Plastic Easter Egg Lightning Bugs Craft

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May 23, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

Recycle and upcycled your supplies with this Plastic Easter Egg Lightning Bugs Craft. Using a flameless tea light, create a DIY firefly that really lights up. This Summer craft idea for kids is perfect for small hands and makes a cute handmade night light for their bedside.

Plastic Easter Egg Lightning Bugs Craft

Anyone else STILL picking up plastic Easter Eggs off the floor. If I do not get the kids March Easter basket put away within the first 24 hours, these little suckers end up all over the house.

This year, we twisted it up. We actually kept our plastic eggs. By kept I mean “not put away” (insert finger quotation marks) in the Easter boxes. One child sprinkled a few mismatched in the toddlers room. Another child tossed a few in the toy box. Someone one hid some behind the bathroom toilet. The sprinkling, the tossing, the hiding was not agreed upon by me. Once my little monsters managed to fill the house with broken Easter Eggs, I reached my breaking point… in May.

Plastic Easter Egg Crafts

We moved this year and there have been new excitements watching this house go through different seasons. Bulbs have sprung out of the ground, the creek has risen and lowered, but one very exciting event has been the lightning bugs that have emerged in the evenings.

My husband’s and my bedroom is on the third floor. We are high up into the trees with green leaves in the tree tops right outside our window. The other night falling asleep my husband asked if I “saw that?” Don’t you love when someone says “that” over did you “see those lighting bugs in the tree?” I looked out the window and sure enough, the lighting buts were dancing outside our window. So beautiful and magical. I wanted to wake the kids, but as an outnumbered mother of five, I knew better.

I had been researching Plastic Easter Egg Crafts and decided I had a solution for our family. Upcycled Easter Egg Fireflies.

Why Do a Lighting Bugs Light Up?

Before we began our project, we addressed a few questions about lightning bugs like why does a lightning bug light up?

Fireflies, sometimes called lightning bugs, are a unique insect. They light up and this is seen clearly in the evening sky. did you know, according to National Geographic, this was a mystery for 60 years. In 2015, scientist discovered that the light of a lightning bug is from a chemical reaction caused by an organic compound in their abdomen.

This compound is luciferin. When air transfers to the inside of a lightning bugs’ belly, it reactions with the lucierfin causing a chemical reaction that gives up a fiery glow. The firefly can control the amount of airflow to their abdomen creating a pulsating pattern or flicker of light.

You can extend your lesson on insects with our Bug Booklet Insect Journal.

Lightning Bugs Crafts Materials

Multiply these crafts as needed. The supplies below create two fireflies Easter Eggs.

Supplies:

Savings tip: Upcycle old plastic Eater Eggs or look for Easter Eggs on clearance at craft stores. Michael’s Craft Stores offers shipping, same day delivery or curbside pick-up.

How to Make a Firefly

It is very easy and safe for small hands to help you make a firefly Easter Egg. Careful with the hot glue gun as that should be parent lead and can burn your skin. This summer craft for kids idea will be something they can keep beside their bed.

Instructions:

First, gather your supplies. Plugin your hot glue gun to warm.

You will begin by opening your plastic egg. Each side will be slightly different. One more rounded, one with a more pronounced point.

Take your rounded Easter egg halves and use a permanent marker to make a mouth. We made a small smile on one and a half smile on the other.

After you create your smiles, cutting two of your pipe cleaners into thirds for a total of six pieces.

Twist three pipe cleaners thirds together and bend to shape the legs. Repeat for the second set of legs. Put aside.

Once your glue gun is warm, hot glue 2 wiggly eyes onto each rounded egg face. Let dry.

While your eyes are drying, cut your antennas. Take your last pipe cleaner and cut it in half. These will serve as your two sets of antenna.

Take one set and fold it in half to form a V Shape. Curl your ends slightly to shape. Repeat for the second set. Set aside.

Take your pointy Easter egg half and insert your tea lights into both eggs. Turn on your tea lights.

Add the antenna in the egg and then and tightly close the plastic eggs halves together.

Glue on your pipe cleaner legs and let dry.

Take a 2 inch piece of Duct tape and fold it in leaving 1/4 inch uncovered so you can stick it to the edge of your bug.

Use scissors and round your folded Duct tape into wings. Repeat for the second bug.

Finally, stick on your duct tape wings.

To watch your firefly glow, simply crack open your egg and turn on your LED tealight. But make sure to seal it back up tightly! You can turn it on and off as needed.

We placed ours by our kids nightstand. A cute little nightlight but have backup lights because they can burn quickly if you get a cheaper set.

We hope you enjoy making these as much as we did.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Lightning Bug & Firefly craft. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Take all those old Plastic Easter Eggs and Upcycle into Crafts. Pin to Pinterest.

Love Bugs? Take look at this Insect Journal and Booklet for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Inexpensive Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget

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February 23, 2023 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Hacks, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Create the beautiful outdoor living space of your dreams with these inexpensive backyard landscape design ideas. Weekend project ideas to makeover your patio and yard! Take a sneak peek at these low-cost backyard design ideas including lighting ideas, DIY projects, garden hacks, and charming outdoor design tips.

