• Plastic Gallon Container – on hand
• Egg carton – on hand
• Glue gun – on hand
• Paint – on hand
• Felt – on hand

Total:  Free

Step one:  Use a craft razor to cut a large opening under the handle.

Step two:  Cut the egg carton apart so you have two eyes and a beak.  Glue the pieces on as pictured.

Step three:  Paint the eyes and chest with white paint.  Paint the rest of the penguin’s body black.  Paint the beak orange.

Step four:  Cut wings and feet from felt, and hot glue them on.  Since this is a Valentine’s day craft, I cut heart shapes for the feet and wings.  You can make other embellishments like a hat, crown, etc. and glue those on.

This sweet penguin is ready for the Valentine’s day party!  My daughter has already snatched him up and is using it to hold little toys in her room.  It makes a cute little storage container, as well as funny decorative piece.  Best of all, this project costs nothing since most of the materials used were recycled.  Have fun crafting and creating!

The post Tutorial: Penguin Valentine Holder from a Milk Container appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

With four kids, I go through a lot of milk in my house! Even though I recycle the containers, I thought it would be fun to find a way to repurpose them. When I saw mini vellum lamp shades in the bridal section of a craft store I decided to try to make my own with milk jugs.

The plastic isn’t as delicate as vellum, and you can paint it to match your decor or party theme.

Project Estimate:

• Plastic milk jugs, on hand
• Plastic wine glasses, $1 for six
• Battery-operated tea lights, on hand or $1
• Paint, on hand
• Template, free

Total: $1 and up

Step one: Cut the top and bottom off the milk jug. Trace the template onto the plastic and cut. I modified the template so it only had one tab instead of three.

Step two: Paint a design on the plastic. I used a stencil to make simple lines.

Step three: Assemble the lamp “shade”, place a tea light in the glass, and top it with the milk jug mini lamp shade.

Since they’re flameless tea lights, these lamps are safe to use around children. You could paint them any color, or embellish them with ribbon, rhinestones, or trim. You could even decoupage tissue paper onto them. Wouldn’t they make cute table decor for your next get together?

The post Tutorial: Plastic Jug Mini Lamps appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I’ve always loved books.  As a child, I spent my allowance at the book store and my weekends in the library.  When I visit thrift stores and garage sales, I’m always on the lookout for interesting books, not just to read, but to craft with.  I found this wonderful dictionary at Goodwill and picked it up so I could use the text in projects.  The cover was so nice that I decided to use it, as well.  Now I have a fun mail holder in my office that matches nicely with the books on my shelves!

Project estimate:

• Hard cover book, on hand or $1 and up
• Cardboard, on hand
• Mod Podge, on hand
• Twine or string, on hand
• Hot glue gun, on hand

Total:  Free or $1 and up

Step one:  Cut the binding to remove the text portion of the book.

Step two:  Place the book at a 45 degree angle on cardboard and trace.  Add “wings” to the edge of your tracing.  Cut as pictured, and fold as pictured.

Step three:  Use Mod Podge to adhere some of the book pages to the binding and both sides of the cardboard.

Step four:  Make two holes in the back of the book cover.  (Optional:  I added eyelets to the holes.)  Pull string through the holes and tie to make a loop.

Step five:  Glue the “wings” of the cardboard to the book cover.

Your new mail holder is now ready to be hung on the wall!  You could make one for each person in your home, or one for “incoming” and another for “outgoing” papers.  With hardcover books every where (even the dollar store), you could make one in any color or size you like!

The post Tutorial: Turn a Book into a Mail Holder appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I love to take something plain and give it some “wow”!  Flip flops are fun to work with because there are so many different ways you can make them unique to you.  My favorite way to update flip flops is with fabric and Mod Podge.  Yes, you read that right!  As long as you don’t wear your flip flops to the pool, the fabric will stay put and look great all summer.

Project estimate:

• Flip Flops, $1 and up
• Fabric Scraps, on hand
• Mod Podge, on hand

Total: $1 and up

To make over your flip flops:

Step one:  Cut a strip of fabric to fit around your flip flop.  I used a pair of wedge flops that I bought on clearance in the fall.

Step two:  Cover the surface with Mod Podge.  Press the fabric onto the surface, and paint another layer of MP on top.  I don’t cut my fabric to size yet because I like to have a clean edge.

Step three:  Once the fabric has dried, cut off the excess fabric.  Seal with another layer of MP.

Step four:  Make the bow for the shoe.  Cut a strip of the fabric.  Fold the edges towards the middle.  Pinch it together and stitch.  Cover the center with another strip of fabric, and sew it onto the flip flop.

Your flip flops just went from boring to ADORABLE!  Think of all the different looks you can achieve with different types of fabric, like I did here.  Have fun creating!

The post How to Mod Podge your Flip Flops appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

If you’re a crafter, you’re always trying to figure out where to put all your stuff.  If you’re a budget crafter, you’re trying to figure out how get organized without breaking the bank.  If you’re a fashionista budget crafter (let’s call it fabucrafter….just humor me), then you’re looking for attractive, inexpensive storage options.  Well, this fabucrafter has got you covered.  I recycled old tins to make cute, colorful storage containers.

