Making A Fabric Purse
Depending on what yourre actually doing with this material (like using it along the top edge or to stiffen the whole purse), heres some ideas To stiffen the whole purse: Use 1 or 2 thickness of felt, or use a large sheet of fun foam, or rug backing, crinoline...
Making Curtains Longer
1) To add length to your curtains, all you need to know how to do is sew a straight line: Cut the curtains Vertically across the middle. Cutting about 2/3 from the top & add in the correct amount of fabric in a matching color (plus a 1 inch seam alowance) to...
Will the Main Street Fairness Act Affect Me?
It just means if you start adding tax along with shipping charges, that less people will by from online sellers! Most sellers are poor housewives like me, or the unemployed, trying to make an extra few meager dollars in a very bad economy! All-in-all most sellers...
Remedies for Stinky Shoes
The odor is caused by bacteria that has soaked down in to your shoes & will never come out (unless you could wash & bleach the shoes, then maybe you could remove the odor)... You could try spraying rubbing alcohol directly inside of your shoes until they are...
Organizing Art Supplies and Materials
STORING PAPER: I use two types of containers to hold my fancy paper. I like those stacking plastic drawers from the office supply store... They are mad just the right size to hold reams of paper & I wait until they go on sale for half off (for about $15-$20...
Reusing Mylar Balloons
Great ideas! Ive often wondered if you could use mylar in place of the metallic plastic they sell for ironing on to fabrics & for making metallic foil crafts with... That plastic-foil on a roll or in sheets can be QUITE costly! I bet you could glue the backs...
Cat Keeps Scratching a Sore?
Editors Note: Do NOT use Neosporin Plus on cats as it can cause have a deadly allergic reaction. Contact your veterinarian for advice on the proper product to use. There is a Neosporin called Neosporin Plus. (The Plus comes in cream or ointment) This kind of...
Toothache Remedies?
Buy yourself some orajel advanced tooth desensitizer, Its a liquid that comes in a packet, in a box, that is made to go directly on to sensitive teeth. It cost around $5 at K-mart, other stores & online. (its far better than the orajel numbing cream). The tooth...
My Frugal Life: Zany Ways To Save
We do paper towels. We tear them down the center & only use half. This way we get 2 for the price of 1 because usually, you dont need a whole paper towel. Then when we are done with the paper towel (if its not really nasty) we save the used P-towels in a recycled...
The Multiple Uses of a Dresser
One of the very best dressers Ive ever seen was one where they cut a hole in the top & inserted a round handpainted sink. This turned it in to a bathroom vanity. BOY-OH-BOY! was that ever a nice piece!
Looking for a Canned Food That Does Not Give Cat Diarrhea
?
This food is not canned, but dry. I give my cat PurrinaOne Sensitive Systems. Its the one with the Turquoise label. My cat had bad gas, & this calmed her stomach. There are better cat foods, but my cat does well on this one. A second suggestion to either prevent...
How Do I Teach My Dog to Come When Called?
My indoor/outdoor cat comes EVERY time I call him! (a cat!). We trained him by giving him a treat each time we call him, maybe that will work for your dog. Our cat will come every time, unless he is stalking a small animal,or fighting with another cat. Also...
Feeding a Big Appetite on a Budget?
My grandmother raised 4 sons during the depression. I remember her always having a large plate of buttered bread on the table with every meal. This way, instead of asking for seconds, we would take a piece of bread & butter. Its all about the starches (being...
Can you get whiter skin?
There are several products sold in the Black skin & hair-care areas of Walmart & most drug stores (like Walgreens) for around $5. These products contain hydroquinine in a thick greasy base (the Vaseline-type of base is so your skin wont absorb too much at once...
Advice for Potty Training a Toddler?
Heres one idea, a tip I posted several years back: Wed do the Potty Dance together... http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80022225.tip.html But, we had to wait until my granddaughter was 3 (not all kids are ready at 2 or 2 1/2). Youll know if its too early to start...
