I live where it gets hot in the summer! One of the upstairs rooms has 3 enormous west facing windows so the hot afternoon sun bakes this room for several hours each day. Even though the windows are double paned, the windows, the shades, and the room really heat up by early evening. We have a swamp cooler, and a ceiling fan in this room, but it’s an uphill battle … [Read more...] about How to Insulate Windows from the Summer Sun (Cheaply!)
Beat the Heat with an Easy to Make Fan
Here’s a fun, easy gift idea that even toddlers can make. Mom, Dad, or Grandparents will love having something made by their little one. And it’s perfect for hot weather. Older kids can get in on the act, too, and create their own masterpiece. Materials Small Cutting Board with Handle (I found mine at Dollar Tree) Sticker Book or Sheet Full … [Read more...] about Beat the Heat with an Easy to Make Fan
Flower Twinkle Light
This Flower Twinkle Light is quick and easy, and would make great place setting favors. A cluster of them would look pretty in a centerpiece on the table. It’s a wonderful Spring or Easter idea. You could even slip one or two in a bouquet of flowers, just for fun. Materials A Flower Cluster from the Dollar Store (Choose larger flowers that will have room for … [Read more...] about Flower Twinkle Light
Emergency Thermal Bowl
The other day I needed a way to carry a bowl of hot food a short distance. Since I don’t have a wide mouth thermos, I came up with this quick and easy idea for transporting a bowl of hot food. First I put the food in a microwave safe bowl and heated it until it was very hot. While the food was heating, I prepared the container I would carry it in. I found a … [Read more...] about Emergency Thermal Bowl
Stand Up Chickie
This fun little chick has a removable beak and feet. And he stands up by himself. Materials Craft Foam or Card Stock - Yellow, Orange, and Black Scissors Pencil Glue How to Make I usually make a paper pattern first and try it out. Then I trace the paper pattern on the craft foam. 1. Draw around a lid or other round item on yellow craft foam or card … [Read more...] about Stand Up Chickie
Dollar Bill Heart Mouse
Make your Dollar Bill origami just a little more fun by turning it into a heart shaped mouse. It will make a fun gift for Valentine’s Day, an Easter basket, or birthday gift. Or just a cute way to say, “I Love You”. Grandparents can send a Dollar Bill Heart Mouse to a grandchild for a surprise in the mail. Follow the directions to make this Super Easy Dollar … [Read more...] about Dollar Bill Heart Mouse
Hot Wheels Necklace
By Noreen Doll. Little boys love cars! They seem to start finding cars fascinating before they can even walk. A Hot Wheels Necklace is very quick and easy, and would be loved by most little boys. It would be a fun stocking stuffer or a great party favor. Just be sure the kids who receive them are old enough to safely wear something around their … [Read more...] about Hot Wheels Necklace
8 Pocket Folder from 1 Sheet of Paper
This fun little folder has 8 pockets. At 3 inches x 5 5/8 inches you could tuck it into a larger pocket of an album or organizer. It has so many interesting little pockets to explore or hide things in! I used a single sided sheet of paper so you can see the folds and pockets, but you would probably want to use double sided paper for your … [Read more...] about 8 Pocket Folder from 1 Sheet of Paper
Tag Gift Card or Money Holder
A tag gift card or money holder is easy and quick to make. You can use a large tag that you already have, or make a simple one to use. Supplies Large Tag, about 3 1/8 inches by 9 1/2 inches Or Scrapbooking Paper to Make a Tag Narrow Ribbon or Twine - about 18 inches long Double Sided Tape or Glue Sticker or Fussy Cut Shape How to Make a tag gift … [Read more...] about Tag Gift Card or Money Holder
DIY Bookshelves Under the Stairs
By Noreen Doll We are book lovers and collect volumes that we love. However, eventually you have to find places for these loved volumes. We have an under stairs area in our living room that seemed perfect for bookshelves. We puzzled for a long time on how we wanted to build the shelves until we happened on this post: … [Read more...] about DIY Bookshelves Under the Stairs
Rustic Basket
By Noreen Doll Create a rustic basket from the side of a cardboard box. It makes a lovely holder for a gift. Or use it as a Spring basket or Easter Basket. It would also be perfect for Mother's Day. Supplies. Corrugated Cardboard Box Twine 18 or 20 Guage Wire, about 26 inches long Scrap Book Paper or other colorful Paper Ribbon or Pre-made … [Read more...] about Rustic Basket
Fold 6 Pockets from 1 Sheet of Paper
By Noreen Doll. Try this fun way to fold 6 pockets from 1 sheet of paper. Albums and journals are more fun with lots of pockets to stash things in, and by careful folding you can make several pockets with just 1 sheet of 12 by 12 scrap booking paper. Double sided paper makes really nice pockets, but I'm using paper with only one colored side to allow the … [Read more...] about Fold 6 Pockets from 1 Sheet of Paper
