Have extra long-sleeved shirts that long to be remade for summer? Look no further than this innovative tutorial by luvinthemommyhood, appropriate for beginning sewers. Raid the nearest male friend or relative’s unwanted clothing, or check out the thrift store for a huge selection of shirts. Use a cute stash fabric scrap for a fun applique, and get sewing!
Project Estimate:

Long-sleeved men’s shirt, on hand or thrifted
Elastic …

Here’s another great use for those flat decorative marbles. I love the colors used in this dreamy jeweled planter by Centsational Girl. These are a great way to glam up your patio, but I think they would also be fantastic for wedding decorations or centerpieces, or as decor for a baby or wedding shower. They would even be fun for a little girl tea party …

Parents of toddlers and preschoolers know that you have to have a LOT of fun activities in your arsenal to keep those little bodies occupied. Here’s a project I love from a blog I LOVE: Gift Bag Robots from Filth Wizardry. If you have young kids and have time to read only one blog, it should be Filth Wizardry. I’ll miss you, though! :) [click …

Craftster user nikimac made a clever and colorful mobile with craft foam pinwheels. This would be really fun for a kid’s room or as decorations for a birthday party (can you imagine a WHOLE BUNCH of these hanging from the ceiling, kind of like an anthropologie display?). Pinwheels are simple to make and whimsical, and this shouldn’t take you too long, so what are you …

Terrariums are hot right now, have you noticed? It seems like all the cool crafters are making them. Check this great twist on a terrarium by crafty rock star Jennifer Perkins: the terrarium picture frame. I love the postcard background – wouldn’t this be a fun craft to do while you’re on vacation? You can use kitschy trinkets you find in your travels to make …

Here’s a cute idea for patriotic-themed decor from Better Homes and Gardens: make a map banner. This totally reminds me of when I lived in Texas and the shape of the state was on everything, and hey, this example highlights Texas! Don’t mess! This is a great craft to do with a readymade placemat from the dollar store. Just apply the map, make a casing …

Boutique Wipes Case by According to Kelly: FREE
Make a “fancy nancy” boutique-style baby wipes case for your glam diaper bag with this tutorial by According to Kelly

Coupon Holder by The Queen of Clearance: $.25

Getting serious about saving money? Sew up a quick coupon holder using a piece of felt and a cute button!

Framed Monogram by The Huntley Home: $1
Make this pretty framed monogram for your …

I have always loved the little boxes you can fold with paper. They’re so useful for tiny keepsakes or gifts. Handmade by Deb has taken the cute origami box one step further by embellishing it with initial stickers. These would make fantastic favor boxes for weddings, showers, or parties. [click here for a video tutorial]
Also, don’t miss this other fantastic origami box tutorial by Deb: …

My dollar store has a ton of placemats, and they always have round braided placemats in stock. Here’s a fun idea from Better Homes & Gardens for your Fourth of July celebration: add some stars for a fun patriotic look. Don’t worry if they don’t have red or blue in stock, just use some spray paint for a quick change. [click here for the original …

Make a quilt in an hour or so by using readymade bandannas as squares! This would be a great outdoor or picnic quilt, or a cute covering for a tween’s bed (in their favorite alternating colors). Made by Mrs. D. Lightful, and found by U Create. [click here for instructions]
Notes on materials: for batting, you can use your 40% off coupons from your local fabric …