A lot of time and money, not to mention resources, can be saved by making things at home. This list of blogs will give you ideas galore for ways to save your money by crafting your own items. Whether you are looking to purchase a vehicle that runs on alternate fuel, wanting to save resources where you can by making your own clothes, gifts, crafts or home decor, you will find a multitude of suggestions on these blogs. You’ll obtain guidelines for from sewing to planting a garden to entertaining your children without buying more environmentally unfriendly toys on this broad spectrum of sites.

Mother Nature Network - Do you have questions about going green? This useful site is almost guaranteed to have the answer. Be taught transportation that is earth-friendly, how to have a green business, and even more.

Blog Craftzine – You can find nearly everything here. The diversity to be found here will blow you away. Find tips and tutorials – from soap making to upholstery repair to regional craft fairs. This website will keep you current on what is happening in the crafting world.

Makes and Takes – Open your eyes to the possibilities of green crafts to finish with your kids here.

Fab Mums - This goldmine of a site features a “Learn Through Play” portion where you’ll find all sorts of ways to assist your child to with fun games that assist learning. You will also discover links to etsy bargains as well as fun craft projects here.

Hostess With the Mostess – will supply you with a ready-made compilation of suggestions for entertaining and hosting the perfect party. Glean ideas for your invitations, fun party favors and memorable centerpieces, motif and more. Learn to be the hostess with the very best parties ever.

Dollar Store Crafts - Pocketbook slimmer than ever these days? Yet you continue to need gifts and craft ideas, turn to this site for creative notions.

Gingerbread and Snowflakes – is an adorable blog for crafters where you will discover many brand new approaches. Allow Pam to instruct you about her yummy food and how to do tin punch art, dress up your garden and celebrate lesser known holidays. Your happiness quotient will increase when you visit this engaging space.

Desire To Inspire – If decorating your home is your bag, this site is for you.

Yarn Storm - Discover loads of crochet guidelines on this blog by Jane. You will likely enjoy soaking up her world, learn some quilting, embroidery and find recipes too.

Crafty Stylish – Is for your inner seamstress. Find out how to sew nearly any article of clothing with the patterns and hints on this beautiful blog.

Crafts at Kaboose - Realize just how many super simple crafting projects you and your family can do with items you have around the house on this enjoyable website and forum.

One Pretty Thing – Presents you with a multitude of craft ideas. You’ll find more kid’s crafts, sewing projects for yourself, decorating ideas and party helps than you could ever make use of in a single lifetime. You’ll have so much fun!

Cuteable - You will be directed to innumerable sites on the web to find items or inspiration to dream up your own perfect craft.

Sarah London - Crochet ideas abound through this bright blog. Get ideas for sweaters, pillow shams, blankets, the perfect gift and even more here. Just pick up your hook and dig in!

Purl Bee - Catering to all knitters, if you can think of it, you’ll likely find the pattern, instructions or pictures for it here. You’ll be overjoyed with the number of quality projects pictured for you here.

Not Martha – In the event you haven’t yet unearthed this tongue-in-cheek blog, you are going to love it. Despite the attention grabbing title, it is rather crafty, with a bit of foodie prowess also. For those of us who don’t feel like up and coming Betty Crockers or Martha Stewarts, find uncomplicated craft and recipe notions on this great site.

Creative Jewish Mom – Enjoy Sara’s cozy writing style as you journey with as she teaches you to make life a joyful journey.

Elsita – will open up the world of doll making for you. Revel in her winning creations – you might just even purchase a doll when she has finished it!

Do It Yourself Mama – Come along with this SAHM on her journey to become as self-sufficient, healthy, frugal and natural as she and her family can, yet still love life.

Paper N Stitch – Are you interested in crafts made of paper? You’ll be sure to have stumbled onto the cream of all sites once you visit this site.

Craft Fail – Now for a tremendously entertaining bonus site. It will remind you that it isn’t only you who makes crafting mistakes once in a while finishing a diy project.

FailCyle – Here is yet another freebie for you as an additional perk for reading this whole list! Please Note: this applies mostly to those who use the Free Cycle system.

Now that brings your list of recommended blogs to bookmark up to 22 more and counting! Enjoy going green with the hints provided for you at these sites, and tickle your funny bone with the extra two sites named.

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About the Author
Colleen O. Ridgely writes and writes and writes. Her zest for life finds its greatest outlet in writing. She is interested in classes online and any other way to learn she can discover the world over.

