I’ve been spending the last month or so looking around for *projects with purpose.*  I absolutely love doing projects with my kids, but it seems I’m always stuffing the result in a drawer or keepsake box somewhere.  I want things I can use again and again, don’t you?  After all, frugal crafting isn’t very frugal  if it isn’t functional!   I’ve found some super fun and inexpensive crafty things to do and they can be used year after year!

This one is my favorite.  I’m starting to collect these now, so that I can be sure that I have enough milk jugs to line our sidewalk.   They’re super easy to make and kids will have a blast drawing silly faces with permanent markers.  You can find all the instructions HERE.

And with all of the summer clearance going on right now, you should be able to pick up a yellow pail for pennies.  Wrap it with orange and white electrical tape to create a fun treat catcher or party favor!


I like this next project because it makes use of something I cannot stand, but cannot bear to part with every year either.  Not because I don’t want to, but because I see landfills full of these things in my mind: plastic fillable easter eggs.

We’re  going to be making a few of these spiders.  They retail around $9.99 and with all the supplies I have on hand, it should be easy peasy to make these for much less than that.

Finally (because I’m out of time), I found this on Pinterest and love it.  First, because it’s a cute and tasty fall indulgence, but also because you can easily substitute the Nutella with chocolate frosting for a nut free treat.  My son will go crazy for these.  I can’t wait to make them with him – All it takes is three ingredients – mini Nilla Wafers, Hershey Kisses and frosting.  So easy to do!

 Are you doing any fun fall crafts or baking?  Share, please!