, we only had one $100 gift card to give away, and we know you’re anxious to see who is the quick crafting challenge champ!

Meet Our Guest Judge

This time around our guest judge was Carolina from 30 Minute Crafts.  As you can guess, she is quite familiar with the idea of quick crafts!  Her site is chock full of projects you can squeeze into just about any schedule.  What can you make in a half hour or less?

[Washi Tape Flags]

[Glass Jar Roses]

[Ribbon Labels for Cords]

And now…  Let’s get down to business.

Organization Challenge Top Picks

5.  Menu Plan Board

[Menu Plan Board by Frugal Family Ties]

4.  Miniature Dollhouse Dog Crate

[Miniature Dollhouse Dog Crate by Todd & Lindsey]

3.  Hobo Bag

[Hobo Bag by Crafty Leslie]

2. Microfiber Cleaning Slippers

[Microfiber Cleaning Slippers by Housing a Forest]

And The Winner Is…

1. Rainbow Night Light Cover

[Rainbow Nightlight Cover by Suzi’s Crafts]

We love seeing simple materials turned into something spectacular, especially when it’s a cheap and quick idea.  Suzi from Suzi’s Crafts used tri-beads (an item often relegated to kiddie crafting) and safety pins to make a tiny lampshade that fits over a standard night light.  Imagine how this would make you smile as you passed it in the hallway at night!

Congratulations to Suzi, who will be the recipient of a $100 gift card from Dollar Tree.  Make sure you check out all of the entries as well – there were so many great ones that we didn’t have room to mention here!

The post 8 Projects That Take 30 Minutes or Less (including our challenge winner!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Announcing our January dollar store craft challenge, sponsored by Dollar Tree. This month your challenge is to share a dollar store craft project that can be completed in 30 minutes. One lucky reader will walk away with a $100 Dollar Tree gift card! Link up here until February 8th, when our challenge closes.

Need some inspiration? Check out the dollar store craft section over at 30 Minute Crafts!

Here are the challenge rules:

1. Post your project on your blog, (if you don’t have a blog, post in the “Community” Section on Dollar Store Crafts.) A photo of your project is required, as well as a list of materials used.

2. Submit a link to your project using the linky submission that will at the bottom of this post.

Dates: January 8th, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). Linky Party closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on February 8th, 2012.

Multiple entries by the same person are accepted, however, only one prize will be awarded.

Eligibility: Residents of the USA, 18 and older

Winner Selection: There will be 1 Winner, chosen by a team of 3 judges who include 2 members of the Dollar Store Crafts staff, and one independent judge, Carolina from 30 Minute Crafts. Entries will be judged on the basis of the following criteria: originality, usefulness, creativity, clarity of instructions, amount of time to make craft, and availability of materials at dollar stores.

Prize: $100 gift card to Dollar Tree.

Enter your craft here:

The post Challenge: 30 Minute Dollar Store Crafts (Win $100 Gift Card to Dollar Tree) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Here are the challenge rules:

1. Post your project on your blog, (if you don’t have a blog, post in the “Community” Section on Dollar Store Crafts.) A photo of your project is required, as well as a list of materials used.

2. Submit a link to your project using the linky submission that will at the bottom of this post.

Dates: December 18th, 2012 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). Linky Party closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on December 28th, 2012.

Multiple entries by the same person are accepted, however, only one prize will be awarded.

Eligibility: Residents of the USA, 18 and older

Winner Selection: There will be 1 Winner, chosen by a team of 3 judges who include 2 members of the Dollar Store Crafts staff, and one independent judge with expertise in the area of organization. Entries will be judged on the basis of the following criteria: originality, usefulness, creativity, clarity of instructions, and availability of materials at dollar stores.

Prize: $100 gift card to Dollar Tree.

Enter Your Idea Here:

The post Dollar Store Organization Challenge (Win $100 Gift Card to Dollar Tree!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

The entries are all in. The deliberations are complete. The only thing left to do in our DIY Holiday Decorations Challenge sponsored by Dollar Tree is to announce the winner! (Did you check out all of the fabulous entries?) Who gets the $100 gift card? We know you’re dying to find out!

But first…

Meet Our Guest Judge

This month our guest judge is Jessica from Mad in Crafts and Decor Hacks. She’s no stranger to the dollar store – she even makes a guest appearance here on DSC every now and then showcasing her frugal creations. Here are just a few of her holiday decorating projects, all of which involve elements purchased at the dollar store.

[Snarky Christmas Canisters]

[Dollar Store Snowflake Coasters]

[Bible Passage Canvas]

We’re so glad to have her as a guest judge! Now that you’re acquainted with Jess and her work, let’s get down to business.