Fall is approaching, and as the leaves begin to change, you may be getting the urge to make some changes around the house as well. While this is a praiseworthy endeavor, it is important to keep decorative modifications both within your budget and earth friendly. The challenge in doing a home makeover is to keep it frugal and green. This will allow you to enjoy your handiwork with a clear conscience, and it is not as difficult as it sounds.

First, consider these green home makeover ideas to get some bang for the buck:

• Survey old appliances to see if new eco-friendly replacements might be prudent.

• Consider a swap meet with friends to trade decorative items such as lamps, clocks, pictures, or vases.

• Check the Freecycle website to locate free furnishings and decorative items others no longer need.

• Shop the local thrift, charity, and consignment shops to get the best bargains.

• Keep an eye on the free section of Craig’s List.

By reusing older furnishings that others are throwing away, conscientious decorators can save trees and other natural resources and help prevent landfills from overflowing.

Just because second hand furnishings are being used, this does not mean that the results will be less than desirable. Try the following hints to make the most of recycled furniture for frugal decorating:

• Use eco-friendly paint removers, sandpaper and natural stains to refinish scratches on wooden tables, cabinets or dressers.

• Cover torn or ripped armchairs, loveseats, and recliners with modern, well-fitted slipcovers to prolong their useful life.

• Cover old dining tables with inexpensive fabric table cloths.

• Coordinate mismatched wooden chairs by using cheap dining chair covers.

• Place lace doilies over damaged areas and place vases of fresh cut flowers on them.

If it is absolutely necessary to purchase new products, consider the following eco-friendly materials and make sure that all purchases are wrapped in the least packing materials needed for transport:

• Bamboo to save trees.

• Recycled plastic to prevent landfills from overflowing.

• Wool carpeting to purify the air and eliminate toxic chemicals and gasses.

• Natural cork for formaldehyde-free flooring.

These products will not only help with your green home makeover, but some of them will also provide greater comfort and last longer than products currently in use.

If everyone takes small steps toward improving the environment and saving the Earth’s resources, improvements in the state of the planet would begin to occur at a faster pace. The Earth is the only home we all share, and while decorating our individual residences may seem to be important, the true urgency lies in reversing wasteful trends and maintaining the natural beauty around us. Fortunately, by taking the time to consider products that are less harmful to the world around us, we can ensure that the world inside and outside our homes is as beautiful and comfortable as it can be.

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This is a guest post from Caroline Smith, who runs www.GetSlipcovers.com. Caroline likes discovering green and thrifty ideas for furnishing her home and enjoys giving secondhand furniture a new lease of life.

By Carol Brooke

Here’s a simple, inexpensive and easy way to reupholster your dining room chairs and save money:

• 1. Choose a fabric you like. Take a look at the fabric on the chair. Look for one with a similar thickness. Choose any color to compliment your décor. If you really want to save money look in your closets and consider fabrics you already have on hand, like a tablecloth, draperies or large fabric napkins. I chose fabric (from the fabric store) I had around the house from years ago. I had been using it as a table cloth on the breakfast nook table.
  

 

• 2. Unscrew the cushion from the wooden chair. Turn the chair upside down and use a screwdriver to remove the cushion from the wooden frame. Keep the screws.
  

 

• 3. Measure and cut the fabric. Pull the new fabric around the cushion. Determine how much fabric you will need. Decide if you would like to leave the old fabric on and just cover it, or if you would like to remove it. To keep it simple, I left the old fabric on and put the new fabric over the top.

 

• 4. Staple the fabric to the seat cushion. Use a staple gun or hammer and short nails/tacks to hold the fabric in place. I used a staple gun on one side. Then, the opposite side, corners, and other two sides. Be sure to pull the fabric snuggly as you staple. Turn it right-side up and peek at the other side as you work and make adjustments to any rippling fabric before stapling. Cut any excess fabric while you are working. Cut the sides evenly after you finish reupholstering the chair. Be sure that the fabric is not covering up the holes for the screws.
  

 

• 5. Clean the chair. Dust off the chair and shine the wood a bit with some wood cleaner and conditioner. If you are pregnant, you may want to skip the chemical cleaners and simply dust off and remove any dirt from the chair with soapy water. Thoroughly dry the wood. This is a good job for your little helpers.
  

 

• 6. Secure the newly covered cushion to the cleaned wooden chair. Screw the cushions back onto the wooden chair. As you do so, loosely screw in each one before tightening, to be sure all screws slide back into the holes.

 

Presto! You have beautiful, newly upholstered dining room chairs!

Carol Brooke, M.S., M.Ed., is an editor for Teaching Resource Center , a teacher store providing families and classrooms with inexpensive educational supplies for over 25 years.

