Make Your Own Wooden Window Shutters

Would you love to have beautiful shutters but dont have the hundreds of dollars required to buy them? Make your own! Your homemade shutters may not look like store-bought ones but neighbors and visitors will be very impressed! Thats because yours will have a look all their own and will be like no ones in the neighborhood.

Using one-by-fours will make creating shutters very simple. The boards can be found at any home improvement store and are inexpensive. The rough wood pieces can be cut into sections that will become some of the most unique shutters youve ever seen. If you dont use power tools, or dont have any, most home improvement stores will cut the wood to your specifications. This will make it possible for anyone to create the shutters.

There are different designs you can make by using the 1"x 4" boards. A basic design is made by first measuring the height of the window and cutting two boards to that length. Cut two more slightly smaller than those, and two more even smaller. Screw the boards into the side of the house, placing the longest board beside the window, the next size beside that, and the smallest board beside that one. There should be a few inches of space between each board. A different pattern is done by cutting all six boards to the same length. Position them, three on each side of the window, leaving spaces between each one. Put one screw at the top, one in the center, and one at the bottom of each board. Create still another design by butting the boards together rather than leaving spaces. For this design you may want to use five boards on each side, rather than three. The shutter will be much more narrow if you only use three on each side, while butting them all together. The butted boards can be all the same length or can shrink in size as they move away from the window. No matter what design you select youll hang them and then cut horizontal boards. The horizontal boards are small pieces of 1"x4"s that will join the three or five shutter boards together. Cut four of these for each window, two for each shutter. Each one should be long enough to reach across all three - or all five - boards. One will be attached across the top of the boards; one will be placed across the bottom. A different design can be created by placing a third vertical board across the center of the shutters. Its up to you if you want to cut the vertical - and horizontal boards - straight across or at an angle. Cut them at a slant or even to where they come to a point at the bottom. A different design is made if you cut them to a point at the bottom as well as the top. Each cut and combination will give a different look to the finished shutters. The one-by-fours are sold unfinished and unsanded. Hang them as-is or sand and paint them first. Although you can hang them and paint them afterward youll find it much easier to paint them first. Some touch-up might be needed after handling to hang. Whether you paint them or not make sure to treat them with a lacquer-type product which will protect them from the elements. Painting the one-by-fours will require you to first primer them. The rough boards soak up paint quickly and it will take many coats to cover them if you dont primer first. Primer the boards and allow to dry thoroughly. Apply one coat of paint, allow to dry, then apply a second coat. Lastly, apply the lacquer or other protective coating. Youll love these shutters which are easy to make and easy to hang.

Easy Cardboard Box Nativity Scene

Many of us are already busy making Christmas ornaments, decorations and plans. For people who make their own Christmas things extra time is needed before the holidays. Theres one thing you can make that will impress your friends and family and will become a cherished family heirloom. The craft is inexpensive and fun to create.

Using a cardboard box anyone can make a nice nativity scene. Use a large box to make a scene that can set on a table in an entryway or a tiny box that can become a nativity scene ornament. The choice is up to you. Before you start making either, though, youll need the nativity scene characters. Purchase them from a dollar theme store or go all-out on a set of nativity scene figurines from a craft store. The amount of money you invest on this craft is your personal choice.

Use any cardboard box to create the scene. Keep in mind that the figures should be proportionate to the box itself. If the box has a lid or flaps remove them first. Now youre ready to go on to the next step. Set the box where the opening is facing yourself. What is now the top of the box must be removed. Cut it off and throw it away. Take another piece of cardboard and make cut it slightly longer than the piece you threw away. Fold this new piece of cardboard in half to form a "V" shape. Place the "V", upside down, over the top you cut away. This will form a peaked roof for the nativity scene. Glue the new roof in place and allow to dry thoroughly. Inside the box you can use spray paint, cloth or even decorative paper to create the walls. Paint or paper the three walls only and leave the "ceiling" and floor bare for now. After the paint dries youll create the floor by using raffia. Take a handful of raffia and glue it to the inside bottom of the box. That will be the straw or hay on which the nativity scene will be set. Set the characters in the scene on the raffia and glue them in place. The manger should be in the center of the box with the other characters standing behind or around it. Add sheep, or other fake animals if you want. If your box is very small you may only want to display the manger, Mary and Joseph. If you have lots of room in your box you can add the wise men and animals. How you set the scene is completely up to you. After the manger scene is set you have many options for embellishing. Paint a wooden star gold and mount it to the top of the roof. Or, fasten a strand of Christmas lights around the box opening. You can even slip a single light through the backside of the roof, representing starlight shining through the roof. If you want, you can use empty thread spools, or painted bottle caps, to create legs for the manger scene. If your little box will become an ornament, glue a piece of stretch cord to the roof, mount the golden star on top, then hang on the tree. If you have no star to mount on top glue the stretch cord through the small opening on the back of the roof. You can choose to paint the outside of the box or even cover it in black velvet. Youll decide how you want the outside to look. You can even glue wooden slats on the box to make it look more like a barn. The wooden pieces can be found at any craft store and some department stores. When youre finished with your cardboard box nativity scene youll be surprised at how beautiful it is. Youll want to display it each and every Christmas in the future and it will become a cherished decor piece in your collection of Christmas decorations.

Large List of Cheap Wedding Decorations

Theres nothing that says a bride has to spend a fortune on the decorations at her wedding. For the price one bride pays for a basket of flowers you can decorate for the entire event! There are many quick, easy and inexpensive decorations you can make that will have your wedding looking just as gorgeous as a bride who has spent big bucks! Make candle arrangements for the table by simply filling a glass vase, jar or drinking glass with your choice of embellishments. Fill it with glass marbles, beads, shells or something else. Set a votive candle, in its container, then set it on top of the jar.

Purchase a frameless mirror at a craft store and youll pay very little. Set the mirror on a table and set a single, large flower on it, an arrangement of taper candles, or a plastic bride and groom. No matter what you set on the mirror it instantly has an elegant appearance.

