At what point do you admit that you have an addiction to the dollar store ? For better or worse, I live near two dollar stores, and I visit both of them frequently — sometimes both on the same day.
I will find any excuse I can to go to the dollar store, but usually, it’s to pick up some supplies for my next DIY .
If you’re itching to head to the dollar store, too, give one of these projects a try!
1. DIY White board
Frames are a really good deal at the dollar store. I’ve purchased some for my home and people are shocked when I tell them they’re where I get them from.
Besides holding photos, you can also use frames for awesome projects like this one from Clever Pink Pirate .
With a dollar store frame and some colored duct tape, we’re going to make a DIY whiteboard for your desk.
You’ll be able to use it to write helpful messages and reminders to yourself. Plus, it is super cute.
This project is easy peasy.
Wrap your colored duct tape around the frame.
I have seen duct tape like this at the dollar store, but you might want to check out your local craft store for better selection. You can also use washi tape instead.
When wrapping your frame, use a box cutter to trim any excess tape.
When you’re done, open the frame and insert a blank piece of paper.
Grab a dry-erase marker and write on the frame’s glass. Now you have a place to remind yourself to go to the dollar store and pick up more supplies.
2. Serving tray
Tatertots & Jello made this serving tray out of a pizza pan from the dollar store.
This is what I love about the dollar store. There are so many odds and ends you can DIY with — the feet of this serving tray are actually drawer knobs.
Before you begin this project, measure where you will want the feet to go so they are evenly spaced. We don’t want a wobbly serving tray.
Next, grab some scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.
We’re going to need a lot of Mod Podge.
Cut your paper into strips and stick it to the pan using Mod Podge.
When the pan is covered and dry, you’ll want to give it a few coats of polyurethane spray. This will make it possible for you to wipe down the tray.
Finally, glue your feet to the bottom of the tray and add some handles with glue as well. Your tray is complete!
All that’s left to do now is serve up some of your favorite treats. Yum!
3. String art
Remember what I said about frames from the dollar store?
My Sister’s Suitcase actually picked this frame up from Ikea, but I bet you could find a similar one at your local Dollar Tree.
We’re going to use this frame to make some amazing monogrammed string art.
Monogrammed accessories always add a personal touch to your decor and are also great additions to a nursery or kid’s room.
Besides a frame, you’ll also need string, push pins, and a sheet of cork, so pick those up from the dollar store while you’re there!
Maximum effect for minimum effort.
Remove the backing and glass from your frame. Pop in the cork board, cutting it down to size if necessary, and replace the frame backing.
Use a template for your letter and stape it in the center of your cork board. Outline the letter with push pins and add a border of push pins around the edge of the frame.
With your push pins in place, you can start wrapping your string around them.
When you’re done, be sure to remove the letter template and admire your creation.
You could even make a whole series of these to spell out a word for an accent wall.
4. Animal jars
Do you know what’s even better than a dollar store DIY? One that uses recycled materials as well!
That’s why I love this DIY from A House Full Of Sunshine . Using a few materials from the dollar store and recycled baby food jars, we’re going to make the cutest animal jar toppers.
The main thing you’ll need to pick up at the dollar store is a bag of small, plastic animal toys.
I see these all the time, and you usually get a whole set for just a buck or two.
Let’s make an entire zoo!
Once you have your animals, glue them with strong craft glue to the lids of your jars.
To finish this project, we’re going to give the lids a few coats of spray paint.
I am a big fan of the monochromatic look, but you could make each lid a different color if you wanted to.
Your jars are complete! Fill them up with treats and hand them out as party favors.
You could also use them to hold small toiletries or jewelry. I’m wild for this DIY.
5. Wearable terrarium
Do you ever find the most random things at the dollar store, but you have no idea how you would use them in a DIY? Sometimes the weirdest materials make the coolest projects.
DIY In PDX used these small glass bottles to make a tiny terrarium that you can actually wear.
I’ve seen these small bottles in the craft or home decor section of the dollar store, but you might want to even check out the kitchen section.
You just never know what you’re going to find, or where you’ll find it.
It’s like wearing a garden.
Besides the glass bottle, you’ll also need some pebbles and a bit of greenery to put in the bottle.
You could also find these materials at the dollar store, or check out the craft store.
Once you have all your materials, place them in the bottle and cork it.
Use a bit of jewelry wire to make two small hooks on either side of the cork. Add a chain and you’re ready to wear this portable garden.
6. Cork coasters
Think of the dollar store as a gallery of blank canvases. There are so many plain and boring items just waiting for us to come along and upgrade them.
Take this cork coaster project from Fellow Fellow , for example. These coasters were okay, but with a little DIY magic, we’re going to take them to the next level.
Grab a paint pen for this DIY. You can use any color you’d like, but the metallic paint pens add a nice, shiny touch.
Doodle to your heart’s content.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, all of these designs are really easy to freehand. I mean, anyone can draw polka dots, right?
You can make all your designs match, but I kind of like each coaster showcasing a unique design.
If you’re looking for an activity to do while you have a night in with friends (or, a night in with Netflix), this is perfect.