Simple Backyard Landscape Design Ideas

When our family moved to a new house, it was at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Our yard began to bloom before our very eyes, day after day. My family and I loved seeing what surprises the next spring day would bring.

You see, our new home backs against the woods, and even has a beautiful little creek that runs into the Potomac. Nature was totally doing its thing with our backyard landscape design, and I was willing to let it take the reins. My husband, however, had a different opinion. He pointed out that heavy rains would raise the creek levels, causing flooding. Plus, he noticed that the lower areas would become muddy, fast. And finally, he knew that the grass would grow uncontrollably — even taller than our kids! Regardless, I waved off his warnings. I didn’t see a real need for backyard landscape design.

Okay, okay. I’m big enough to admit where I’m in the wrong. After two months of living at the new house, the grass did in fact reach the boys’ shoulders. I have begged my husband to hire someone to help us get our backyard landscape design in order, ASAP. While he is looking for help, I am searching Pinterest for low-cost backyard landscape design ideas to perfect our natural space.

Simple Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget

Are you also on a budget? It’s possible to create curb appeal without breaking the bank. Simple landscaping ideas for the backyard can bring together charm and tranquility turning a small backyard into a quaint oasis. Pull together garden hacks, creative landscape features, and DIY yard projects that create the ultimate list of Backyard Landscape Design Ideas.

Without further ado, here are the simple backyard landscaping that I have found so far! Why not share my research with all of my frugal friends and homeowners, too? These are cheap backyard landscape ideas but don’t worry, they are full of charm, quite quaint, and character.

Read on to discover some of the best, inexpensive yard designs that you can accomplish all by yourself. Easy backyard landscape ideas are ahead!

DIY Water Feature

You weren’t expecting an impressive water feature right off the bat, were you? Don’t worry, this isn’t an expensive water fountain. It’s amazingly easy to achieve this beautiful backyard landscape design with your downspouts. For your liner, cover the bare ground with plastic trash bags. Add your river rock, gravel, water plants, and mulch. The rainwater will travel down the spout and over the rocks to provide a beautiful rock water feature. | Woo Home

Flower Basket Yard Designs

Love greenery and flowers? When it comes to small backyard landscape ideas, raise your plants off the ground with this handmade planter. Line your walkway with these wooden posts topped with flower baskets. These yard designs can be customized to fit whatever color scheme you’ve chosen for your backyard landscape design. Just paint, assemble, and enjoy! | Cottage at the Crossroads

Weathered Wood Renewal DIY

Has your old wooden outdoor furniture seen better days? I’ve got good news — you don’t need to buy a completely new set! This outdoor furniture improvement project renews weathered furniture to polish up your patio. All you need is Howard Products SunShield Outdoor Furniture Wax with UV Protection.

DIY Outdoor Lights

Another easy backyard landscape idea that brings a lot of character is these DIY light poles. Light up the night with this backyard landscape design. This super simple project shows how to string lights from natural elements like tree limbs using galvanized buckets and concrete. (As seen in our Backyard Movie Ideas) | Ida klipper och klistrar (in English)

Cheap Patio Lighting DIY

In our cheap patio ideas, we introduced this cheap patio lighting idea. Hang string lights in potted lamp posts for a chic look, even with a small backyard. The glow of the lights with the beautiful flowers is a winning combo! | I Should be Mopping the Floor

DIY Horizontal Slat Fence

Transform your backyard landscape design on the cheap with this DIY Horizontal Slat Fence. The fence looks so modern — your guests won’t know it’s DIY until you tell them! Plus at a low cost, you can get your own privacy fence or create divisions in the landscape and create and outdoor living room. Plant vines in a pot and allow the to climb the fence if you desire. Keeping your greenery in a pot will keep them from spreading too quickly as the roots are contained. | Fresh Mommy Blog

Christmas Lights Backyard Landscape Design

Who says Christmas Lights are only meant for winter? Light up your backyard every night of the year with inexpensive Christmas lights. Lights around the trees are low maintenance backyard ideas and give you that custom landscaping lighting found in expensive homes. | Shop Wayfair for Lights.

DIY Patio String Lights Tutorial

No money for a pergola? Until you can create your own DIY pergola, transform an outdoor space into the same idea with lights. How amazing do these string lights look in this seating area on a deck? Transform the ambiance of your patio with this simple, step-by-step DIY Patio String Lights Tutorial. These lights can also create a beautiful dining area for a midsummer night dinner party outdoors. | Place of My Taste

DIY Newspaper Hack for Weeds

You don’t have to use chemicals to solve your weeds problem. This newspaper hack prevents any grass and weed seeds from germinating for the be-all, end-all of weed solutions! Something to keep in mind: unlike WeedBlock Barrier fabric, the newspaper will decompose after about 18 months, so you’ll have to be ready to replace them. This backyard hack can also surround your shrubs without having to dig up any roots. | Rosemary on the TV