Cover a Styrofoam ring with flowers, shells or other things then set it on the wedding table. In the middle of the ring you can place a pillar candle, bride and groom or even a glass bowl full of beads. The ring makes whatever you set on the table look much larger and more impressive. Cover tin cans with fabric or scrapbook paper and use them as plant holders. Cover a large coffee can and fill it with flowers for the main table. Or, glue a folded ribbon to the inside of the can and hang the planter anywhere you want for an outdoor wedding. Use an old CD to make a cake topper. Cover the disk with fabric or paper then glue on a bride and groom, champagne glass or something else. This cake topper is cute yet really cheap to make. Cut pieces of cardboard, glue a piece of satin or lace to each one, then fold it in half. Write a persons name on it with a marker and stand it up at the table. These place cards are cheap yet elegant. Make different place markers by using cheap, plastic champagne glasses. Use a paint marker to write each name in gold or silver then set a single, artificial flower in the glass. Instead of using these as place markers, forget writing a name on them, and make a different design - or none. Fill the glasses with candy to give as wedding party favors. Lay a doily or lace piece over each one and tie a ribbon around the stem to secure. Curl long pieces of gold, silver or white ribbon and lay them on the tables. Or, blow up balloons and place them on the tables, floor and other areas. Ribbons as well as balloons are really cheap yet instantly give the room a party look. Use paper cones to make flower holders for pews. Wrap the cone with chosen gift wrap or scrapbook paper then use double-sided tape to secure them to the ends of the pews. Fill with a lightweight flower arrangement. Paper cones are also great for making party favors. Simply fill them with whatever you want then fold the top down. To do this, fold in one side, then the other. You now have two points sticking out each end. Fold over one, then the other to finish. Stand an upside-down, clear glass on the table then set a bowl on top of it. Use double-sided tape or hot glue to hold them together. Fill the bowl with water and floating candles, curled ribbon, beads or other things. Its a beautiful arrangement that can be restored to its original state when the wedding is over. Having a small budget for your wedding doesnt mean you wont have the wedding of your dreams. Make your own d?cor and youll save so much money youll be able to spend more on other wedding expenses!

Easy Twine Decor for Your Home

Want a little touch of Tuscany in your kitchen? Want to add a rural look to your den? Its all possible with a simple ball of twine. Its easy, although sometimes time-consuming, to decorate with twine. You wont believe, though, the types of things you can change dramatically with a few wraps of twine.

Start with something easy like an empty glass or plastic bottle. Begin wrapping it in twine, using hot glue to hold each wrap into place, and when youre finished wrapping youll have a unique piece that can set in the kitchen, bath or elsewhere.

The type of twine you choose is important. The twine needs to be a rope type that doesnt easily unravel. Paper-wrapped types are not ideal for these projects. You dont want the twine to be huge in circumference. The twine should also not be tiny and string-like. A nice roping would be about an eight of an inch, to a quarter of an inch, in diameter. Its not forbidden to wrap other things besides bottles and jars. Although bottles and jars look fabulous when wrapped in twine, youll also be pleased with the look you can give to cardboard boxes, frosting cups, some wire baskets, plastic drinking cups, or even tin cans. Some things, like the frosting cups, dont really need a lining but other items, like a tin can, may require you to line it before adding the twine. There are many uses for the twine-wrapped items. Wrap bottles and jars to display on window ledges or kitchen shelves. Use drinking cups, and similar items, to hold silverware, pencils or other small items. Twine-wrapped cardboard boxes - large and small - can be used to hold everything from paperwork to clothing for kids. Nowadays, you can find twine in various colors. Looking for a rustic look may keep you purchasing traditional colors of twine, but wanting something colorful and eye-catching may get you looking at twine in colors of pink, blue, or even yellow. Check craft stores, home improvement stores, and hardware stores to see the various color selections you can now purchase. As a matter of fact, select more than one color, and alternate colors as youre creating the project. Begin gluing on one color, switch to the next, then back to the previous. Mixing several different colors, or just two colors, gives you many options on the various looks you can create. Some things you can change by using the twine wraps include most containers, boxes, picture frames, pencil holders, drawer knobs, door knobs, cabinet doors, tissue holders, towel racks, mirrors, canisters, and vases. You probably have many things in your home that will instantly take on a new look as soon as you wrap it in twine. Keep in mind that, although creating twine-covered items is very easy, it can also be extremely time-consuming. Large items, and objects with odd shapes, can really be testy. Its important that you align the twine perfectly, or you can end up with slivers of exposed bottle, where the twine wont cover. Youll be surprised at what a difference some twine can make on a bottle or jar. Add embellishments to create even more interest. The twine can accept paint, rubber stamping, glued-on jewelry pieces, additional roping of another kind, buttons, wood shapes, and many other enhancements. Youll love the first finished project so much youll go looking for more bottles - and more twine - to make things for your family and friends. The bottles, baskets or boxes make fabulous one-of-a-kind gifts for men, women or children.

Unusual Shelf You Make from Picture Frames

Picture frames arent just for displaying family photos. There are many other things you can make from frames. One fabulous creation you can make in minutes uses several frames to create a unique wall shelf. The project is easy to make, can be made from any size frames, and will look fantastic when you are finished. Best of all, the shelves look great in any room and can be used to hold towels, display statuettes or even hold Beanie babies.

Although you can use any size frames, and can use a number of different designs of frames, each frame must be identical. In addition, the frames must be smooth on the front, without embellishments that protrude from the frame. For this reason ordinary wooden frames work great for this project.

