Refilling Empty Glue SticksGlue sticks are really easy to use and very handy. When the sticks go empty, never throw them away. Instead buy a tub of paste and refill your empty glue stick canisters. That way you can save by refilling than buying wherein every container/canister is part of what you are paying.
DIY Cleaning WipesUse j-cloths cut into strips or use full size. Saturate with 1/4 cup bleach, 1 tsp dish soap, and 1/4 cup water. Stir well. Place them in a plastic container with a hole in the top so that you can easily pull one out as needed. They are great for cleaning counter tops and the bathroom.
DIY Dryer SheetsIn a bowl combine 1/2 cup vinegar and 8 -12 drops of essential oil. Cut j-cloths (cleaning cloths) into 3 strips and add them to the mix to saturate them.
Laundry Detergent Drawer SachetsI did a post some time back showing how I soaked the cotton tips of Q-tips in my favorite cologne, put them in a small plastic bag and put the bag in my drawers. Well, this does work, but to a limited degree and only for a short time.
PVC Tunnel Building Project for ToddlersThis is a fun and inexpensive outdoor activity for toddlers who enjoy building/assembling. You can purchase PVC pipes, cut them at your local hardware store for free in assorted sizes and purchase some fittings (like elbows, tees, socket caps, and crosses).
Homemade Small Toiletry ContainersI often house sit. When it's at certain homes, I don't get to share their "girly" hair care items. Often too, I find myself without medicine bottles to take small amounts with me. Today was one of those days so I cut down a zipper bag and made two spice containers safe to travel with the liquid inside.
Cell Phone HolderHere is an idea for a simple do it yourself phone holder. Decorate the toilet paper roll as you would like, cut a hole in the top for your phone, and then use 4 tacks to make the roll stand. Also this doubles as a speaker.
Reusing an Air MattressMy husband and I purchased a Weber grill for 50% off. We didn't want to purchase the cover for $60 so I was thinking of making one. Then I remembered all five of those air mattresses with holes. I cut the bottom off on the side where the full hole is and cut baffles.
Homemade Static GuardAt our local store, a can of Static Guard costs $4. I make my own for pennies. It is so simple to make. All you need is a clean empty spray bottle, warm water, and 2 to 3 unused dryer sheets.
Fastening a BraceletHow much time do you waste trying to fasten a bracelet. Everytime you pull the fastener around to meet the jump ring, as soon as you get it near, the jump ring falls away.
Homemade Bracelet BuddyIf you open a paper clip, it will act as a third hand to help you put on your bracelet easily.
Shredded Paper for Filling Gift Bags or...You can make your own free gift bag/basket filling by simply recycling your junk mail store ads, newspaper ads, or old wrapping paper. Run it through a shredder and there you go.
Use Flip Flops as Shoe InsolesI just got out of a boot for a broken heel bone. My heel was still sore. The doctor said, to buy really thick insoles for my shoes. Nothing worked.
Recycled BackscratcherThese plastic pieces come with lampshades and are used to support the shade in it's box. The round plastic top is what "scratches" your back. It's simpler and safer than some of the tools with "fingers and finger nails" made on them.
Homemade "Croakies" Eyeglass HoldersI'm experimenting with making my own rubber sleeves for the metal earpieces by repurposing rubber or vinyl adhesive weather stripping.
Free Recycled FirestartersI stuff return envelopes from junk mail with dryer lint and seal it. When we use the fireplace, we put the wood on top of the envelope and light it. The paper catches right away and the dryer lint burns long enough to catch the wood.
Easy Liquid Laundry DetergentMy sister recently gave me a recipe for a no grate, no clump, really easy and quickly made and unbelievably cheap laundry detergent that I really love! It only requires only 2 Tbsp. Dawn, 1/3 cup washing soda, 1/4 cup borax and hot water for a gallon of laundry soap.
Homemade Liquid Soap from BarsWhen you do this for the first time, you will be amazed at how much of your money is being taken for giving you much less of a product! Make your own liquid soap.