Cat Pulling Hair Out?
Its possible your cat has allergies to its food. You might want to use a grain-free cat food for a few weeks to a month to see if it will help. Its kind of pricey, but I recommend Evo Herring & Salmon. Cats LOVE it (even picky eaters) and it has 50% protein...
How Do I Make a Guitar Cake?
Bake a flat sheet cake and while its baking take a piece of cardboard and draw a guitar that will fit on to the size of the sheet cake. Then cut the shape of the guitar out to use as template. When cake is done baking take cake out of pan and let cool on wax...
Using Homemade Carpet Cleaner in Dirt Devil Shampooer?
It seems nearly every time I am at the Dollar Store I see someone loading up on the cleaner called Awesome. Everyone I ask says that this cleaner works in all rug shampooers and you dilute it as the back of the bottle says for rugs. I have heard tons of women...
Will Vinegar Neutralize Urine Odor in Laundry?
You could try vinegar. It removes lots of odors, but I know that an enzyme based pet cleaner would work for sure, as would peroxide, but it might get costly. I would add Oxiclean to your wash and hang her things out in the hot sunshine so the fresh air and...
Removing Ethanol Odors from Clothing?
THE MACHINE: If it were me, to clean your washer I would run the machine without clothes for 2 or 3 cycles & include bleach & twice the amount of laundry soap in hot water. You may want to add a large pan or two of boiling water to the hot tap water... THE...
Permanent Marker on Metal?
Rubbing Alcohol... That works 99% of the time & if that doesnt work use Fingernail Polish Remover (the kind NOT made for artificial nails). * Make sure the heater is off & the fumes are gone before you turn it back on because the cleaners I suggested are obviously...
Using Bubble Bath as Soap?
Most of those antibacterial soaps arent really antibacterial anyway. And even if they are, most germs are already immune to them. Plain soap works best. It simply washes the germs down the drain, you need no antibacterial additives. Any soap will work, bubble...
Why is My Cat Stealing My Socks?
That is so funny. Arent cats the strangest, funniest, most charming creatures? If they are socks that have already been worn, Im pretty sure its the smell that entices them. As you already know, with cats, its all about the smell. So your cat is likely drawn...
Treadle Sewing Machines Information?
Ive owned 3 treadles, a White & 2 Singers. They all thread in basically the same way. These older machines are quite simple to thread & your best bet would be to find a video on U-Tube of someone demonstrating it, but if youre like me & have only dial-up internet...
Sleepover Ideas?
My favorite idea is to make (or buy) & decorate cookies. Kids love using fancy icing & sprinkles! Just make or buy simple, plain sugar cookies. You can make the cookies before the kids arrive or let the kids make them.
Removing Corns from Toes?
This is going to sound strange, but one thing you can do is to soak your feet every few days in a dishpan of hot soapy water for half an hour & also every time you take a bath or shower at the end, when your skin is soft & waterlogged, take your fingernails...
Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier the Same as a Pitbull?
A Staffordshire Terrier is different from a Pitbull. Sometimes people who dont know the difference & their history will use the two names interchangeably, but they have different bloodlines. For years the Pitbull has been bred to fight, while the Staffordshire...
Lining Wood Window Boxes?
Depends on how much drainage what you want... 1) PLASTIC GARBAGE BAGS: You could use a large plastic garbage bag with several drainage holes poked in. This is what I line my propagation boxes with (the plastic from garbage bags). 2) NATURAL FABRIC: Like Burlap...
How Do I Get Rid of Mothball Odor on Clothes?
There are only 4 ways to remove bad odors from fabrics: 1) Fresh air: You can try airing them out in the fresh air and sunshine, but this rarely removes all the odor. 2) Soap and water: (or dry-cleaning) Wash them as many times as is necessary. (add 1 can of...
Organizing When Moving From a House to an Apartment?