DIY Marble Fence

I know I can’t be the only one that loves incorporating color into my yard designs. Easily transform your garden fence with this cheap backyard landscape design idea. All you need are colored marbles and a drill! Create your holes, insert colored marbles, and let the light do the rest. I can guarantee your kids will love this one — imagine the colors of the sunset as you put together your own suncatcher focal point. | Garden Drama

DIY Planter

Need backyard landscape ideas but no grass? Bring the grass to pavers with a quaint idea that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. One cheap backyard landscape ideas is to make your own DIY planters. We all know planters can be expensive, and they’re not even the focal point — the plants are! Luckily, you can easily upcycle a humble Styrofoam cooler into a DIY Planter. Such an unexpected backyard landscape design! | Salvage Sister and Mister

DIY Beverage Tub

Keep beverages cold without that expensive cooler (this one’s way cuter, anyways!). Use it inside or outside to keep all your beverages in one adorable place. This DIY Beverage Tub comes with two SVG files.

DIY Glowing Orbs

You’d never guess that it only costs $1 to $3 (if anything!) to create these DIY Outdoor Glowing Orbs. You might even have all the materials at home right now! | The Art of Doing Stuff

DIY Fire Pit Tutorial

Kids and adults love fire pits (did someone say s’mores?) But, I’ve been holding off on getting one — they can get way too pricey. This DIY Fire Pit will only set you back $60! Make it a weekend backyard landscape design project to complete with the whole family. Everyone will take pride in this super simple outdoor fireplace. | Keeping It Simple Crafts

DIY Upcycled Armoire

No need to spend thousands on sheds. This couple took a $20 yard sale armoire and used one-half of it to cover unsightly wires from their outdoor electrical box. It hid an unsightly garden hose and became a super simple storage solution for weed killer and plant feed. The other half became a garden bed for growing vegetables. So smart! | Shabby Glam

DIY Pot-In-Pot Gardening Hack

As seen in our garden hacks and tips, try this pot-in-pot method. This DIY backyard landscape design lets you switch up your plants instantly! | Florida Friendly Plants

DIY Bean Pole Teepee Plant

This fun and inexpensive backyard landscape design idea also becomes the perfect DIY outdoor hangout for the kids. They will love patiently watching it grow before their eyes! | Artful Parent

DIY Rock Garden

Is green landscape challenging? Small backyard landscaping can be turned into a hardscape with pavers, stone walls, and/or rocks. If areas of your yard are brown and dead, don’t hire a costly landscape designer. Instead, replace dead grass with a DIY Rock Garden. You’ll save money and create an interesting element of your yard designs! | Home Talk

DIY Terracotta Pot Garden Hack

Calling all green thumbs! I love the look of this herb garden. Transform your flower beds with humble terracotta pots. Place your terracotta pots inside the ground and put a variety of herbs in the pots or make your own summer vegetable garden area! This can transform a lawn once spring arrives. You can house the pots indoors or in a greenhouse nursery during the winter months. | Town Mouse

DIY Rock Wall Garden Design

Elevate the look of your front or backyard landscape design with a rock wall edging against a colorful flower bed. It’s amazing how rocks can effortlessly improve your yard designs! This can be done against the house or try along-fence backyard landscaping as a simple idea. | Pine and Prospect

Decorative Fencing Hack

HVAC units and garbage cans are eyesores that can get in the way of a beautiful backyard landscape design. Hide these unsightly items with easy to install decorative fencing. This simple idea is an especially nice touch when you have small backyard hot tub landscaping the mind. It’s important to hide all unsightly things. | All Things Mama

DIY Wood Pallet Walkway

One simple backyard landscaping idea is creating a path. Even in a small yard, pathways give the effect of a secret garden. Keep mud and dirt off of your shoes with this frugal, upcycled wood pallet walkway. This is one of my favorite garden yard designs, and something a little different from the traditional stone path! | The Homespun Hydrangea

Look at these DIY Midsummer Nights Backyard Lighting Ideas. Get ready to invite friends over with super simple backyard lighting ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Save these Garden Tips and Hacks when creating your own perfect space. Plenty of ideas for those with a green thumb or even a black thumb. Pin to Pinterest.

DIY Mason Jar Canisters with Kitchen SVG Files

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May 19, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

Create Homemade Mason Jar Canisters using chalk paint, drawer knobs and directions on how to create Rae Dunn inspired font in Cricut Design Space. Go a step further with Kitchen SVG files and more weekend DIY projects for your home.

DIY Mason Jar Canisters with Kitchen SVG Files

We have the cutest DIY weekend project for your kitchen. A little bit functional, a little bit fun, and a lot of Rae Dunn inspired farmhouse decor. These homemade canisters are made from 16 oz mason jars, knobs, chalk paint, and your vinyl cutter machine.

Kitchen SVG Files

If you have a Cricut maker, it is possible to get crafty and creative in the kitchen. We put together the best Kitchen SVG Files in Creative Market.

