Did you know there is a handy craft supply lurking in your kitchen pantry? That’s right, it’s the lowly potato. Turn a couple of potatoes into stamps for a cute geometric tote bag. This project is quick, easy, and inexpensive. I’ve shared it over at Live.Craft.Love, so check out my tutorial: [Potato Stamped Geometric Tote]

Supplies Needed:

• Canvas tote bag, $1 and up
• Potatoes, on hand
• Large knife, on hand
• Acrylic paint, on hand
• Paper plate, on hand

Total: $1 and up

The post Make a Trendy Geometric Tote Bag from Potatoes! appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Do you love the retro look? So does Morena at Morena’s Corner, who came up with this clever way to repurpose an old alarm clock! Using a clock from Goodwill and an unfinished wooden box, she created this absolutely adorable purse. If you make this for yourself you might even want to grab several clocks because as soon as your friends see it, they are all going to want one! [,how to make an alarm clock purse]

Project estimate:

• Alarm clock, about $1 and up
• Wooden box, about $5
• Paint, on hand or $1 and up

Total: about $6 and up!

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Using an unlikely dollar-store item, you can make an easy summer clutch inspired by high-end fashion.  Holes are hot right now. This year, sporty summer fashion is including a lot of eyelet, perforated fabric, leather and mesh. You can try out this trend for less than $3.

Project estimate:

• Two white dish mats, $2
• Good glue like 5-minute epoxy or E6000, on hand
• Magnet clasp for purses (optional), on hand or $1 and up

Total:  $2 and up

First, remove any labels and wash and dry the mats.

Glue on a magnetic or similar clasp if you want one, lining up the magnets on each mat.  Allow to dry.

Glue around three sides of your mats. Press the mats together and flatten with a couple of heavy books. Allow to dry.

You’re done.

Like any flat clutch, you’re limited to carrying flat items. But your DIY clutch will be roomy enough for a phone, metro card, paperwork or some reading material. Since your clutch is tough and washable, you can even take it to the beach.

And, yeah, you could dry your dishes on it.

The post Tutorial: Make a DIY Summer Clutch appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Happy Galentine’s Day! This week, we’ve rounded up seven bright and cheery DIYs for you to try, and we’re sure you’ll love them! From fashion accessories, to home decor, to some special Valentine’s Day projects, we’ve got you covered.

1. Embellished Candy Box from Debi’s Design Diary:

Really digging this embellished Valentine candy box by Debi Beard! You could use it to store jewelry or accessories. Or craft supplies? Or refill it with chocolate!

2. Stitched Octopus Sweater by Mark Montano

Stitch up a nifty octopus sweater with Mark Montano. You can use this technique to stitch up any design you want (although I am partial to nautical, so this octopus is perfect for me!)

3. Neon Clutch Tutorial by Cathy Attix

Add a touch of neon with this clever clutch from Cathy Attix. Stylish, and unexpected!

4. Stamped Positive Affirmations Necklace by Margot Potter

Stamp up a pretty positive affirmations necklace  with Margot Potter. Metal stamping is fun, and you can write any messages you want on your necklace.

5. Ruffled Pillow DIY by Cathie Filian

Add some romantic ruffles to a plain pillow with Cathie Filian.

6. Dollar Store Conversation Heart Wreath at Dollar Store Mom

Come visit us over at Dollar Store Mom, where Summer turned conversation hearts into sweet wreath, with all the supplies from the dollar store, of course!

7. Chalk Paint Table Makeover by Crafty Chica

Give an old table a colorful chalk finish makeover with Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica!

The post 7 DIYs to Love appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I love my crafty designer friends! They always come up with THE BEST projects. Check out this week’s stunners — everyone made a fab accessory tutorial. Next week, we all have to rock our new accessories, right? Which one are you gonna make first? Here are your choices:

1. Dyed & Dotted Fringe Necklace by Jaderbomb:

This fringe necklace sure makes a statement! I love the graduated colors and the tiny little puff paint dots. And, it’s no secret how much I LOVE TIE DYE!

2. T-shirt Dress DIY by Mark Montano:

Take a basic tank top and two yards of fabric and turn them into an easy-sew summer dress!

3. Slide Protector Purse by Crafty Chica:

Crafty Chica was inspired by all the transparent handbags that are popping up all over the place. She kept it simple by making a handbag with transparent slide protectors (you could also use baseball card protectors for this project).

4. Dolce & Gabbana-Inspired Folk Art Wedges by Margot Potter:

Margot Potter created these fun and fanciful wedges inspired by Dolce & Gabbana’s Sicilian Folk Art Collection — so much fun!

5. Fabric-Covered Sneakers by Cathie Filian:

All you need is our old pal Mod Podge and some cute fabric to make these one-of-a-kind fabric-covered sneakers.

6. Tinker’s Goggles by Crafty Chica:

Earlier this week, right here at Dollar Store Crafts, Crafty Chica created these amazing Steampunk-esque goggles inspired by the movie Oz the Great and Powerful. I’m pretty sure every member of my family needs a pair of these!