DIY Holiday Decorations Challenge Top Picks

As usual, we were blown away by the project submissions for this challenge! There were many different types of projects and decorating styles represented. Somehow, though, we managed to narrow the field to our favorite picks!

5. 3D Paper Snowflake Banner

[3D Paper Snowflake Banner by Doodle Crafts]

If you prefer your holiday decor to be bright and colorful, this 3D paper snowflake banner might be just the thing you’ve been looking for to round out this year’s display. The great thing about this project is that by simply changing the color scheme used to make the snowflakes, you can make it fit into any decor scheme from loud and funky to high-end elegance! [how to make a 3D paper snowflake banner]

4. Elegant Holiday Topiary

[Elegant Holiday Topiary by Simply Belle]

Speaking of an elegant, high-end look, another of our favorite projects was this elegant holiday topiary. Combining different metallic colors gives it lots of visual interest, and it is reminiscent of something you might find at Pottery Barn but without the hefty pricetag. [how to make an elegant holiday topiary]

3. Pancho the Snowman

[Pancho the Snowman by Just Dip It In Chocolate]

Cute and functional? That’s a combination we can’t help but love! Not only does this happy little snowman offer a friendly face to those who pass by, when nighttime comes he also emits a soft, glowing light. Use him anywhere that you could benefit from both some holiday cheer and the guidance of a night light! [how to make Pancho the Snowman]

2. Let It Snow Wreath

[Let It Snow Wreath by Mama Nibbles]

If your holiday decor isn’t complete without the perfect wreath, here’s the project you’ve been waiting for. Not only is this wreath perfect for celebrating the upcoming holiday season (no matter which holiday you celebrate), it’s also appropriate to keep up through the rest of the winter months. [how to make a Let It Snow wreath]

And The Winner Is…

1. Faux Birch Candles

[Faux Birch Candles by A Night Owl]

Are you swooning? Because we are! Taking a cue from stores like World Market and Pottery Barn, Kimberly from A Night Owl whipped up these nature-inspired candles. Why spend a fortune on designer candles that you’re just going to burn up when you could DIY these beauties and have enough money left in your pocket to buy yourself a nice, well-deserved gift? Perhaps the best part of this project is that it uses flameless pillar candles, so you can use them year in and year out without eventually ending up with used-up nubs of wax at the end. [how to make faux birch candles]

Kudos to Kimberly, and thanks to everyone who submitted their projects! We hope you all enjoyed browsing through the entries as much as we did!

The post Holiday Decorating Contest: 8 Festive DIY Decor Ideas (including our challenge winner!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Have you started thinking about holiday decorations yet?  This year it pays to be on top of things early; one lucky holiday crafter is going to walk away with a  $100 gift card from our challenge sponsor, Dollar Tree!  Show us your best holiday decorating ideas for your chance to win!

Here is a quick recap of the rules:

1. Post your project on your blog, (if you don’t have a blog, post in the “Community” Section on Dollar Store Crafts.) A photo of your project is required, as well as a list of materials used.

2. Submit a link to your project using the linky submission that will at the bottom of the contest entry post. (Post will go live on November 12th).

Dates: November 12th, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). Linky Party closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on November 18th, 2012.

Multiple entries by the same person are accepted, however, only one prize will be awarded.

Eligibility: Residents of the USA, 18 and older

Winner Selection: There will be 1 Winner, chosen by a team of 3 judges who include 2 members of the Dollar Store Crafts staff, and one independent judge with expertise in the area of holiday decorations crafts. Entries will be judged on the basis of the following criteria: originality, usefulness, creativity, clarity of instructions, and availability of materials at dollar stores.

Prize: $100 gift card to Dollar Tree.

Are you ready to enter?  Add your link below for your chance to win!

The post Link Up for the DIY Holiday Decoration Challenge! appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Announcing our October craft challenge, sponsored by Dollar Tree. This month your challenge is to create a DIY holiday decoration project using stuff that can be found at the dollar store.  One lucky reader will walk away with a $100 Dollar Tree gift card!  Start crafting now, and come back between November 12th and 18th to show off your entry!

See below for full rules. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Edible Candy Bowl DIY Large Apothecary Jar Overdyed Patchwork Tree Skirt

Here are the challenge rules:

1. Post your project on your blog, (if you don’t have a blog, post in the “Community” Section on Dollar Store Crafts.) A photo of your project is required, as well as a list of materials used.

2. Submit a link to your project using the linky submission that will at the bottom of the contest entry post. (Post will go live on November 12th).

Dates: November 12th, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). Linky Party closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on November 18th, 2012.

Multiple entries by the same person are accepted, however, only one prize will be awarded.

Eligibility: Residents of the USA, 18 and older

Winner Selection: There will be 1 Winner, chosen by a team of 3 judges who include 2 members of the Dollar Store Crafts staff, and one independent judge with expertise in the area of holiday decorations crafts. Entries will be judged on the basis of the following criteria: originality, usefulness, creativity, clarity of instructions, and availability of materials at dollar stores.