For this particular mason jar craft project you will not need to purchase your font. We show you how to get free svg files or Rae Dunn Style fonts for your baking canisters by stretching and pulling your font into a fun height.

However, if you are taking your kitchen crafts a bit further, there are kitchen and baking SVG cut files you can upload to more creative projects for your home and tackle more home decor projects with Cricut Maker.

DIY Mason Jar Canisters

For this DIY project you will need a few supplies to make these mason jar canisters. WE share ow to make your own Rae Dunn inspired fonts using a free farmhouse font available in Creative Market.

Materials

Beyond your vinyl cutter and Cricut tools, you will need more materials to create your Kitchen canisters.

Cricut Maker (or Cricut Joy) with Fine Point Blade
Standard grip mat
Cricut Premium Vinyl, Removable or Permanent in color of your choice (We used Dark Forest Green in the Vibrant Value Pack.)
16 oz Mason Jar with Lids
Cricut Joy™ Adhesive-Backed Deluxe Paper, Natalie Malan In the Grove
Cricut Weeder Tool
Cricut Transfer Tape * (optional)
Americana Chalky Finish for Glass in Everlasting
Paintbrush
Decorative knobs with screws and suitable sized washers
Drill and drill bit
Hot glue gun with clear craft glue
Scissors

For Circut tools, this Basic Tool Set will have what you need and more! You can also pick up your transfer tape, mat, vinyl and more at the Circut Store.

*If you do want to use transfer tape for this project, *consider using Duck Brand Peel Clear Laminate as an alternative to Cricut transfer tape. Some people prefer this brand more.

Directions

Gather your materials and supplies listed above.

Wash your mason jars with soup and hot water and allow them to dry completely before continuing.

Chalk Paint Mason Jars

First, apply a thin coat of chalky finish paint to each of the mason jars leaving the neck of the jars unpainted.

Put the painted mason jar to the side to dry fully.

Repeat with additional chalk paint coverage as needed.

Kitchen SVG Files in Design Space

Open a blank canvas in Cricut Design Space.

Next, select the text icon from the toolbar.

Type the word FLOUR.

To get a Rae Dunn Font for Cricut, change the font to “Little White Lies”. (This is not a font you have to purchase!)

With your word highlighted, change your letter spacing to 0.7.

Stretch the lettering by clicking on the lock symbol above the size section and adjusting the height to 1.7” while keeping the width the same. This will give you that DIY Rae Dunn inspired font.

Next, click on the unlock symbol and adjust the word height to 2”.

With the word highlighted, click on the “Weld” button. This allows you to join shapes/letters to create a single customized image.

Repeat these steps with the the word SUGAR and OATS or any other kitchen canister pantry item.

Select “Make It” in Cricut Design Space.

For cutting the words in your Rae Dunn farmhouse font, set the material type to Premium Vinyl.

Follow the prompts for loading the mat into the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy and cutting the Premium Vinyl.

When prompted, unload the mat from the cutting machine.

Remove the Premium Vinyl from the mat.

Mason Jar Lids Inserts

To prepare you mason jar lid inserts, first measure the size of your mason jar lid.

Insert a circle shape on to the open Design Space canvas and adjust the size to measure the lid size.

Create another smaller sized circle with a 0.25” diameter and place it directly on to the center of the other larger circle. With both circles highlighted, click on the “Slice” button. This will create a small cut out. You can now discard the smaller circle shape.

Duplicate the circle shapes to cut one for each mason jar lid.

Color sync the images if needed to match the materials color.

Select “Make It” in Cricut Design Space.

For cutting your mason jar lid toppers, set the material type to Cardstock with adhesive backing.

Follow the prompts for loading the mat into the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy and cutting the toppers. When prompted, unload the mat from the cutting machine.

Remove the adhesive backing cardstock from the mat.

Mason Jar Kitchen Canisters

To assemble your kitchen mason jars, first cut around each font word with a pair of scissors.

Using the weeding tool, peel away the excess vinyl around the cut images and discard.

Transfer one letter at a time by hand to the mason jar.

Alternatively, you could also cut a piece of transfer tape a bit larger than the size of the image.

Peel away the transfer tape backing but ensure the transfer tape is not overly sticky. Place the transfer tape on top of the cut font image.

Gently rub the vinyl to help it stick to the transfer tape. Peel away the vinyl backing, leaving just the image adhered to the transfer tape.

Position the phrase with the transfer tape on to the smooth side of a jar and press in place.

Press the vinyl phrase down with your fingers to help it to stick to the painted glass jar. Slowly and carefully remove the transfer tape leaving the vinyl image on the jar.

Repeat for the other mason jars.

Mason Jar Lid with Knob

First, in the center of the mason jar lid, drill one hole the same size at the screw size for the knob. Take extra care when handling sharp metal edges.

Peel off one of the cardstock circles from the backing and place over top of the mason jar lid.

If your mason jar lid is in two parts, glue them together using a hot glue gun with clear glue sticks.

Screw the decorative knob onto the mason jar lid.