So, which one of these accessories are you making this week? Let me know in the comments!

The post Six Crafty Accessory Ideas appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Make a stay-closed case for your iPhone (or other smart phone) with Duck Tape®. What makes this design special? A clever (yet simple) way to keep the case closed so the phone won't slip out, no matter how much dancing you do–so grab a roll of Duck Tape and dollar store metal tape measure and come make a phone case with me!

Prom season is upon us, and what could be more prom-appropriate than… Duck Tape®! Yes, you heard that right! Every year, tons of high school students get crafty with Duck Tape® to enter the Stuck at Prom® scholarship contest. The objective? To create a full prom dress and suit using Duck Tape®, to compete for one of 10 cash scholarship prizes. To celebrate the contest, I got together with some super-crafty high school students and we got to Duck Tape® crafting!

The prom-themed Duck Tape® craft I came up with: a Stay-Closed Duck Tape® Phone Wristlet. Most prom-goers will need a way to take their phone along with them, yet keep it safe (and most prom dresses don't have pockets!). I'm so excited about this stay-closed method for duct tape crafting, because closures are usually what stump me the most about making duct tape purses.

The secret ingredient for keeping the wristlet closed? A clever opening that is made from a metal tape measure from the dollar store. You can snap it open to get inside the wristlet, but then it snaps right back to being closed. Nothing gets in or out without your say so!

Project Materials:

• Duck Tape®, 1 roll, about $4 and up
• A metal tape measure, $1
• Scissors, on hand
• Your phone, to measure
• A piece of yarn
• (Recommended, but optional) Goo Gone, $1 – rub on scissor blades to keep them from sticking

Total: $5 and up

Duck Tape® Wristlet Instructions:

NOTE: These measurements are for an iPhone with a hard case. Your measurements may vary depending on your phone.

1. Create a sheet of Duck Tape® that measures about 12" by 3". Make sure both sides of the sheet are covered with duct tape. Click here for more info on creating a duct tape sheet.

• Tip: To keep your scissors from getting sticky while you work, rub a bit of Goo Gone to the edges of your scissors with a tissue. Apply more whenever you feel your scissors start to get gummy.

2. Check that your sheet is long enough: Fold the 12×3" piece up over your phone, so the top edges touch each other. The top of the pouch should extend about an inch above where your phone goes.

3. Cut two pieces of metal tape measure about 3" long. Trim the edges of the metal pieces so they are

curved, not sharp.

• Tip #1: cut the end of your metal tape measure off — careful not to let the tape measure roll back into itself! Stick a big piece of Duck Tape® to the end!
• Tip #2: Use dollar store scissors to cut the metal tape measure — don't risk ruining your nice scissors to cut metal!

4. Tape one metal piece to the inside top of the pouch – with the number side facing inward. Repeat for the other side. Make sure the tape measure is covered with tape.

You can see what the snap-top looks like from the side before it's taped together:

5. Create the sides of the case: Cut a piece of Duck Tape® about 5.75" long. Fold over in thirds so that you end up with a piece that measures about 5.75" long and .5" wide. Repeat. These will be the sides of the case.

6. Put the two small pieces on the center of a piece of Duck Tape®.

7. Attach the side pieces to the bottom sides of the main pouch piece.

• Tip: Leave a microscopic space between the side pieces and the main piece when attaching. This will allow ample room for the sides to fold up.
• Tip: Check that your phone fits in the case several times as you work.

8. Once sides are attached, reinforce everything with extra Duck Tape®.

9. Create the side strap by cutting a 12" piece of Duck Tape® and laying it sticky side up on your work surface. Lay a string across the long side, and roll the tape over the string until the whole piece is rolled up.

10. Attach the strap to the top of one side of the wristlet. Anchor with extra tape.

Duck Tape® Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest:

Here's more info about the Stuck at Prom® Scholarship contest:

• Official rules here: Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Rules
• FAQs are here: Stuck at Prom® FAQs
• Entry Period: March 11, 2013 through June 10, 2013
• How do you enter? Visit http://stuckatprom.com and click on the Enter Now button. Fill out the required information and upload the images of your Duck Tape® prom attire.

Become a fan of Duck Tape® on Facebook

The post Tutorial: Stay-Closed Duck Tape® Phone Wristlet appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Dollar Store Crafts was given the opportunity to work with the yo-yo maker tool from Clover and to get inspired by a book called Indygo Junction’s Fabric Flowers by Amy Brickman.  I was so excited to add it to this super easy purse I made out of a Dollar Store place mat.  I already have a plan for my purse:  it’s going to make an awesome bible bag!  Know what’s even more exciting?  We’re giving away a copy of the book and a yo-yo maker so you can try it out for yourself!  Read all the way to the end of the post for details!

Project estimate:

• 2 place mats, $2
• Sewing machine, on hand
• Hot glue, on hand
• Yo-yo maker, about $5 (or win one below!)
• Scrap fabric, on hand

Total cost: $2 and up

To get started take one of the place mats and fold in half.  Then measure 1″ from the center crease on each side.  Draw a line across to make a guide for your fold.  Using an iron  press on the line to create the bottom of your purse.

