Shabby Chic Insulated Thriftiness

I have an addiction to craft blogs. Unfortunately, sometimes I'm not as talented or patient to complete many of the projects. But, I'm super jazzed to say I made my own door draft dodger! 

I live in an ollld apartment. The outside doors can be drafty! These draft dodger things are sold at Home Depot for about $10 each, and are lame colors. I've seen some at Kirklands with long-legged reindeers that sit in front of the door for about $15 and I wonder how they even work because the reindeers body is so big it'd flop down and my OCD would be adjusting it all day.. I wanted something that would be a little bit more efficient and permanent of sorts. The thin white insulating tube you seal in the doorframe works good in the winter, but in the southern summers humidity makes the stuff attack you like a snake dropping from the doorframe. Sooooo....

Luckily, I found this instruction to make your own draft dodger! (errr... I can't find the link! but copycatcrafts.com and dollarstorecrafts.com are my favs!) Off to Wal-Mart I went, got some insulating pipe foam, headed to Hobby Lobby and got super cute clearance damask material, some Heat Bond stitch witchery, and voila! :) I spent about $6 on all the supplies, and have enough to make four! Why does this make me happy? Oh, yes, saving money on utilities. ;)

Office Personality: Thrifty Style

 

I believe after 1.5 years of continuous employment at my big girl job, it is time to display office personality. Granted, I was blessed with unique and cute desk items when I started. I've always had a picture of my sweet Bailey dog on my desk, but the other day I received an e-mail from a co-worker that had pictures attached of real-life office desks piled high with papers, books, etc. and asked "How does your desk look?" It made me think of a photo quote from a previous issue of Real Simple magazine that said "One persons mess is merely another person's filing system" with a little girl with toys spread out completely over her bed. And that pretty much sums up our office due to special events and required items, materials, etc. So, I found that quote, framed it, and it's going on my desk Monday. :)

PS: Anyone got an old digital camera they're looking to make a buck off of? My cell phone cam isn't cutting the mustard right about now. :/

$1.50 Crafty College Memorabilia

For some odd reason, I've focused on decorating my office/craft room. I (finally) hung my diploma on the wall. Gotta make use of it somehow! ;) It's framed in an elegant matted frame I scored at a yard sale a year ago for $1. (On a side note, I have a STACK of frames in my spare closet I've acquired at yard sales for pennies- best investment for craftiness!) I've done a lot of reflecting on my college experience, and was inspired to create a sentimental memoir reflecting a lifelong dedication to obtaining an education and the pursuit of knowledge. I wanted it to serve as a reminder to continue that path. Luckily, many times while registering for classes I saw framed prints of my college's motto that is engraved into the entrance above the main hall which is "Enter to grow in wisdom, go forth to apply wisdom in service". A little googling, and Walgreen's photo collage, a Dollar store frame... and about $1.50 later...viola! :) (PS: (sorry for the low snapshot quality- it's a camera phone. the framed photo is readable! ;)

Thrifty Craftiness!

I love freebies and deals. Better yet, I love finding ways to make 'em THRIFTY! This week, Walgreens Photo has 7 Days of Deals! I recommend you check them out! I was able to score a free 8x10 photo earlier this week! The best part, was it was ready in an hour and no tax, nada! The deals change each day. If you choose to ship to store, you won't have to pay shipping! Here's my creation:

I decided to update a photo frame with my dog! :) Take a peek. Since my living room is decorated in victorian/shabby chic, I found the cute frame and frame stand at DOLLAR TREE! :) Not top notch quality, but it adds a nice touch! I wish I could have made the photo a 5x7 with border, but, beggars can't be choosers! ;) And always, sorry about the snapshot of my project! I need a new camera! ;)

CHEAP Art Canvases at Michael's!

I have been telling *everyone* I know about this deal! I love all things crafts, and being "Martha!" You can score super cheap stretched canvases at Michael's this week until 4/17! Canvas two-packs are on sale for basically half off or so (I'm not a math person), and you can combine with the 40% off your total art canvas purchase coupon (includes regular and sale priced items) for CHEAP CHEAP! 

2-pack 18x24 Canvas $8.99 (Reg. $15.99) only $5.34 w/coupon!

2-pack 16x20 Canvas $5.79 (Reg. $9.99) only $3.47 w/coupon
2-pack 11x14 Canvas $4.79 (Reg. $8.49) only $2.84 w/coupon
2-pack 8x10 Canvas $3.59 (Reg. $6.49) only $2.15 w/coupon

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These are so cheap you could really have some thrifty crafty fun! Paint some cute gifts for Christmas, or something for your shabby chic apartment, or heck, even host your own corks and canvas party! ;) I've already got some ideas! 

Thanks to Deal Finding Chik for this fabulous deal alert! Check out her blog for all things thrifty-- free samples, coupon match ups, and super deals!