Carol Brooke

Classroom Crafting with Carol
www.CarolBrookeBooks.com

Redecorate by Repurposing: 7 Tips and Tricks
By: Liberty Kontranowski

While you’re in the midst of putting your budget on a diet, redecorating your home has surely been demoted from the “Need” list to the “Want-but-definitely-can’t-have” list. Yet, you’re really itching for a fresh look and a new vibe around the place. What to do, what to do?

Repurpose, of course.

Repurposing is simply using items you already have in new ways. You can snag these items from other rooms, the basement, the attic or even the room you’re looking to redecorate. Items can include furniture, knickknacks, artwork, photographs, rugs, pillows, window treatments and more. Want to get started? Here are some diy home decor tips:

1. Gather old photographs, recent snapshots or your children’s artwork and have them matted and framed to display collage-style. When grouping pictures together, vary the sizes, shapes and colors to add interest.

2. Add fringe, cording, satin or ribbon to the edges of window treatments or pillows to add extra punch. Choose a complementary but unexpected color and texture.

3. Use leftover wallpaper to cover lampshades and desk accessories, or to line a basket or shelf.

4. Pull out all the vases and decanters you got as wedding gifts (you know, the ones that have never seen the light of day), and group them together in varying heights, shapes and textures to create a visually enticing display. Add fresh flowers, seashell potpourri, grass, sand or citrus fruit for a splash of nature.

5. Use a small dresser or armoire in the bathroom to hold towels, bath tissue, personal care items and more. A piece of furniture in your loo is both unexpected and fun – not to mention incredibly practical!

6. Pillows, throw blankets, area rugs, photos, knick-knacks, lamps and more can all be shifted into other rooms. Think of how fun it will be to spot the pillows from your den resting happily on your bed instead.

7. Arrange a décor swap with friends and neighbors. Their window panels for your area rug. Or your antique trunk for their coffee table. The possibilities are endless. Throw a few cocktails into the mix at your swap meet and you just might end up with a really great score!

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your quest to redecorate by repurposing. Always remember to keep your eye out for hidden treasures in your garage, attic and basement as well as at the homes of friends and relatives. You never know what you might find.

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Liberty Kontranowski is a freelance writer and blogger with hundreds of featured articles published online and in print, covering everything from health to parenting to beauty, fashion, entertainment and more. Liberty is the newest member of the Secure Medical team providing the highest quality articles to edrugstore.md

One of my Top 10 Budget Decorating Tips is PAINT, PAINT, PAINT!

If you’re front entrance is in need of a door makeover…consider a fresh coat of paint in a different color!

The Budget Diet girl loves black paint…it’s a miracle worker both inside & out! Black adds a touch of elegance and works well on a traditional home.

Other ideas for front door paint? Consider a red door for a traditional home. How about a weathered looking door in a pretty blue or green for a beach house?

Why don’t you take a picture of the front of your house, and let your local paint store suggest a front door paint color. Even better, many paint stores now offer a free computer service that will use your photo to show you how different front door paint colors will look.

Thanks to Stephanie for letting me know that $40 worth of black paint was all it took for her door makeover! Take a look and read her comment below!

I took your advice and painted my front door with black paint! It transformed my whole front entrance (inside and out). I was actually considering purchasing a new door, but instead $40 worth of black paint did the trick. My neighbors think I got a new door! I no longer go thru my back door to avoid this area, but now proudly enter thru my “new” front door every chance I can get. Thanks Budget Girl…I now want to paint everything black that bugs me in my house!

The Budget Diet girl’s top 10 tips for decorating on a budget…

1. Rearrange! Remember when you were little, and you used to rearrange your bedroom just for the fun of it? There’s no rule against grown-ups rearranging! Have fun…it’s free to use what you have!

 

2. Paint! Paint is the budget decorator’s friend because it’s the cheapest way to change the look of a room! You must also think beyond the walls… transform an ugly piece of furniture with paint…black paint is a miracle worker! Take a look at this piece of furniture…it was a dated 1980′s pickled wood finish, but The Budget Diet girl gave it a new life with a coat of black paint! WOW!
   
   

   black paint...the miracle worker!

 

3. Flea Markets, Thrift Stores & Garage Sales! Now that you’ve rearranged & painted…it’s time to “fill in the blanks” with furniture & accessories. It’s easy to decorate on a budget when you shop flea markets, thrift stores & garage sales plus your home decor will be so much more interesting! Those matchy, matchy model home looks are so boring! As I walk around my house, some of my favorite treasures and most interesting pieces came from flea markets & garage sales…take a look!
   
