After a move, being strapped for cash can be a major problem--especially since you're trying to make your new home feel like your own.
With a few items from the dollar store, five and dime, or thrift store, trye
projects to add a bit of pizzazz to your new home without breaking the bank.
Chalkboard serving trays
The dollar store has lots to choose from in terms of inexpensive flatware and dishes, so why not spend a few bucks to have something that you can easily customize? With a bit of chalkboard paint, you can make a tray that can be used for cheeses, hors d'ouvres, or hung up as
decoration in your dining room. All you have to do is spray paint the flat surface of the tray with the chalkboard paint and allow it to dry. Your guests can even choose what kind of wine they'd like by writing the name right on the serving platter.
Cake and cupcake stands
It won't matter if you're an avid baker or just the occasional pastry creator, displaying your cakes or cupcakes on a fancy stand will make them look amazing. You can easily make your own tiered or non-tiered stand using a few candlesticks and dinner plates--and of course some spray paint.
For a non-tiered stand, simply glue the candlestick to the center of the bottom of the dinner plate. Once that's dry, you can spray paint it any color or finish you'd like. For a tiered stand, repeat the first step and attach the two tiers together before painting.
These stands can also be used as a jewelry organizer, a makeup stand, or even a nice pedestal to hold your dish detergent by the sink.
Custom mugs and plates
Customized things are better, don't you think? Grab a few plain ceramic mugs, dishes and/or platters and some permanent markers for this DIY project that will be done in no time.
Make sure whatever mug or plate you're working with is clean and dry before you
start decorating it with the permanent marker. Create your design and do your best not to smudge. You can write a phrase, draw a doodle or even jot down your grandmother's apple pie recipe. Once the design is on the piece, bake it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 to 30 minutes to set the design.
Now that you've got some ideas to work with, get to it! Spend some time decorating your new home--without spending too much money.