Choose the frames you will be using to make the shelves. The frames can be 8"x10" or a different size. Also, you can make the shelves as deep as you want, so add more and more frames until you are satisfied with the depth of the shelves. Remove all backings, glass and paper to use the bare frames. Set one frame on a flat surface and glue a second frame on top of it. Glue on the next frame, and the next, until you are happy with the depth of the shelf. The shelf has no backing; the wall becomes the back of the frame. If youre not happy with that you can make a backing by using one of the pieces of cardboard from one of the frames. You can cover the cardboard with decorative paper, cloth or just use it as-is. If youre using just the bare frames, with no backing, its easy to hang the wall unit by simply hanging the back frame on the wall. If youve created a backing for the wall shelves you can attach an adhesive wall mount on the back. After youve created the wall shelves you can embellish them in any number of ways. Use wide ribbon to wrap the entire outside of the shelf or just glue on a novelty of some type. Craft stores are full of embellishments which will cost you little and will add to the beauty of the shelves. Have a look at plastic shapes, wooden pieces, metal hardware and similar embellishments. These can be glued onto a corner of the shelf or even on top. The final look is up to you. You can paint the shelves you made or leave them as they are. Although the frames need to be the same type, shape and size you can, however, use different colors of frames. Create different designs by positioning a frame or two of a different color, right in the middle of the stack. Or, use identical frames to create the stack then use a frame of a different color as the final frame on top. Use tiny frames to make shelves for miniatures. Use large frames to make huge showcases for statuettes or other collectibles. Even make the shelves and hang them in a bathroom. Theyre perfect for holding wash cloths, towels, bath products and more. Use them in a childs room to hold games or stuffed animals. Create coordinating planters and similar items by placing the stacked frames on a shelf or counter. Make a bottom for it or just fill with fake plants using no bottom to the creation. Use small ones on a desk to hold stapler, pencils and pens. Use them on a night stand to hold eyeglasses, tv guide and other items. Theres no end to the uses for the unusual picture frame decor items. If you have extra picture frames, and they all look alike, consider making a wall hanging. Theyre fun, handy and very easy to do. Get the kids in on the project and they can each make a wall shelf for their own rooms.

Face Mask Sheets: What They Are and How You Use Them

Facial masks have been around for many years. Theyre designed to rid your skin of blemishes, supply the face with moisture, or even to reduce the look of wrinkles. Most masks go on like a thick goo; you leave it on for a few minutes then wash it off with water. Afterwards, your face can feel refreshed, and your skin tightened and renewed. Some facial masks actually peel away. After leaving the goo on for the recommended time the wearer peels the mask away by grabbing hold of the film the goo has become and peeling it off the face. Afterwards, many of the facial mask products recommend rinsing of the face.

As technology progresses changes are often made to some of our favorite things. As with many of todays popular products there have been tremendous breakthroughs in the world of facial masks. Enter the facial mask sheet. Instead of spreading paste-like products on our faces we now have the option of rejuvenating our faces by using stick-on sheets.

Facial mask sheets come in a variety of types. Some are created specifically to target wrinkles and facial lines. Others hydrate; still others attempt to smooth the complexion. Whichever type your skin needs its now available in a simple sheet you apply to your face. Everything you need to have a smoother, younger looking face is already on the facial mask. When you prepare to place the mask on your face it will come in two sections. To apply the mask peel away the backing from the bottom section of the mask, which will cover lower cheeks, jaw lines and chin, then apply the second section which covers upper cheeks, nose, and around the eyes. Simply press each half of the mask against the skin then allow to sit for 15 minutes. The type of mask you choose may recommend a different amount of time to wait before removing. The masks can be purchased in various size boxes, but no matter what type or size mask you purchase, youll only use each mask once before discarding. After the application, and the removal of the mask, theres no need to rinse the face. Most makers of the facial masks recommend the application twice a week but many women apply the masks several times a week - if not every night. Although there is no rinsing after the mask you most definitely have to rinse your face before applying the mask. The rinsing dampens the skin and helps the mask stay fitted to your face. The price of the facial mask sheets can vary. Purchased individually, and depending upon the type of product you purchase, a mask sheet can range from $5 to $10. Purchased by boxes you can spend over $20 for five masks; over $80 for 20 mask sheets. Purchase the facial masks sheets from a reputable company. Trying to save money can mean ill-fitting masks that produce little to no results. The two pieces of the mask generally come in one packet, so if the packaging says "5 pieces" they dont mean five half-face pieces. Each two pieces (one for top of face, one for bottom of face) counts as one piece. The masks feel cool and comfortable while youre wearing them and you can actually feel your skin tightening. Wearing the mask for 15 minutes is a breeze as is the removal of the mask halves. There is no need to rinse or towel off afterwards. Youll like the results youll see when you use the new facial mask sheets. Theyre handy, easy to apply, and will definitely improve the look of your skin. Youll find the sheets online, at cosmetic stores, and at some discount department stores.

How to Cover that Ugly Breaker Box

New home builders do such a good job of hiding the breaker box, but if you own an older model home, that might not be the case. Many older houses and mobile homes blatantly display the breaker box door and they simply arent that attractive. Although some people hide the breaker box behind a picture its sometimes impossible to do that. For homes that have a breaker box that sticks out somewhat its difficult to hang a picture flat against the wall.

Since the breaker box covers are metal its easy to make magnetic decor pieces that will easily hide the hideous breaker box. These crafts are easy to do and will give you a nice wall hanging that sticks directly to the metallic breaker box door.

Any picture can become a magnetic picture for your breaker box simply by using button magnets. Youll find the magnets at any craft store. Some of the magnets are available with a peel-away adhesive and others will require you to glue the magnets to the backside of the picture. The magnets are available in squares as well and can hold quite a lot of weight. A large picture frame with broken or missing glass can help you easily hide the breaker box. Cut a piece of cork to make a cork board. The cork is available, sold by the roll, at any craft store. Remove any glass from the frame and glue the cork to the cardboard piece inside the frame. Get rid of any stand built in to the back of the frame. Either remove the back altogether or just remove the stand itself. Glue a magnet onto each corner on the back of the frame. Now your cork board will stick to the breaker box and hide it. Use an ordinary place mat to make a different kind of cover for the fuse box. Glue the cloth mat to a thick piece of cardboard. Glue on silk flowers, leaves, vines, or other craft supplies. Make a flower garden to hang on the wall or just use felt letters to spell out a phrase on the place mat. Glue four button magnets on the back and you can instantly stick the new wall hanging to the breaker box door. All of the above designs are great for a bedroom, but often, the breaker box is in the kitchen. Make a different design for there. Purchase an ordinary piece of sheet metal and affix the button magnets to the back. Stick the sheet metal piece to the breaker box door. Use childrens magnetic A-B-Cs to write notes to other family members or to create a shopping list. Store additional letters across the bottom of the metal. Make sure the metal has been filed and has no sharp edges. You can even use an old game board to hide the ugly breaker box cover. Try making a photo display from a Scrabble board. Glue the Scrabble trays to the board. Put pictures in small frames and set them on the narrow trays. Use Scrabble tiles, if you want, to describe the picture. Glue the tiles beside the pictures to name the person in the picture or to create a word that describes the person. The photo display doesnt necessarily have to be family photos. It can be made from vacation pictures or another theme. Add button magnets to the back of the Scrabble board to stick it to the breaker box door. Every home has a breaker box but many homes have them conveniently covered up. If yours is out in the open you definitely want to hide it from your visitors. Do so by creating one of the above projects that will help you hide the box. The projects are easy to do and cost little. Youll be happy to see the new creation on the wall rather than the unsightly breaker box!

