Well folks, there are some hard times ahead. The economy is in the toilet and we’re all going to be eating ramen and selling our plasma for gas money. Perhaps I am exaggerating a little bit, but everyone is looking for ways to save money and live frugally to weather this storm. In order to continue my love of crafting without making regular stops to the fabric and craft store, I’ve found a few projects that are great ways to use an existing stash and only a few other materials.

From the great craft blog, The Long Thread, is a wreath project using ribbon. I have a ton of ribbon in various shades of blue (I really like blue), so I think I’ll do a wreath with that. The varying colors and textures of the ribbon could add a lot of texture and interest. Or, it could look junky. Only one way to find out!

A great way to use small pieces of fabric and keep your tissues in check is this pocket tissue holder from Skip to My Lou.  As I have transformed from a large child to an adult, I have realized that it’s important to keep certain items with you at all times. Tissues. Gum and/or mints. Eye drops. A mirror. My phone (I have the hardest time remembering that last one).

From Make Something, a wonderful tutorial on making your own ironing board cover.  This is a neat idea and a great way to add a bit of color and pattern into your everyday chores.

Another day, another wreath – this one from JC Handmade. A GREAT way to use up the small scraps of fabric you can’t bring yourself to toss. If you have scraps of fabric in seasonal or holiday colors, this is also a great idea for making a holiday wreath that stands out.

From CraftyPod, a very cute homemade card using woven yarn as the decoration. I don’t know if I have the time or patience to make holiday cards for everyone on our list this year, but perhaps a few special ones can be made for special people.

From The Kitchn, a shortcut way to make Dulce de Leche. I got a can of condensed milk, and a big appetite. It’s all you need.

A fun gift that is easy and uses up fabric scraps? Count me in. These are hot pads from My Byrd House. A great gift for a cook or as a housewarming gift.

Other items I have on my “cheap project to-do” list:

  • Painting for the family room. I’ve got a large triptych planned that will go over our sectional. I have the paint for it, but need the “canvas” (3 2′x4′ quarter-inch thick wood panels) and the resistance medium (more expensive, so I am going to try to find it online for cheap).
  • Finish house painting. This one is cheaper because we already bought the paint and have most of the materials. Now we just need to use it. We have paint for the laundry room, guest bathroom, and upstairs hallway, as well as the remaining downstairs trim.
  • Recover the kitchen chairs. Still have not done this. Had a crisis where I wanted to paint an accent wall in the kitchen, which would not match the fabric I had purchased for the chair. But I feel the best color for an accent wall would be a soft warm pink, and my husband set his masculine foot down and vetoed that color.
  • Last week, I purchased two Amy Butler bag patterns. Now I just need to figure out the right fabric for them.
  • I also need to make a sewing machine cozy for Heidi!
  • And of course, finish the quilt. I have made progress on it but have not posted pictures. Last weekend, I started to sew the strips together. Do the seams line up? Not even close. But I still love the way it looks. The seam issue has changed my plan on how I will quilt the top and bottom together, but I am still leaning towards it being a blanket for the living room (a success) instead of a blanket for the dog (a failure).

What items do you plan to craft? What are your projects for busting your craft/fabric stash?