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This is busy time for all of us here on Instructables. We are making gifts for our family and friends as well as attending parties. More and more of us are conscious about saving money and making our bucks go further. This Instructable offers ideas on how we can stretch those bucks this season.
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For those who do not know about the Hobby Lobby or Michael's coupons: Hobby Lobby has offered (almost every other week ) a 40% off any regular priced item (coupon.) It is listed in the newspaper as well as online. Their add is not an enclosure. On the off weeks they usually offer a 20% off coupon. If you sign up for their weekly add, you will never miss the deals. You may have it sent to your cell phone so there is no need to print the coupon. I can't tell you how many times I did not remember to bring a coupon. I print extra coupons and give them to customers in the store while I am in the checkout lane. If you are giving a Hobby Lobby gift card to someone, remember to print out the 40% coupon and insert it into the gift envelope. I recommend giving the card early so they may use the coupon. The coupon expires on Saturday that week. I have noticed this 40% coupon in every add the past few weeks, so I am guessing they will have this until Christmas. In my area this coupon may be used for fabric even if it is on sale. Just mention at the cutting table you wish to use your 40% off coupon instead of the 30% off sale. Michael's offers a similar coupon.
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If you have a hobby, consider practicing/learning/reading until you are as good as you can get. I design jewelry. I started about ten years ago by simply stringing beads. I discovered that many people will jump through hoops for plain old strung jewelry. Everyone got strung jewelry that year for gifts, some people getting more pieces than others. The prevents the "you gave the mailman the same gift you gave your mother" complaint.
I got bored stringing beads. I went to the library and over a few months, borrowed every book they had (or could get) about making jewelry. I took copious notes and made lots of the projects in the books. That year everyone got a "library book project."
Each year since then, I've taken classes, read online and practiced like crazy to get better. A couple of years ago, a shop owner asked me if she could buy my work. (I didn't sell, but for reasons not necessary to go into here) Since then, many shop owners have asked to buy my jewelry, not to mention the hundreds of strangers. My friends and family are delighted to get jewelry that I make.
Even when you use expensive components, you save 90% or more over the price of gift shop jewelry. I am often stunned to see some piece similar to one I made selling for hundreds of dollars, when I spent less than $10 for the materials.
It's not just jewelry: My mom is an expert knitter, and people go crazy over the Aran knit sweaters she makes. A close friend makes prize winning quilts, and I treasure the lap quilt she gave me for my birthday. Another friend does a little crocheting, and made kitchen towels with a crocheted top for hanging the towel on the stove handle. She got kitchen towels that coordinated with the recipient's interests/kitchen color, and everyone was reportedly thrilled. Even though she is a beginner, her gifts were enthusiastically welcomed.
Thanks so much for the wonderful 'ible that you wrote. I'll use quite a bit of it when holiday time comes!
Sunshiine
Sunshiine
Sunshiine
sunshiine
For cans, try getting one of those safe, no-sharp-edges can openers. I bought one after my animals got into my recycling, and I didn't want them to cut themselves. They aren't expensive, but they are wonderful!
Sunshiine
Sunshiine
Sunshiine
Sunshiine