We recently moved from a huge 5 bedroom house that has been in our family since 1970 to a tiny singlewide 2 bedroom mobile home. Here is what we learned: 1) COLLECT & SAVE BOXES: We went to our local grocery store & asked them to hold their apple boxes for...
Cleaning Painted Surfaces?
FOAMING BATHROOM CLEANER: Youll have to do a test area first, to make sure the paint will hold up, but on really dirty areas Ive been very happy using the Dollar Store brand of the bathroom cleaner Scrubbing Bubbles. Its in a can thats the size & shape of the...
How Do I Remove Graphite from Clothing?
The only thing I have found that works is Awesome (that concentrated cleaner you buy at most dollar stores). Pour it on, then scrub with a toothbrush & let sit for 15 minutes, then launder. * Dont put it into the dryer until the stain is completely gone or...
How Do I Make Tissue Flowers?
TISSUE CARNATIONS: Heres how I made them as a child out of Kleenex: (for bigger flowers in more colors you can also use Tissue Paper) 1) Simply lay the Kleenex flat then fold it accordion style (like a making a fan) 2) At the center wrap a piece of wire or...
Cat With Eye Discharge?
Do what Glensmon said (the Terramycin ointment). She knows what shes talking about from experience, & the Terramycin is safer. If you cant get the Terramycin ointment at one vet, try another. Each vet has their own rules. They also sell it at Feed Stores if...
Disguising a Utility Pole?
We have one of those too (as all mobile homes do) but, luckily, ours is in an area we rarely see. Heres some ideas: 1) ORNAMENTAL GRASS: Plant a tall ornamental grass with those big pink grass plumes (pampas grass) in front of your pole (about a 18 inches away...
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Who would think that you could make a batch of cookies with just 3 ingredients! Wow, now I know what to make for a treat when I have a sweet tooth & no sweets (or groceries) in the house! *But wheres the flour? This puzzles me. Id think youd have to have flour...
How Do I Remove Melted Taffy From Clothing?
Pull the pocket out as much as you can (or with jeans, just turn the pants inside out to get to the pocket) then put the pocket in a bowl of hot water with a squirt of dish-soap and leave it set overnight. It the morning the taffy will be dissolved (if not...
Will Vicks on the Fence Keep Raccoons Out?
Many people believe that Vicks will help, or Mothballs, but they rarely work, especially in large areas, like outdoors (sometimes they can work inside a garbage can, but thats about it!) Heres some other options from $15 to $50 & they will keep many different...
How Can I Remove Krazy Glue from Bugaboo Stroller?
Use fingernail polish remover (the type NOT made for artificial nails) its made from Acetone, then use low-grit sandpaper if you need to remove any excess.
Who Can I Call Regarding Stray Cat and Kittens in Philadelphia?
PHILLY CAT INFO: Looks like you have quite a few wonderful organizations in your area: * Sometimes one will run out of funding & go out of business. Dont be discouraged, just call the next one on the list. ====================================== - www.phillycats...
Polyester Activewear Crinkled in Dryer?
Take several washcloths and wet dampen them with water and put these back into your dryer with the wrinkled article and run for only 10 minutes then remove promptly. The wet washcloths cause steam to be made and the steam helps remove the wrinkles. To be double...
Has Anyone Purchased Flower Seeds from Dollar Stores?
Yes, Ive purchased their seeds year after year and theyve always worked for me, but you want to be sure to plant them that year, because like most seeds, they are made to be used that year. If you have seeds leftover from the previous year, dont throw them...
Why Has My Spayed Cat Begun to Spray Inside?
I know exactly what you are going through! Because this started happening to us several months ago. So I have been doing extensive research, including to talking to some people who run a high-endpet store locally & also a vet who specializes in cats. What your...
How Do You Weave Coconut Palm Fronds?
First you have to soak them in water for at least hour or more (in your tub, the sink or a bucket). Then follow any basket making directions (look online). Before you weave them, you can dye them in hot water & a dye-bath if youd like another color. You can...
Printable Letter Patterns for Applique?
