[neongirl]

Hi Everyone,
Given the current economic situation, not just in the sates, but globally, I thought it might be fun to list some fun ways to treat yourself, or have fun, that cost very little money, for example:
Signing up for free samples of cosmetic products on the websites of your favorite manufacturers-I just scored a free face cream sample from Murad today8).
Buying a DIY kit for canvas shopping bags and making your own,cheaper,better looking, and way more creative than buying the store brand ones.
Rumaging through your odds and ends in your crafting stuff and creating something, maybe a bracelet out of old beads, an artsy pin cushion, or decorated picture frame using all of those free extra buttons you get with store bought sweaters etc.

O.K. Guys, what are your cheap thrills?!

 

[LolaLola]

Neon girl, I am not as creative as you but I am compiling a scrapbook of local views and postcards for a friend of mine . I used to be able to travel to see her but can't very often now and she can't get to me but is interested to see what it is like here.

I also like making little Goodie Bags for friends. Those Rainbow coloured Sandwich bags are ideal and I just buy little things when I see them cheaply.
Packets of stickers are always a good choice for children and I buy them when I see an offer, even nice pencils, or those mini packets of highlighter pens are well received. Everybody likes a little notepad, or some bath stuff, and little sweets, especially some of the more old fashioned ones like Parma Violets, fruity Polo, or even buy a bag of Sherbert lemons and put a few in each bag.

One of the best presents I received recently was a crochet blanket big enough to use on the settee, an old lady made it for us out of scraps of different coloured double knitting wool and although the colours are pretty random it looks great. I can't crocher or I would be making one myself.

Feecycle is also a good hobby where you give away your unwanted goods or post an appeal for anything you need. A good way to acquire wool, half finished tapestries or whatever. Google freecycle to find your nearest group.

x Lola

 

[Pink Pearl]

I live on a fairly busy road. While a lot of new residents on the hill are high income, the areas way up back are low income, if even that. We have found it is a great way to unload extra items by putting them up on the road with a "free" sign on them. There are 5 homes in our cul-de-sac and others have taken to putting things up there as well.

It is our way to help those who don't have, and part with extra items for us.
Sally

 

[Sage Hen]

Hi Pink Pearl,

I like to crochet, everyday. I like to do simple things..such as,

I still enjoy coloring, and do so often, with my grandchildren.

I have lots of jewelry making supplies, and make earrings and bracelets, for friends, and family members.

I love to make little gift bags too. I pick things up here and there, and put together little "pick me up" bags for friends.

I still enjoy baking. It is a big savings, to bake from scratch, rather than buy pre-made baking mixes..(and more fun).

I love to read, and when I am able to concentrate, buy used books..


Fun thread..

Love,
Sandy

 

[neongirl]

Great ideas guys!
Lola, I love the idea of the little goody bags, what a pick me up I don't know anyone who wouldn't like a little unexpected treat every now and then. The scrapbook you are amaking for your friend is really thoughfull, and a great way to give someone a feel for the area without the expense of travel! The blanket sounds lovely, crochet blankets are always so warm too. It is neat that she was able to make it out of odds and ends. Free cycle is awesome! Thanks for letting me know about it:bigsmile:
Pink Pearl, you have a great way to share with others. Where I live we have a scheduled "heavy trash" day every so often. We try to set our stuff out a couple of days early because there are people who will come along and gather up the furniture items and some of the appliances for personal use. Some people take stuff, like old doors from houses and refurbish them, or turn them into tables or something and resell them at flea markets.
Sage Hen... Coloring:bigsmile: That sounds like fun! I used to love to color as a child, I think I will take your advice and pick up some crayons this week! Used books are something else I haven't thought of in a while, I think I will gather up some of the old books I have read and no longer have a use for and take them in to half price books for a trade.

 

[sam101360]

This is fun!

I have taken to bread baking...no bread machine for me - all from scratch. I did cheat a bit and got a doughhook for my mixer.