Quick Knee Protection for Working OutsideWhile running around doing some last-minute outdoor work because the weather jumped above 40 I needed to kneel on something and remembered all my conventional gardening stuff was in the shed.
Homemade Hand SoapIn the days of counting pennies, this will help if you buy the hand soap pumps like I do. Once that pump is empty, I make my own for pennies using 1 Tbsp. dish soap and 1 tsp. of bleach.
Making a Laundry Machine FilterWe have a septic tank as well as a laundry tub pump tank and I want to keep as much lint as possible from going into the system.
Making a Scoop from a Quart Milk JugSimple stuff, but really helpful! I just cut out a portion of a plastic quart sized milk carton and leave a longer 'tongue' at the end. That way I can pinch it into a point to direct my cat food that I pour.
Homemade Windshield and Window CleanersThe kind of commercial windshield washer fluid that is so convenient to buy at the store contains methanol. Methanol is extremely poisonous and is dangerous to breathe or touch.
Makeshift Meal Tray on WalkerMy wife is going through rehab for a brain tumor and has to use a walker around the house. To feed her, I found a shelving board out in our garage and I put this board through her walker on the braces for a makeshift table.
Use Staple Remover to Add Keys to RingSave your fingernails when adding keys to a key ring. Use the staple remover to separate the two parts of the keyring so you can easily slip the key on.
DIY Sani WipesThese are great when traveling with kids or at the grocery stores to wipe off the handle of your cart. Fold paper towels or napkins and put them into a wipe container. Use 1 1/2 cup of warm water, add 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil, and 1 tsp. of alcohol.
Erasers for Lost Earring BacksI am always losing the backs to my earrings so when I found this tip, I tried it. It's a great idea. Cut a little piece of an eraser and use as an earring back. It works great in a pinch.
Wine Cork As Cheap Fire StarterUse your wine corks for cheap fire starters. Just add a little alcohol on the cork. It works well.
Use Manila File Folders For Business CardsMany offices throw away old manila folders that are still in good shape. I take them home and create my own business cards using templates from Microsoft.
Homemade Antiseptic SprayI just had surgery, and needed to clean my wound the nurse told me to use this. It works good.
Homemade Curtains From PillowcasesWe use my old homestead (the house in which I was born - it is well over 100 years old), as our summer home. I found it very easy and inexpensive to make curtains for my old home by using pillow cases.
Make Your Own Cleaning WipesI save the large can that cleaning wipes come in and then make my own. Buy a roll of good quality paper towels. Cut them in the middle with a knife and remove the cardboard tube.
Homemade Adult WipesI am a caregiver and I have found the price of adult wipes (like baby wipes) are expensive, so I make my own. I have saved so much money making these. All you need to have is patience and time.
Homemade Hair GelTo make a homemade hair gel, dissolve 1 tsp. plain gelatin in warm water. Mix it very well, then keep it in the refrigerator in a small closed container. To use, smear it in your hair. It is pure protein and washes out easily.
Making Lye SoapsThis first recipe is the old fashioned lye soap. It is very caustic at the beginning, so pets and children should be kept away. I don't know where you live, but it's better to do the whole operation outside because it is pretty vile smelling.
Homemade Laundry DetergentI only now finally went to the website of the Duggar Family, the family from the "20 Kids and Counting" TV show, and found a treasure trove indeed! Below are 2 laundry tips that really impressed me and gave me a wake-up call with the "recipe cost."
Using Leftover Soap PiecesWhen bars of hand soap are almost finished, getting the small remnants to stick together properly can be a pain, and they certainly do not look quite right for use in the guest bathroom.
Cornmeal Skin CleanserThis tip will give you soft, beautiful skin; it's a little messy, but it's well worth it. Place one cup of coarse cornmeal into a plastic cup. Pour a little water on the cornmeal so that the cornmeal will absorb the water.
Making Your Own Hanging Tomato BasketsTake your terracotta pot and make the bottom hole larger by nipping it very very carefully with wire cutters. Drill three holes around the top rim of the pot. Thread three equal pieces of wire through the holes and pull them together, forming a loop.