Plus, your precious coffee table will be protected from water rings. Win!
7. Flower monogram
Clearly, I’m on a bit of a monogram binge in this article.
Besides finding any excuse I can to go to the dollar store, apparently I’ll also find any excuse to make something with my initial on it.
Make It Love It came up with this project, which will add a splash of color to any room.
Tissue paper is another one of those materials you should always buy at the dollar store.
It is so cheap there and you can use it for so much more than wrapping gifts.
Yes, I need this giant “E”.
Making these tissue paper flowers is so easy. Fold a few sheets of tissue paper together until you have a small square.
Staple the sheets of tissue paper together and cut the square down into a circle.
That is the base for each flower. To make different petal shapes, you’ll cut different patterns into the tissue paper’s edge.
The blue flower has a triangle pattern, and the yellow and pink flowers have a wavy pattern.
Fluff up the tissue paper and separate the layers to make your flower bloom. Then, glue them to a wooden letter and hang it up!
8. Moon phase magnets
Magnets are one of those things I use all the time but rarely buy.
It’s almost like I’ve inherited the current magnets on my fridge and have no idea where they came from or how long I’ve had them. Maybe it’s a sign that I need to make some new ones.
Make And Tell came up with this dreamy magnet set that mimics the phases of the moon. The Pisces in me is already loving this project.
Head to the dollar store and pick up some plain, flat magnets ASAP!
Anyone else love a full moon?
You’ll need some air-dry clay for this project as well. Cut out seven circles, one for each phase and magnet.
You can use your circle cutter to lightly make a crescent imprint on your clay for the moon phase design.
When your clay is dry, add color to the design with paint or paint pens. You can even get fancy and use gold foil for an extra glamorous touch.
Using strong glue, attach the magnets to the backs of your moons. These look out-of-this-world!
9. Candles with a message
If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to add some color to your table, look no further. The dollar store has you covered.
Oh Happy Day came up with this project, and it will light up your life.
Swing by the dollar store and grab some plain glass candle holders in various sizes.
You’ll also want to pick up some LED candles while you’re there. You can use regular candles, but I opt for LED ones when I can.
I can’t get over how simple this DIY is.
The letters were printed out from online. Have fun playing with your color pattern.
You can do monochrome, two colors, or a variety of colors from the same family like this arrangement.
Once you have your letters printed, cut them to size if you need to.
Then, just roll them up and place them in your candleholders with the letters facing out. You can add a little clear tape to secure the letters.
Another reason why I recommend LED candles is because the paper is inside the candleholders.
We don’t want this project to go up in smoke, so opt for battery-powered lights.
10. Boho coffee holder
Like a lot of people, I need a cup of coffee or two to make it through the day. Thanks to my 1-year-old, I’m usually required to run on a few hours of sleep — and that means coffee is a necessity.
Dream A Little Bigger made these funky coffee holders that will add some fun to your morning cuppa and protect your hands.
Felt is one of the most underrated craft materials. Maybe it’s because it’s mostly used for kid’s crafts, but this is a felt project for caffeine-craving adults.
These coffee sleeves have more style than I do.
You can find a template online for a coffee sleeve pattern, or make your own.
Once you have your pattern, trace it on a piece of felt and cut it out. Glue the ends together to make your sleeve.
Now comes the fun part — decorating your sleeve!
There are always odds and ends in the craft section of the dollar store. You can add ribbon, a pompom fringe, and tassels. It’s up to you! Let your inner bohemian artist emerge.
11. Citrus-printed tea towels
These colorful tea towels come to us from Making Home Base . Some of the best things to stock up on at the dollar store are basics for around the home.
The only problem? Sometimes these basics are a little too basic.
To add some color to plain tea towels, we’re going to stamp them with lemon halves. You can use other citrus fruits if you’d like to vary the size of the stamps.
Grab some fabric paint and let’s get started.
How cute would these look in your kitchen?
This DIY is simple enough to whip up a few of these towel sets in an afternoon.
Brush a coat of paint on your lemon half. You don’t want to add too much paint or else you’ll end up with a big paint glob.
When your lemon is painted, press it onto the towel. So easy, right?
Have fun doing different color combinations and making a few different patterns.
If you really don’t need any more towels, you could try stamping a dollar store tote bag instead.
12. Floral headboard
I am in love with this DIY from The Sorry Girls that uses faux flowers from the dollar store.
My local dollar store has an amazing floral section and there are always great deals to be found.
We’re going to use flowers to make a floating headboard, but I think this project would also make for some lovely wedding decor.
Swing by the dollar store and pick up a few bunches of fake flowers.
If you want a gradient effect, choose a few different bunches that are in the same color family with flowers that are roughly the same size.
A literal bed of roses.
This first step is a little brutal, but chop the stems off all your flowers. Sorry, guys!
Once you have your blooms, use a hot glue gun to attach them to some fishing wire. The width of your bed will determine how many strands you make.
When the glue is dry, you can hang up your garlands to create this dreamy effect.
Picture this with white and pink flowers. Wouldn’t it look amazing as a DIY photobooth backdrop for a wedding? I think I need to go pick up some fake flowers now.