Turn Your Pet into a Refrigerator Magnet

By now you probably think youve seen every kind of refrigerator known to mankind. You might own a huge collection of magnets or you may have put yours away for good. Either way theres still one more magnet you need. This will be a different kind of magnet, though. This magnet is more than a magnet; its a fun game for kids as well. If you have a young child whos crazy about the family dog he or she will love the game. It features your pet as the star of the show! It doesnt really matter if your pet is a dog, a cat - or even a bird. If your child is nuts about your pet he will love playing the refrigerator magnet pet game. Start by cutting out a picture of your pet. The picture should be large enough that the child can easily play with it. If you want you can choose several different poses of your dog.

Use magnetic sheeting to turn the dog or other pet into a magnet. The magnet can be found at any craft store and is sold by the sheet or by the roll. A couple of sheets will do fine, but if you want to make the game more interesting, purchase an entire roll. That way, you can make lots of additional things for the pet game.

Magnetic sheeting has a peel-away backing that, when removed, exposes the sticky adhesive. Place the picture(s) of your pet onto the sheeting and cut. Now you can use the remainder of the sheeting to make the rest of the magnetic pet set. That could include any number of scenes, accessories and more. Look in magazines to find pictures of beds, rainbows, fields of flowers and more. You can easily turn any picture into part of the pet game. Cut out hats, necklaces, shoes, sunglasses, cars, and similar items. Place the pictures on the magnetic sheeting and cut them out. Your child will have hours of fun dressing up the family dog or other critter. He or she will really enjoy making a magnetic dog look silly, intelligent, or even ready for the beach. And youll have fun looking through magazines to find all sorts of accessories to magnetize. One roll of magnetic sheeting can cost between ten and fifteen bucks but can create literally dozens and dozens of magnets. Of course, if you cut out large items, such as trees, buildings and similar items, the magnetic sheeting will not make as many magnets as it will if you cut out ear muffs, a broom, butterflies and other small accessories. Youll find lots of great scenes for the animal by looking at old calendars, travel brochures, magazines, product packaging and even portions of posters. Position them on the magnetic sheeting and cut them out. The scene can stick to the refrigerator and the pet will then stick to the scene. Kids will have additional fun if you cut out pictures of family members, friends, and even other pets. They can incorporate these into the scenes while playing with their favorite pet magnet. Their pet and his or her friends can visit The White House, Hawaii, a nearby school, church, and other places simply by cutting out and magnetizing various pictures. Create different magnets, over a period of time, and add them slowly to the ones the child already has. Soon he or she will have a huge collection of scenes and accessories. Make a travel pet magnet set by using a round, square or rectangular baking pan. The pan should be shallow and grease-free. The child can make all sorts of scenes on the pan while traveling. He or she will be occupied for hours on end if you have a large variety of scenes and additional items.

Cookie Cutter Stamping for Christmas

I dont know about you, but Ive collected quite an assortment of cookie cutters over the years, yet rarely do I use them. I might not get a chance to make cute cookies very often but I can still use the cookie cutters even when Im not baking. Thats because cookie cutters are a great way to stamp your holiday images on just about anything.

Use fabric paint to stamp the cookie cutter images onto shirts, socks, purses, belts and other wearables. Squirt some of the paint onto a paper plate and dip the cookie cutter. Position the snowman, pine tree or other cookie cutter over the shirt, then stamp. The fabric paint works great on most fabrics and accessories.

Make dramatic changes in your decor without spending much money by using the cookie cutter stamps. Dont replace your curtains or drapes to suit the holiday season. Instead, change your tie-backs, and itll appear as though youve done some major holiday decorating! Just cut a strip of fabric and stitch it to form the tie-back then you can create the theme you want with your selection of cookie cutters. Just changing the tie-backs can change the look of the whole room. Stamp pillowcases for a similar effect. Things that have a Christmas image on them can often cost more than similar items with no theme. Purchase the plain items then stamp them yourself. Some of these items might include place mats, pillowcases, paper plates (use non-toxic stamping), kitchen curtains, tablecloths, cloth napkins and similar items. Theres no limit to the things you can stamp: lampshades, plastic ware, small appliances, throw pillows, dishes, gift wrap, cards, pitchers, pot holders, towels, canisters - even soaps! There are several different ways to create the images with the cookie cutters, too. Dip the cutter into paint, then stamp, or even draw around the cookie cutter with a marker. Spray paint one side of the cutter, then stamp it quickly, before it dries. Or, paint the cookie cutter outline with a brush, then stamp. The cookie cutters you use can be metal or plastic. The designs you make, though, dont necessarily have to be for Christmas. You can use cookie cutters to decorate for Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving - or for everyday decorating. Create a border for the kitchen or another room by using the cookie cutter stamping method. Cutters shaped like kids or pets are great for stamping in childrens rooms. Fruit or other food-shaped cutters make a fabulous kitchen border. You can even make some Christmas stamps that can be removed later. For example, some slick-surfaced trash cans or hampers can be stamped with nail polish then removed later with nail polish remover. The polish remover works on mirror glass, picture frame glass, some ceramics and even some metal surfaces. You cannot use the polish remover to remove a design on wood, cloth, cardboard, or wicker. If you dont have any Christmas cookie cutters, but you dont want to miss out on the stamping fun, dont worry! You can often find inexpensive cookie cutter collections at dollar theme stores and discount department stores. Craft stores have all sorts of different paints that will work with your cookie cutters on most any surface. If you love decorating your house for Christmas youll really enjoy the ease of cookie cutter stamping. Its so simple, in fact, that even the kids can get in on the fun. Let them make cards for their friends or stamp a couple items in their rooms.