Old Fashioned Granulated SoapThis is how my grandma used to make soap. A just for fun recipe!
Soap MakingI've found that all soap products have continued to rise in price for many years, so I started making my own. I was so afraid of using Red Devil Lye that it took me a long time to get enough courage to do my first batch of bath and beauty bars.
Making a Padded HeadboardMy daughter and her husband have a huge bed and when the moved they needed a headboard. They decided to make it themselves.
Homemade ScoopNeed a large scoop say for bird feed or or something else? Save those laundry detergent jugs. Just wash out the empty container and be sure to keep the lid.
Make Your Own FunnelNeed a funnel in a pinch? Cut off the bottom of a 2 liter or 1/2 liter bottle. You can make it as tall or short as you want.
Recycled Laundry Detergent Boxes for...Sturdy laundry detergent boxes are easy to 'rehab' and use for your organizational needs. I keep all of my scrapbook magazines in the one I made.
Uses for an Empty Plastic Wrap RollDon't throw out your plastic wrap cylinder just yet. I've discovered that if it has a small amount of plastic wrap left on its roll, it makes for an excellent rolling pin.
Hair Bows for Little PrincessesMy granddaughter, now three years old, is getting hair long enough to wear up and, I must admit, I dearly love to fix it when I babysit while Mommy works.
Sugar Scrub For Mother's DayFor Mother's Day, I am making my mom and mother-in-law a homemade sugar scrub as part of their gifts. They are easy to make, economical, and much healthier than store bought scrubs. Here is the recipe:
Making Concrete Patio BlocksHow do you make concrete blocks? We just poured leftover concrete in buckets, had everyone sign and hand print one. When the concrete is dry, they come right out.
Make Your Own Exhaust Fan FiltersBeing MORE than a conscientious recycler, I am always compulsively thinking about how to use every single item that crosses my path, if at all possible, because I HATE AMERICA'S WASTE.
Treasure Box for ChildrenOnce, I had to think of a quick birthday present for a young girl I had never met and didn't know what she wished for. Also time was short. Cash was the obvious solution, but a paper money bill in a birthday card is somewhat boring for young kids.
Make a Stress RelieverI have a simple stress reliever tip (and picture) to share. I was in a class once and learned this from the teacher. Take a good-sized tupperware storage box (Just big enough, yet small enough to store somewhere, you'll know what I mean in a sec.).
Blank Note Cards for Your Own GreetingsYou can make your own personalized greeting cards by using blank note cards and writing in your own greeting. I use color-coordinated calligraphy pens to make the writing special.
Neck Support Pillow in the BathRather than buying a neck support pillow for when you take a bath, just roll up a towel. It works great and assuming you don't get it wet, you have the towel handy to dry yourself off.
Make Your Own Relief PillowAfter being approached numerous times at mall kiosks to try one of those small, filled "tension relief" pads (pillows) I decided to make my own.
Sun Burn FacialAdd honey or egg yolk to crushed green grapes and leave on damp skin for 15 minutes. Also, try applying a chamomile extract, crushed strawberries or liquid from a split fresh Aloe Vera leaf.
Herbal AftershaveCombine ingredients into bowl. Pour into glass jar, cover and refrigerate for 3-4 days, shaking occasionally. Strain ingredients after 3-4 days and store refrigerated for up to 2 months.
Tomato Juice and Milk CleanserCombine the juice from one very ripe tomato (processed in blender and strained) with 5 oz. of fresh whole milk. Apply to the face and neck and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Do this once or twice daily for a week for a deep cleansing of skin. Caution: Not for sensitive skin.
Radish DeodorantExtract juice from radishes and combine with glycerin. Pour into a squirt bottle and refrigerate. After bathing, pour mixture into palm of hands and apply under arms.
Marigold Hair ColorSimmer flowers in water in a nonmetal pot for 20 minutes. Remove from heat; strain when cool; saving the liquid. After washing hair; apply the marigold decoction as a final rinse; pouring it over the hair and catching it in a basin to reapply several times.
