The dollar store is one of my favorite places to pick up inexpensive seasonal crafting items.  A perennial favorite across all seasons is their glitter table scatter. Over on Creative Green Living, I show you how to take some wired burlap ribbon and combine it with Valentine table scatter to make a cute bunting perfect for a mantle, door, or mirror.  [how to make an easy burlap and glitter valentine heart banner]

Project estimate:

• burlap ribbon, $1
• Glitter heart table scatter, $1 and up
• Scissors, on hand
• Jute twine, on hand or $1 and up
• Hot glue gun & glue, on hand

Total: $3 and up

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Back to school time means time to think about all those teachers we appreciate so much! Here are several burlap craft projects you can make to show your child’s teacher how much you care. Find all the instructions for these inexpensive (and fast) teacher appreciation crafts: [burlap teachers gifts to make]

The post Burlap Teachers’ Gifts to Make (in less than an hour!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Like a lot of you, I’m crazy about burlap!  It’s such a versatile fabric that can be used in so many ways.  I wanted to add some color and pattern to my table with a new table runner, so I reached for natural and colored burlap to make my own.  The beauty of making it yourself is that you control everything, from the color to the pattern to the size, to make the perfect piece for your home.

Project Estimate:

• Burlap – $2
• Burlap ribbon in red – $3
• Fabric Glue – on hand
• Stencil – on hand
• Paint – on hand

Step one:  Cut the burlap and two strips of burlap ribbon.  The length and width will be determined by the size of the table and your personal preference.

Step two:  Attach the ribbon to the burlap using fabric glue.  I placed a large plastic bag under my project to protect my work surface.

Step three: Tape your stencil onto the center strip of burlap fabric.  Use a foam roller to quickly apply paint over the stencil.  I used a multi-purpose paint, which works nicely on fabric.  I like using a mini foam roller so the paint doesn’t bleed under the stencil, and so I can have crisp edges on my stenciled design.

Repeat your stenciled design until the desired pattern is complete, and allow it to dry.

This quick project will instantly brighten your table!  It’s such a simple craft that you can make several to decorate multiple tables for a party.  You could also make them in different colors or patterns for different holidays.  Have fun crafting and creating!

The post DIY No-Sew Stenciled Burlap Table Runner appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Burlap is still hot in home decor, and it’s such a versatile medium to craft with!  I saw these adorable customized monogram prints at Pottery Barn Kids, and decided to make my own version.  I recycled an old art frame and repurposed a burlap bag to create an inexpensive version of a high end product.  Here’s how:

Project estimate:

• Burlap, $1
• Frame, on hand
• Stencil, on hand
• Paint, on hand
• Tape, on hand
• Hot glue gun, on hand

The post Designer Inspired DIY Burlap Wall Art appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I’ve been a little bit burlap-obsessed lately, and suddenly it’s showing up all over in my decor.  And not just by itself, either; I have been head-over-heels for the combination of burlap and lace together.  Over at Mrs. Greene I made these springy burlap topiaries out of foam cones and glass candlesticks, which I intended as decorations for spring but like so much that I think I’ll leave them out year-round.  If burlap and lace aren’t your thing, you could also substitute other fabrics and embellishments to make your own version of this project!  [how to make burlap and lace topiary trees]

Project estimate:

• Foam cone, $1
• Burlap, on hand or $1 and up
• Lace and/or ribbon, on hand or $1 and up
• Rhinestones, buttons, and other embellishments, on hand or $1
• Glass candlestick, $1
• Glass paint (optional), on hand or about $2 and up
• Hot glue, on hand

Total:  $2 and up

The post Make Burlap and Lace Topiary Trees appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

A memorable place setting doesn’t need to take lots of time or money.  If you’re hosting an Easter meal and want to add a touch of whimsy to your table, check out these simple burlap bunny napkin holders by Taryn at Design, Dining, and Diapers.  Believe it or not, the base for these is a humble cardboard tube rescued from the recycling bin!  If you aren’t a fan of burlap, you could also try this using other materials, such as canvas or felt.  [how to make burlap bunny napkin rings]

Project estimate:

• Cardboard tube, on hand
• Burlap, on hand or $1 and up
• Pom poms, on hand or $1
• Glue, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Make Burlap Bunny Napkin Rings appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I love to craft with burlap.  It’s so plain and simple yet versatile, like a good pair of jeans.  You can dress it up or tone it down by pairing it with different craft supplies.  With this project, I used colorful red burlap and added a little bling to make a pretty centerpiece for the holidays.

