Appalled at the world’s most expensive handbag, the Hermes Birkin, Craftster brainybee was inspired to make “a decent copy out of garbage.” She cut up an old catalog, glued squares of it to some newspaper, and then ironed adhesive vinyl on the front. She lined it with scrap satin, and made faux crocodile out of painted duct tape. She also added a trash-picked lock for …

Make your own custom paper lanterns with this amazing tutorial by INFUSEDgoods. They’re made with popsicle sticks and tissue paper, and lit with a battery-operated tealight. Bonus: the lanterns fold up flat for easy storage! I love them! This looks like such a fun project, plus it’s so pretty once it’s finished! [click here to download the pdf instructions–click on the word “here” in the …

Craftster user jensven1017 created a clever organizing shelf for her DVDs using stuff she got at the dollar store. You can create a similar shelf using any color or decor you want, so go ahead and make one to match your favorite look! [click here for project information]

This idea would work well for containing books, or for adding a bit of book storage to a …

Have a lot of fabric scraps? Make these easy crazy quilt blocks! They’re great for quick and easy projects like coasters or placemats, or put a few squares together and try a more ambitious project like a tote bag or a quilt.
Project Estimate:

Stash fabric, scraps, thrifted sheets, etc., on hand
Sewing machine
Old dryer sheets or other stabilizer, on hand

Total: FREE
The basic process for making these is …

I love this idea! Make a rustic “woodland chic” cake stand with a few slices of wood. How pretty are these? They would be amazing for a wedding, or any party where a little rustic charm is needed. Project by Once Wed. [click here for instructions] [via Threadbanger]
You will need to get to the craft store (check the woodburning section) to find cross-cut wood plaques, …

Here’s a great use for dollar store placemats: make a gardener’s apron! You need a pretty place to keep all your gardening tools, right? This is a quick and easy idea from Yarni Gras. Anyone on your gift list who gardens would appreciate this one! [click here for project instructions]
This sewing project is simple enough to be appropriate for even beginning sewers. You can find …

By Guest Contributor Meredith Walker
Terrariums seem to be getting a lot of attention these days and for good reason. These cute little planters can be a cute or classy addition to your living room or a fun project to share with kids. You can get almost everything you need to make them for cheap or free (if you forage).
Project Estimate:

Glass container, $1 or on hand
Rocks, …

Make some clever hardware using dollar store forks with this Instructable by Weissensteinburg. These can be a modern and useful addition to your decor. Modern look for a low, low price? I like it! [click here for instructions]
You can mount these on a painted piece of board, or directly into your wall (into a stud, of course). You will need a vise for bending the …

Need a fun activity to occupy the kids for the afternoon? How about making an army of mushrooms for your lawn? They’re made from paper lunch sacks, and the technique is pretty simple to master. You can also paint them for additional fun and color. The project is brought to you by the Spore Project, an effort to promote awareness for support of art in …

I love these stamped dish towels by Banana Frog! This looks like a quick and fun project, and would make a great wedding or housewarming gift (I’m a big fan of the “you wash, i’ll dry” motif!). [click here for project info]
You can find a large variety of dish towels and tea towels at the dollar store, including plain white flour sack towels. The ink …