Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Teachers and Coaches

If you have kids, chances are you have teachers, teacher assistants, coaches, tutors, or daycare providers on your Christmas list. And if you are reading this post, chances are that you are a bit like me and want to have some meaning behind the present and not just purchase a gift card (although, all of those people do appreciate gift cards) or another Christmas mug. I want to share some inexpensive gift ideas for teachers and coaches. Some of these gifts would even be great gifts from the … [Read more...]

Gifts You can Make With Your Printer

By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Ever since I first printed a t-shirt iron-on transfer from my school's Apple IIe back in 3rd grade, I've been fascinated with the possibility of gifts you can make with your printer. Technology has come a long way since my early days of playing with computers. It's now easier than ever to create simple, inexpensive, and special gifts using your home computer printer. Check out these ideas: Photo gifts. Sure you can print a high quality photo or create a collage and hang it in a frame … [Read more...]

Making Christmas Gifts: Handmade Hand Puppets

By Justin Weinger 7 Comments

It is that time of year again! The holidays are coming and if you like making Christmas gifts, you are already busy looking for ideas, planning them out and starting your projects. Each year I like to make a few gifts for both of my kids, as well as my husband and some extended family and friends. I also help my kids to make gifts for teachers and friends. I think that we have more meaning in our homemade gifts and they are received with more meaning. With that said, I have never seen anyone … [Read more...]

Learn to Needle Felt Some Easy Crafts

By Justin Weinger 5 Comments

I am a crafter. With that said, there are still some crafts that intimidate me to learn because of lack of exposure. Needle felting is one of those crafting techniques that I have wanted to try but just never knew anyone who could teach me until I decided to take my children on a field trip to the Alpaca Farm Store in Northfield, MN and asked for a quick tutorial. I had no idea it would be so easy to do and I am very excited about the Christmas gifts I have started to work on. I made my … [Read more...]

9 Project Ideas for the Silhouette Cameo

By Justin Weinger 4 Comments

If you have a Silhouette Cameo (or similar), then it is probably safe for me to assume you are a crafty sort. Please note, I am not going to say that you should buy a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Cutting Tool because it will save you money. It really is a tool to create things yourself, so consider it more of a hobby purchase than a frugal purchase. Consider that a disclaimer. If you DO already have one, then you might as well maximize your purchase and get some use of it, right? … [Read more...]

How to Make a Bed Warmer or Hot/Cold Pad

By Justin Weinger 9 Comments

No one likes to slip in to a cold bed at night or during the day if you are lucky enough to get a nap. After a while, our body heat will keep the bed warm, but it can a chilly experience until you get to that point. I am going to walk you through how to make a bed warmer that you just pop in the microwave for a few minutes before you put it on your bed. No need to have an expensive electric blanket or mattress pad heating up your whole bed when this can do the job for cheaper. You can alter … [Read more...]

Homemade Gift Idea for Kids: Felt Crayon Pouch

By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Do you need a quick, inexpensive, yet homemade gift for a child? Consider making one of these crayon pouches. Not only are they cute & practical, but also thrifty and thoughtful. Supplies Needed: 2 felt squares of contrasting colors (usually 25 cents each), 1 pack of crayons (I bought mine during the back-to-school sales for 25 cents), DMC floss (usually 25 cents each and you could do this with one color strand if you want), scissors and a needle. Did you add that up yet? It's only 75 … [Read more...]