Repeat with the remaining lids.

To finish, fill the containers with oats, sugar and flour.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final DIY Mason Jar Canisters craft. Leave a comment and/or add a photo of your mason jar craft here on Pinterest!

Turn your leftover mason jars into a craft for dad perfect for his birthday or Father’s Day. We give you free SVG files to perfect this gift. Make your own BBQ Seasoning with these free Cricut SVG files. Pin to Pinterest.

Also look at these free Cricut Tutorials with free cut files. Pin to Pinterest.

Top 5 Pinterest Pins from April 2020

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May 12, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Save and enjoy the top pins on Pinterest for the month of April 2020. Make sure you are following Frugal Coupon Living on Pinterest!

Top 5 Pinterest Pins from April 2020

Below are some of our top trending pins on Pinterest. I had a little bit of a chuckle when looking at the top performing pins from April 2020. It is clear we have been in a month of social isolation and you guys are making your own bread, copying restaurant recipes, and getting outside to fix up the backyard and curb appeal.

I encourage you to pin them for later to your favorite Pinterest boards and make sure you are following Frugal Coupon Living on Pinterest!

Note: One pin I did not include for this April Pinterest round-up were these DIY Mother’s Day Crafts (Pin to Pinterest for next year!)

Previous Top 5 Pins

Top Pinterest Pins

Front Porch Decor. Inspire your welcome and update your curb appeal with the front porch and patio decor ideas. Pin this idea to Pinterest.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Recipes. Looks like everyone is missing friend chicken as much as us (in fact, we just did Chick-fil-a pickup today!) Bring your favorite recipes home with these copycat restaurant recipes. Pin this idea to Pinterest.

Homemade Bread Maker Recipes. Creating this post made me crave owning a bread maker. Maybe one day I will take the plunge. For those of you with this luxury, enjoy some of the best breadmaker recipes out there. Pin this idea to Pinterest.

Gardening Hacks and Tips. Are you a wannabe gardener? Take a look at these hacks and tips for creating a garden. Tips for new and old gardeners. Pin this idea to Pinterest.

High protein Breakfast Recipes. With stay at home orders and home schooling, breakfast has become a bigger meal than it was before. Follow these high protein breakfast recipes to get you and your kids started for the day. Pin this idea to Pinterest.

18 Creative IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hack Ideas

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May 12, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Hacks, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Eighteen Creative IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hacks and Ideas. Get inspired with these low cost IKEA home decor ideas for those with million dollar taste.

IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hacks

IKEA Billy Series

The IKEA Billy Series has been around over 50 years. Developed in 1979 by the Swedish designer Gillis Lundgren, IKEA has sold over 60 million units of the bookcases worldwide. Obviously it’s a popular series. Well the world has gotten more creative and the platform of Pinterest has been created. This media sharing has inspired many Billy Bookcase creative designs with an IKEA low-cost price tag.

IKEA BILLY Bookcase Ideas

We have found same amazing Billy bookcase IKEA ideas. Enjoy this list of the top 18 IKEA BILLY Bookcase ideas. Show us what you design after being inspired by these IKEA hackers. Before you start getting crafty, make sure also look at our Bookshelf Styling Ideas!

If you want a floor to ceiling custom built in, get started with this BILLY Bookcases cheat sheet and stacking formula. Turn IKEA BILLY Bookcases with glass doors into the most perfect built in you’ve ever seen with this full tutorial. | Vintage Revivals

Turn your shelving unit into a craftsman dream by adding trim. Adding molding to IKEA BILLY bookcase makes it look like an expensive built in unit. | Blesser House

Get crafty for the kids! Turn a white bookshelf into a life size DIY dollhouse. Touches of paint, wallpaper, craft paper and dollhouse furniture and you have a complete home. | The DIY Village

This BILLY bookcase lighting hack adds illumination to any space! Best of all, Jamie doesn’t even have to flip a switch this this remote control lighting trick! | Southern Revivals

This BILLY bookcase hack closet idea is perfect for someone who lacks the IKEA closet PAX wardrobe space. Lauren has quite the experience with IKEA storage units too. Her entire room has intricate plans! | Blesser House

Make your book shelf pop with this DIY hack with billy bookcase drawers. Turn your BILLY book shelves into a colorful dresser. | Infarrantly Creative

This built-in day bed and reading nook transformed this playroom. The hidden gem is created form two different sizes of IKEA bookcases. | House Homemade (Also seen in our Reading Corner Ideas for Kids)

I gave my husband these plans and begging him to make this IKEA billy bookcase entertainment center for only $300! It would resolve our “no entertainment center” problem by 1,000s! | Amanda Katherine

Look at this home improvement hack! Cover an ugly AC Wall Unit with an IKEA bookcase hack. | Design Evolving

This BILLY Bookcase bedroom idea is perfect for a little girls room. Combining a dresser and IKEA book shelf and then paint for the most adorable pop! | Designer Trapped

