It’s April, which means it’s officially stashbusting month! It’s time to dust off all of the supplies hiding at the back of your closets and create using what you already have on hand. Think of it like spring cleaning, only much more fun! If you’re planning to plow through your excess stash this month, you’ll be needing plenty of ideas and inspiration. Heather and Rhonda put their heads together and came up with this list of must-visit blogs to help steer your way through your stashbusting odyssey. Give your bookmarking finger a few good stretches, then read on.
Every Post is Amazing
One of the things we value most highly is innovation (coming up with new ideas). These blogs do it time and time again:
[Recycled Keyboard Letter Necklaces by Mich L in L.A.]
1. Mich L in L.A. – Every post is more amazing and delightful than the last. Michelle is a genius repurposer, and one of the most innovative creators we’ve ever seen. She posts tons of great jewelry ideas, mostly from upcycled materials you would never imagine could be made pretty (fly-swatters, metallic duct tape, zip ties, dollar store plastic cups — the list goes on forever).
[Mini Crepe Paper Roses by Filth Wizardry]
2. Filth Wizardry – This is another blog that continually delights us, post after post. Almost all the projects are amazing innovative, cheap projects you can do with your kids (or your kids can do by themselves).
[Spoon Egg Holder by Just Something I Made]
3. Just Something I Made – Cathe Holden is a talented graphic designer and seems like an all-around lovely person. Her blog is full of amazing images, freebies, tutorials, and great ideas.
[Recycled Treasure Chest Gift Box by Creative Jewish Mom]
4. Creative Jewish Mom – Tons of wonderful crafty ideas for kids, decor, celebrations, and more. Also a great source for projects related to Jewish holidays, which can often be difficult to find!
[Hair Barrette Necklace by Aunt Peaches]
5. Aunt Peaches – With super creative ideas, amazing writing, and great photos, Peaches is the complete package. She is a lover of all things funky and a glitter addict who always keeps us on our toes.
[Wine Cork Ink Pens by Paper, Plate, and Plane]
6. Paper, Plate, and Plane – We have two standard reactions each time we pull up a new post on Jeromina’s blog. 1. Gasp! and 2. “I would never have thought to use _____ to make ______!” She has an amazing talent for turning everyday objects into incredible creations.
Dollar Store Crafty
We’re not the only ones who save random odds and ends and shop for discount whatnots to turn into amazing treasures. For more frugal crafts than you can likely complete in a lifetime, here are a few places you should definitely check out:
[Reversible Wrist Bands by Polish the Stars]
7. Polish the Stars – Making DIY accessories and home decor items on a next-to-nothing budget, often using scraps and salvaged materials.
8. Bon Temps Beignet – A good source for inexpensive projects using seemingly mundane items that you probably already have laying around.
9. Frugal Ideas from the Parsonage – This site is especially great if you are looking for inexpensive projects and activities to do with your kids.
10. Design Dreams Japan – 100 Yen Crafts!
11. Shoestring Pavilion – If you have Dom Perignon taste on a Boone’s Farm budget, this is the place for you, especially when it comes to decor projects.
[Curling Ribbon Coasters by Chica & Jo]
12. Chica & Jo – Tons of great crafts, and lots of dollar store crafting!
13. Scene of the Grime – A lot of recycled materials projects, great for those of us who can’t stand to throw things away!
14. Crafty Mommy & Me – Many great cheap craft projects, many of which are perfect to do with kids.
15. Eyeballs by Day, Crafting by Night – If country-themed dollar store crafts are your thing, this is a must-visit site.
16. Michele Made Me – Home to lots of recycled paper crafts. Time to raid the recycling bin!
Home Decor
No matter what decorating style you prefer, it’s almost always cheapest to fashion your own DIY decor rather than buying from the store. Give your rooms a dose of personality without blowing your budget with ideas from these wonderful home decor blogs:
[Bedroom Makeover by Funky Junk Interiors]
17. Funky Junk Interiors – One man’s trash is another’s fabulous new coffee table. Designer Donna specializes in a salvaged, shabby look that would make any old farmhouse insanely jealous.