Project estimate:

• Burlap, about $2
• Pail, $1
• Syrofoam ball, on  hand or $1
• Rhinestones, on hand or $1

Total:  about $3 and up

Step one:  Cut the burlap into three inch squares.

Step two:  Fold the burlap square in half twice.  Hold the folded corner and trim the edges off.  For more detailed cutting instructions, see this post.

Step three:  Wrap the styrofoam ball with burlap and place it in the pail.

Step four:  Layer two flowers together, and pin them onto the styrofoam ball.

Step five:  Glue a rhinestone to the center of each flower.

I embellished my pail a bit by adding a mini Santa ornament to the front of it.  I love this red burlap, and the color is what inspired me to make poinsettias.  If you want to make this centerpiece for Thanksgiving, you could use natural burlap instead, like I did with the centerpiece pictured below.  This is such a quick, inexpensive project that you could easily make them in lots of colors, and just swap out the burlap flowers as the seasons change!

The post Tutorial: Burlap Flower Centerpiece appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Last week, I showed you how to make a gorgeous rustic glam Thanksgiving centerpiece perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Today I have some cute little place cards for you to add to your holiday tablescapes. These are super simple to make and just take a few supplies! Read on to find out how to make them.

Project Materials:

• Small favor buckets, 3 for $1
• Styrofoam balls, 6 for $1
• Burlap, on hand or $1 worth
• Toothpicks, on hand or $1
• Labels, on hand or $1
• Ribbon, on hand
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks, on hand
• (Optional) Gold leaf stickers (mine are from Martha Stewart), $5 – Find on Amazon

Total: $2 and up for 3 place cards

Make Thanksgiving Place Cards

To Make:

1. Cover Styrofoam ball with burlap, securing with hot glue. Tuck into miniature pail (secure inside with hot glue).

2. Write guest’s name on a label. Glue label to two toothpicks and insert into burlap-covered ball.

3. Glue a ribbon bow to the top of a toothpick. Glue to top back of label.

4. Add a ribbon around the pail, and embellish with a gold leaf sticker (or another bow), if desired.

The post Tutorial: Burlap Bucket Place Cards appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

During November, I like to spend the month thinking of all the things I’m grateful for. Did you know that studies have shown that keeping track of your gratitude can positively affect your health and quality of life? Here’s a pretty way to remind yourself of all the things you have to be grateful for: a Thankful Centerpiece with a rustic yet glam theme.  Read on for the tutorial!

Project Materials:

• Metal pail, $1
• Floral foam, $1
• 2 Packages of felt flower coasters, $2
• Bamboo skewers, $1
• Burlap, on hand or $1 worth
• Hot glue and glue gun, on hand

Total cost: $5

I’m participating in the 12 Months of Martha project, sponsored by Martha Stewart, so I wanted to add a Martha twist to my dollar store centerpiece. The burlap and natural skewers bring a rustic charm, while the Martha Stewart products add a touch of gold glam! I added several embellishments from Martha Stewart’s crafting collection:

• Gold leaf stickers, $5 – Find on Amazon
• Gold-framed label stickers, $5 – Find on Amazon
• Gilding sheets, about $10
• Spray adhesive or gold leaf sizing, on hand
• Clear acrylic sealer spray, $5
• Masking tape, on hand

Total: $25 for Martha Stewart supplies, see below for substitutions

Substitutions:

• Gold leaf stickers – paint dollar store faux leaves gold with acrylic paint or spray paint (cost, about $3)
• Gold leafing – substitute gold paint or spray paint (cost, $2 and up)
• Gold framed label stickers – substitute card stock, or labels from the dollar store (free and up)
• Or, skip the gold leafing and add your own additional embellishments (faux flowers, ribbon, more burlap, etc) – Free

Total savings: $15-20

Make a Rustic Glam Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Gold-Leafing the Metal Container:

I have wanted to try gold leafing for awhile now, and this was the perfect project to try it out on! If you want to bring the cost of this project way down, just skip the gold leafing step.