Science Experiment for Kids to WatchPlace a lump of coal in bowl and sprinkle 1 Tbsp. salt over the coal. Carefully pour 2 Tbsp. water over salt. In the same manner, pour 2 Tbsp. of laundry bluing.
Fire Pit Starters With Alcohol And CorksGet a jar that closes with a rubber seal. Put in corks from wine bottles, etc, then fill the rest of the way with denatured alcohol.
Make Your Own Massage OilRecently a well known company released a new massage oil product. I priced this item at the local discount retail chain store, they wanted $9.99 for a bottle! Make your own massage oil in the fragrance that you desire.
Cheap Bathtub ToysI have found that bathtub toys for my young children are expensive and don't last very long. So, what I've been doing is saving the plastic coffee containers (new ones from Folgers) in the small and large sizes. My girls love to pour with them, add a little soap to 'make an experiment', put the lid on and shake!
Put Toilet Paper in a Tissue BoxTo save money on Kleenex, I refilled an empty square Kleenex box with a roll of toilet tissue.
Extra Large Rubber Band From PantyhoseNeed an extra large rubber band? Cut around the elastic top of an old pair of panty hose. Two of these crisscrossed, work fine when bundling newspapers. Use one to hold a bag in place in a garbage can.
Jar Lids as ToysA great "toy" for a toddler: Save all your plastic jar lids (from mayonnaise, peanut butter, etc.) Save different colors and sizes, the more the better. I did this for my kids and grandkids.
Alternative to Water GunsBeing adamantly opposed to using any kind of "weapons" as toys, and this includes water guns, I give my kids plastic squirt bottles, either clean spray bottles of water or even cleaned out plastic ketchup or syrup bottles to squirt each other with.
Disposable Pie Plate As Make-Do ColanderIf you're in a bind, you can make a quick, disposable colander by punching holes in an aluminum pie plate and bending it a bit to the shape you need. This is especially useful for picnics and camping.
Cheap and Effective Homemade Bug CatchersThey are free if you make them yourself. Here's how: Cut the top of a plastic soda bottle off, right where the bottle starts to curve and get smaller. Take the top and stick it into the remaining bottle, so it is facing down. It should fit great if you cut it at the right spot.
Make Your Own ChalkboardYou can make a chalkboard to fit any size of frame. Just take a thin, smooth board (smooth plywood works well for this), cut to the desired size and paint it with dark primer. Let that dry and spray paint it with chalkboard paint, which you can buy at your local hardware store.
Homemade Hot Water BottleAn old Listerine bottle that has been emptied and washed can be filled with warm water and used as a hot water bottle in a pinch.
Make You Own Body PowderWe use cornstarch for body powder especially in the summer months. It helps with chafing.
Homemade Diaper Disposal SystemsInstead of paying top dollar for the diaper disposal systems, I created my own by lining a trash can with layers of grocery bags. Each time I change a diaper, I tie the grocery sack.
Make Your Own Seed TapesThis is great for small seeds. Dissolve cornstarch and water in saucepan Put pan over heat and stir so mixture wont get lumpy. When the mixture begins to boil and thicken remove from heat and let cool.
Fancy Gift Wrap IdeasMy girls love fancy dress-up skirts and dresses made from tulle but by the time they outgrow them the tulle is usually too "raggy" to hand down. I glean the good pieces of the tulle as well as any sparkly accents to use on gifts.
Holiday AromaMix together, bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat.
Sand Toys For Kids From Recycled ItemsGood examples for great sand toys are applesauce cups, laundry detergent scoops, powdered formula scoops, empty play dough containers and more.
Dollar General Homemade Hand LotionI have very dry skin and have bought so many different brands of lotion (some pretty pricey.) This seems to work better than any of them. Enjoy!
Indoor "Sandbox" With RiceA great "sandbox" for kids to use indoors is to fill a large plastic container with a bag of plain rice. Give them some measuring cups and funnels and they will play for hours!
Cheap Candle SnufferIt is better to snuff out a candle then to blow it out (the embers can flare out) but I did not want to buy a candle snuffer. I took an empty Progresso soup can and it works great, even over bigger candles.
