It’s that time of year when I am looking for Homemade Christmas gifts for friends and family! While the traditional fruit cake isn’t horrible, I like to give something a little….nicer!

I was able to find these wine glasses in a 4 pack at walmart for $5, the Dollar Tree also sells them.  I got this jar also at walmart for about $3.  The chalkboard paint was a little pricey at $8 but I barely put a dent in the can and I painted 4 glasses and 2 jars.  I now have it for future projects.  This is very affordable and makes incredibly cute, personalizable gifts!

You could fill the jar with your favorite cookies, cookie mix, homemade cocoa mix and more! Watch this video about how it was done!

I got creative the other weekend with the burlap.  My daughter and I were busy making Fall Decorations for the house.  I decided to dress up our Hurricane Glasses for the season.

We just cut 1 –2 inch wide strips of burlap.  There was some paint on ours because of a previous project, but it added to the character of the burlap.

I just grabbed a string from the center of the burlap and gave a gentle tug.  This causes the burlap to ruffle.

I continued to pull and let the burlap ruffle.  I just curled the ruffle around and hot glued it. into the rosette.  I hot glued a button to the center to add character.

I took a strip of burlap and wrapped it around the hurricane glass.  I glued it in place, then I hot glued the rosette to the center.

Quick, easy and inexpensive.  My mantle now looks complete for the fall!

These days every specialty store and daily deal site is selling eco friendly lunch products.  From reusable snack bags to reusable sandwich wraps.  These are great but the colors are usually limited and they are EXPENSIVE.   I got a small set for my kids from a daily deal site a few weeks ago, and was shocked at how simple the design was.

Knowing me, I hit the fabric store.  I saw that there was only straight line sewing involved and that this was a project I could tackle.  Here is what you will need.

• 1 Yard of Outdoor or Heavy Fabric of your choice
• 1 1/2 inch Velcro
• Iron & ironing board
• Thread & Sewing Machine

Start out by cutting an 18 inch square piece of your fabric.

Fold the fabric in even thirds and press with a hot iron so that the fabric is creased.

Unfold and fold in thirds the other way and press again.

Now that your fabric is creased you should see squares.  We want the finish product to be octagon shaped. You need to fold up the corner to make a triangle like this.  Press with the iron. Repeat this on all four corners.  Cut the fabric right on the fold leaving an octagon shape.

Now, here comes the part that I hate, but is necessary for a nice finished product.   Take each edge and iron a hem into it.  Fold it 1/4 inch and iron.  Then Fold it another 1/4 inch and press.  This is so when you sew it you have a nice finished edge.

Now sew all 8 sides of the octagon. This is just straight line sewing (My favorite). It only takes a minute.

This is what it should look like when you have finished. Now we are going to attach the velcro.

Cut a 3 inch strip of the loop side of the velcro.  We are going to sew it in the center of the patterned side, like this.

Now cut a 1 1/2 inch piece of the hook side of the velcro.  We are going to sew it to the center of the back side.  This picture gives you the best idea of the placement of both.

Once both pieces of velcro is attached you are done.

Here is how this sandwich bag works.

Place your childs sandwich in the center of the fabric.  This is also How it looks as a placemat.  When they open it they can just eat right off of it so their food does not touch the table.

Now Just fold both sides over like this.

Fold the Bottom up..like so.

And fold the top down to secure the velcro.

There you have a handy dandy sandwich bag/placemat that your kids will love!

These are machine washable however since it is coming in contact with your food you will want to avoid fabric softeners and fragrances.  You wouldn’t want to have those chemicals rub off.

Find more great craft projects on the craft page!

I was so excited to find this idea, and I took it and ran with it!  These are great for so many things.

• Chore Charts
• Menus
• Grocery Lists
• Calendars
• To Do Lists
• and More

All you need is scrapbook paper and a picture frame…that is it!  Well, and a dry erase marker.

Just frame the paper of your choice.  You could even frame a calendar and wipe it clean every month. The glass acts as the dry erase surface.  It works fantastically.  So far we have made the chore charts for each of the kids, and the menu and grocery list for the kitchen.

The best part is, it is so easy to change when their interests change…favorite color is purple instead of pink this week..no problem.

You can snag some really inexpensive frames from a thrift store or a yard sale, and paint the frame to match very easily.

This would even be a fun project for a girls birthday party.  Get smaller frames and let them decorate them before they pic out their paper background.  The possibilities are endless!

Hope you enjoy this great idea as much as we have!

You can find more easy craft projects here!

Did you print this weeks Hobby Lobby printable coupon for 40% off any One Regular Priced Item. Coupon expires 8/20/11. If you are heading out for craft supplies today or tomorrow take it with you!

Hurry on over here and print this Michaels 25% off coupon. Coupon is valid on Sunday (8/14) from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. ONLY! Please read coupon for any restrictions.

Thanks, Moms by Heart!

Get a printable Michaels Coupon for 40% a regularly priced item.  This coupon is valid August 7th  -August 15th, 2011.

There are a total of four coupons available to print.

I love these because they make projects so affordable!

Hobby Lobby has Youth & Adult Short Sleeved T-Shirts on sale for 50% off!

• Youth T-Shirts are priced at just $3.49! Just $1.75 with the sale!
• Adult shirts start at just $3.99 – or $1.99 with the sale!!

These are great for back to school time, summer crafts, or just play clothes for around the house!  You can’t beat these prices!  Keep in mind that these do run a bit small.

Thanks Spectacular Savings

Here is this weeks 40% off Hobby Lobby regular priced item coupon.  It is valid through 7/9/11.