Need more storage in the kitchen? Custom build a pantry with this IKEA bookcase idea. Compare the price! You can buy IKEA pantry cabinets for around $400 or buy a 15” BILLY bookcase (with a door) for just around $100! | Run to Radiance

Look at this great idea! Take an IKEA bookcase and install over a door or entryway! | The Accent Piece

Revamp your playroom with this painted IKEA bookcase storage unit. Perfect for organizing – so easy on the eyes. | Blesser House

Paint the background of your custom bookcase like this IKEA playroom idea. Love that pop of green! | Centsational Style

Think outside the box and transform your kitchen island by adding a billy bookcase island with IKEA butcher block. | Golden Boys and Me

Revamp your entryway or even your garage with this custom mudroom built ins From IKEA white bookcases for $300! | The Kim Six Fix

Find a similar IKEA mudroom hack using white bookcases with full design inspiration and links. | House homemade

This might be my most favorite BILLY Bookcase hack. It is so easy and really makes your shelf look like a million bucks. Hide the holes in your BILLY Bookcase with DryDex Spackling. Goes on pink and dries white. How satisfying! | Centsational Style

IKEA BILLY Bookcase Planner

Inspired? Become your own interior designer with the help of the IKEA Billy Bookcase Planner Tools. Create your perfect storage and home improvement solutions. Plan online at IKEA and you’ve completed your design you can add it to your cart and order it online – easy.

Visit IKEA Planning Solutions

Shelfies! Learn how to Style Bookshelves with these Bookshelf Design Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Speaking of these IKEA BILLY Bookcase ideas, take a look at these Reading Corner Ideas for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Claim more home project ideas with these Older Home Improvement Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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May 9, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media

The easiest and tastiest Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Keep this great recipe on rotation with your family. Only three simple ingredients. Absolutely delicious!

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

I am the cook, my husband is the grill man. With his work hours, it is sometimes hard to get family dinner to the table on time and still have the taste of a grilled entree.

The Air Fryer has been incredibly helpful to this dilemma. It is healthy. It is quick and easy. It is all done from my kitchen counter. If you want the lovely taste of fried chicken but don’t want all the fat associated with it, these easy air fryer chicken legs are you solution. Only 3 ingredients and you can have your air fryer drumsticks cooked in 40 minutes time. Insert. Cook. Walk away.

Ingredients for Chicken Drumsticks

These incredibly easy Air Fryer Italian Drumsticks only have three ingredients.

Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients:

6 Drumsticks
Italian Seasoning Packet
1 Stick Butter (Melted) – Follow this melting butter trick in our Backing Hacks and Tips.

We recommend you have Italian Seasoning as a staple in your kitchen pantry. This one is frugal friendly. As a guide, use two tablespoons of Italian seasoning dry mix in place of one packet of Italian seasoning mix.

If you like our Ceramic Rae Dunn Salt and Pepper Cellars, you can grab them here.

Save this recipe for later. Print your recipe and add it to your recipe box or recipe binder! This is my favorite Recipe Binder – I get tired of printing the same recipe over and over. A binder keeps me organized and gives me a place to store my recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

6 Drumsticks
Italian Seasoning Packet
1 Stick Butter (Melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Dry your drumsticks by patting them down with a paper towel.
Brush each drumstick with butter.
Without overcrowding, carefully place the chicken drumsticks in air fryer basket.
Cook at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Remove from air fryer and coat the chicken drumsticks in more butter.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Return your drumsticks back to air fryer for another 10 minutes.
Take out and enjoy!

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How to Cook Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer

It is very easy to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. Get the fried taste, but with the health benefits of an air fryer!

Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Directions:

Before you begin, dry your drumsticks by patting them down with a paper towel.

Next, brush each drumstick with butter. You will not use all the butter.

Without overcrowding, carefully place the chicken drumsticks in air fryer basket.

Cook at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Remove your chicken drumsticks from air fryer and coat each in more butter.

Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Finally, return drumsticks to the air fryer for another 10 minutes.

Take out and enjoy!

Note: The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken drumsticks is 165° Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Accessories

If you are just getting started with this kitchen gadget, take a look at these top 7 Air Fryer Accessories to get you started.

First, take a look at this Air Fryer Accessories Kit which includes 16 pieces including a cake barrel, pizza pan, skewers rack, egg molds, recipe cook book, oil brush, magnetic cheat sheet, air fryer liners and more.

Instead of the Air Fryer Accessories Set, you could get the following pieces individually.

Not included in the kit, is a Mandoline Slicer which is ideal for quickly slicing vegetables. Slice vegetables fry so well into chips!

You will want an Olive Oil Sprayer and Heat Resistant Kitchen Tongs.

Also make sure you pick up our Air Fryer Cheat Sheet as your constant companion.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Air Fryer Chicken recipe. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

This Air Fryer Cheat Sheet is the perfect kitchen resource. Pin to Pinterest.

Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Looking for more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes? These Easy Air Fryer Recipes are perfect for beginners! Pin to Pinterest.