Project estimate:

• Tins,  on hand
• Knobs, $1
• Spray Paint,  on hand or $1 and up

Total: $1 and up

To make your own storage tin:

Step one: Drill a hole into the lid of the tin.

Step two: Attach the knob to the lid.  I found the knobs pictured in the dollar bins at Michael’s.

Step three: Prime and paint the tins.

Your pretty storage tins are ready to be filled!  I plan to use mine in my craft room, but since I didn’t paint the inside they could be used for other things, too, like the Halloween candy you took from your kids.  So start saving those tins, all you fabucrafters, and have fun creating!

The post Tutorial: Upcycled Tin Storage Containers appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I love a good t-shirt upcycle.  Is there anything more satisfying than taking a sad, past-its-prime garment and transforming it into a new wardrobe piece?  In a guest post at The Fashion Spot, Stacie from Stars for Streetlights took two tees in contrasting colors and reworked them into a look that is as easy as it is stylish.  Make sure you save the scraps from this project- you can use them to create matching accessories, like an easy t-shirt bracelet!  [how to make a woven stripes t-shirt]

Project estimate:

• T-shirts in contrasting colors, on hand or $2 and up
• Needle and thread, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Make a Woven Stripes T-shirt appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Have you ever tie dyed anything?  I dyed a t-shirt when I was a kid and I remember that it was an involved process. When Tulip sent me a tie dye kit recently, I was excited to see that their dye was simple and easy to use. Instead of multiple steps with vinegar and soda ash, you just mix their color-fast dyes with water and apply them!

I wanted to create a pretty pattern with the dye and then create something fun out of that fabric. I decided to make fabric jewelry. I was inspired by this braided silk necklace at Martha Stewart and the fabric jewelry closure method for braided bracelets at Henry Happened.  I searched my closet for some old cotton t-shirts for the base fabric.  I also had some dollar store clear ponytail holder beads that I thought would be fun to add.

Want to learn how to create your own tie dyed jewelry?  Just follow these steps below:

Project estimate:

• An old, white, cotton shirt, on hand
• Clear ponytail holder beads, $1
• Needle and thread, on hand
• Craft glue, on hand
• Strong ceramic magnets, less than $1-2
• Tie dye kit (optional), $8 and up

Total: $3 and up

Tulip makes tie dye kits of all sizes, but they sent me this huge tie dye kit that contained: 8 bottles, 12 colors of dye, rubber bands, gloves, surface protector and instructions. I had such a hard time picking what colors to use but I settled on lime, coral and teal.

Step one: Prep your fabric for dye.

If you are using a new garment, be sure to prewash your fabric. I cut apart two old tees and used the front and back panels of each shirt for my project. When you are ready to dye, dampen your fabric.  Pleat the fabric lengthwise and wrap rubber bands tightly every 3-5 inches to create stripes. Repeat the process for all of the panels of fabric.

Step two: Mix and add your dye.

Lay your tied fabric on a plastic surface protector. Wearing gloves, pick out your favorite colors and mix each color in the bottles as directed by the instructions. Carefully apply each color to the desired sections with dye. Be sure to flip your fabric over to get the other side and do not oversaturate the sections.

Tightly wrap your fabric in plastic (I just wrapped the surface protector around the fabric) and allow the dye to set for at least 4-6 hours.

Step three: Rinse and wash.

Now for the exciting part!  You will start to get an idea of what your tie dyed pattern looks like after you carefully unwrap your tied fabric. (Again, wearing gloves!) Rinse out the remaining dye and wash the fabric in your washing machine and dry it. Ooooh and aaahhh over the fancy new color pattern you created!

Now let’s use this fun fabric to make a pretty necklace and bracelet!

Step four: Cut fabric strips for your necklace.

Using scissors, cut approximately 1” wide strips of fabric from your dyed tees. It does not need to be perfect, since you will be braiding it. I like how the frayed edges added texture to the pieces. Depending on how long you want your jewelry to be, one t-shirt should be plenty to create enough strips to  make a long necklace and one bracelet.

Step five: Braid your fabric.

Take 3 strips of fabric and tie a knot at one end. Secure the knot down (with a clip board or under a box lid like I did) and start to braid your strips. When you get to the end of each strip, just tie another strip onto each piece. Keep braiding and adding fabric until you reach well beyond your desired jewelry lengths. (It is better to have a little extra.)

Step six: Attach your magnet closures.

Carefully consider where the fabric knots are on your length of braid. We will be adding beads to those sections in the next step and you want the placement to make sense when you cut your braid down to create a necklace.

Measure how long you want your necklace or bracelet to be. (My necklace was ~24 inches and the bracelet was ~7 inches long.) Trim the braid and attach the fabric ends to a magnet with glue. Repeat on the other end.

(I should warn you that these magnet closures are not super-duper secure. They will hold up to wear, but if someone pulls on the necklace or bracelet, the piece will fall off. If you are worried about that happening, just make a necklace long enough to fit over your head and tie a permanent knot in the two ends instead.)