No-Sew Bandana Pillow for Kids

Generally we think of bedroom throw pillows as something a girl or woman would love, but when you make the pillows from old bandanas even a boy will love one! You dont have to make the pillows for your children; they can make them all by themselves. Thats because there are no needles, no thread and no sewing required! Youll need two regular size bandanas to create the unique pillow. Each bandana can be different in color or they can both be the same; thats your choice. The only thing that is required is that the two bandanas be exactly equal in size.

It will be necessary to poke several holes in each bandana, so if a young child is doing this project, a parent may need to help him or her with the hole-poking portion of the craft. Older children can easily cut small holes in the bandanas with scissors.

Draw a chalk line around the perimeter of each bandana, about an inch away from the edge. Go all the way around, poking holes, leaving an inch between each hole. After youve created all the holes, youll do the same thing to the other bandana, making sure the holes you poke align with the ones youve created on the first bandana. For some, it may be easier to lay the bandanas on top of each other, then cut holes through both at the same time. This will ensure that the holes of each bandana will be in alignment. There are any number of things you can use to tie the two bandanas together. Youll cut pieces of twine, yarn, ribbon or cloth to secure the bandanas. Cut the twine or yarn into four inch pieces. Thread one piece through the coordinating holes of the two bandanas. Tie a knot and allow the excess twine to hang. Go to the next set of holes, push a piece of twine through both holes, then tie a knot. Continue this pattern until youve tied twine into each set of holes on three of the four sides. When youve gotten to the fourth side of the pillow its time to stuff it. Use cotton, chipped foam, or even scraps of cloth. Stuff the pillow until you are satisfied with the thickness of it then prepare to tie the rest of the pillow closed. Its easier to finish tying the pillow if you first place a book on it. After adding the stuffing the pillow can be more difficult to close. Placing a book - or something similar - on top makes it easier to get the pillow tied shut. After youve finished adding twine to all the sets of holes your bandana pillow is complete. It takes about an hour for the average child to complete the bandana pillow. Let them get some of their friends together and they can have a pillow-making party. Many teens have bandanas and would love to own several of the bandana throw pillows. Theyre not just for bedrooms; use them on a sofa or your favorite living room recliner. Theyre appropriate for children and adults alike. You dont necessarily have to use bandanas for the no-sew pillow project. Fabric that wont unravel is perfect for this craft. Cut two equal size pieces and follow the steps above. If the fabric you have will unravel treat the edges with a no-fray product found at most craft and sewing supply stores. You can find some really unique and fabulous bandanas online that would make interesting pillows like no one elses. Youll also find bandanas of many colors and styles at most dollar theme stores. The dollar price tag means you can make the entire pillow for under three bucks. They make great gifts, too, so make several. Your friends are going to want one, too!

Tips for Making Your Own Paper Doilies

Its easy to find white paper doilies, but if you want colors, that means going to a specialty store. Whether youre having a party or you just use small doilies for drink coasters, youll easily be able to make a wide range of disposable, paper doilies. Make them large and use them for table centerpieces or make really tiny ones and use them in a dollhouse. No matter what size, shape or color you have in mind making your own doilies is no problem.

At a craft store youll find a large variety of special scissors that will help you create the design you want around the edges of the doily. Of course, you dont want to spend big bucks on an array of decorative scissors just to make paper doilies, so consider purchasing something similar in the childrens craft aisle at a department store. The plastic scissors are cheap and can create any number of scallops, zig-zags or wavy edges on the paper.

Since youre making your own doilies you arent limited to the type of paper you can use. Check the scrapbook section of a craft store to find unique designs that can help you create a theme for a party. These papers are usually very thick in design. Use thinner paper, if you want, to create the doilies. Just about any paper type is suitable for creating any type of doily design. Paper punches are the other necessity when it comes to making doilies. The punches are found in craft stores and allow you to punch designs like circles, triangles, diamonds and more. Again, check childrens departments for cheaper versions of the punches. Metal punches, of course, are much more expensive than the plastic types. Create the initial doilies by finding a circular shape around the house. The pattern you use can be an ordinary drinking glass, a bowl, or something similar. After youve drawn the circle on the paper use the designing scissors to cut it out. Make sure that you cut inside the drawn circle or you will have pencil marks on your doilies. Create the design you want by using the punches. For most doily designs, the center area is solid, then the edges are lacy and punched. There are many different designs you can make by using and alternating various punches. Just changing the pattern of the punches slightly can give each doily a whole new look. Go around the perimeter of the doily with a particular punch or set of punches. Make the entire perimeter diamonds or alternate between diamonds and squares. Add as many different shapes as you want then repeat the pattern again and again. Start a new row, just inside the first circular row, and duplicate the original pattern or create a new pattern for each punched row. Its up to you how close you want the punched designs to be. Space them as you wish and mark the pattern with pen or pencil. Be sure that, once punched, the pencil or pen mark is punched out, too. Its easy to mark the spaces by using a smaller and smaller circular object inside the original one. The punches only allow you to go a few inches in when creating the doily designs. Smaller doilies, of course, allow the punches to go much further in than large doilies. The larger the doily, the fewer rounds of designs you can make. Create doilies for holidays, graduations, birthdays or everyday use. Theyre so much fun to make that youll love creating them for every special occasion. Get the kids involved and let them make their own creations. They can use them in their rooms for coasters or just for decor.

Hoedown Wedding Reception

If youre having a country-theme wedding its a lot of fun to have a hoedown reception. Feature fiddles, and square dancing, and a hootin good time, and your guests will never forget it. Its not even all that difficult to get the hoedown ready for the crowd. Here are a few ideas and suggestions to get you started.