18. Finding Fabulous – A collection of frugal decor ideas from across the web, including a nice selection of original project tutorials. The site places much emphasis on reusing and revamping what you already own.
19. Country Chic Cottage – When it comes to creating vintage-looking home decor from new materials, Angie has a keen eye and a lot of brilliant ideas.
20. Tatertots & Jello – Jen has an uncanny ability to make something out of nothing. She also has a knack for finding other amazing crafters to feature!
21. Thrifty Decor Chick – From traditional to unusual, get great ideas for window treatments, decor accessories, and furniture makeovers that look like a million bucks but cost just a few.
[Spray Painted Glass Luminary by Under the Table and Dreaming]
22. Under the Table and Dreaming – Home to a selection of DIY ideas by the talented Stephanie Lynn, with designs that look like they stepped right out of the pages of Better Homes & Gardens.
23. Shanty 2 Chic – A virtual handbook on how to turn ordinary into extraordinary, combining bargain shopping with crafty ingenuity.
24. Madigan Made – If your tastes lean toward the simple and elegant, you’ll love Madigan’s projects. Her ideas are easy on the eyes, easy on the pocketbook, and easy to make.
25. Knock Off Decor – Forget about that dog-eared stack of Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Ballard’s catalogs. Save a boatload of cash by taking the DIY route instead!
26. Infarrantly Creative – Roadkill Rescues are must-see! (Who doesn’t love a good curbside treasure??)
General Crafty
A little of this, a little of that. Some blogs just seem to have it all! No matter what crafty discipline you prefer, these blogs offer a little something for everyone:
[T-shirt Yarn Braided Coasters by Carolyn’s Homework]
27. Carolyn’s Homework – Few craft bloggers are as prolific as Carolyn, who comes up with something new and exciting to share almost every day. She has so many beautiful ideas!
28. The CSI Project – Each week the CSI gals issue a themed crafting challenge, featuring project tutorials, a weekly link party (posts must fit the week’s theme), and great giveaways. If your linked-up projects are selected by the judges as one of the best, you get a special badge to proudly display on your site.
29. Crafts and Deals – This curated collection of ideas includes links to tutorials for projects of all kinds, most of which could easily be completed on a dollar store budget.
30. I Share Crafts – A user-submitted photo gallery of crafts, this site offers you the opportunity to both share your own projects and to ogle the creations of others.
[Scary Shark Mouth Container by What I Made]
31. What I Made – The projects here are awesome, but our favorite part of each project is the illustrated instructions. Surfing this blog is just way too much fun!
32. Skip to My Lou – Fabric, yarn, paper, and more. With an impressive library of holiday projects and a little bit of everything else, it’s impossible not to be inspired here.
33. Mod Podge Rocks! – All Mod Podge, all the time. If you’ve ever wondered about the versatility of this staple supply, this blog proves that you can Podge just about anything.
34. Crafts by Amanda – With a nice selection of crafts for both kids and adults, Amanda brings you all kinds of crafty goodness.
35. Brassy Apple – There are so many words to describe Megan, the creative mind behind this site: Upcycler extraordinaire, pattern designer, and sewing guru just barely scratch the surface.
Kid Crafting
Crafts can be fun for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. These blogs specialize in projects that even the smallest hands can handle:
[Flower Building Toy by Made by Joel]
36. Made by Joel – Portland artist and toy designer Joel Henriques has a distinctive, whimsical style that makes each project as fun to look at as it is to play with.
37. The Crafty Crow – An extensive collection of crafts for kids gathered from all corners of the ‘net, categorized both by theme and appropriate age level.
38. Make and Takes – This blog covers many crafty arenas, and while we love the entire site, we’re particularly fond of their selection of kiddie projects.