Just search childrens coloring pages or coloring alphabet or Alphabet coloring pages then print up these letters. You can shrink or enlarge the letters on your computer, scanner, printer or on a Xerox machine. Heres one set of alphabets: http://www.daycareresource...
Non-Toxic Weed Killers?
Vinegar or Boiling Water: Regular household Vinegar can be used or you can buy a stronger vinegar at a plant nursery. Heating the vinegar up works even better! Put the vinegar in a garden-sprayer & spray on the weeds, or pour it directly on to the soil to kill...
Pamper the Mom, Too?
Any new mom, or mom-to-be would be thrilled to receive a special piece of jewelry that she can wear for many years & each time she wears it, the necklace will remind her of her wonderful baby shower! Jewelry is an especially nice gift, because when we are pregnant...
Wardrobe Advice?
Dont spend a fortune on new clothes, buy most of your clothes at Thrift Stores! Your friends will never know & even if they do find out, tell them you are shopping for vintage items because this is all the rage, even for Hollywood celebrities! If you want to...
Decorating Tips for Blue Couch and Espresso Brown Chair?
Buy or make a throw-pillow in the color of the couch & place that on the chair & buy several throw pillows in the same color of the chair & place them on the couch. You can also buy pillows with both colors in them, or even with a nice print or pattern. If...
Keeping Mice Out of My House?
We were plagued with mice & we tried everything! Every sort of trap, bate & poison. Nothing worked! Until we got a mouser! Smokey was a stray cat, left to live in a parking lot of my daughters apartments by someone who moved away & left him on his own, so we...
Plastic Coffee Can Yarn Holder
Even easier: When you go to a grocery store that has an empty container of those germ-killing wipes you use to disinfect your shopping cart with, ask if you can have the empty container... Then simply pour out any liquid that may be leftover & use for your...
Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub?
Ive always had extremely good luck with the Dollar Store equivalent to Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner. Its a foaming bathroom cleaner in a can that looks kinda like the old Aqua Net hairspray cans. Just spray it on & leave it set for 10 or 15 minutes, then...
Heating Makes Honey Smoother?
The sugar crystals in the honey melt, like with any sugar syrup (including maple syrup).
Donating Free Fabric Samples?
There are quilters who sew blankets for the poor homeless & earthquake victims. Also donate to senior centers, senior homes or any elementary schools, even high school sewing classes & kids after-school art programs! Or the boys & girls club if they have an...
Supporting a Grieving Daughter?
Since this was 2 years ago, then Id only send her a rose on the anniversary of the miscarriage. Because on this day, she will already be remembering it, because you dont want to bring it up unless she does. Also, instead of a single rose, how about a small...
Paint on Polyester?
You can try fingernail polish remover, but that could ruin the dress. How about one of these ideas: Cover the white paint with more permanent black pen, then put an iron-on black lace applique over it. These iron-on black lace appliques come in all sizes & shapes...
Best Paint for Stainless Steel?
As long as you first clean the metal off with rubbing alcohol & a clean rag & dont touch it. Then you can use any kind of enamel spray paint, as long as its not water-based! I would use Rustoleum. Its made to hold up to the weather & outdoors!
Child Visitation Advice?
Children are fragile! When you were a child, how would you like to be sent somewhere by yourself to stay with somebody you did not know!? I doubt this would sound like fun to you! (& even if it does sound like fun to her, she will quickly get homesick!) Also...
Scissor and Paper Edger Holder
Wonderful idea! I loose my scissors nearly eve other day. Now Ill be able to find them & they will stay sharp too! Instead of building a holder, I will put several pairs of scissors in with all the knives.
Craft Ideas Using Baby Formula Scoops?
I put a scoop in each of my dry pet foods & use these to measure out the amount of food I give my pets daily. I also keep one in my can of coffee to measure that & one in my sugar & flour to use when baking. They are also nice to attach to cooking mixes when...
Crocheted Bodice For Toddler's Dress?
