Search Results for: blog making affordable holiday crafts from fruit and candy

A Very Frugal Christmas Part IV

  Once the layers of chocolate were set but before they were hard snap set, I cut the big slab of peppermint into two by two inch pieces.  Gathering up all the candy tins that I had saved or found on clearance over the last year, I started filling the tins with both peanut brittle and peppermint bark to give as gifts to brothers, sisters, and our parents (the grandparents).   Two hand crocheted cotton washcloths accompanied each tin of candy and the parents (grandparents) also received an updated family photo that my husband and I took ourselves to save money … Continue reading →

Cool Candy Cane Creations

They are the quintessential Christmas candy that will hook you with a simple lick. However, these days candy canes are not just for eating; rather, your entire family can have fun by using the sweet treats as decorations during the holiday season. With the economy still in the dumpster, many people are looking for affordable ways to spruce up their homes in time for Christmas. Candy canes are an inexpensive item that can be purchased in bulk and used to create the following festive items: Candy Cane Vase: Unwrap mini candy canes and glue them end-to-end around the top and … Continue reading →

Healthy Valentine’s Day Party for Kids

The words “healthy” and “Valentine’s Day party” don’t typically go hand in hand. No doubt, hosting a healthy Valentine’s Day party for kids can be a challenge given that the holiday is basically a day set aside to gorge on chocolate. While it’s fine to serve up a few sweet treats (everything in moderation), healthy parties focus on offering nutritious dishes to kids without compromising the Love Day theme. An equally sweet alternative to mountains of Valentine’s Day candy and cupcakes is fruit. Consider setting up an entire table featuring red fruits. Apples, strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and watermelon are … Continue reading →

Fun Christmas Bling

Who can resist a bit of bling around the holidays? I am not a flashy person, but when I saw Martha Stewart’s latest Christmas creation I stopped dead in my tracks. I actually turned off my vacuum and turned all of my attention to the TV where a tree bedazzled with dozens of shiny beaded ornaments and garland stood like a beacon of beaded glory. There’s no way I have the time, talent or budget to recreate Martha’s beaded masterpieces; however, I did some research online and found a few cheaper and affordable alternatives that can be made by people … Continue reading →

Fun and Affordable Christmas Ornaments

Besides construction paper and crayons, some of the most inexpensive materials for crafting homemade holiday decor are traditional candy canes. You can purchase a big box of candy canes for a dollar or less at discount stores during the Christmas season and use them to make a variety of holiday-themed decorations from wreaths to tree ornaments. Given that the candy is so cheap, it’s a good idea to pick up a few extra boxes just in case a few break during the construction process. Here is a kid-friendly candy cane project to get you started on your sweet Christmas ornaments: … Continue reading →

Easy Edible Easter Crafts

There are hundreds of Easter crafts that feature popular holiday candies, such as jelly beans and chocolate, but most of the finished products can’t be eaten because they contain glue and a variety of other poisonous materials. That’s fine if you are making the Easter crafts alone and gifting them to older loved ones, but when you are crafting with kids, who don’t understand that a jelly bean dripping with rubber cement is not something that should be consumed, things can get a bit dicey. When I’m working with young children I pass on the paste-and-chocolate crafts and make these … Continue reading →

Making Cute Candy Snowmen

According to meteorologists, next week much of the nation will be battered with some of the most brutal winter weather of the season. For some parents that means preparing for a potential snow day. Hence this blog. With the kids home from class you’ll likely be searching for ways to ward off cabin fever. This next cute craft idea is ideal for keeping kids busy when they are stuck indoors all day. These Candy Snowmen are not only incredibly adorable (almost too cute to eat), but they are also simple to prepare, affordable (most of the materials are easily found … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Traditions

Each American family seems to have their own Christmas tree tradition. Some decorate the tree with a hodgepodge of ornaments acquired through the years while some have a specific color and ornament scheme. Some families like the ease and convenience of an artificial tree while others prefer the tradition and smell of a real tree. But, did you know that there are different Christmas tree traditions throughout the world? Most think that we got the custom of the Christmas tree from the Germans. It is believed that Martin Luther was the first to bring a Christmas tree into the home. … Continue reading →

Making Affordable Holiday Crafts from Fruit and Candy

Don’t break the bank trying to deck your halls this holiday season. Rather, look around your home for inexpensive materials that can be transformed into festive seasonal decor. Two of my favorite frugal materials: fruit and candy. Both are popular this time of year, and you can cut down on costs even more by using fruit and candy that have been given to you as gifts. It’s very simple. Take a look: FLOATING CRANBERRY CANDLE Materials: 1 large clear glass punch bowl 3 12-oz. bags of fresh cranberries (amount will vary depending on size of bowl) 4 floating candles 6 … Continue reading →