Sewing
Hands down, one of the most useful and versatile tools in a crafter’s arsenal is the sewing machine. Grab your pinking shears and pincushion, then take a look at these sites:
[Wall-e “Eve” Softie Sewing Pattern by Happy Together]
39. Happy Together – As a mom, military wife, blogger, and seamster, Jessica is one busy lady! Her sewing patterns and tutorials include wonderful clothing revamps and adorable plush toys.
40. Delia Creates – Delia’s collection of sewing projects, especially her cute hats, scarves, and other accessories, will keep you basting and hemming through yard after yard of that stashed fabric.
41. Kojodesigns – Penned by a super-talented pair of sisters who are also stay-at-home moms, the projects here include a slew of kids clothing patterns and a whole bunch of awesome home decor.
Eye Candy
Whether looking for inspiration or just passing some time by surfing the web, who doesn’t love looking at pretty pictures? For an eyeload of gorgeous crafty goodness, check out these blogs:
[Vintage Bluebird Frame Printable by Free Pretty Things For You]
42. Free Pretty Things for You – The tagline for this blog is “where lovely handmade meets vintage love.” Site owner Keren designs projects have a beautiful, heirloom-like quality. She also offers a selection of free vintage clipart to pretty up all kinds of projects.
43. How Does She? – Covering many different lifestyle aspects, How Does She? is the brain child of three talented women. Along with their team of contributors, they cover craft ideas, as well as food, fashion, and family.
44. CraftGawker – Similar to I Share Crafts, CraftGawker is a user-submitted photo gallery of the most eye-popping craft pictures on the internet. It is part of the GawkerVerse, which also includes sister sites FoodGawker, WeddingGawker, and DwellingGawker.
45. One Pretty Thing – Site curator Rachel scours the web daily to bring you the most gorgeous crafts around. She posts themed roundups of projects guaranteed to make you drool.
46. // Between the lines // – From fashionable accessories to home decor worthy of major retail shelves, craft lover Pascale brings you fab projects from her home base in the oh-so-posh city of Paris.
Food Blogs
Go ahead, play with your food! We promise we won’t tell mom. If you enjoy being in the kitchen as much as the craft room, combine cooking and crafting at these yummy blogs:
[Nilla Wafer Mini Meals by Dollhouse Bake Shoppe]
47. Dollhouse Bake Shoppe – Specializing in edible crafts, particularly making miniature whatnots that you can snack on!
48. TidyMom – Many of the recipes posted here includes a list of steps that can be completed by little hands.
49. Diamonds for Dessert – Do you like treats that are as fun to look at as they are to eat? This site always has the best fun food!
50. Little Nummies – If your household includes a kid who is a picky eater, stop by for fun sandwiches and other kid-friendly food.
51. Sprinkle Bakes – Home to some of the most beautiful desserts you’ve ever seen!
52. Amanda’s Cookin’ – The counterpart of Crafts by Amanda, here you will find a well-rounded collection of recipes to take you from breakfast all the way through midnight snacking.
Fashion Crafty
Do the contents of your closet drain the contents of your wallet? With a little DIY prowess you can get the look you want for a whole lot less. Here are a few frugally fashionable places to check out:
[Chocolate Flower Necklace by The Sisters 4 Say More is More]
53. The Sisters 4 Say More is More – Selina, Sophie, Olivia, and Elsie have a knack for creating stylish wearables for next to nothing. They also share all kinds of tips and ideas for looking your best on a budget.
54. Studs & Pearls – Can a girl ever really own too much jewelry? S&P’s tutorials will help you fashion your own bling, often using the most mundane of objects and turning them into something special.
55. Glitter ‘N Glue – Love designer looks but don’t have the cash to drop on the real deal? Shopaholic-turned-DIYer Kirsten gets the look without the price tag, and shows how you can do it too.