Handy Childrens Sizing Chart: http://www.clearwaterknits.com/info/children.html
Cleaning Blinds?
These directions are for fabric blinds not mini-blinds: Are you sure you cant remove them from the window? First cover the floor with a dollar store shower curtain, then use foam-on carpet & upholstery cleaner then after it dries, vacuum with a canister or...
Raising a Pit Bull?
The top 4 things you need to know are: # 1) No biting ever: Never let the dog bite you, that means not in playing or anytime! And dont ruff-house with the dog because it will confuse the dog if you let it bite you when playing then you get mad when he bites...
Cleaning The Toilet Tips?
For cleaning the inside, put straight bleach in to a well marked squirt bottle & CAREFULLY squirt the bleach all around the inside of the toilet, then shut the toilet lid & wait for half an hour. Afterward, flush toilet & air out the bathroom. Like any strong...
Effects of Leaving a Boil Untreated?
When to seek medical help for boils http://www.emedicinehealth.com/boils/page4_em.htm#When%20to%20Seek%20Medical%20Care You can use hot compresses if the boils is soft. If it is hard, nothing will come out anyway. Home treatments should only be used on small...
Shower Cap For Storing Makeup When Traveling
This is one of those simple but awesome ideas! Thanks! * But, I would recommend you first turn your shower cap inside-out, because this way if the makeup leaks, it will leak on the outside of the cap & wont get on to your hair!
Making Curtains Out Of Sheets?
Fast and Easy Curtains: Another way (besides using curtain clips) is to use a seam ripper or a razor blade & open up the top 3 inches of the thread on each side of the top of the flat sheet (where its folded over). If you open both sides, the sheet will simply...
Dog Has Small Flaky Scabs on Skin?
Our dog had something like this & it was the beginning stage of mange. Your vet can do a quick test for this. Check out the discount vets in your area. Just Google discount vets plus your city & state. Sometimes you get what you pay for, but when it comes down...
Removing a Windex Stain on Wood Table?
You probably removed the tables stain & finish, youll most likely have to sand & re-finish the tables top, but you could possibly try Old English Furniture Polish Scratch Repair. It comes in Light & Dark depending on the color of your wood. But I suspect youll...
Getting Rid of Onion Grass Inexpensively?
I read on Yahoo that its in the chive family and if not chemically treated it is tasty and can be eaten. I know this may sound crazy, but do you know anyone with a goat, because here in Seattle, there are people who rent out goats to clear brush, blackberries...
Inexpensive Wedding Tips?
I dont know if they have Prom & homecoming in Britain (when high school girls get dressed up in formals) because I found a lovely full-length white prom dress & wore it as a wedding gown & it only cost me $80... I ordered my wedding cake from a grocery store...
Removing Popcorn Finish from Ceiling?
You have to cover the whole room in a big sheet of plastic. Then use a cheap $12 garden pump-sprayer filled with water to saturate the whole ceiling and let sit overnight, then come back and saturate the area you are going to work on again and let that sit...
Recycled Ladies Tool Box
Stacking Vegetable Bins: I have so many tools, that I bought 14 of those stackable plastic vegetable bins... So I have 2 stacks of 7 each of the bins & I screwed into the studs in the wall behind the stacks so I could wire the bins to the wall in case of earthquake...
Garden: Bird Nesting Pouch
This is a very cute idea except we should only put out natural biodegradable yarn (like cotton, wool, bamboo, ramie & silk) for the birds because synthetic yarn is can not be digested & wont biodegrade. My vet told me she is always doing surgery on pets that...
Sticker Puzzle
Wow! Now I have something my granddaughter can do with her stickers besides stick them all over me! hahahaha! I especially liked the way you recommended we store them!
Product to Conceal Uneven Skin Tones?
I am 54 & have some really bad skin problems with scaly dry patches that most foundations soak into & magnify. Revlon ColorStay Active Light is the only one Ive found that moisturizes & doesnt make my dry patches worse & it doesnt go into my lines either. Sometimes...