Using the other place mat cut a strip 2 1/2″.  With the place mat I used I was able get two piece from one strip. (It was double fabric with interfacing in the middle) If you only have one strip you’ll need to cut another one.  These pieces will be the sides to your purse.

Starting at the base or bottom of your purse pin the side and secure  with sewing machine.  The pin the sides and secure with your sewing machine.  To make it easy to secure, sew from the outside of the purse.  Its way easier this way and the thread will blend well so don’t worry about how it will look.  You can just sew up the stitch that is already there on the place mat.

Now to attach your handles.  Cut two 1 1/2″ strip for the straps.  You can make the straps bigger or small depending on what you are using your purse for.  To keep the strap from coming apart stitch up the side with a 1/4″ seam.  To secure the straps to the purse measure 1″ from the side and pin in place.  Using a zigzag stitch secure straps to purse base.

Once you have the purse complete you can decorate it how which ever way you would like.  I couldn’t wait to use the yo-yo makers. I used some coordinating fabric and a button to make a pretty yo-yo flower.  I attached the yo-yo flower with my glue gun.  To finish it off I put a button I had in the center.

Want to win a copy of Indygo Junction’s Fabric Flowers and a yo-yo maker of your very own?  Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want more chances to win?  Check out the rest of the Indygo Junction virtual book tour!  You can see more about the book on the following blogs:

• 2/2/13 – Indygo Junction Kick Off Post
  
• 2/4/13 – Kollabora
  
• 2/5/13 – CraftFoxes
  
• 2/6/13 – Sewing Secrets
  
• 2/7/13 – Princess Lasertron
  
• 2/8/13 – Dollar Store Crafts
  
• 2/11/13 – Tatertots & Jello
  
• 2/12/13 – Family Ever After
  
• 2/13/13 – This Mama Makes Stuff
  
• 2/14/13 – Amy’s Creative Side
  
• 2/15/13 – Today’s Creative Blog
  
• 2/18/13 – Lazy Girl Designs
  
• 2/19/13 – Skip to My Lou
  
• 2/20/13 – The Sewing Loft
  
• 2/21/13 – The Crafty Cupboard
  
• 2/22/13 – Fishsticks Designs
  
• 2/25/13 – Taradara
  
• 2/26/13 – Diary of a Quilter
  
• 2/27/13 – Craft Gossip
  
• 2/28/13 – How Joyful
  
• 3/1/13 – Lindsay Sews
  
• 3/4/13 – Flamingo Toes
  
• 3/5/13 – In Color Order
  
• 3/6/13 – See Kate Sew
  
• 3/7/13 – Handmade Charlotte
  
• 3/8/13 – Sew Caroline
  
• 3/9/13 – Indygo Junction Wrap Up Post, Bonus Giveaway & Free Flower Project
  

The post Tutorial: Placemat Purse (plus win a book and fabric yo-yo maker!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

If you’re like me, once Christmas is passed you look at your Christmas decorations and wonder, “how can I make these appropriate to leave out for longer?”  (Partly because I love Christmas decorations, and partly because putting them away is my least favorite part.)  If you’re like Aunt Peaches, you look at your Christmas decorations and wonder, “how can I accessorize with these?”  So she grabbed her glue gun and a length of tinsel garland and got to work creating an adorable purse that would look smashing as part of a New Year’s party ensemble.  (Although it wouldn’t surprise me a bit to see Aunt Peaches carrying this sparkly bag all through the year!)  [how to make a tinsel purse]

Project estimate:

• Purse, on hand or $1 and up
• Tinsel garland, on hand or $1
• Bead garland, on hand or $1
• Hot glue, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Make a Tinsel Purse appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

A while back I saw some vinyl wall decals at a dollar store in a nearby town and my brain started churning, trying to come up with creative uses for them.  I wish I could say that I thought of this, because it is absolutely brilliant!  We spied this purse makeover at Sewing Parts Online, using the decals to create a bold, graphic design on a thrift store bag.  The decals have a similar texture to the surface of the bag, easily giving it a custom, professional-looking finish.  [how to decorate a purse with wall decals]

Project estimate:

• Purse, on hand or about $3 and up
• Wall decals, $1 and up
• Sewing machine or needle and thread, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Decorate a Purse with Wall Decals appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Have a broken umbrella that you aren’t quite ready to get rid of? How about making it into a nifty pouch? This cool idea is from RePlayGround, and uses stuff you probably already have on hand (or can easily find at the dollar store). Use a pouch like this to hold just about anything, and customize the look of the pouch by using a decorative button on the bottom. [how to make an umbrella pouch]

Project Estimate:

• Umbrella, on hand (broken), or $1
• 2 buttons, on hand or $1
• Shoelaces, on hand or $1

Total: FREE and up

The post Recycle a Broken Umbrella into a Pouch appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.