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for the Mail

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May 13, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for the mail plus a free donut teacher appreciation printable gift tag that can be delievered via email, over USPS or with Restaurant delivery or pick-up. Plus Virtual teacher appreciation ideas for Zoom, Google classroom and more.

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Coming up with this Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea took some time. I knew I wanted a punny teacher appreciation printable that could be used during Teacher Appreciation week or as an end of the year gift idea. Plus, currently we are in social isolation and many local restaurants and establishments are suffering, so I wanted to grab something would would give back to local organizations.

We came up with this easy Teacher Appreciation Week gift idea – DONUT you know how much I miss you printable gift tag for teachers. And for years, were we are not in social isolation, this teacher gift tag also comes with another quote that reads DONUT know what I would do without you.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Donut Teacher Appreciation Gift Tag

Get all of our free printables including our donut teacher appreciation gift tag. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

1.) Enter your email address HERE.

2.) Confirm the email request in your inbox.

3.) Look for the link and passcode in your inbox.

By downloading you are accepting the terms that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples. You can sign in or create a Staples account.

Mail a Gift Card

For our donut teacher appreciation gift card idea, we went at it two ways. First, we picked up gift cards that teachers could use at their leisure. I privately emailed teachers and asked for their best mailing address (knowing well that I might be the school address.) It was a personal question and I know some teachers would want to keep that information private. I softened it by sharing my child wanted to send them a treat. This teacher gift card idea well because it’s a gift that is not perishable. They can get it immediately at their home or when they return to school to pick up materials.

If leaving the home is not convenient for you, consider shopping Amazon for gift cards. You can have them mailed to your home and then add our printable teacher appreciation gift tag before mailing to your child’s educator.

By purchasing from a local bakery or restaurant, you are supporting small businesses during social isolation. Consider it a win/win.

Online Restaurant Delivery

Another option using your donut teacher gift tag is restaurant delivery or pick-up. We used Door Dash to deliver donuts. In this case, you can swing the gift tag to the establishment and add it to the order.

If leaving the house is not an option, consider this electronic addition. You can email the gift tag separately with a sweet message that your great teacher is expecting a delivery.

Another creative idea is to take a photo of your child holding the printed gift tag and email it to your teacher after the Restaurant Delivery arrives (track it on your phone or app.) I think this is a cute idea because it’s personalizes the doughnut delivery with a cute smile from your child and a sweet punny teacher message attached.

For this Teacher Appreciation Restaurant Delivery idea you will need your teacher’s home mailing address.

Teacher Appreciation Printables

We have years and years worth of teacher appreciation printables. Use any of these ideas and using a flat rate shipping box from USPS fill your box with a teacher gift and send it straight from your mailbox. Never leave the home.

More Unique Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Get creative with your electronic and virtual teacher appreciation ideas too.

Host a Class Zoom Party. have all the kids dress up and surprise the teacher. During this time you can share memories of the year together.
Make a Video Message. Have all the students in the class send in a 10 second clip of the reason they love their teacher. Piece those together for a sweet video message. Such a unique and priceless gift idea.
Send an Books Gift Card. One of my favorite places to shop for books is Better World Books. You can buy used or new books. I love buying used knowing I am recycling older books and finding many of my favorite authors and books for less. This also allows teachers to fill their personal and classroom library.
Thanks a Lattee. Thank a teacher a lot with a printable coffee gift card! Print and mail.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Donut Teacher Appreciation Gift Tag. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

The end of the school year is new. Save these End of the School Year Acitivites and Printables. Pin to Pinterest.

Find creative Pun-Tastic teacher gift ideas for save these Punny Teacher Appreciation Printables too! Pin to Pinterest.

DIY Cricut Father’s Day Photo Frame

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May 19, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Father's Day, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

Looking for an easy and Frugal Father’s Day gift from home? This DIY Father’s Day Photo Frame is a cute gift idea from the kids. Download these five funny Father’s Day quotes and puns. Upload your FREE SVG Files for Cricut Design Space, print, and create a rock picture frame for a dad that is a rock or rock star!

Cricut Father’s Day Photo Frame

Whether your dad sports a leather vest and rocks the guitar,or is a pillar of strength that your family leans on, we have some of the ultimate Father’s Day Quotes and crafts for your super dad! Using a Cricut Maker, make dad an adorable rock frame that he can display at the office or by his bedside, reminding him of his importance. This DIY Father’s Day gift is simple and uses supplies around the house.

If you are using your vinyl cutter to create easy and frugal Father’s Day gifts ideas, make sure you download this Father’s Day SVG File for Cricut to make Homemade BBQ Seasoning Mason Jars.

Father’s Day Puns

We put together five Father’s Day puns about rocks for your rock star, the rock you lean on, your dad.

Dad Quotes:

Have a rock’n Father’s Day.

Dad, you’re our rock star! (the one we used)

Dad, you rock!

Dad, you’re the rock our family leans on!

My dad, my rock.

You can use any of these quotes about rocks & dad in your Father’s Day picture frames.

