I love doilies as decor elements.  However in fashion, I've found that most doily garments and accessories I've seen lean a little too close to grandmotherly for my taste.  But these ain't your grandma's doilies!  Over at the CRAFT blog, DIY fashion guru Corinne Leigh (the former Threadbanger) used some pretty doilies left over from wedding decor to give a pair of plain wedges a spectacular new look.  Her tutorial is in video form, and she makes it look super easy!  [how to make doily-embellished shoes]

Project estimate:

• Shoes, on hand or $1 and up
• Doilies, about $4 and up
• Mod Podge, on hand

Total:  about $4 and up

Thanksgiving isn't just about football and preparing your game plan for Black Friday, it's about taking time to look at what really matters in our life and giving thanks for our blessings. The photo below was the "Thankful Tree" that my sister and her boys created a few years back. It's always fun to see what kids are thankful for. Some things are funny, others are simple, and some things just make you sit back and say "wow, I can't believe you thought of that!"

So, before you start getting dinner ready, picking sides for the big game and going through ads for Friday, sneak in a little craft time and use the links below as your inspiration!

Food and Recipes

Turkey Pieces Cookie in a Jar by Munchkin Munchies [Pictured]
This is a great idea for kids - they get to put together a turkey before they can eat the pieces!

Thanksgiving Turkey Treats—Oreo Pops by The Idea Room
Amy loves Oreo pops. This time she mixes is up and uses Oreo Cakesters for her turkeys.

Pumpkin Pie MilkShake with Pie Crust Straws by Tidy Mom
A creative way to get in your yearly quota of pumpkin pie.

Two-Bite Turkey Brownies by The Seven Year Cottage
I could probably eat a whole gaggle of these....

Bugle Cornucopias and a Thanksgiving Printable by Cookies & Cups
These "deconstructed" cornucopia snack bags are a great favor for the kids that will be visiting this year.

Pumpkin Twinkies with Cream Cheese Marshmallow Filling by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen
I don't know about you, but that sounds downright tasty.

Thanksgiving Plate Cakelettes by fêtette
An entire Thanksgiving plate in cupcake form. Awesome.

Thanksgiving Fruit Gobbler by Family Fun
A creative way to get your kids to eat their fruit this Thanksgiving.

Decor and Centerpieces

A Thankful Tablecloth by Blue Cricket Design [Pictured]
Who knew a dropcloth from a hardware store could look so good?!

Grateful Pocket Banner by Yesterday on Tuesday
This is a cute way to use pockets from old jeans. Not only can you spell out GRATEFUL, but you can put little notes in the pockets too!

Make a Thankful Jar Centerpiece {Thanksgiving Jars}!! by Tatertots & Jello
These jars can be a centerpiece, or would look great in a windowsill. Plus, you can fill them with just about anything!

Thanksgiving Banner Tutorial by Sweet Bee Buzzings
This banner combines my love of banners with my love of softies!

Crafts and Activities

Handprint Turkey Softie and Tutorial by Bella Dia
This is a more permanent way to make a hand-print turkey.

Felt Thanksgiving Fortune Cookies DIY by Punk Projects
These fortune cookies are great to tuck in things you're thankful for and have others read them after dinner.

Pilgrim and Indian Initial Tees by Random Thoughts of a Supermom
These shirts are a cute way for your kids to get in the holiday spirit without making them wear matching outfits for dinner!

Chicken's Day Off Turkey Craft by Little Blues Room
This was made in a classroom - although the kids might not get it, the parent sure will!

Corn Candle Holder by Crissy's Crafts
Simple and classy. A great addition to any centerpiece.

Reader Submissions

ELKA (Extremely Large Knit Acorn) by Tried and True/Gerbera Designs [Pictured]
I had to laugh when I read the title and saw the picture. Awesome. Submitted by Vanessa B.

Easy Glue Batik Tutorial by Cynchronicity
Even the kids could get in on this batik tablecloth! Submitted by Cyn G.

Pinecone Candleholders Anyone?! by My Crafts and Me!
Super cute and super easy! Submitted by Glendina W.

Thanksgiving Book by Rachael VanOrder
This is a great way to save what your kids are thankful for each year so they can look back at it when they grow up! Submitted by Rachael.

Thankful Turkeys by Lizard and Ladybug
Cute way to recycle McDonald's milk jugs into turkeys. Submitted by Staci G.

Doily Place Card Holders by Upscale Downhome
Great use for antique doilies you may have lying around. Submitted by Sarah.