Tear-free Homemade Bubble SolutionDissolve 2 tablespoons sugar into 2 cups warm water. Slowly add 1 cup tear-free baby shampoo. Stir well but gently. This is GREAT for kids birthday parties and for the younger kids that can't play with the big brother's and sister's bubble solution!
Cheap Bubbles for the KidsWant a cheap way to make bubbles for the kids? Just add a little shampoo to some water and let them go.
By imaqt1962
Earth Friendly Play DoughMix in saucepan over low heat (it does not have to heat long). Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep fresh in an airtight container or baggie.
Aspirin Face MaskGreat for exfoliating away all the icky dry skin!
Home Remedy To Treat Burns, Scalds, Snake Bites And SpotsMacerate 1 oz. fresh lavender flowers in 2 1/2 cups olive oil in the sunlight for 3 days, strain through a fine sieve or muslin, and repeat for three more days. Store in a dark glass bottle in a cool place and use in small quantities as needed.
By Suzanne S.
Improve the Texture of Your Skin and Soothe RashesPlace the leaves and flowers of a handful of St. John Wort in a glass jar, just cover with olive or almond oil. Let stand for 1 month, strain and use as a compress to treat rashes and inflammations.
By Suzanne S.
Homemade Facial Sage AstringentPut half the sage in a jar and pour the vodka over it. Cap the jar tightly and let it stand for a week. Strain, reserving the liquid and discarding the sage.
Home Remedy To Improve The Appearance Of Dull SkinFinely grind the flowering tops of evening primrose flowers, add to paste made of almond oil and ground almonds. Then apply as a face mask for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Home Remedy Rose-Water Glycerin Lotion (Moisturizer)Add 1 teaspoon soluble rose oil to 1/2 cup distilled water. Blend the rose water with the glycerin until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Pour it into a clean bottle and cap it.
Homemade Toothpaste RecipeLeaves a fresh taste in your mouth.
Bath Salts For Tired MusclesUse this to revitalize your tired muscles:
Make Your Own Cold CreamThis is a good inexpensive moisturizer:
Inexpensive Facial Oil BlottersIf you have extremely oily skin as I do, it can become expensive to purchase oil blotting papers. My hairdresser gave me a great tip: The tissue paper rings used to cover public toilet seats work just as well, at a fraction of the cost!
Copper Pipe Curtain RodsWe could not afford a curtain rod or curtains, so I chose a copper pipe cut to length with gold brackets, two nicely finished table cloths as curtains hung by metal circles with clips and small floral arrangements taped into the pipe's ends as the finials.
Balloon Baseball GameHere's an easy game for even small kids: You'll need 2 balloons, one round(ish) one and one long one. Use the long one for the bat and the round one for the ball. My 2-year-old loves it, and I can get a bag of balloons for less than $1!
By Camilla
Chamomile Lavender Calendula SaltsMix dry ingredients together first. Sift. Add scent. Mix well then sift together to incorporate the scent.
Sweet Floral Breeze Salts - White Lilac Gardenia Almond Bath SaltsMix dry ingredients together first. Sift. Add scent. Mix well then sift together to incorporate the scent...
Citrus Jubilee Salts - Orange Lemongrass Bath SaltMix dry ingredients together first. Sift. Add scent. Mix well then sift together to incorporate the scent...
Victorian Rose Oat Milk Bath SaltsMix dry ingredients together first. Sift. Add scent. Mix well then sift together to incorporate the scent.
Homemade Bubble SolutionServings: 1 Combine ingredients and pour into an unbreakable bottle.
To blow bubbles, experiment using plastic straws, pipe cleaners formed into loops, strawberry baskets from grocery store, spoons with holes in them and other items you think of.
Homemade Shopping BagsThe dollar stores carry oversized large "rip proof woven polypropylene" bags with handles. I just saw in a novelty magazine where they had one with a zipper that they were selling for $12.99 plus shipping, and called it a wreath storage bag.
