Nifty Thrifty Girl

I was in desperate need of a quick and easy advent calendar idea, seeing as it is already December 1st! After perusing several ideas in magazines and on the web, I came across the perfect, quick project…a baby sock advent calendar…thank you, Martha Stewart.

It took no time at all for me to gather some of my daughter’s baby socks. I have a tendency to save EVERYTHING and I knew just which box the socks were in. Unfortunately, many of her socks were white, which just wouldn’t do, so I popped out to our local dollar store and purchased a few pair of new, colorful socks. I had previously purchased the pink wired ribbon, scrapbook paper and the ornament hooks so I was ready to get crafting.

To make this simple, yet adorable, baby sock advent calendar you will need:

• 25 baby socks

• ornament hooks or small clothes pins

• ribbon

• scrapbook paper

• candy, treats, toys, etc.

HOW TO:

• Cut ribbon to desired length

• If using ornament hooks insert one hook into top of each sock (if using clothespins continue on to the next step)

• Cut scrapbook paper into 25 strips, write numbers 1 through 25 on strips (I also wrote a little note at the bottom of each strip for my daughter - some were inspirational messages, others were directives about what we would do that day ie: decorate the tree, make cookies)

• Insert numbered strips into corresponding socks

• Insert candy or a small gift into each sock

• Hang socks on ribbon

Martha’s was a bit more traditional but I like the funky spin the colors add to mine.  Happy Holidays…and happy crafting!

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Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

When I couldn’t find the perfect chalk board for my kitchen I decided I would make my own. I had an idea of what I wanted, so I began searching yard sale after yard sale until I found the perfect frame. It was a mere $1.00 Yes…$1.00. I painted the frame, took a thin piece of Masonite and cut it to size, sprayed it with several coats of black chalkboard paint, and mounted it in the frame. Voila…a custom chalkboard.

I also added a piece of chalk tied to a string so it’s easily accessible for writing grocery lists.

Since we’re on the subject of chalkboards, another fun find was this Chautauqua Desk:

I found this piece at an auction for $3.00. It was in pretty rough shape and missing many parts. I was interested in the chalkboard and managed to salvage it. I put a hanger on the back and this lovely piece now hangs on my porch wall to welcome guests.

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Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Some windows just don’t need fancy window treatments. I tend to use very simple window treatments such as roman shades or light, airy lace panels. When I have a miss-matched window (one that doesn’t match any of the others in the room) or a single window in a room that I would prefer to let as much light through as possible, I use one of my favorite window treatment tricks – a salvaged stained glass window.

Vintage stained glass windows come in all shapes, sizes and varying colors. My very first stained glass window was purchased at a flea market for only $15. I pulled another window out of my neighbor’s trash! In a few easy steps you can have a fabulous piece of stained glass hanging in one of your windows.

Once you choose a stained glass window all you have to do is bring it home and give it a good cleaning. I like to use Ecover Multi-purpose cleaner - it’s environmentally friendly and has a light, lemon scent. Murphy’s Oil soap also works well. I chose to leave my stained glass windows untouched - just like I found them. If you prefer a cleaner, more polished look you can sand the wood frame, and use a wood stain or paint.

Project Skill: Beginner

You will need:

• Drill

• 2 sets of screw eyes and c hook screws

• Pencil

To hang the stained glass window:

• Drill two holes in the top of the stained glass window frame approximately 3 inches from either edge.

• Insert the eye screws into top of window frame.

• Have someone hold the window so you can mark the appropriate spots to drill for the c-hooks in your window frame.

• Drill holes and insert c hook screws.

• Mount stained glass window on c hooks.

Another creative and inexpensive way to make your home cozy!

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Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Do you have boxes and boxes of your child’s adorable artwork in storage? Are you tired of not knowing how to display this artwork? After my daughter tearfully asked me, “Mommy, why don’t you hang any of my drawings?”, I had flash of creativity and came up with this oh-so-simple solution to display my daughter’s artwork. All you need is a little bit of time and you can have a quick-change wall gallery for your child.

Project skill: BEGINNER

You will need:

A spool of chenille rickrack

2 flat headed thumbtacks

2 large buttons

Craft glue

Clothespins

Craft paint (if you choose to paint the clothespins)

Before assembling the “Clothesline Art Gallery” you need to prepare the clothespins and the button thumbtacks:

I chose to paint each clothespin individually which should be done several days ahead of time to ensure proper drying. If you don’t want to paint each clothespin you could also embellish them with any of the nifty decorative notions they now sell at craft stores. Scrapbooking sections are a great place to find stickers, die cuts, felt cutouts, ribbon, etc.

Next, you will need to assemble the button thumbtacks. This, also, should be done several days in advance to allow time for the glue to set. Place a dab of craft glue on each thumbtack and position the button accordingly.

To assemble the “Clothesline Art Gallery”:

• Measure the rickrack and cut to desired length.
• Poke thumbtacks at either end of rickrack.
• Position on wall and push thumbtack into place.
• Add clothespins and display art!

This project is so easy to assemble and provides ease in allowing you to change out the artwork as your child creates new masterpieces. What better way to make your child proud of their artistic accomplishments?

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Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

On one of my many trash-to-treasure outings during my town’s annual spring clean up I found several vintage dresser mirrors. These large, framed mirrors that were once attached to dressers make great accent pieces. The frames can be painted to suit any decor. Use them on walls, mantles, or over dressers.

I found several mirrors in very good condition and I grabbed them all. I cleaned them up, removed the hardware used to attach them to the dresser, painted the frames and now use them on my fireplace mantel as a focal point. I chose to paint one mirror frame white, and one black so I can change them out as the mood suits me.

These pieces were free, took only a minimal amount of refurbishing and look great. How can you beat that? You can also find these pieces very inexpensively at flea markets, yard & garage sales and estate sales.

When searching for such pieces make sure they are sturdy, with no chipped frames, warping, or broken mirrors. Also, make sure the backing is sturdy as this is what keeps the mirror in place. If you find a perfect mirror that is missing the backing, by all means grab the piece and have a new back piece cut to fit. Also, if the frame is in disrepair but the mirror is in perfect condition and is a pleasing shape don’t pass the piece up. You can take the mirror to a local hardware store and have holes drilled for mounting it on a wall.

And just a piece of advice when looking for trash-to-treasure items; always take precautionary steps to avoid getting cut by rusty metal or broken glass!

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.