Three Easy Turkey Crafts by Being Brooke
These crafts are great for everyone sitting at the kids' table this year! Submitted by Brooke.

Other Roundups

Great Ideas — 20 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Ideas!! by Tatertots & Jello [Pictured]
Need even more inspiration? Jen has put together a list of 20 more great ideas to get your juices flowing!

Thanksgiving Treat Roundup by Dollhouse Bake Shoppe
We couldn't include every single idea Lindsay Ann sent us, so it's a good thing she has a roundup! Also check out Thanksgiving Pinterst Board for more of her great ideas!

Thanksgiving Countdown Bunting Tutorial {and 28 grateful activities} by Tatertots & Jello
Here are even more grateful activities from Jen!

Previous DSC Posts

Free Printable: No Tweeting While You're Eating

Make Chocolate Covered Pilgrim Hat Treats

Make Corn Husk Thanksgiving Favors

Make an Embroidery Hoop Turkey

Five Leafy Projects for Fall

Printable Thanksgiving Picture Frame + 3 Uses

Make a Fall Pinecone Chandelier

Make a Thanksgiving Tree Memo Board

11 Great Dollar Store Crafting Ideas

Reader Roundup: Last of the Fall and Thanksgiving Ideas

Be sure to keep checking Melinda's Thanksgiving Pinterst Board for more great ideas and FREE printables!

From our Dollar Store Crafts Facebook Page: "Does anyone have any ideas for a super quick and cheap craft for about 200 kids to do? I am planning a kids night out for my work and need ideas. For this event, we set up stations where they play games and I need a craft for Winter/Christmas, either one. Thanks!" - Diane

and also:

Pauline wrote: "I need some easy Christmas craft for a 8 year old."

Heather's Kids' Craft Ideas for Christmas or Winter

Last year, my kids went to a little holiday fair and there were a few craft stations. There were several great quick and cheap craft ideas for kids there. Some of the crafts they brought home were:

Candy Cane Reindeer:

For each reindeer you need:

• A candy cane
• 2 googly eyes
• Half a brown pipe cleaner
• Craft glue (for the eyes)
• One small red pom-pom for the nose
• A pencil to wrap the pipe cleaner around

To make, just glue the eyes and nose on, wrap the pipe cleaner antlers on (and curl them around a pencil). The older kids were helping the small kids make these, and it took a few minutes for the googly eyes to dry.

Pipe Cleaner Wreath Ornaments

For each wreath you need:

• about 25 green, red, or clear beads
• Half a green pipe cleaner
• A piece of red or white ribbon (about 6" long)
• A coffee filter to portion out the craft supplies in advance

I love the coffee filter idea for keeping the project supplies together. This should make it easier to prepare for the craft station in advance.

When the child does the craft, he or she just puts the beads on the pipe cleaner. The helper can twist the pipe cleaner into a circular shape, and tie on the ribbon to hang the ornament.

Clothespin Angel

For each angel you need:

• An old-fashioned clothespin
• A paper doily
• A small piece of gold or silver pipe cleaner
• A small piece of ribbon or embroidery floss to tie on the ornament
• White paint (pre-paint the clothespins)

You can buy a package of old-fashioned clothespins in the laundry section of the dollar store. Before the event, paint the clothespins white and allow to dry. To make the angel, accordion fold the doily (in this photo, my son rolled the doily), and insert in slit of clothespin. Wrap metallic pipe cleaner around the top of the clothespin and form into a small halo. Tie a cord around the "head" part of the clothespin for hanging the ornament.

If desired, let children draw faces on the angels. That would be super cute!

Other holiday kids craft ideas:

• Flower Pot Reindeer Ornament
• Sparkly Die Cut Wreath 
• Fabric-Wrapped Ornament
• Doily Countdown Calendar
• Pyramid Box Christmas Tree & 8 other ideas
• Foil Star Christmas Cards

These ideas should get you started! Readers, I would love to hear your great ideas!

