| The economy is getting worse by the day and many | | | | food jars for party favor containers for class parties. |
| people are looking for ways to make ends meet and | | | | Drill a couple of holes in a veggie can and attach wire |
| stretch their dollar. Simple creative crafts are | | | | for a little bucket. After the gift has been given it can |
| wonderful ways to do just that. As the holidays | | | | become a pencil holder. Something decorative or |
| approach or special occasions pop up, spending | | | | useful can be made from packaging of all kinds if you |
| money on a gift is not as easy as it once was. | | | | look at it with an eye for transformation. The plastic |
| Crafting provides a lot more thought into the recipients | | | | containers from the deli or bakery can be used for gift |
| likes and dislikes and can take a little more time than | | | | boxes. Wrap the gift loosely in tissue paper and place |
| merely buying a gift at a store, but the advantages of | | | | in the box. Use dimensional fabric paints or permanent |
| creating something one of a kind with little money | | | | markers to decorate the outside. |
| involved may be the answer a lot of families are | | | | Don't forget about all those skinny jeans that will never |
| looking for. | | | | fit again. Placemats, table runners, potholders and |
| Simple creative crafts can be created with little to no | | | | aprons are all simple creative crafts that can be |
| money. Dig through your closets, attics and basements | | | | fashioned from this durable commodity. Cut the |
| for those things you have never gotten rid of for one | | | | pockets out while leaving the back of the jeans intact, |
| reason or another. Do your have grandma's old | | | | and you have another great idea for a gift or favor |
| tablecloth with a stain in the middle of it? Did grandpa | | | | bag. Decorate the outside of the pockets with fabric, |
| bring a beautiful bedspread back when he was | | | | paint or silk flowers to fit what ever holiday you are |
| stationed overseas, but it doesn't fit any beds? How | | | | celebrating. |
| about all those prom dresses you will never fit in | | | | If teens are on your list, purchase one pattern for |
| again? Cut them into basic twelve inch squares and | | | | boxer shorts and pajama bottoms. Most patterns |
| sew a patchwork throw. Family members or even | | | | come in multiple sizes, you just pick the one you need |
| friends, will get a kick out of the items their special | | | | for each item. Purchase novelty print fabrics that will |
| blanket used to be. Your gifts will be the talk around | | | | show off the teens personality and you have a |
| the holiday table and when asked what they got for | | | | respectable gift for less than if it was store bought. |
| Christmas or their birthday, it will be the one gift not | | | | The pattern is a one time expense that can be used |
| forgotten. | | | | over and over again. |
| Save all your trash for recycling simple creative crafts. | | | | To round out your craft supplies, pick up ribbon, lace |
| Cans and jars make terrific containers to wrap your | | | | pom poms, rick rack, buttons and paint at your local |
| gifts in and cost nothing. Add a little bit of paint and | | | | yard sales. Thinking frugally may make this the least |
| some ribbon to make them festive and they can be | | | | stressful holiday you have ever had. |
| used over and over again. Think ahead and save baby | | | | |