I love these coupons to stock up on craft supplies for the kids!

Here is a great printable coupon for 40% Off one (1) Regular Price Item at Michaels! Coupons expire 7/2/11

This is super for Summer Craft projects!

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm, you can stop by your local Michael’s store for a Passport to Fun event. Each session will feature a different country and crafts for the kids to make that represent that country. It is a FREE event!

• June 21:  Sweden – Swedish Paper dolls & flag
• June 23:  Germany – Loden Hat & Cowbell
• June 25:  Egypt – Mummy & Hieroglyphics
• June 28:  Bahamas – Flower lei & festive tropical can hug.  Make-It Take-It with purchase of can hug.
• June 30:  Canada – Maple leaf & Moose
• July 2:  USA – Bead Flag & Log Cabin Caddy
• July 5:  Italy - Foam Pizza & Suncatchers
• July 7:  Australia – Koala Bear & Boomerang
• July 9:  India – Elephant & Henna Hand
• July 12:  Russia – Bear & Nesting Doll puppets
• July 14:  France - Frenchman & Wood Eiffel Tower
• July 16:  United Kingdom – Shamrock & Foam Crowns
• July 19:  Japan – Origami Dog & Foam Printing Block
• July 21:  Greece – Olympic torch & Greek pot
• July 23:  Mexico – Flower & Sun
• July 26:  China - Tangram & Chinese Lantern
• July 28:  South Africa – Lion & Friendship Bracelet
• July 30:  Brazil - Snake & Mask

*Some crafts require a purchase.  All crafts are while supplies last and are for ages 3 and up.

Looking for more Frugal Fun? Check out these Summer Savings Shortcuts!

Sure as anything, as soon as the kids are out of school for Summer they get brave.  They are outside on the playground, bicycle, hiking, whatever the case may be.  They will come running to Mommy with bumps, bruises and scrapes.  Why not make your own Boo Boo Packs so you are prepared.  I make a ton of these and keep them in the freezer!

They are a life saver (not literally) for my accident prone kids. They are super easy to make too!  Head over and check out how easy they are!

Father’s Day is Sunday and if you are scrambling for a cute craft for the kids to make Dad, check this out!

Who would have thought that photo paper works with dry erase markers?  Seriously, it is so cool.  I supplied the kids with some craft foam pieces and we glued photo paper in the middle.  You can even put magnets on the back to hang it on the fridge.

Snag some Dry erase markers, and dad has a cool …Hand Made…Memo Board for his notes! The kids are so proud of them, I may end up with memo boards all over the house.

We love the Lowes Build & Grow Free Clinics! I always post each one once the project is announced however I wanted to share the schedule for 2011 Lowe’s Build and Grow Free Kids’ Clinics are:

• May 7th
• May 28th
• June 11th
• June 25th
• July 9th
• July 23rd
• August 13th
• August 27th
• September 10th

All classes are on Saturday and start at 10:00 AM

Visit Lowes.com/BuildAndGrow to register.  The classes are available to register monthly. These are great to keep the kids busy this summer!

Looking for some Frugal Summer fun!? Check out these Summer Savings Shortcuts!

Hobby Lobby has released a 40% off any one item of regular price coupon once again this week!  You may even find some killer sales as they make room for Holiday items!

Great way to stock up on craft supplies for the summer!

Thanks Spectacular Savings

Easter is Sunday and my kids are ready to color eggs.  While I get excited to spend these precious times with my children, the realist in me doesn’t want to have to clean up a huge mess.

Here are some tips to help you survive Easter Egg Coloring.

• Have the eggs boiled and ready to go before you tell them. (You will be glad you did)
• Prepare food coloring, vinegar, and cups and have the table set up. You will need …
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of food coloring
  • 3/4 Cup of hot water
  • 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar
• Go to the dollar store and invest in 1 wire whisk per child. (Trust me!)

Why the whisk? Did you know that the egg can fit into the whisk for dipping into the coloring.  That way little ones have more control without dropping and cracking the eggs.  Smart, huh?!

• Grab those unused white crayons and let the kids draw shapes on the eggs before coloring.  The food coloring will not stick to the wax and the shape will remain after it is colored.
• Use this opportunity to teach your littlest about colors; Yellow + Blue = Green …etc.

I was looking at all the Earth Day posts for this week, and I thought I would re-share this great idea! The kids and I saved our Capri Sun Pouches last year and made this great shopping bag.  It is still going strong!  We love it.

Find the directions to make one here!

Looking for something fun to do with the kiddos during spring break?!

Try this Peanut Butter Playdough…not only is it fun, but it is edible too!

My kids love making this and eating it for snack! 

Michaels has released a new printable coupon that increases in value based on how much you spend.  Below is the break down of the coupon:

• Spend $24.99 – $49.99, save $5
• Spend $50 – $74.99, save $10
• Spend $75 – $99.99, save $15
• Spend $100 – $124.99, save $20
• Spend $125+, save $25

This coupon is valid from 3/18 – 3/21.  Be sure to read the coupon for the items that are excluded.

This is a great weekend for some Easter Craft Projects!

Simply Organized day 3 brings us to the office, or the dumping ground as it is affectionately known at my house.   Why is it that any clean surface automatically attracts stacks of papers and mail?

Karen over at Saving the Family Money has a great project for you that will help you organize those stacks!  She shows you how to make these great Bulletin Boards! Plus, she also shares her savings worksheet.  It is a great way to keep track of your weekly shopping lists!

Head over now to Saving the Family Money for Office Organization Part 1

Don’t forget to like Simply Saving on Facebook so you do not miss any of the Simply Organized Series!