This gorgeous leaf pillow by MJ at 517 Creations is a knockoff of a similar design sold by Wisteria for $89.  Hers is actually a pillow cover to dress up a drab old pillow, but with just a couple of extra steps you could stuff it to create an entirely new pillow.  [how to make an oak leaf pillow]

Have you seen the pretty fall leaf and pumpkin doilies at Dollar Tree?  Carolyn from Carolyn's Homework used some to dress up plain envelopes for fall.  They would make a lovely way to present Thanksgiving event invitations!  [how to make fall leaf doily envelopes]

Meanwhile at Bugs and Fishes, UK-based crafter Lupin used yarn and gold paper to make a stunning fall wreath.  Her tutorial includes templates for several different shapes and sizes of leaves, so if oak leaves aren't your favorite you can use a different type, or you can mix-and-match!  [how to make an oak leaf yarn wreath]

If you have a leaf paper punch, some fall-colored paper, and a sewing machine, you have everything you need to make this cute leaf garland by our good friend Care at Obsessively Stitching.  Adapt this idea to any season, holiday, or even by using different shaped punches and colored paper.  [how to make a punched paper leaf garland]

Linda from Burlap & Blue is the crafty mind behind this stylized felt leaf lace trimmed with a length of wide lace.  The golden color she chose is lovely, but I would also like to see this idea done in ombre!  [how to make a felt leaves and lace wreath]

Martha Stewart has 700+ new uses for old things on her website. I decided I'd share my favorite double-duty decorating ideas so you don't have to spend hours looking through them!

1.	Vase as Picture Frame Display family photos inside tall cylindrical glass vases of various sizes for an unexpected arrangement on a bookcase or mantel
2.	Paper Doily as a Cake Decoration You baked the cake. Now you’re expected to frost it, too? Take a break from the sticky stuff and use a doily to stencil on a pretty sugar topping. Press a doily flat on top of a round cake and, using a fine-mesh sieve, sprinkle confectioners’ sugar liberally over the surface. Use two hands to carefully remove the doily post-dusting.
3.	Cookie Cutter as Candle Stencil Repurpose mini alphabet cookie cutters as monogramming tools for pillar candles. Hold the candle steady, position the letter, and tap it lightly with a hammer. Do just an initial or go wild and spell out MR AND MRS or MERRY CHRISTMAS.
4.	Picture Frame as Dry-Erase Board Let’s see—you need milk, eggs…and something to replace the stark white memo board that’s sucking all the style from your otherwise charming kitchen. Frame a pretty piece of fabric or paper, then write temporary to-dos on the glass with a dry-erase marker.Note: Melinda did this for multiple to-do lists. One for individual tasks, one for joint tasks with her husband, one for the crafts she's started or needs to start, and one for her work projects. Have fun with what you put behind the glass - use scrapbook paper, wallpaper, or put a fancy title on top so you know what each board is for!
5.	Brooches as Refrigerator Decoration Instead of tossing out seldom worn or broken brooches, remove the pins with a wire cutter, glue a magnet to the back of each, then use them to mount postcards, children’s artwork, or this week’s grocery list.
6.	Wallpaper as Clock Customizer Remove the clock’s plastic front or back and detach the hands from the battery mechanism. Using the existing face as a template, trace the outline on the back of a piece of wallpaper. Apply a multipurpose adhesive to the original face, then affix the new one. Reassemble and hang for a unique design that makes a statement time after time.
7.	Clothespin as Holiday Card Display Adhere a wide grosgrain ribbon to the wall with double-sided mounting tape, then attach holiday cards up and down it for a jolly–and changeable—seasonal exhibit. Both regular-size and mini clothespins will work.Note: You can do this for any occasion where you receive cards, or display photos for a birthday celebration.
8.	Toothbrush Holder as Vase Display individual blooms (peonies and ranunculus work well) in each hole and fill with water for a foolproof, evenly spaced arrangement.Note: Have fun with the toothbrush holders - reuse what you have, pick out pretty ones from your local Target or Wal-Mart, pick some up from a thrift or antique store, or paint and decorate Dollar Store finds!
9.	Permanent Marker as Lampshade Decoration To customize a standard linen shade, trim the seamed edges with a permanent marker in a shade that matches your decor. If you don't have a steady hand, use painter’s tape to outline the area to be colored.Note: Have fun with colors, metallic markers, stencils and more!
;
10.	Linen Napkin as Photo Album Cover When the rest of the set is too stained to use, salvage a cloth napkin by turning it into a slipcover for your store-bought brag book with a length of ribbon and some fabric glue.
11.	Shoes as Growth Chart Record how quickly your child has grown by lining up shoes in a shadow box and labeling them with the appropriate ages. This growth chart is way prettier than pencil marks on the wall.
12.	Tape as Plaster Securer Keep a plaster wall from chipping when you hang a picture by placing a small piece of tape over the spot where you plan to hammer in the nail

Want to see all of Martha's ideas? Visit her Double-Duty Decorating Ideas index.

Do you have any favorite ways to re-use things you already have to decorate your home? Share it in the comments below!

