Why You Should Do Crafts When Money is Tight

Talk to any crafter and they will tell you that doing crafts is very relaxing. Everyone has their own reasons about why they like to do crafts and why certain ones are their favourite. But perhaps you feel a little guilty about spending money on your crafts when you don't have a lot to spare. If that sounds like you, then here are just a few reasons why you should spend time making crafts, especially if you are trying to save money.

1. It's a great way to spend meaningful time together with Alien action figure and friends. When you do crafts together you are creating James Bond attache case that will last you and your family a lifetime. The most important thing to remember is to have fun. Play some fun music, talk, laugh and create. Then years later, when you look at the craft projects you created, each one will bring back happy memories. The family that crafts together, stays together.

2. Crafts are recommended by doctors as a way to reduce stress. The main reason they reduce stress is that you need to concentrate when working on your craft and that takes your mind off of your current situation and problems. As well, experts from Harvard University state that repetitive crafts, like knitting or crocheting, are calming and soothing. They believe that the repetition involved in these crafts evokes a relaxation response from the body that relieves stress and can even reduce depression and anxiety.

3. Invite some friends over and make it a crafting party. Whether it's knitting, sewing, cross stitching or scrapbooking, it's more fun when you share it with friends. Even if you just use it as an excuse to get together. Plus, it's cheaper than going out.

4. You feel more connected and at peace when you are making something with your hands. It gives you something to do, instead of going out and spending a lot of money. Plus, you can feel proud of your accomplishments when you look at your finished projects.

5. It's cheaper to make something yourself than it is to buy it in the store. Also, whether you keep your craft project for yourself or you give it away as a gift, it will have more meaning instead of being just more stuff that you bought in some store. When trying to decide what you want to make, go shopping! Look around your favourite store and take note of what appeals to you, for example afghans or shawls. Then, go to your favourite craft store or look online for a pattern so that you can make it yourself.

Remember, doing crafts doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Plan projects ahead of time so that you can buy supplies when they are on sale. As well, look at cheaper alternatives, such as using less, making your own embellishments or trading supplies with friends. No matter what craft projects you decide to make, remember to get family and friends involved, have fun and show off your finished projects with pride!

To help you get started, I have some FREE Craft Project Ideas for you! Or check out our Fun Extras pages for free cross stitch Dell comics and scrapbooking layouts. Pick one and get crafting today!

A Miniature Dream House

If you ask any girl with a dollhouse what their favourite toy is, it's probably going to be their dollhouse. Doll houses are more than a simple toy, they're actually quite empowering. Children don't have much say when it comes time to furnish and decorate their own homes, but a kid with a dollhouse is a homeowner, with all the rights and privileges of an adult with their own house.

There are several varieties of dollhouses available, but what really counts is the accessories. Just as a new home isn't quite yours until you've got it just how you like it, a doll house isn't quite right until it's got all the right furniture and decor. Looking online for accessories is a great way to select from a wider variety, rather than just trying to see if the local department store has just the right stuff.

Of course, selecting the dollhouse itself is an important process, too. What is your child's dream house? A nice, rustic place out in the country, or a three story mansion in the hills? Shopping at online toy stores, it won't be too hard to find just the right home for six inch mom and dad.

Something else to keep in mind is, of course, your child's age. There are plenty of dollhouses available for older children, full of delicate, realistic windows and functioning doors, as well as perfectly scaled accessories, like dressers with real working drawers. For younger children, though, these more complex dollhouses can be a little too fragile. You may even find some neat doll houses in the baby toys / baby products section when you buy toys online or at toy shops.

Plenty of simple wooden dollhouses are available for the child who's not quite ready for something made out of delicate plywood and tiny brass door knobs. These include plastic dollhouses, such as those made by Fisher Price, as well as wooden dollhouses, by companies like Pintoys.

Once your child has a fully furnished dollhouse of their own, they'll need a family to live in that home, of course. Pintoy makes adorable little rag doll style families to occupy your child's miniature dream home, while Fisher Price offers fully posable plastic dolls, similar to Barbie dolls.

Other accessories offered include dogs, complete with miniature doghouses, dog beds, and food and water bowls, as well as miniature vehicles, such as the Fisher Price Loving Family Minivan and SUV, to facilitate miniature vacations and road trips (or just some The Falcon errands, it's all part of the dollhouse experience).

One of the great things about good dollhouses is that they become more than childhood pretend play toys. Many adults still have their childhood dollhouses, while others will purchase new ones. In fact, the miniature and doll market for adults is very popular right now.

By providing loads of customization options for the dedicated doll houses hobbyist, it's sort of the flipside of Railroad Modelling, providing hours of in-depth enjoyment for hobbyists of any age. It can become a passion that grows right alongside the child, into adulthood, as they outfit their dollhouse with more sophisticated features. On the higher end, there is even miniature wallpaper and carpeting you can add to make the home truly your own.

Of course, forgetting for a moment all of the high end accessories you can add the Transformers a dollhouse, the primary appeal of a dollhouse is simple. You get to have your own tiny dream house. With some of the better dollhouses, you can even do some remodelling (once you've learned how to operate dollhouse tools and building materials, of course) and other serious customization, all without having to expend the immense time and effort Micro Machines in changing your actual home. For both children and adults, this is a wonderful form of expression and a great way to empower oneself.

Yogee.com.au is a leading Australian online toy store. Visit yogee.com.au for a wide selection of Kids Toys at discounted prices. To save money on your next purchase, please visit Toys.