If you use inkjet-printable cotton you can make bandana invitations which fit right in with the hoedown theme. Just create the invitations you want, with your computer, then print them on the cotton. A less expensive version can be made using paper. Scan the bandana, or find an image online, and print paper invitations that look like bandanas.

Invite guests to wear jeans, overalls, coveralls, gingham skirts, and similar wear. Make sure you allow enough time between the wedding and the reception for guests to change clothes - unless the wedding will be performed in similar clothing. Bandanas work well as decorations in other areas of a hoedown reception, too. Sew them corner-to-corner and make a table runner. Or, wrap them around silverware to use as napkins. Instead of bandanas you can use gingham fabric. Use either one to make cones for candy favors by simply gluing a piece of stiff paper to the back of the bandana. A way to introduce flowers to the tables, while keeping it laid-back and simplistic, is to stand a single flower - real or not - against a tall glass. The stem and flower should reach from the bottom of the glass to at least a couple of inches above the glass. Tie a ribbon around the glass to hold the flower in place and to accent the arrangement. If you want, fill the glass with dry beans, marbles, sea glass, wheat grass, rocks, or even wood chips. A centerpiece can be made from an adults or childs boot. Just fill the boot mostly full of wadded grocery bags or newspaper, then place flowers in it. Make a different centerpiece by using a block of wood - painted or not - and setting a candle on it. Make a table runner of sorts by using things you would find around the ol farm. Paint and arrange tree twigs and limbs, rocks, and even mulch, down the center of the table. Or, lay out old tools and implements as the table accents. Set bales of hay around the area where youll be having the square dancing. People in denim and dungarees can sit right on the bales. Make sure you offer chairs to those who are wearing dresses. There is a huge selection when it comes to foods that could be served at a hoedown. You can have fried chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, or you could even roast a pig. Sides could include anything from corn on the cob, to beans, to "taters". Its easy to make flower cupcakes that look great a at hoedown. Just bake regular cupcakes, frost them, then arrange jellybeans or other candies to make a flower on each one. Or, smash mini marshmallows and they look like white petals. Arrange the petals around the outside of the cupcake then put candy sprinkles or other candies in the center of the flower. At a hoedown, its a must that you have a caller for the square dancing. You can often hire one by placing an ad in the local paper. The guests will have the time of their lives with the hoedown reception that is perfect for a fun-loving couple who wants to see their guests dancing and laughing all night.

Unusual Ways to Recycle Empty Thread Spools

Somehow youve wound up with many empty thread spools. It doesnt matter how; it just matters what youre going to do with them. Throwing them away is not an option so put them to good use and make them into d?cor pieces, toys and more. Youll end up with several unique, new things, all of which are really simple to make.

Use small, wooden spools to make a toy/teether for your baby. Simply thread several of them onto a piece of yarn and there you go! Babies love to rattle them and even chew on them while theyre cutting teeth. Make something similar for a cat. Tie a hole in the yarn then slide on the first spool. Tie another knot then add another spool. Continue this pattern until the rope is as long as you want it to be. The knots between the spools keep them separated plus give the cat a way to grab the rope.

Make a spool into a unique, albeit very small, flower vase. Paint the spool ends but glue a piece of decorative fabric or paper around the spool itself. Now gather a tiny bunch of fake flowers and glue them inside the hole. To hold a taller, single flower just glue two or more of the same size spool together before decorating them. Make different sizes with different themes to create a fun group of the mini flower vases. With a piece of pipe cleaner kids can make a cute photo holder. Decorate the spool by painting it or covering it with a chosen material. Now glue a pipe cleaner into the hole so that it sticks straight up. Twist the top of the pipe cleaner into a circle, then once again. Position photos so that they are between the two circles. This makes a cute photo holder; do several different ones to make a nice grouping. Feature a favorite magnet by using the spool as the holder. Make the above design but use a piece of wire instead of a pipe cleaner. Curl the wire above the spool to make a tight circle. Now stick a large refrigerator magnet on the circle and set it somewhere as a nick-knack. Cluster several small spools together to make a foot stool for a dollhouse. Cut a circle of cloth and drape it over the finished stool. Tie a ribbon around the top third of the spools to create the look of a seat cushion. If you want, put a small piece of foam on top before covering it with the cloth. Make a back massager by threading spools onto twine. Cut two long pieces of twine and lay spools out, side-by-side. Take the first piece of twine and go in through the top hole of the first spool, then out through the bottom. Now go through the bottom of the next spool and out through the top. Continue this until all the spools are on the first piece of twine. Now start at the opposite end and thread the second twine piece in the opposite manner as you did the first one, starting through the bottom of the first spool then going in through the top of the next one. Tie the ends together to make a handle. To use it, simply position it on your back, holding the handles, and running it back and forth across the painful area. Empty spool threads, be they small or large, wooden or Styrofoam, can be used to make many different things. Check yard sales and thrift stores for spools that are empty or have little thread on them. Also check your local dollar-theme stores. Spools are fun to work with and make really unique toys, d?cor and more.

Change the Look of Your Pillows in Minutes with Ribbons

You dont have to be a seamstress to make fabulous designs on pillows. If youve grown tired of the look of your throw pillows, get out a needle and thread, then get creative. Narrow ribbon is easy to tack onto the pillow with a few stitches. With the ribbons you can make any number of designs that are easy but look fabulous.

Decide on the design you want for your pillows. You can create a checkerboard pattern or mere stripes. The design is up to you entirely. Cut the pieces you will need to complete the particular design you have in mind. Although you can make any number of designs using ribbon its very simple to make straight designs because ribbon is straight.