I'm excited because I got to preview the new Martha Stewart craft paint line from Plaid. It's a full line of craft paint in amazing colors (160 of them - all Martha-perfect shades with names like "Greek Tile" and "Peppermint Bark") that are formulated to work on all crafting surfaces, including wood, glass, and fabric. The paints come in five different finishes: high gloss, pearl, satin, glitter, and metallic. There's a cool demo of the finishes in the paint aisle at Michael's stores:

In addition to paint, there are tons of cool stencils (in three sizes), and some cool specialty tools like these brushes:

The comb-looking brush has removable bristles so you can customize the striping (or do neat plaid effects). The pronged brushes are for making striped finishes like gingham or basket-weaving.

I tested out this brush with a decorative gingham paint effect.

I love that this paint line was formulated to be versatile. You can use it on all sorts of different surfaces, and Martha has also provided many different mediums you can mix with your paints to achieve different effects. Here are just a few options: frost etching, crackle medium, fabric (makes the paint softer when you apply it to paint), and tintable glaze (you can mix with any paint color).

You can buy the 160 colors individually, or you can buy 10 packs with colors pre-selected for you.

The line also includes three different sizes of stencils: large stencils (for walls, art, fabric, etc.), medium stencils, and small self-cling stencils (good for glass and other applications).

You can find all these cool supplies exclusively at Michael's in the art supply/paint section in the USA and Canada. Would you like to try it? Here's a coupon just for you! (Click to go to the Michael's page and print it):

I'll bring you some cool project ideas later this week!

disclosure

I've been on a reconstructed clothing kick lately, and of course you know we here at DSC are always looking for new ways to use doilies.  Over at the Craft blog, Jessica Wilson shares how to use a doily as a shoulder accent to dress up an old shirt.  It's got that flirty-in-a-grandma-kind-of-way thing going on that I'm so fond of lately and would look great with my awesome orthopedic-looking vintage shoes from Goodwill!  (Do I sound like a fashion disaster right now?  I swear I'm not!)  She also shows how to tint your doilies using Kool-aid packets, just in case white isn't your thing.  [how to make a doily-sleeved t-shirt]

Project estimate:

• T-shirt, on hand
• Doilies, $1 and up
• Sewing machine, on hand

Total:  $1 and up

When it comes to using dried beans as craft supplies, I usually put them in the same class as elbow macaroni.  They're something that you give to a kindergartner along with a bottle of white glue to make a collage, and I've never really given them much serious thought.  I love it when blogland proves me wrong and breaks down my preconceived notions!    Using directions from a craft kit from 1972, Suzy from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom put together this bouquet using (believe it or not)....   dried lima beans and peas!  Once  you manage to pick your jaw up off the floor, head over to her blog to see how she did it!  [how to make a vintage bean bouquet]

Project estimate:

• Dried lima beans, on hand or $1 and up
• Dried peas, on  hand or $1 and up
• Colored cellophane, $1 and up
• Faux greenery, on hand or $1
• Florist tape, on hand or $1
• Wire, on hand
• Foam, on hand or $1
• Doily, $1
• Ribbon,  on hand or $1

Total:  $1 and up

Crafts

A Fresh Idea for Easter by Recipe for Cute [Pictured]

Kids’ Handprint Lilies by Mommy Savers

Fabric Easter Eggs and Recycled Bird’s Nest by Mommy Savers

Eggscelent Dyed Eggs by Lolly Chops

Easy Easter Crafts by All You

Free Project Friday: Hoppy Weekend by Lark Crafts

Runaway Bunny Easter Picture from Living Crafts Magazine by All Things Mothering

Little Lamb Pillows by Molly’s Sketchbook

Herb Stenciled Easter Eggs by Adventures in Cooking
 
 

Food and Recipes

Easter Cookies by Sweetopia [Pictured]

Everything “Easter” by Love From the Oven

Anthropologie Inspired Easter Cookies by Sweet Sugarbelle

Bunny Ear Cupcake Toppers by Sweet Sugarbelle

Spring and Easter Tutorials by The Decorated Cookie

Easy Easter Cookies by Sweetopia

Spring Nest Recipe by Everyday is a Celebration

Easter Cupcakes Baked in Real Egg Shells by Cupcake Project [Pictures]

Affordable Easter Brunch Recipes by All You

Easter Recipes and Egg Decorating Ideas by Pillsbury

Easter Recipe Center by Kraft Foods

Chocolate Mousse Easter Egg by How Does She?

Easter Marshmallow Treats & Free Printable Cards by Living Locurto

A Bunny Breakfast by Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons (be sure to check out their other Easter/bunny ideas too!)