I search out cool recipies for yeast breads, and make them...I give loaves to my neighbors who work and have kids. This is way cheaper than buying bread for sure. I can make 6 to 10 loaves of bread for what you buy 2 for in the store.

I also bake cookies, danish, cakes and am about to try my very own jelly dognuts.

I sometimes make a big pot of soup, sauce or stew whatever will go with the bread and give some to the neighbors. These are easy, inexpensive and make alot.

It's so nice to be able to make their days a little less stressful when they don't have to come home and cook for their family. I find that I feel good having accomplished something and they are so grateful.

I would love to learn to crochet....how does one go about that?????

Stephanie

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Stephanie

YouTube have a number of videos showing you how to crochet. Just google 'How to Crochet' and you will see them. There are lots of other sites and patterns as well as far as I can see.

Clearly I have far too much time on my hands!

Enjoy!

Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:

PS - I look forward to receiving my blanket in the post :lol:

 

[Sage Hen]

Hi Steph,

Here in the states, community Ed, courses are availabe, for hardly any cost.

Volunteer's teach the courses..so, the costs stay low.

Joan is right. There are also tutorial's on line..

Just do a search engine..on how to crochet.

Also, if I can be of any help, you can always p.m. me...I will do my best to help you.

Have fun, learning something new!

Love,
Sandy

 

[sam101360]

Thanks Joanne and Sandy:

I am going to google it now. Then I can get my supplies tomorrow and start to learn!

This is going to be fun...I hope!

Stephanie

 

[LolaLola]

I get the feeling this is going to be a good thread. Thanks for starting it.
x Lola

 

[sam101360]

OMG...I went to the craft store this morning. Bought 2 skeins of yarn, pack of 5 different sized crochet hooks, yarn scissors, and a how to book!

Slip Knot right! HA...you can do them wrong and scew up the chain, I finally figured it out after my first five chains did not look anything like what was in the book.

OK so I made four, yes four 5 foot chains! I did it until all the loops were the same size - KEWL!!

Then I start on the single stich...how do you know where to put the hook each time...seven tries later I think I figured it out. Did my first row...yes 5 feet long so I could have a big enough piece to get it right.

I even, after several runs through the book and videos on line figured out that I needed to make a turning stitch to be able to work my way back.

Did five rows of the single stitch...at this point I figured out that brown yarn was probably not a good color to start with, and I am now crossed eyed from trying to figure out the right holes to put the hook through each time.

I'm not sure this is for me.

I have four somewhat lopsided strips of single stitch that are not very even and look like something the cat played with...but I do feel a sense of accomplishment.

I think afghans may be months and months away for me. But I will spend one hour a day for now and I think a single color, single stitch pot holder may be somewhere in my future.

I am not crafty or artistic and now I think I know why!!

Ladies thanks so much for the motivation to conquer my fear of yarn...I'll keep you posted, and I may even post a pic of my pot holder if I ever finish it.

Stephanie

 

[Joandublin]

:rotfl::rotfl: Stephanie!

I have a picture of you in my mind all tangled up in brown wool and crochet hooks! And to think I was going to order a crochet quilt off you next week!

Best of luck! I hope you get the knack of it. Once you do its great fun.

Just do loads of little square pot holders, sew them all together and then hey presto! a quilt! :lol:

Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:

 

[LoopyLoo]

I buy and sell things on eBay. I have to be careful which cosmetics I use and the ones that suit me can be a bit pricey so I buy them cheaper on eBay.

I saw a cardigan and boots before Xmas that I couldn't afford but bought them for half the price after Xmas on eBay. Someone will always get something for Xmas that they don't want and it's a great way to pick up a bargain.

I've also started clearing out the house and have become quite an expert in selling on eBay - it's amazing what folk will buy. If we get anything delivered to the house I keep the packing to use when I sell something, it saves money.

It's actually quite enjoyable and it means any money I make I can use it to buy my cosmetics etc.

 

[neongirl]

LoopyLoo,
I recently discovered E-Bay, and I love it! I haven't
sold anything yet, but I recently got my gold star:bigsmile:. I think I may follow your example and try to sell some stuff soon though.