Cut two lengths of ribbon to add an "x" to your pillow. Use needle and thread to tack one end of one piece of ribbon to the pillow corner. A couple of stitches, and a knot, are all you need. Pull the ribbon to the opposite corner and tack it in place. Repeat the steps to add the second ribbon, diagonally, across the pillow. Dont pull the ribbon so tightly that it buckles and wrinkles the pillow. Do, however, pull the ribbon tight enough so that it lays flat against the pillow. If you get it tight enough - without being too tight - you will not need stitches down the entire length of the "x". There are many simple designs you can do without having to stitch the ribbon all the way down the pillow. Use ribbon to make three or four stripes across a pillow, vertically on a pillow, or both. Place the ribbons close together, or spread them far apart, to create the design you want. There are other things you can use to create similar designs on the pillow without using ribbon. If you have no ribbon try narrow lace, hem binding or even seam tape. If you have none of those notions youll find them - at a cheap price - at any store that sells sewing supplies. Even though the ribbon or other notions are tacked to the pillow itself its not hard to change the look any time you want. Clip the knots on each end of each ribbon and remove them. Add new ribbon, seam tape or other embellishments by using the ribbon-tacking technique. Although you can use wider ribbon or lace to create a new look for your pillow it will take a few more stitches to attach the wider notions to the pillow. Using wider ribbon or lace you can create even more different designs. Still make the "x" on the pillow, but this time, tack the first end of the lace, twist the lace, then tack the opposite end to the pillow. Where previously your ribbon or lace would lay flat against the pillow this design gives you a completely different look. Tack other things onto the ribbon or lace, if you want, to make the pillow look even more different. For example, after attaching ribbons in an "x" shape on a pillow, tack a silk flower in the center where the two ribbons cross. A stitch or two is all it will take to attach the flower to just the top ribbon, or to both. Its easy to change the look of your pillows in minutes and the technique can help you easily decorate for any occasion. Use red, white and blue striped ribbons for the 4th of July, or red velvet ribbons for Christmas. Just choose the type of materials you want to work with, design your simple pattern, and get busy creating the best looking throw pillows ever!

Wire Basket Photo Display

Ordinary wire baskets are a dime a dozen. Youll find them at dollar theme stores and discount department stores - even at yard sales. Simplistic wire baskets, without many embellishments, can become fabulous photo displays that you make in no time.

The size of pictures youll use for your basket will be determined by the size of basket you have. Wallet size photos may work perfectly for small baskets but larger baskets may hold up to a 5x7" photo. Measure the long side of the basket to determine how many photos it will hold if the photos are side-by-side. Youll need twice that many since there are two long sides to the basket. Now measure one short side of the basket to see how many photos it will hold. Take that number times two, since there are two short sides, and add that number with the original number, to discover just how many photos the basket will hold altogether.

The design you have in mind may be different. Perhaps you will set the basket in a way that will only allow you to display one side. For this reason you may opt to add photos to only one side of the basket. The design is all your own. To get started laminate the pictures you will be using for the basket. Trim, leaving a quarter inch of laminate around the photo itself. Purchase tiny craft rings so that you can attach the pictures to the basket. The rings are found in various sizes, and in color choices like silver or gold, at any craft store or store that sells jewelry-making hardware. They are inexpensive and come in a pack of many. Youll need a pair of needle nose pliers to attach the pictures to the basket. Simply poke a hole in the laminate, on the side at the top and bottom, and do this to each side. Large pictures may require three holes; small ones only one hole on each side. For a wallet size photo poke one hole at the top side, and one hole at the bottom side, and do this to each side of the photo. Using the pliers separate the ring so that you can slide it through the holes. Slide the rings into all four holes then align the picture on the basket. Use the pliers to grip the wire basket with the rings. After snapping all four rings onto the basket, move onto the next photo. You can butt the photos together, separate them, or even add additional embellishments to the basket. Try a photo, then a space, then another photo. You can use pictures of things you like, such as lighthouses or beach scenes, instead of family photos if you wish. Another way to add the photos to the wire basket is to first place them in lightweight frames. Wire or glue the frames directly to the basket to create a completely different look. The photo wire basket is easy to make and youll rarely see one like it. They make great gifts and its simple to create a particular theme for a particular person. Family photos, post card pictures cut to size, or even pictures from magazines work great. Its important to laminate the pictures so youll have a place to attach the metal rings and to protect the photos themselves. To give them more strength you can also place a piece of cardboard behind the photo before laminating. Got a wire basket in your house right now? Then get started! Youll love creating these cute baskets that look much more expensive than they really are!

Fun Things for Kids Left Behind by Siblings Who Go to School

With all the hustle and bustle surrounding the beginning of the school year its not uncommon to leave the little ones out of the loop. Its hard to remember how alone theyll feel when their siblings go off to school as you shop for new school clothes, purchase school supplies and go meet the new teachers. Theyre already feeling less than important as all the older kids get the attention. The inevitable day arrives and the older kids catch the bus while the younger ones often mope and sit alone. Your child might think hes lonely and bored after the siblings have left but you can put a stop to that in a hurry by having some fun with the day.

Let the preschool child play with food. Make breakfast and/or lunch fun by allowing the child to make funny faces, silly characters and other interesting foods. Youll find tons of online recipes that are easy and inexpensive. Kids can make caterpillars with crackers, edible tomato faces and other foods that will make them giggle and forget that their siblings are gone. Typing "cooking with kids" will get you the search results you need to find the fun recipes or you can just check the vast library of recipes, here, at Associated Content.

Also at Associated Content youll find literally thousands of craft projects that will get your young childs mind off of being alone. The child will begin to look forward to the project of the day at your house. The crafts dont have to be complicated or expensive. There are many cheap and easy projects the child can do alone or with your help. He or she will have a real sense of accomplishment when the project is done and hell feel as though he has something cool that his siblings dont get. Have a little school for the child without it being known as that. Set up a chart where you check the weather outside then use stickers or other ways to show whether or not its rainy, hot, cold, snowing or even windy. Your child will enjoy this simply project that helps him learn about weather and seasons. Along with checking the weather you and your child can check the calendar and put a check mark on the day. He or she will learn about the days, weeks and months without even realizing hes learning. Print out dot-to-dots, matching games and similar printable work for the kid. Most kids love to do these types of activities and you can find literally zillions of them online. Choose ones appropriate for your childs age; these are activities he or she can do alone while you take care of housework or just relax. Even though many kids dont like being told to get in the tub theyll happily jump in if you ask them if they want to go swimming in the tub. Theyll be thrilled to play in the water when you let them select some toys to take with them. Although you might not want to let the child "swim" everyday it can be a special treat for a child who is sad and lonely. Its an adjustment when siblings go off to school and leave one behind. He or she can feel left out; thats natural. Your child will be just fine, though, because youll keep him or her so busy and entertained that each day will just fly by. Of course, in no time, that child will join the others and youll have all the time in the world, so spend as much quality time with him now, while you can.