Cool Craft Sites (not necessarily blogs)
Craftiness on the web isn’t limited strictly to the blogosphere. Here are a few sites that aren’t craft blogs, but are still chock full of information and inspiration:
[Recycled Magazine Wastebasket at Cut Out + Keep]
56. Craftster – The mother of all craft sites. No matter what crafts are your favorites, this site provides you with a vast library of resources and information.
57. ThreadBanger – Sew your way to a rockin’ home and wardrobe with this online TV network that’s all about DIY.
58. Cut Out + Keep – An online community dedicated to tutorial sharing, with lots of great projects to make and be inspired by.
59. SwapBot – Need yet another excuse to create? Stop by SwapBot to join all kinds of swaps, crafty & otherwise.
More From the DSC Network
In case you haven’t heard, Dollar Store Crafts is just one of a family of related sites. If you love DSC, check out what else we’ve been up to:
[T-shirt Bleach Fail at CraftFail]
60. CraftFail – A community blog where you can send photos of your crafts when they don’t quite work out!
61. Dollar Store Mom – The child of Dollar Store Crafts, with more crafty ideas for kids, as well as resources for living a fun and frugal life.
62. Decor Hacks – A beautiful home on a budget.
DSC Staff Craft Blogs
A few of the staffers here at DSC also pen their own crafty blogs. If you just can’t get enough of your favorite crafter’s ideas, here’s where else you can find them:
[Ruffled Steampunk Spats Crochet Pattern by Mrs. Greene]
63. Mrs. Greene – Rhonda has a penchant for offbeat crafts, whether made from traditional materials or from something completely unexpected.
64. Obsessively Stitching – If you enjoy reading contributor Care’s posts every month, her blog is full of even more goodness, including a collection of free sewing patterns for all kinds of fun stuff.
65. Bromeliad Living – Contributor Samantha specializes in living large while spending small, with lots of DIY fashion and home decor.
49 Comments
Krafty Kat
Wow, this is like an ultimate list! Thanks for sharing!
Beverly @ Flamingotoes.com
Wow! What a great collection! So excited to go through these- can’t wait to find some new treasures! Thanks!!
jen @ tatertots and jello
Wow – amazing list!!! I love all of those blogs so much! What an amazing collection of inspirational sites all in one place. Thank you!!!
xoxo
Jen
Barbara
This is really fantastic! Thank you, thank you for compiling this list and then sharing it with us.
Madigan at madiganmade
OK, I almost fell out of my chair when I read this and saw my blog on the list. Wow! I’m excited and speechless at the same time. Thank you SO much.
And this is a fantastic list – lots more blogs to explore. Thanks!
Laurie
WOW! I’m so excited and honored to be included on your fab list!!! Thank you so, so much – you just made my weekend! Love DSC and all the inspiration you provide :)
Titti @ Shoestring Pavilion
Oooh, thanks for the mention! What a nice surprise, and a great round up of cool blogs :)
liz @ bon temps beignet
Thank you thank you thank you for the mention!!!! :D
Chica and Jo
Thanks for including us! Now, we are going to spend the rest of our Saturday visiting sites we haven’t seen before! We are also inspired by the bent spoon egg holders…
Michelle L.
OMGosh, you guys, I can’t tell you how excited I am to be mentioned on a list with these amazing artistes. I already follow more than half these blogs, but you have shown me the way…off to explore the ones I have not yet met, each one sounds like my kinda place. Thanks for the coolspotting! And thanks for your extra kind words.
Oh, and if I made my own list, you KNOW Dollar Store Crafts would be at the top.
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage
Y’all are AWESOME! :) I checked my analytics and wondered where all the traffic came from — guess what!! :) You!! Thanks for the awesome shout out! And this list is amazing! Many of my faves on the list plus some I had not heard of! Off to visit a few and add even more blogs to my follow list! :) Many thanks!! :)
Laree
Oh dear. Way WAY too many new amazing blogs that will suck my time over the next weeks. I must be strong – and actually go mop my floor instead of clicking more!
Jessica Fediw
Awesome list! Thanks for sharing with us!
keren
Your kind words made my month!! thank you so much!!!!