Rainbow Jell-o Easter Eggs by Choose To Thrive Blog
 
 

Printables

Easter Printables by Flutterbys and Frogs [Pictured]

Easter Cupcake Toppers by Love From the Oven

bunny tails + more i love us prints by eighteen25

Free Printable Easter Cupcake Toppers by Skip to My Lou

Easter Gift Tags Printables are Here! by Babelisme

Free Easter Printables by Catch My Party

Everything "Easter" by Canon Creative Park

Happy Easter Treats by We Love to Illustrate

Free Easter Printables by Nifty Thrifty Things

Free Easter Printables Roundup by Everyday is a Celebration
 
 

Décor

Doily Basket by Martha Stewart [Pictured]

Etceteras: twine and rag nests by Carolyn's Homework

{DIY} Jellybean Bunting by Sew Homegrown

Ruffled Easter Egg Basket by Oopsey Daisy

Bunny Bunting by Clean and Scentsible

Bunny Hershey Kiss Board by Infarrantly Creative

Egg Ornaments by Martha Stewart
 
 

Gift Ideas

Make: Handprint Easter Lily Brooch by Wild Olive [Pictured]

Easter Gift Idea: Felt Peeps Bunnies by Mommy Savers

Rabbit Finger Puppet Card by Martha Stewart
 
 

Family Fun

Easter Crafts for Kids by Better Homes and Gardens [Pictured]

FREE Spring Crafts, Fun & Activities for Families eBook by Motherhood Your Way

Kids Easter Crafts by Martha Stewart

Easter Printables: Cards, Coloring Pages and Crafts by I Love Free Things

SIMPLE Easter Countdown by How Does She?

Vibrant Vegetable - Dyed Easter Eggs by Twig and Toadstool

Vegetable Dyed Easter Eggs by Tinker Lab

Glue Batik Easter Fabric by Come Together Kids

Easter Day Activities for Kids: Marshmallows, of Course by The Decorated Cookie

Easter Nest Craft by Views From My Window
 
 

Other Roundups

Everything “Easter” by Something Created Every Day [Pictured]

Everything “Easter” by Martha Stewart

Easter Crafting Roundup by Sweet Tidings

Everything “Easter” by Skip to My Lou

Everything “Easter” by Zakka Life

Easter Crafts by Better Homes and Gardens

Everything “Easter” by How About Orange

Fill the Basket! by Everyday Art

Everything “Easter” by Tatertots and Jello

Last-Minute Easter Ideas by Martha Stewart

Everything “Easter” by Thirty Handmade Days

62 Ways to Decorate Easter Eggs by Martha Stewart [Pictured]

Everything “Easter” by  Sweet Sugarbelle

5 Ways to Decorate Easter Eggs by Infarrantly Creative

Everything “Easter” by Bake at 350

We’re Hooking You Up! 40+ Free Easter Printables by How Does She?

Everything “Easter” by Sew Homegrown

8 “Egg” Craft Ideas! Easter “Egg”stravaganza! by How Does She?

Everything “Easter” by Simply Designing

5 Ways to Decorate for Easter by Infarrantly Creative

Everything “Easter” by Oopsey Daisy
 
 

Previous Dollar Store Crafts Posts and Roundups

Dollar Barn Easter: Robin’s Egg Vase

8 Easter Projects on the Cheap

Make an Egg Pendant Lamp

Make Recycled Peeps Decorations

Easter Made Easy: 25+ Free Holiday Printables

Make a Peeps-Inspired Frame
 
 

Previous Dollar Store Mom Posts and Roundups

Make a Paint Chip Easter Egg Garland [Pictured]

Make a Milk Jug Easter Basket

Fun Easter Food Roundup

Make a Dollar Store Spring Wreath

Easter Crafts for Kids Roundup

Easter Ring Pop

Easter Basket Idea: Sand Bucket

Sew a doily to a t-shirt, cut the area behind the doily away, and what do you get? A cool lacy embellishment for a t-shirt that is oh-so-easy to do. Even if you aren't comfortable with a sewing machine, you can hand-stitch this project in less than an hour. If you don't like showing skin through your t-shirt, wear the shirt over another shirt, or sew a circle of different colored t-shirt behind the doily. You could also use this technique for a cute swimsuit cover-up for summer. Project by Naja at My Closet Thrift Store. [how to make a cut-away doily t-shirt] [via Craftster]

Project Estimate:

• T-shirt, $1 or on hand
• Doily, $1 or on hand
• Sewing stuff, on hand

Total: $1 and up