Need to moisturize your lips but also want a touch of color? Turn regular lip balm into tinted lip balm! Check out how easy it is to DIY it in any shade you want using stuff from the dollar store. Your lips will feel great and look great, all for just a couple bucks. Watch the how-to video below, or keep scrolling for written directions.

Project estimate:

• Lip balm, $1
• Lipstick, $1

Total: $2

Roll the lip balm all the way out of the tube and use a knife to cut it off into a microwavable container. Roll out a little bit of lipstick and cut off a chunk to add to the lip balm. The more lipstick you use, the more opaque the color of your finished lip balm will be.

Microwave the lip balm and lipstick mixture for 30 seconds; stir and repeat until they are completely melted together. Roll the empty lip balm containers back down and pour the mixture into them. Let stand until the lip balm comes back to room temperature and hardens.

The post Tutorial: DIY Tinted Lip Balm appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

What’s the time? It’s time to do Decoden! I used some of the supplies from my Epic Jewelry Haul to make this easy Decoden clock. The secret ingredient? Mod Podge Collage Clay – so easy to use. This was my first time using it and it worked like a dream. Now I want to decoden all the things!

Project estimate:

• Clock, on hand or $1 and up
• Mod Podge Collage Clay, about $8
• Embellishments, on hand or $1 and up

Total: about $8 and up

Start by applying dabs of Collage Clay around the edge of the clock face.

Press embellishments (such as these flower cabochons) into the collage clay.

Continue adding clay and embellishments until the entire edge of the clock is covered.  Decoden is definitely a more-is-more kind of medium, so go crazy!

The post Tutorial: Easy Decoden Clock appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Fancy soaps can be expensive.  Why buy them when you can get cheap soap instead and turn it into fancy soap?  This project uses a cut-up bath scrubbie to add a built-in exfoliator to each bar, and it also gives them a fun and distinctive look.

Project estimate:

• Bath puff, $1
• Lavender soap, $1 and up
• Plain soap, $1
• Olive oil, on hand
• Muffin tin, on hand or $1
• Embroidery thread, on hand
• Spray vegetable oil, on hand
• Lavender oil, on hand or $1 and up

Total:  $3 and up

Take apart one of the puffs and cut into 6 pieces. Tie them back into smaller puffs and place them in to a muffin tin, sprayed generously with vegetable oil.

Grate the soaps and place in a sauce pan. Add about 1/2 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and essential oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook until soap has melted. NOTE: If the soap starts sticking to the pan, add additional water 3 tablespoons at a time.

Spoon the soap mixture on top of the bath puffs into the muffin tins. Pick the tin up and carefully drop it on the counter several times to remove any air bubbles.

Let set until soap hardens, usually 24 hours. Turn the muffin tin over and drop it on the counter until the soap comes out. At this point, let the soap harden another 24 to 48 hours before using.

The post Tutorial: Lavender Exfoliating Soap appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

There are a zillion ways to make paper flowers – one of our favorite methods is this simple process using coffee filters!  This is a great project for budget wedding decor, or cheap decor for your house, since coffee filters come in large packages for cheap.

• Coffee filters, on hand or $1
• Food coloring, on hand or $1
• Hot glue, on hand
• Poster board, on hand or $1

The post Tutorial: Coffee Filter Roses appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Can’t knit or crochet but need a cute cap for a doll, snowman, or other craft project? If you have a sock, rubber band or twist ties, scissors and hot glue, you’re good to go!

Project estimate:

• Men’s socks, $1.00 (one pair makes four caps)
• Rubber bands, on hand
• Hot glue, on hand

Total: $1 for four hats

Turn the sock wrong side out and make two cuts, one just above the heel and one below the heel.

Take a rubber band and wrap it around the end you want to be the top of your cap.

Turn the caps right side out. You will need to hem the toe end of the one cap with either needle and thread or glue. You can embellish to your heart’s desire!

The post Tutorial: Doll-size Winter Hats appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

You can make this battery-powered taper candle clip-on ornament with all dollar store supplies.

Have you seen the little battery-operated taper candles at the dollar store this holiday season? They are perfect for adding a festive touch just about anywhere! With this project you really can put them nearly anywhere too – even in your Christmas tree! All it takes to turn these into versatile decorations is a package of spring-loaded clips and a few embellishments.

Project estimate:

• Wired ribbon, on hand or $1
• Clips, $1 and up
• Battery operated taper candles, $1 and up
• Stapler, on hand
• Hot glue, on hand
• Black tape (duct or electrical), on hand

Total: $2 and up

I covered the pink parts if the clip with black tape.  (I tried painting it with acrylic paint and nail polish but neither worked, both scratched off.  You may have different results if you are using a different type of clip – or you may not even need to do this step at all.)

Take a 15″ piece of ribbon and fold it over to where it meets in the middle.

Fold it in the center and staple it.

Fold a 10″ piece of ribbon in half and staple it to the other piece of ribbon.

Glue the ribbon onto the end of the clip.  Optionally, paint the taper base the same color as the ribbon.  Glue the taper base to the top of the ribbon.

Insert the candle and you’re done! Clip onto a sturdy branch of your tree and enjoy.