   

   $35 at a flea market because of a small crack!

   
   
   

   $2 at a garage sale!

 

4. Lamps, lamps, lamps! A room looks so much cozier with lamp light! The Budget Diet girl often finds lamps at flea markets and garage sales that are missing shades or have ugly stained shades, but a quick trip to Lowes & you’ll have a treasure! This was a $40 lamp that was missing a shade, and it didn’t look like much sitting in a pile of other “naked” lamps! It now graces my foyer with an elegant $15 shade from Lowes!
   
   

   add a new lampshade for less than $15!

 

5. Old Books are the perfect accessory! Just last week, I saw a fancy boutique selling stacks of 3 old books tied with a sheer ribbon for $75! The Budget Diet girl collects her old books for less than a dollar each at (you guessed it) flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores & grandmother’s attic! Now…how do dusty old books help you decorate on a budget? Old books are perfect for elevating an accessory like a candlestick or a small clock. How about old books in a windowsill? Of course, you can simply tie the books with a sheer ribbon and get the $75 look for much, much less!
   
   

   instant ambiance...less than $5!

 

6. Oriental Rugs go with everything! Small, used oriental rugs are abundant at flea markets, and they’ll instantly perk-up any room! Think bathmat, kitchen mat or entry mat. Have you ever thought of layering a small oriental rug on top of carpeting in a high traffic area or on top of a stain? It’s cheaper than new carpet!
   
   

   $30 and better looking than any kitchen mat I've ever seen!

 

7. Frame It! Don’t settle for ordinary artwork when you likely have a houseful of interesting things begging for a frame! The art in your home should be a conversation starter! Two of my favorites are some old money that my grandmother had from traveling abroad and a map from my son’s backpacking trip in New Mexico. The frames were less than $40, and you’ll never find another one just like it! I’ll bet you have birth announcements, an old poster from a college event or even old record albums! Album frames are often on sale at Michael’s for $5…imagine a wall of albums!
   
   

   old money looks elegant in a frame!

   
   
   

   frame a map as a memory from a trip!

8. Soften a doorway with fabric! Does you living room flow into your dining room with no real divider? Why don’t you think about hanging fabric? You could simply hang 2 panels and tie them back! My daughter’s room needed a divider between her bed area and the play area, so I used some sheer fabric & a staple gun…not bad for less than $20! By the way…her daybed was made from two headboards picked up at a garage sale for $20 & reupholstered!
   
   

   $20 of sheer fabric & a staple gun = WOW!

 

9. Reupholster! If you come across a sturdy chair or sofa at a flea market or if you have one at home…please look beyond the ugly fabric and visualize new upholstery! New upholstery is always cheaper than buying a new piece of furniture, and recycling is so in style!

 

10. Accessorize! The details make the difference when it comes to home decor, and the details are in the accessories! A decorator friend of mine once told me…if you see an accessory you love, buy it because you’ll find a place for it! The same is not true for large pieces of furniture…measurements are always required!

 

The beauty of decorating on a budget is that it doesn’t happen overnight, and the end result will be a home full of interesting pieces that have been collected over time!

Why don’t you print this list, keep it in your purse & you’ll be ready to look for decorating bargains at the next flea market or garage sale!

Home Makeover – Chandelier

Most of us have a chandelier or light fixture that is desperately dated & needs replacing OR does it just need a makeover?

When we bought our house 8 years ago, the kitchen chandelier was on my “needs to go” list.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to replace everything on my list, so I decided to get creative with my kitchen chandelier.

Sorry that I cannot offer you a “before” picture, so you’ll just have to visualize as I explain the makeover process!

Replace the glass hurricane covers with black shades. I was lucky to find these at Stein Mart for $3 each! Lowes does keep all colors of small shades in stock.

Wind a scrap of fabric through the ugly chain that’s hanging from the ceiling…less than a dollar!

Search your house for something “fun” to drape from the chandelier! I found these glass beads in my Christmas collection, & they work great year round!

after the makeover

Thankfully, my chandelier did not need to be painted, but yours just might be begging for a new color!

The Budget Diet girl says, PAINT IT! It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Lightly sand.

 

2. Spray paint or if it’s too difficult to take your fixture down, use a foam brush & small bottle of acrylic paint from Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

 

3. Glaze (optional). A glaze may be just what you need to get the color you desire. If you’re not sure what to choose…I suggest going to a paint store for advice.

Yes…your shiny brass chandelier can have the look of wrought iron with a quick coat of black paint!

Please click on the title of this article to let me know if you’ve had success with a chandelier makeover!