This is catch-all section for living on the cheap. From general deals, and money saving tips, to living of the land….cutting costs, downsizing, going without. The ins and the outs of moving away from the material world, and focusing more on the substance of life.
This is the best project, bcuz the pallet is simply leaning up against a wall, obviously on someones apartment balcony. No project plan here....I'd say a few options, either get previously potted plants and tuck them TIGHTLY into each void, or better....use an old sheet torn in half...tuck inside pallet, pack with dirt from the top. or...secure a piece of plywood/scrap wood to the back. Plants do best in packed soil, with no air pockets to dry out roots, and hold moisture longer.
Flowers are pretty but I'd definitely stuff it full of herbs. Maybe a couple tomato plants at the top. As long as they're not blocking sun for the rest. Great makeshift garden for apartment dwellers! 1 day project, easy to maintain!
Our washing machine broke a couple months back. Started making this terrible grinding noise. After some searching online, figured out this is a common breakdown, and a fairly easy fix. Unless you have a fancy front-loader....I don't know about those.
TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE IS MOST LIKELY A "COUPLER". HERE'S A GOOD VIDEO TO WALK YOU THROUGH IT.
We've got a Kenmore washer, so was easy to go pick up the part (same day) from a Sears Parts store nearby. Lots of options for ordering online though, if you can live without a washer for a week. This was a super easy fix. Only had to pull the washer out from the wall. Remove the exterior housing, and get down on the floor to do the main repair. All straightforward. Needed a second person to help get the motor back in place....replacing the motor clips. Needed some extra strength/force. Otherwise, did the whole repair myself and only took about 15 minutes. Half of those spent looking for the right size ratchet! PART COST $25. Compared to service call, or buying a new washer.......................Definitely worth it!!!!!!!!! Worked as good as new!
Yesterday....noticed that the agitator wasn't working right. If I put pressure on the top of the agitator it works fine. Searched online, and found out that the "Agitator Dogs" are worn out. 4 small plastic pieces that sit inside the agitator to make it move. Parts are super easy to come by (most are universal fit), so can either order online (and wait), or try any replacement parts center. Dogs cost about $10. So again, worth the fix to do it yourself!
Here's another good video to walk you through this QUICK FIX!
One of the first Christmas crafts we get to experience in life is the simple yet fascinating....paper snowflake! Okay....maybe the awe has worn off (just a little) but.................it's time to get out the printer paper, the (good) scissors.....kick back with a hot mug of cocoa, and brush off that inner-child!
No tutorial here....just light-hearted trial & error. Go ahead...have fun! Here's some inspiration!
This is a super-easy project...very last minute. Looks great, says...."Yes, I'm Crafty"! And....you have everything you need on hand. If you don't have apples, use pears, or other suitable products. Potatoes?
Not much instruction here. Just using a paring knife to sculpt out holes, big enough for votive candles. That's it!
Duct tape is a World War Two-era invention that most often has utilitarian uses, but can sometimes be put to more whimsical ends. This project, which offers instructions on making a duct tape wallet, is a perfect example and just right for kids.
Tools and Materials
Duct tape (available in various colors)
Magnets
Duct Tape Wallet How-To
1. Begin by cutting various lengths of duct tape; lay a piece measuring about 10- to 12-inches down on your workspace, sticky side up. Lay a second piece, measuring about half the width of the first, on top, sticky side down. Fold the sticky side over the top.
2. Flip the two pieces over and begin layering strips of duct tape to create a sheet that measures about 3-3/4-inches by 8-1/2 inches. Repeat these steps to make two more sheets, one large and one small. The larger sheet will constitute the main wallet pocket, while the smaller will be the side pocket. Fold the smaller sheet in half so it measures approximately 3 inches.
3. To create trim detail on the small pocket, cut a piece of duct tape slightly longer than 4 inches and cut it in half. Place the piece, sticky side up, on one edge of the 4-by-5-1/2 inch small sheet; the tape should overhang by about 1/4-inch. Fold the other side over and repeat on the opposite edge.
4. Cut a piece of duct tape about 9-inches long. Lay the tape, sticky side up, on your workspace. Place the first sheet of tape you made on top of the tape on the table; keep about 1/2-inch showing at the bottom. Lay the main pocket piece on top of the base. Lay the folded, side pocket sheet to the right edge, making sure everything at the bottom is even. Fold the piece of tape on your table up and over the layers.
5. Cut a piece of tape measuring 4-1/2 inches long and cut it in half, lengthwise. Lay the tape sticky side up and lay the wallet on top. Place one magnet at the center edge of the wallet and fold the tape over the edge. Repeat on the opposite side, making sure the magnet is placed in the exact corresponding spot.
THIS TUTORIAL IS USURPED FROM MARTHA STEWART'S SITE. WOULD BE BETTER WITH STEP BY STEP PHOTOS, BUT THERE WASN'T ANY. I'M INCLUDING A VIDEO INSTEAD. SKY IS THE LIMIT WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT CAN BE MADE WITH DUCT TAPE. NOT A CRAFT FOR EVERYONE I'M SURE, BUT FOR A FEW FUNKY, OUTSIDE THE BOX TYPES.....GOOD TO HAVE A SPARE ROLL OR TWO ON-HAND FOR LAST MINUTE (QUIRKY) GIFTS!
CraftyMom Note: If you don't have any coconut oil on hand, are looking to not spend a lot on this project....being creative, you can substitute another oil. Coconut oil is by far my favorite, but....olive oil, a light safflower, or sunflower oil, or bath oil will work fine!
In the spirit of Doing More With Less here's another easy project with awesome results. Rather then spending $30 on a luxurious body scrub for my flaky winter skin, I whipped one up with some ingredients from my kitchen. FOLLOW THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE....
CRAFTYMOM UPDATE: WAS KINDLY ASKED TO REMOVE THE FULL TUTORIAL, WITH JUST THE INTRO AND A LINK TO THE ORIGINAL @ PRUDENT BABY BLOG. ONLY BCUZ I WANT TO INCLUDE FULL CRAFTY PROJECTS IN THE CRAFTY CRUNCH...I'M GOING TO LEAVE THIS POST, BUT REMOVE IT FROM THE CRAFTY COUNTDOWN CRUNCH. STILL, MAKE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT...HERE. THERE'S LOTS OF GREAT TUTORIALS TO KEEP YOU BUSY!
Go ahead...have fun! Here's some inspiration!