Father’s Day SVG Files

For your Rock Father’s Day Picture Frame, you will need a few materials including our free Father’s Day SVG file.

Father’s Day SVG File Download

Pick up this file by signing up for our email list. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download ALL of our free printables including our two Father’s Day Gifts – BBQ Mason Jars and Rock Picture Frame for Dad.

By downloading you are accepting the terms that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

Once you have your Father’s Day Rock Quotes downloaded, you can begin this process of uploading a SVG file to Cricut Design Space.

DIY Photo Frame Craft Supplies

To create this Cricut Rock’n Picture Frame for Dad this Father’s Day, have the following materials…

Materials Needed:

Rock’n SVG cut file (downloaded from Frugal Coupon Living’s Free Printables)
Wide Wooden 3.5” x 5” Photo frame (painted with chalky paint, we used Americana Decor Relic)
Cricut Maker (or Cricut Joy)
Standard grip mat
Cricut Premium Vinyl, Removable or Permanent in color of your choice (We used Light Gray Cricut Premium Vinyl in the Vibrant Value Pack.)
Cricut Deluxe Paper (we used Hostess with the Mostess Winter Sparkle collection)
Cricut Weeder Tool
Cricut Transfer Tape
Cricut Scraping Tool
Small rocks/pebbles
Hot glue gun with clear craft glue

For Circut tools, this Basic Tool Set will have what you need and more! You can also pick up your transfer tape, mat, vinyl and more at the Circut Store.

Cricut Father’s Day Craft Instructions

Follow these easy directions to make your homemade Father’s day frame.

Gather all your supplies together. You can do this in many steps, over a few days or tackle it all immediately.

Prepare the Photo Frame

Disassemble the picture frame. If needed, paint the frame with 1-2 coats of charcoal chalk paint. Set aside the photo frame dry.

Once the painted frame is dry, heat a hot glue gun with clear glue sticks.

Begin in the corner of the picture frame and apply a dab of hot glue. Quickly, place one small pebble into the glue. Repeat this process until you cover the entire surface of the frame with rocks until finished.

Put the frame aside.

How to Upload your SVG File to Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space.

Upload Father’s Day Rock’n Phrases SVG File into design space.

On the right column, click Ungroup.

Click and drag over each of the phrases separately. With the phrase highlighted, click on the “Weld” button”. Repeat for all phrases or erase the phrases you do not want to print to vinyl.

Adjust your rock phrase sizes to fit inside the photo frame accordingly (we used 3.5 x 5 but you can use a similar size frame).

Insert one square shape onto the Design Space canvas to create the photo frame backing. Size the square to match the size of the picture frame, in our case it was 3.5” wide x 5” high.

Finally, using the color sync tab. assign colors to the images for different material types: Premium Vinyl and Cardstock (Deluxe Paper).

How to Cut Vinyl on Cricut

Once your work is complete in design space you will begin the process of cutting your vinyl using your Cricut machine.

First, select “Make It” in Design Space.

For the vinyl phrase(s), set the material type to Premium Vinyl. Follow prompts for loading the mat into the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy and cutting the Premium Vinyl.

When prompted, unload the mat from the cutting machine.

Remove the Premium Vinyl from the mat.

For the paper photo frame backing, set the material type to cardstock, medium weight. Follow prompts for loading the mat into the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy and cutting the Deluxe Paper.

When prompted, unload the mat from the Cricut maker cutting machine.

Remove the Deluxe Paper from the mat.

How to Assemble the Rock Picture Frame

You have crafted your rock picture frame, cut your vinyl, and cut your card stock mat. Next you will begin to assemble your Father’s Day Rock Picture Frame.

How to Put Vinyl on Glass

Take the glass from your picture frame and lay it on flat surface.

First, make sure your glass is clean and wipe free any dust or streak from the surface. Let dry.

Cut around the vinyl cut phrase with a pair of scissors.

Using the weeding tool, peel away the excess vinyl around the cut phrase and discard excess vinyl.

Next, cut a section of the transfer tape slightly larger than the size of the phrase.

Peel away the transfer tape backing and place the transfer tape on top of the cut phrase. Gently rub the vinyl to help it stick to the transfer tape.

Peel away the vinyl backing, leaving just the phrase adhered to the transfer tape.

Position the phrase with the transfer tape on to the glass and press in place.

Press the vinyl phrase down with your fingers or with the Cricut scraping tool to help it to stick to the glass surface.

Slowly and carefully remove the transfer tape leaving the vinyl phrase on the glass.

Place the glass back into the pebble picture frame. Wipe away finger prints.

Place the blue cardstock paper mat into the frame against the glass. Reassemble the backing into the frame.

Wrap this father’s day gift for dad. Gift and let him display and enjoy!

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Father’s Day Cricut Picture Frame. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Don’t forget our many Easy and Frugal Father’s Day Gift ideas using supplies from home. This includes our Father’s Day BBQ Mason Jar Craft. Pin to Pinterest.

Also save these Free Cricut Craft Tutorials throughout the entire year. Pin to Pinterest.