Turning Pumpkins into Snowmen

I had two pumpkins from Halloween that we never got around to carving.  I thought of doing a cute turkey craft with them for Thanksgiving.  But when I saw these snowmen, the idea was too cute to pass up, and I like that they can stick around for December!

All you need:
a pumpkin (rinse any dirt off and dry it really well)
white, orange, and black Acrylic paint
paintbrush
any scrap fabric or scarves you don't use

They were simple to make, and I love they way they turned out.

http://www.viette.com/v.php?pg=293

Once I finished my snowmen I was feeling the jolly winter spirit and pulled out some construction paper and scissors.

I love snowflakes!  They are fun and simple to make, and your kids will love to help!  With a little help from Google, you can find some pretty awesome snowflake patterns.

Check out some of the patterns from HIGH HOPES...


Mae

Looking for cheap DIY gifts?

Here are some of my favorite gift ideas I came up with or found online!! Something for everyone!

I bought a kitchen for my little girl, spending $80 (on one of the cheaper ones) made me kind of sick, so I started a quest. I am still working on getting hers done, so this is the one that inspired me! To make it more affordable, try using something cheap/ free from classifieds or furniture you/ someone else is getting rid of! Try using spray paint like the $1 white/ black at Walmart, maybe even antique it?  Using wallpaper or print picture from online for a window to make it decorative. Try using an old bowl to mount as sink, the faucet could be made out of wood and nobs out of old dresser knobs. Have fun trying to think of things to make from around the house. There are more kitchens and ideas here http://betterafter.blogspot.com/2011/03/winner-and-hot-pink-and-zebras.html

No sew scarf! For the tutorial http://www.moredesignplease.com/moredesignplease/2011/1/19/no-sew-shirt-scarf-necklace.html

Super fun bowling set for active kids and kids at heart... All you need is 10 bottles with colored water (if you want use sand or anything else and decorate to desire) and a ball (check out local dollar stores or big lots etc)! Tag could read "knock them down this year!"

Try making this gift, decorating a mason jar with something silly and slimy inside! Silly Putty for teens kids and hubbies! here is a recipe for this funny stuff!http://www.theidearoom.net/2010/07/silly-putty.html

My husband would enjoy this! Did someone say CAR? and WASH? in the same sentence? You could add free car wash coupons for you or the kids to wash the car at anytime.

How about making that dress you no longer wear into a super cute apron for a chief or baker you know. Halter or tube top style dresses make the easiest aprons by just cutting the back out and hem it up (so it does not fray). Other dresses are simple, as well, just make sure it has a loop up top to hold it up and string to make a bow. If you are feeling super excited add pockets etc... using leftover fabric.

Make a magnet board from an oil drip pan!!  http://nicandkate09.blogspot.com/2011/08/alphabet-board.html

With kids growing so very fast, make a past dress into a skirt!! http://2littlehooligans.blogspot.com/2010/10/newborn-dress-turned-toddler-apron.html

Super cute mittens. Make them bigger and more neutral for a man or boy!

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/11/25-handmade-gifts-under-5.html

Great gift for a whole family! Ice cream sundae kit all they need is the ice cream. http://mixingbowlkids.typepad.com/family_bites/2011/06/diy-ice-cream-sundae-kit.html

Great sentimental gift for someone close!  http://www.millybee.com/mummy-daddy-p-110.html

Stocking-stuffer, just use those crayons they crumbled up over the year! 230 degrees for 15 minutes keep an eye on them!

Wallets! Wallets! Wallets! This one made out of bike inner-tube lots of other ideas on this page.http://www.instructables.com/id/Wallets/

Cuff-links made from coins. http://curiouslycrafty.wordpress.com/cufflinks/


Need more ideas? Check this out 25 gifts under $5! http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/11/25-handmade-gifts-under-5.html

Hazel

My Free Tree and Dollar Store Decorations

 My sister in law is a yard sale diva., she may even be a queen!. I told her a few years ago that I really wanted a tree and if she saw one I would pay here back. She went to a yard sale that was packing up for donations. She noticed this tree and the lady said it was free! That is how I got a free tree! It is a smaller tree, which I don't mind since its cheaper to decorate and not as overwelming . Living on a budget the last couple years I have had some interesting crafts on it. This year I wanted a nice tree! While I was at Honk's Dollar store I noticed they had 9 pack Christmas balls for $1. They happen to have the lime green I am trying to decorate my house with! Score! With a splurge on Led lights (that will save me in the long run), some glitter ornaments 5 for a dollar, some 2 for a dollar, 2 rolls of garland, an angel for cheap at a thrift store, 26 packs of the Christmas balls for $5 from WalMart, and I wrapped a fleece throw I got at Ikea for $3, as a tree skirt. So for about $40, half of that was the lights, here is my tree!

Hazel