Check out these adorable hedgehog toys from Darling Petunia made out of microfiber car washing mitts! First of all, I love hedgeghogs, and second, what could possibly be a better use for one of those mitts? The project is simple, too, with a minimum amount of sewing, etc. Thanks to reader Kathryn for the tip on these cuties! [click here for lots of pretty pictures …

Apparently we haven’t been ambitious enough with our dollar store crafts because this beautiful bit of millinery was made completely with stuff from the dollar store, and the base of the hat is something you would NEVER imagine. Craftster user volcano created this retro-style floral hat out of several garlands from the floral section, and used a trash can lid as the base! [click here …

Here’s a fun way to dress up a dollar store picture frame: a faux leather finish. This would be a great masculine treatment for a frame for Father’s Day. Just insert cute picture of the family and give! Project by Erik Homemade [click here for full instructions]
You can find most of the components for this project at the dollar store. Dollar stores often have unfinished …

I love the shower curtain play mat made over at Filth Wizardry (one of my favorite blogs for creative ideas for kids!). It looks like a play mat like this will provide hours of fun for house-bound kids (still have any rainy days left this summer? We do here in Oregon!) You can customize this for any interest, for example, making it a fairytale-themed map …

Here’s a creative use for paperclips that will entertain your grade-schooler or tween for hours this summer, so break this project out at the first sign of the summer vacation “I’m boreds!” Craftster user maddiekins posted a tutorial for this interesting bracelet on Craftster. [click here for original thread] [thanks to Sister Diane for finding this one]
Project Estimate:

Colored paperclips, $1
Pencil, on hand

Total: $1

Make a pair of vintage-inspired rose earrings for less than a dollar with this tutorial by Grosgrain. She also has a cute idea for giving them as gifts: paint the posts and backs green to complete the “rose” look (with a stem and leaves), and package them in a gift box with a bit of floral foam in it, so they look like growing flowers. …

I love it when readers submit their projects! Here are a few recent submissions I hope you’ll enjoy. Click on the title of each to find out more about the project. And if you have any dollar store projects you’ve completed lately, be sure to email me!
$1 Frame Dress Up by Kawaii~Saru
Project Estimate:

Frame, $1
Scrapbook paper, on hand or $.50

Total cost: $1 and up

Edible Birdhouse by …

Save $1315.00 and make this Lanvin-inspired ribbon and pearl necklace with dollar store stuff! In case you haven’t noticed, Jessica at Happy Together consistently comes up with super-awesome projects, so hop over there and check them out! [link to full necklace instructions here]
Thanks to reader Kristi for the tip!
My dollar store usually stocks a good selection of ribbon, but if yours doesn’t, the big-box craft …

Most dads don’t need another tie, but they do have a lot of gadgets that could use a stylin’ new home! Refashion a tie into a case fit for a cell phone, iPod, or other daddy toy, and give him a gift he’ll actually use this Father’s Day! This project is by luvinthemommyhood. [click here for full instructions]
The great thing about this project is that …