The post Tutorial: Taper Candle Clip-On Ornament appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

If you liked my kitchen towel angel tutorial, then you will also love her companion – the oven mitt angel!  Pair these up for a wonderful, useful gift for anyone on your holiday gift list who loves to cook.  These also make great hostess gifts, so whip up a few before you head out to any parties this season- or if you are hosting the party yourself, these also make great party favors to gift your guests!

Project estimate:

• Oven mitt, $1
• 2 Wash cloths, $1
• Rubber bands, on hand
• Ribbon, on hand
• Small Christmas decoration, on hand or $1

Total:  $2 and up

Take the thumb part of the oven mitt and put it behind the side you’re going to use. Wrap a rubber band around It to secure it in place.

Take one of the two wash cloths and fold it accordion style.  Fold it in half and tuck it under the rubber band in the back.  Fan it out to look like wings.

Fold the second wash cloth into a triangle until it is about one inch wide. Fold it in half and put it in the middle under the angel’s wings. These are the arms, wrap a rubber band around them about one inch from the end.

Tie a ribbon around the neck and add an ornament or other small embellishment to cover the rubber band around the hands.

The post Tutorial: Oven Mitt Angel appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I love finding ways to make inexpensive dollar store glass look high end.  Not only is it fun to craft, but it makes it easier to decorate on a budget.  Here’s a pretty idea that will make great decor for fall and holiday parties.  Create faux cracked glass that shimmers and shines!

 

Total:  $1 and up

Step one: Spray paint the glass gold.

 

Step two:  Paint a thin application of Glossy Accents over the spray paint.  Let it dry.

 

Step three:  Paint a heavy coat of Rock Candy Crackle Paint over the dried surface.  Sprinkle glitter onto the wet paint.  I used ultra fine Glamour Dust Glitter.

 

As the crackle paint dries, you will see the gold paint bubble and crack as it is pulled apart.  It takes a few hours to dry, and you will see more cracks develop as it dries.  The surface is not sharp, and you can handle it carefully.  The paint does not chip off when handled gently, but you could peel it off if you tried to, so handle it with care.

 

These votive candle holders would be great for lots of different events.  Display them with acorns that have been painted gold for pretty fall vignettes.  Attach a jewelry pin with some pretty ribbon and transform the piece in to sparkly Christmas decor.  You can even try different spray paint and glitter colors to create different effects.  Have fun crafting and creating!

The post Faux Cracked Glass Votive Candle Holders appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

We are pleased to have Stacy from Fancy Shanty with us today to share this delectable recipe and display stand!  If you enjoy this project, be sure to stop by her blog and see what else she has been up to!

Looking for a quick and easy centerpiece decoration for your patriotic party this year? This sinfully moist Dark Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe will have the chocolate lovers in your life screaming for more. Pair this cupcake recipe with my easy hack on how to make store bought frosting better, along with my quick and easy Dollar Store Patriotic Cupcake Stand, and you’ll have a fun and festive patriotic centerpiece in no time.

Quick and Easy Patriotic Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong black coffee
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Patriotic cupcake wrapper and decorating kit

For the Frosting

• canned vanilla frosting (Not the whipped variety)
• 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Directions:

For the Cupcakes

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix on low until dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes; the batter will be thin.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center cupcake comes out clean, 22 to 25 minutes.
5. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely.

For the Frosting

1. Place the store-bought frosting in a bowl and begin whipping with an electric mixer or stand mixer.
2. Add 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla extract.
3. Slowly add about 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and continue whipping until a spatula will stand upright when placed in the middle of the frosting. If the spatula falls to one side, continue adding more confectioners sugar in small increments until the spatula will stand upright. For a stronger key lime flavor, continue slowly adding 1 tbsp + 1/2 cup confectioners sugar to frosting then taste & check consistency.
4. Add one patriotic flag to each cupcake.
5. Display on Patriotic Cupcake Stand. (Instructions below)

Patriotic Cupcake Stand

Project estimate:

• Plastic goblet, $1
• Plastic veggie tray, $1
• Plastic plate, $1
• Glue, on hand

Total:  $3

Using a strong adhesive (I used E6000), adhere a Dollar Store blue plastic goblet upside down in the center of a red flower-shaped veggie dip tray. Let dry.

Once dry, adhere a red plastic plate to the top of the upside down blue plastic goblet. Let dry.

The post Make Patriotic Dark Chocolate Cupcakes appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Last year, I fell in love with a lamp that was available at Anthropologie.  I didn’t need a lamp, though, so I started thinking of ways to recreate the look in a form that was more useful.  I came up with a fun bird bath, instead.  One reader suggested that I adapt the idea to make a cake stand, and I thought that was a perfect idea!  Here’s how I made my teapot cake stand, which would be a really fun centerpiece for a tea or party.  Everyone will ask where you got it, and you can say, “I made it myself!”

• Bowl. on hand or $1 and up
• Tea pot, on hand or $1 and up
• Various cups, containers, and saucers, on hand or $1 and up
• Large plate, on hand or $1 and up
• E-6000 glue, on hand
• Primer or adhesion promoter, on hand
• Spray paint, on hand

The post DIY Teapot Cake Stand appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.