Bromeliad
Thanks for the mention and for the links to so many fabulous blogs.
Amanda
You have really outdone yourself with this list! I am honored to be among it and excited to explore some of the ones I’ve never been to. Thanks!
michele
What a fantastic craft bloggy round-up! Am I most humbled to be amongst the mentioned. Thank you for this list (which I’ve already come to again and again)!
Tammy
Thanks for putting together such a great list!
Funky Junk Interiors
Fabulous list! And thanks so much for the mention! What a lovely compliment. Truly an honor! :)
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
mary beth
Thank you so much for doing this list up for us! Now I will be able to kill more time than ever when I should be shopping for food and cooking it!Love love love having these all together! Well done!
Peaches
Just Realized I never said thanks for including me on this list! You’ll have to forgive me for being tardy, as I am prone to distraction and this list will keep me busy for hours!!! I follow plenty of these blogs already and have found a few new friends :)
Thanks again. Y’all have the best stuff!
Care
GREAT list! Can’t wait to check out a load of new (to me) blogs!
Thanks for the shout out, too! :) YAY for DSC!
creativejewishmom/sara
wow, thanks so very much for including me in this amazing list, so honored to be there with so many other amazing crafters, many of whom happen to be my blog friends too! i hope I’ll continue to live up to the praise you’ve given me!
sisters4saymoreismore
wow! this list is awesome! {and not just cause we’re on it!!!!} thanks so much guys!!! such an honor!
~selina
Sophia
Thanks for the mention! I’m honored to be included with several other bloggers that I follow and admire. :)
Alison@howdoesshe
This is an awesome list! I’ll be here looking for a while!
Thanks
Nat@dear little house
What amazing ideas! Thanks for collecting them :)
Crafts and deals
I am SO excited to have made your list!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!
Linda-CraftaholicsAnonymous.net
All great blogs and websites! Yay for craftiness!
Happy crafting!
Linda
caroline @ c.w.frosting
what a collection! just found this & can’t wait to look around!
Scott
It’s so awesome to have my blog included amongst all the these great craft blogs – thank you. Scott
Lynda
What a beautiful assortment of goodies. This list is so comprehensive, I’ve saved it in my favourites to refer back to whenever I need inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing all these great sites. Best Wishes, Lynda :-)
zoom yummy
What lovely finds. Love them all! :) Petra
Jane
Wow, thanks so much for the feature! I was so excited to see Finding Fabulous on your list! What an amazing group to be included with. Thanks for the shout out!
DailyCraft.com
Don’t forget about DailyCraft.com! Otherwise, I agree with so many of these!
onelmon
AWESOME! thanks a lot!
Vanessa
Thanks so much for mentioning my blog. And I love the inspiration from all the other fun blogs.
Cassi
Thank you so much for including The Crafty Crow!!
Gaudy Junk
Looks more like ugly useless junk to me. Just because you glue a leaf to a toilet seat does not mean you are crafty.
Lara
Thanks for posting so many great ideas and sites. I could look at this for hours and I will.;)
Michele
LOVE, Love, Love your Blog! I just happened upon it and I can’t wait to stop in weekly!
Michele
http://littlemissmillie.storenvy.com/
http://www.tickledpinkwithrosesandpearls.com/
Crafts
This is a great list of resources, thanks for the share.
fatemeh
Thank you very nice I live in Iran and Like craft and your blog
Sylvia
This post was great. Thanks for the great craft ideas!
NJ
These are great blogs. I would also like to mention another blog that I have recently found. http://www.twopinkcanaries.com.
Looks like this blog is fairly new but it contains great content and projects. Will be following that blog pretty closely as well.
Thank you!
Caroline Fay
Thanks for this awesome list! I have recently started a crafting site and have been browsing the craft blogs I could find to keep up with as much new info as possible. This helps me alot! Love your site too! Thanks.
Jo
really great list, now to find the time to read through them all…
Thanks!