The best gifts aren’t the ones that cost the most money.  They’re the ones that really show you put thought into them, no matter the price tag.  Here’s a great example of a project that you can adapt for nearly any gift-giving situation that costs practically nothing but is sure to be appreciated.  Switzerland-based blogger Clémence from Oh the Lovely Things shows how to make …

Alright folks, prepare to be amazed.  What do you think you would need to make a little top hat like this of your very own?  You probably guessed that felt is on the list, but how about a cereal box and a plastic party cup?  Seriously!  At Over the Crescent Moon you will find a great tutorial for this fascinator-style hat, perfect for steampunk costuming, …

Some people have a true gift for turning ordinary, mundane, inexpensive objects into high-end looks.  One of those people is our crafty pal Carolyn over at Carolyn’s Homework, who is constantly blowing us away with projects that look expensive but are accomplished on a dollar store budget.  She spotted a rope-wrapped container by Centsational Girl, who copycatted the look from West Elm, and knew she …

If you’re like me, you keep an eye open at thrift stores for any cheap leather items to cut up and turn into other things.  (Who can argue with a couple yards worth of leather for just a few bucks?)  Here’s a project that’s great for using up a little bit of that stash: magic braided leather bracelets!  Melissa from I Still Love You has  …

Fancy finger nails are all the rage these days (just check Pinterest for tons of creative nail ideas). Here’s a fun fingernail art idea to do with your Sunday paper once you’re done clipping all your coupons. Megan at razberriez shared how in a great tutorial. [how to make newspaper nails]
Project Estimate:

Colored and clear nail polish, on hand
A strip of newspaper, on hand

Total: FREE

Anthro’s site is great for inspiration.  There are so many ideas there that beg to be mimicked!  After she bought some gorgeous placemats with a funky pom pom trim from them, Maureen from Maureen Cracknell Handmade decided to add the same look to her apron as well.  It’s amazing how a scrap of fabric can transform a fuzzy little ball from something you use in …

We hope you’ve enjoyed our sharktastic week of crafts!  I know crochet is a topic we don’t often talk about here, but in my webby wanderings searching for things to share, I found a few free sharky crochet patterns that I just love!  I have a soft spot for crochet; I’ve tried a lot of different craft mediums starting with decoupage in elementary school and …

If you’ve never checked out The Art Annex, it’s a great site full of kid- and teen-friendly projects.  That’s where site owner and curator Doris shares a tutorial for turning a plain little alarm clock into an adorable “night owl” clock using that ever-so-versatile supply, craft foam!  You could also make a variety of other animals to suit your child’s interests (or your own!), including …

As a child of the 80s, I know firsthand that there are limitless possibilities when it comes to decorating a pair of canvas shoes.  That’s why I was so excited when I came across a slideshow at gurl.com showing 26 different ideas for doing just that, including these spiffy shark shoes!  All this design requires is a Sharpie and minimal drawing skills.  If shark feet …

Beachy decor is all the rage lately, with places like Pottery Barn peddling all kinds of beach themed bits.  (Did you see the knockoff  Pottery Barn faux coral we featured the other day?)  Amanda from Crafts By Amanda saw a giant sand dollar decoration in the PB catalog, priced at $99.  She decided to knock it off and save a few bucks, using it as …