After the glue on the magnets dry, take two small strips of fabric and fold each one over with adhesive for a finished look. Wrap a folded strip around the magnets on each end and attach them with more glue so the fabric edge is flush with the magnet surface.

Step seven: Add beaded embellishments.

If you want, you can add clear bead to sections of the jewelry. Where there are knots and fabric ends, string a clear bead over the loose fabric end. Use needle and thread to tack the fabric strip down to the necklace. To add a few more beads to any “empty” spots, take a small strip of fabric and tied another bead around the braid in the desired area (sewing any loose ends down, too).

You might choose to use a solid color bead instead, but I like how you can still see the color of the fabric and pattern through the clear beads.

Once the beads are added you can just put your braided jewelry on and enjoy your modern tie-dyed creations!

Wear one around the neck …

or around the wrist another day… or wear them together!

I must confess, it was a lot of fun… yet a little scary to dye my own fabric. I’m kind of a Type A crafter. I like having a vision and plan before I make something. But when I dyed this fabric, I was powerless while the dye set. I kept wondering how it was going to turn out… it was nerve wracking!

But once I saw the color variations and pattern I created, I decided that can’t wait to dye something else with the leftover colors in the kit!

Want to try your hand at tie dye? Tulip Tie Dye Kits are available at Walmart, Walmart Canada, Michaels, JoAnn, A.C. Moore, Hobby Lobby, Hancock Fabrics, Meijer. Tie dye kit contents and colors may vary by store.

And for more fun, crafty inspiration, be sure to follow Tulip and @ilovetocreate on Twitter, on Pinterest or like them on Facebook here or here.

Find tons of tie dye ideas here:

And great tips for tie dye techniques in here:

For more great tie dye projects:

Find my post disclosure here.

You might call Shannon the Clark Kent of craft blogging. By day, she works as a pharmacist and by night she helps readers find simple and elegant solutions for their home. Shannon enjoys blogging at Madigan Made where she shares easy crafts, DIY décor and much more. She also craves chocolate, loves a thrifty find and strives (often unsuccessfully) to avoid glue gun burns. Shannon resides in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband and dog (and always anticipates miracles).

The post Tutorial: Tie Dyed Fabric Jewelry appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Crafts

How to make a fold out photo album in a recycled tin by Paper Vine (pictured)

Green Crafts – Recycled Tins by Mod Podge Rocks

Teaching Thursdays: Happy Earth Tote Bag by Paint Me Plaid

Earth Day Kids Crafts and Toys With Repurposed Materials by Made by Joel

Heart Shaped Thread Spool Decoration by The Quilted Cupcake

Save Those Old Magazines by Cynchronicity (pictured)

Plastic Lid Ladybugs by Crafts by Amanda

How to make a recycled picture book bunting by Art by Wiley

DIY: Anthropologie Bottles by Jader Bomb

Sheet Music Letter by Country Chic Cottage

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. DIY Glass Straw Cup by Creative Carissa

Other Roundups

28 Earth Day Activities for Kids and Printable Crafts by Tip Junkie

All Things Family Link Roundup: Earth Day Edition by CROQzine

25 Things to Do With Empty Plastic Bottles by Under the Table and Dreaming

Make Earth Day 2011 Count: 45 Recycled Craft Links by Dollar Store Crafts

Cardboard Tube Crafts by Crafts by Amanda

Saturday Spotlight: Recycled Crafts by Make and Takes

What will you be doing to celebrate our Earth this year? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 15+ Recycled Craft Ideas appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Chances are if someone handed you a package of ponytail holders, the kind with the little plastic balls, you would associate them with little girls in pigtails.  Would you ever guess that they could be used to make grown-up, sophisticated jewelry?  Shannon from Madigan Made used a set of them to create a beaded necklace with an ombre color scheme; since the holes in the “beads” are drilled off-center, they automatically create a lovely zig-zag pattern when strung!  She also used sandpaper to give some of the shiny beads a matte finish, adding even more visual interest to a piece that makes a big statement on a small budget!  [how to make a ponytail holder necklace]

Project estimate:

• Ponytail holders, $1 and up
• Sandpaper (optional), on hand
• Ribbon, on hand or $1

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make a Ponytail Holder Necklace appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

If you’ve ever accidentally felted a wool sweater, you know that “uh-oh” feeling in the pit of your stomach when you pull the poor, shriveled thing out of the dryer.  Oops!  When Rena from The Cheese Thief shrunk a sweater, she found a great way to rescue it, recycling the misshapen garment into a matching hooded infinity scarf and leg warmers.  If you don’t have a felted sweater laying around already, this is just one more reason why you should always be watching for wool at the thrift store!  [how to recycle a sweater into a hooded infinity scarf and leg warmers]

Project estimate:

• Felted sweater, on hand or $1 and up
• Sewing machine, on hand

Total:  Free and up

The post Recycle a Sweater into a Hooded Infinity Scarf and Leg Warmers appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.