Monday, November 29, 2010

Personalized Christmas ornaments on a budget

Post one of several

My holiday ornaments are in terrible shape. I have been using the same ones my entire adult life. They are scuffed and sad looking thanks to curious toddler hands and climbing kittens and gigantic dog tails. New ornaments are not the cheapest things in the world. To get a deal you really have to buy the same old colored glass balls.

Instead of having a tree that looks just like everyone else's, I have decided to make all ornaments that go on my tree. I figured I would share the finished product here along with a cost breakdown. I didn't think about it today, or I would have done a step by step photo series, but I can do that with tomorrow's project.

Today's project is snowman ornaments.



Materials for one dozen:

One dozen plain white or silver ornaments. I bought the shatter proof type specifically meant for making ornaments at Hobby Lobby. They come one dozen to a package for $4.99, but I got them for 50% off so a dozen ornaments for $2.50
Black acrylic paint - $1.49 per bottle, a few drops used so maybe $.05 worth of paint
Orange acrylic - $1.49 per bottle and the same amount and breakdown as the black at $.05
Black felt - $.50 per sheet, 1/2 a sheet used so $.25
Pompoms - $2.99 per bag, half off, so $1.50 per bag. I used 1/4 of the bag so about $.37 total
Glue gun - I don't have one anymore so a new one ran $2.77 I am not going to count it toward the price though because I will use it for many things
Glue stick - $3.49 for 20. I used one for a total of about $.17

Total cost for 12 ornaments - $3.39 or $.28 per ornament.

Not only is the cost per ornament low, but it is easy enough for kids to help with making an ideal gift for family, friends and teachers.

Directions.

Using black paint, paint 2 black eyes and a dotted (coal) mouth on each ornament. Follow with the orange paint to make a carrot shaped nose.

Cut the black felt into thin strips, and hot glue on top to make the band for the earmuffs

Cut a tiny patch off each pompom to flatten it out, then use hot glue to secure to each side to make the muffs.

The results are fast, easy and super cute :)

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Ah ha!!

I couldn't remember how I took this blog offline, but I finally figured it out. Guess who's back!! Since I have started 3 other blogs I will organize things so that different types of subjects go on the different blogs. I will go back to money saving ideas for this one. My food photography blog isn't used much, but perhaps if I get back into it, it will be an interest. I have a daily 20 blog in which I answer the famous "what did you do all day?" question, and ramblings of a total headcase where I will post whaever doesn't fit on those. Feel free to read around.

I took my blog down initially after having a problem with certain people attempting to intimidate me with it, and use it against me. I have come to the conclusion that I have nothing to hide, and furthermore, I refuse to let people silence me. I will not give up that control of my life. I am so done with it.

I think moderated comments are on. I am still debating if I want to go back to open comments. I am not afraid of people disagreeing with something I post so feel free to comment however you wish. I will not be posting any comments that are hateful, nor will I be allowing my personal private business to be up for discussion. Anything else is fair game.

I missed my followers and hope to see you sharing with me again :)