Prize: $100 gift card to Dollar Tree.

The post Craft Challenge November Announcement: Holiday Decorations appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Meet Our Guest Judge

Before we count down our favorite contest entries, let’s meet this month’s guest judge!  When we think of Halloween crafters one of the first folks to come to mind is Alexa Westerfield from The Swell Life and I Love to Create.  This season she has been dazzling her readers with a ton of great no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas, but her holiday talents don’t end there.  She also has some awesome Halloween costume ideas, including these comical outfits:

[Deviled Egg Halloween Costume at The Swell Life]

[Mona Lisa Halloween Costume at The Swell Life]

Thanks for joining us this month, Alexa!

Halloween Costume Contest Top Picks

Now that we’ve taken care of that business, we know you’re anxious to see who won the contest.  It was tough to narrow it down this month with so many great contest entries!  Here are our top five picks; did your favorites make the cut?

5.  Placemat Bug

[Placemat Bug Costume by Sandy P.]

We couldn’t resist how adorable this bug costume is!  Reader Sandy P. shared this idea via the DSC Community; the majority of the costume is constructed using dollar store placemats!  [how to make a placemat bug Halloween costume]

4. Mother Nature

[Mother Nature Costume by Re-Creations]

When Shiela from Re-Creations went shopping at Dollar Tree to put together this costume, she hit almost every department in the store!  We love how she incorporated both seasonal items and year-round stock.  It’s such a cute idea!  [how to make a Mother Nature Halloween costume]

3. Dirty Laundry

[Dirty Laundry Costume by Love2Dream, Do You?]

Everyone at the party will chuckle when they see you dressed up in this clever costume.  Over at Love2Dream, Do You? we got a good laugh out of this dirty laundry costume.  As an added bonus, it’s a great costume for a cold climate.  If the temperatures fall, just add more laundry!  [how to make a dirty laundry Halloween costume]

2. Spine Chilling Chia Pet

[Spine Chilling Chia Pet Costume by My House is Cuter Than Yours]

We’re suckers for adorable animals, so of course we had to include this costume for a four-legged friend.  My House is Cuter Than Yours dressed up her pup as a spooky, deteriorating Chia Pet, complete with creepy-crawlies.  Too cute!   [how to make a spine chilling Chia Pet Halloween costume]

And The Winner Is…

1. Chinese Takeout Box

[Chinese Takeout Box Costume by A Turtle’s Life for Me]

Natalie from A Turtle’s Life for Me entered a post with so many great costume ideas that we were completely amazed!  Our favorite was this super cute Chinese takeout box costume.  (Check out the finishing touch of using chopsticks in her hair!)   Be sure to stop by her blog and see the rest of her hilarious homemade costumes from other years as well!)  [how to make a Chinese takeout box Halloween costume]

That also means that Natalie is the lucky winner of a $100 Dollar Tree gift card!  (That’s enough to make a whole army of takeout box costumes!)  Congratulations, Natalie!  Thanks to all who entered.  And of course…  have a spooktacular Halloween!

The post Halloween Costume Contest: 7 Dollar Store Costume Ideas (including our contest winner!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Can you believe it’s October already? If you haven’t started thinking about your Halloween costume yet, now is the time! That’s why we chose DIY Halloween costumes as the theme for this month’s craft challenge sponsored by Dollar Tree. Share your best costume ideas here, and you could be the lucky winner of a $100 Dollar Tree gift card. (That’s a lot of loot!)

Need inspiration?  Check out the Halloween costumes we have made or featured in the past.  [see all Halloween costumes]  The list includes all kinds of fun dressup ideas, like the peacock costume pictured above from Green Your Decor.

Please take a look at the contest rules, then link up your DIY costume below!

Challenge rules:

1. Post your project on your blog, (if you don’t have a blog, post in the “Community” Section on Dollar Store Crafts.) A photo of your project is required, as well as a list of materials used.

2. Submit a link to your project using the linky submission that will at the bottom of the contest entry post. (Post will go live on October 1st).

Dates: October 1st, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). Linky Party closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on October 7th, 2012.

Multiple entries by the same person are accepted, however, only one prize will be awarded.

Eligibility: Residents of the USA, 18 and older

Winner Selection: There will be 1 Winner, chosen by a team of 3 judges who include 2 members of the Dollar Store Crafts staff, and one independent person with expertise in the area of Halloween crafts. Entries will be judged on the basis of the following criteria: originality, usefulness, creativity, clarity of instructions, and availability of materials at dollar stores.

Prize: $100 gift card to Dollar Tree.

The post Link Up for the DIY Halloween Costume Challenge! appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.