Fun Candy Magnets for Kids

Whats your favorite candy bar? Snickers? Mars? Reeses? Doesnt chocolate make you feel so much better? Of course it does! Thats why we eat it! Afterwards, do you throw the wrappers away? Why? Did you know that candy bar wrappers make fabulous refrigerator magnets? They really do! After your next sweet tooth attack save that wrapper and see for yourself! Just about any candy bar wrapper can be made into a magnet. Be very careful when tearing the wrapper open or itll will be useless, though. Gently pull on both sides of the wrapper at once, at the top, to pull the two sides apart. Slide the candy bar out to eat. Now youll have to stuff the empty wrapper to begin making your magnets.

There are all sorts of choices for stuffing the wrapper. Paper towels, napkins, foam pieces cut from a sponge - theyre all useable when it comes to making the wrapper look like its actually holding a candy bar.

A pencil - or something similar - can assist you in stuffing the candy bar wrapper. Use the eraser end to push the paper toweling or foam into the wrapper. Stuff until it takes on the shape of the original candy bar, inside the wrapper. When youve stuffed and shaped the wrapper just right glue the end shut. Hot glue works well, but when kids are doing this craft, white glue is safer. They can use clothes pins to hold the end shut while the glue dries. The next order of business is to place a piece of magnetic sheeting on the backside of the candy bar wrapper. You can find magnetic sheeting at any craft store. Its often sold by the sheet but you can sometimes find it by the roll. A single sheet is all you need to make several magnets. Cut a strip of magnet that will stretch across the back of the candy wrapper. You should not be able to see the magnetic sheeting from the front. Magnetic sheeting has an adhesive side that makes it easy to create candy wrapper magnets. Simply peel away the sheeting and stick the magnet to the back of the wrapper. Now stick the magnet to the fridge. Most candy bar magnets are created in the same way. There are some exceptions, though. For example, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups come with a cardboard bottom. Keep the cardboard and stack pieces of paper or cardboard to create the look of the cups. Now glue the wrapper shut and add the magnetic sheeting. Making candy bar magnets is fun but you can also make the magnets from other product wrappers. Headache powders, mints - even empty boxes of candy from a movie theater - can be made into unique magnets. Fresh candy will leave a wrapper without chocolate all over it. These are perfect for making the magnets. Wrappers that are covered in melted chocolate arent ideal for creating magnets. If you need to clean the wrapper on the inside cut a piece of sponge. Push the sponge inside the wrapper to clean it. Or, unfasten the wrapper, clean it, then glue it back together. Its not difficult to fix the wrapper back up to its original look - as long as you dont rip it. Let the kids in on the fun of making candy wrapper magnets. Theyll really enjoy it. The magnets make great gifts for family, friends, teachers and others. Chances are the recipient doesnt have any of these magnets. Go get the chocolate and get started. Youll feel good inside and out!

How to Make Snowman or Reindeer Marshmallow Suckers

Christmas candy is an American tradition but many Christmas candies are quite expensive. Thrill your kids but spend little when you make your own snowmen marshmallow suckers. Theyre easy, cheap and delicious. Kids can make them for friends, parents can make them for kids, but everyone should include them in their own Christmas celebration this year.

Christmas goodies dont have to cost a fortune. Purchase wooden skewers and make your own with little investment. A bag of marshmallows, a few embellishments, and youll have fabulous Christmas goodies to give everyone in the family! Cut the skewers into 4" pieces. Wearing disposable gloves push three marshmallows, one on top of the other, onto each skewer. Squish the top marshmallow considerably then squish the middle marshmallow as well. The top marshmallow should be slightly smaller than the center one, which is slightly smaller than the bottom marshmallow.

There are any number of ways to embellish the marshmallows and make them look like snowmen. Use narrow strips of black licorice to create the mouth. Tiny dots of licorice can be cut to become the eyes of the snowmen. Use a piece of candy corn to make the nose or just use a dot of frosting. You can purchase frosting that comes in a tube that makes it easy to draw on eyes, mouths - even buttons. Use the tubed frosting to draw a make shift scarf in the neck area of the snowman or use it to create a frosting hat. Instead of frosting you can also use chocolate chips for buttons or eyes. Look at the candy section of your favorite supermarket to find even more candies that can be used to enhance the look of your marshmallow snowmen. Instead of snowmen you can make reindeer marshmallow suckers. Use the coconut-covered marshmallows for this delicious treat. Once again, cut 4" skewer pieces, and place three marshmallows on each skewer. Squish the top and middle marshmallow with gloved hand. Create antlers for the reindeer by cutting pieces of licorice sticks. A red cinnamon candy can become the reindeers nose. Chocolate chips or tubed icing can be used to create the mouth and eyes. The reindeer or snowmen marshmallow suckers are quick, easy and delicious. Ordinary plastic wrap can be used to wrap the marshmallow suckers. As a matter of fact, youll find Christmas theme cling wraps, during the holiday season, at most supermarkets. Wrap the suckers and place them in stockings - but remember to put them towards the top of the stocking. The marshmallows can be easily damaged from other items in the stocking. If you want, you can take it one step further, and box the marshmallow goodies. After wrapping them in cling wrap place them in a watch or bracelet box. These boxes will keep the marshmallow characters intact and look great sticking up out of the stocking. Another option for wrapping the marshmallow goodies is colored cellophane. Youll find sheets of the cellophane, in gold, red, green or other Christmas colors, at most any craft store. Look in the section where bridal supplies or other edibles are sold. Let kids get in on the fun and create their own marshmallow characters. Its fun to pass them out to fellow students, teachers and friends. Theyll enjoy making this luscious craft which is cheap yet delicious.