DIY Felt Dinosaur Stuffie

Look how happy my son is to receive this new DIY felt dinosaur stuffie I made him with some felt, DMC floss, batting, some sew-on googly eyes and some hand stitching. Sure, you could machine stitch it with thread, but I like the look of the DMC floss hand stitched all around the edges. It adds a certain handmade charm to the piece. My son is on a bit of a dinosaur kick at the moment and is saving his money to but a 3ft. T-Rex stuffed animal so I knew he would appreciate my version of a … [Read more...]

How to Make a $5 Beachy Summer Wreath

By Justin Weinger 13 Comments

Continuing on my quest to try to bring summer to Minnesota when some days it seems resistant, I decided making a beachy summer wreath with an outdoor theme was in order. … [Read more...]

How to Make a Beach Towel Bag

By Justin Weinger 8 Comments

I don't know about you, but I am ready for summer. Mentally, I am ready for summer, but the kids still need to finish school for the year and then we can begin all of our summer vacation plans. In the meantime, I am getting ready for it all and trying to add a few new things to brighten up our summer wardrobe since last years items are faded, worn out and were plenty used. I decided to make and customize a couple things so that I don't bust the budget since both kids have grown 1-2 sizes and … [Read more...]

DIY Fun Customized Flip Flops

By Justin Weinger 7 Comments

It's finally warming up in Minnesota, which means I can begin to live in my flip flops. One fun thing you can try is DIY fun customized flip flops. … [Read more...]

How to Make Denim Coasters

By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Ever since I saw the beautiful jean quilts my mom's friend makes, I have been saving up all my ratty old pairs of jeans. The thing is, I'm not much of a seamstress. The last time I used a sewing machine was in 1992. But I do love the idea of keeping my old denim jeans out of the landfill. And I love the idea of turning them into something new and useful. Since I was getting tired of my old pair of wooden coasters, and while it's easy, I'm not a fan of fixing water spots on furniture, I … [Read more...]

How to Make Beaded Bubble Wands and Homemade Bubble Solution

By Justin Weinger 8 Comments

Planning ahead for outdoors in the spring? Or maybe you are like me and let your kids have fun blowing bubbles indoors during all those cold and snowy days off from school. Making these beaded bubble wands and homemade bubble solution was a fun project for the kids to do. You creativity is only limited by your imagination and supplies. So have fun creating! … [Read more...]

DIY American Girl Doll Closet

By Justin Weinger 11 Comments

If you have been following some of my American Girl posts on Northern Cheapskate, you have come to realize that while we have splurged on the dolls, all the clothes and accessories are the result of DIY projects or are purchased from another location but work with AG dolls. This American Girl doll closet is no exception to that. I would love to tell you it was quick and easy, but it wasn't quite as quick and easy as I anticipated. I am going to share with you how I made it, but then also give my … [Read more...]