1. Gather your gold leafing supplies. You need a couple things: masking tape, gold leaf sizing (or spray adhesive), gold leaf sheets, a large soft paintbrush, and clear sealant.

2. Mask off the desired design with masking tape. I did a single peak chevron design.

3. Apply gold leaf sizing, spray glue, or rubber cement to your container. I didn’t have gold leaf sizing, so I used spray adhesive. The glue surface should be tacky but not wet when you apply the gold leaf.

4. To apply gold leaf, place the gold leaf sheet on top of the adhesive surface. Gently push leafing down with your hands, covering all of the glue surface. It’s okay if it’s bumpy at this point.

I used 2 sheets of gold leaf for this container.

5. Next, burnish the gold leaf with a large, soft paintbrush. “Burnish” just means rub the gold leaf into the glue until it’s flat.

6. Remove masking tape from your project. Burnish the remaining gold leaf. Spray with clear acrylic sealer to protect the gold leaf finish.

Note: Gold leaf is not supposed to look perfect, so don’t worry if there are some pits and distresses to the finish. It’s part of the charm.

Creating the Floral Arrangement:

1. Cover your floral foam with burlap (if necessary, trim floral foam to fit in container before you start). Insert foam into container.

2. Hot glue felt flower coasters to bamboo skewers. Glue gold leaves to skewers.

3. Insert skewers into floral foam to make a floral arrangement. Tip: vary the length of the skewers to add variety and height to the arrangement. You can trim the skewers with scissors.

4. Write what you’re thankful for onto the labels. (I used Martha Stewart markers). Stick labels onto skewers. Insert into arrangement.

Tip: Allow your family to add to the arrangement by writing down what they are thankful for onto labels!

5. Fill arrangement in with burlap picks. To make, cut burlap squares, then fold square in quarters. Glue bamboo skewer to center of folded square, and pinch until hot glue is dry.

All done!

See all my Martha Stewart projects!

The post Tutorial: Rustic Glam Thankful Centerpiece appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

1. Shrinky Butterfly Necklace by Mark Montano

First, one of my favorite dollar store crafters uses one of my FAVORITE craft supplies: Mark Montano (the king of crafts), made a gorgeous butterfly statement necklace using my favorite kids’ craft supply: Shrinky Dink plastic!

2. Cat Ears Headband by DIY Doyenne

We think this cat ear headband is cute for Halloween and beyond! Your teen will LOVE to sport it any time of the year. From DIY Doyenne Margot Potter and her daughter Avalon.

3. Fall Burlap Wall Art from Handmade Happy Hour

Then my pal Cathie Filian from Handmade Happy Hour stitched up this cute and rustic Fall wall decor. Yay for acorns & Mod Podge!

4. Sequined Pumpkin from Jaderbomb

We love this sophisticated sequin pumpkin from the JADERBOMB blog – this pumpkin decor goes beyond Halloween and straight through Thanksgiving, and even into the winter holidays. You can make it with a dollar store foam pumpkin, too!

5. Steampunk Vial Earrings by Morena, here at Dollar Store Crafts!

Finally, don’t miss Morena’s excellent Steampunk dollar store craft project this week — dollar store steampunk? Yes please!

Bonus: Dia de los Muertos Story by Kathy Cano-Murillo

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with a creepy tale from CraftyChica.com, who creates great crafts AND writes great stories.

The post Five Fall Crafts & a Story! appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.