SHOESTRING: ANOTHER FOUND MONEY

Thanks to Hip2Save.com. 

Free $10 credit to JC PENNEY

HANDMADE: T-SHIRT YARN BALLS

T-Shirt balls for boxes!  I am kind of addicted to making these. Shoebox Shoppers on Facebook shared this project. 

I have made a bunch and have some tips and refinements. 

For your info:  I got seven balls out of a XL men's shirt, it was a South Pole brand that tends to be extra long. I had an old t-shirt pillow case tha needed to be retired. I made five balls. 

I cut my strips a little narrower than her instructions, around 1/2 inch. 

I cut the strips into four inch lengths vs. six inches. I use 120 strips and an 8 inch zip tie. I wish I had less robust zip tie. 

Once you have them zip tied, cut off the zip tie tail. I use the open edge of my scissors to shave off any sharp edges left. 

Now, if is time to twist and fluff. I grab a few strands around the middle and twist one way, grab a few more and twist the other way.   Fluff around the ball. 

Time for a Hair Cut.  I like the strands to be even. Have you ever made a yarn pompom?  This is just a t-shirt pompom. 

Finished Balls!  Think these are great, thanks Shoebox Shoppers 

SHOESTRING: TOYS INCLUDED WITH A $5 TARGET GIFT CARD

Target currently has this gift card available.  It comes with the free toy from Hex Bugs.  You can order with a $5 balance.  Since, I already shop at Target, I will use the gift cards for my regular shopping.

You can only get at Target.com.  Order 5, $5 cards and they will ship for free.  

Closer to Christmas, they will be offering more.  They have had some cute ones in the past.  I have kept the toys and put the gift cards in my grown kids' stockings

Use Ebates and get 2% back.

SHOESTRING: FOUND MONEY

One way I think about putting money aside for Operation Christmas Child expenses, is using what I call found money. It can come from a variety of places.  I really only do two things regularly. I know others do Swag Bucks and regularly earn Amazon gift cards.  I am just not that disciplined.  Just google it and I am sure you will find tons of tricks and tips to maximize your earnings.


As I said before, I'm not an avid couponer.  Since I am a Target shopper, I do look in their weekly ad for their $5 gift card promos.  You have to buy a dollar amount or a number of an item and you earn a $5 gift card at check out.  If it is something I need or use, I will try to match to a coupon.  There are many blogs that track the info.  I like Hip2Save.com

I will use the $5 specifically for Shoeboxes.


The other regular source of found money is Ebates.  They give you a small rebate back on most of your on-line purchases.  You just need to remember to start at Ebates before you go to a site to shop.  Frequently, they have double cash back.  They are doing it right now.  

I use Chrome and there is an app that puts an Ebates button on my toolbar.  It flashes in red when I go to a site that they work with so it is harder to forget.

Right now I have $27.24 in my ebates account.  They will mail me a check at the end of the quarter.  Again, it does help.  It is definitely found money as it comes from things I was buying anyway.

Here is my referral link, full disclosure, I will be getting rewarded if you sign up but remember, it goes into my found money shoebox account.  You can certainly set up you own referrals too   

One other way, Credit Card Rewards.  We charge everything, but pay our bill in full each month.     I use the credit card points to "buy" gift cards. I have $100 Walmart and $100 Target card due in any day now. Another source of "Found Money". 

What are your sources of Found Money?

HOMEMADE: STRATEGY GAME

Tic Tac Toe seems to be the go to game to include in shoeboxes.  I don't know about your kids, but the thrill wears off by the time they are three.

I searched for a little more challenging game and found TAPATAN.  Although this version is from the Philippines, there are variations around the world.  The game lasts longer than a game of Tic Tac Toe so I thought it would be better for older kids.

I have created several versions which I will share below.
1.  Gel Transfer to Wood
2.  Paint on Wood
3.  Self Stick floor Tile
4.  Laminated

You can download a PDF with four boards here.

You can download a PDF with instructions in English/Spanish/French here.

1.  GEL TRANSFER

I love using Gel Medium (artist supply) to transfer images to wood.  I am not as happy with this result as other projects I have done.  I think it may have to do with there isn't solid enough background or lines.  Gel Medium can be kind of expensive so be sure to use a 40% off coupon.  A jar will last a long time.

I will give a quick overview.

Cut scrap wood into 4 inch squares.  I used something I had laying around.  Thinner is better.

Print out PDF on a LASER PRINTER.  Cut out.

 Use your fingers, or a brush if you must and put a coat of gel medium on the wood.  Place the cut out FACE DOWN on top of the gel.  Smooth paper with your fingers, making sure you have burnished it well.

LET IT DRY OVERNIGHT.  I am not good at waiting but trust me, it will work better.

Get some wet paper towels and put down something thing to work on.

This is where the magic happens.  Let the wet paper towels soften the white paper.  Rub GENTLY with your fingers to rub off the paper.  The image should be left behind.  

As you can see, this needs more work getting the white paper haze off.

DONE or you can cover with a coat of Mod Podge.  Recently, I have seen 2 oz bottles at the Dollar Tree.

2.   PAINT ON WOOD.

I painted the same scrap wood with cheap craft paint.

I took the same PDF, put it on top of the wood and traced with a pen.  It made lines in the wood that I could follow.

I used a SHARPIE and a straight edge.

I had some hole reinforcements laying around and put these on.  Think it looks more finished.  Can also finish off with Mod Podge if desired.

3. SELF STICK FLOOR TILE

I am really pleased with this one.

Buy a self stick tile.  My DH found this one at Lowes for 53 cents. Makes NINE BOARDS, at around 6 cents each.

The cheaper and thinner the better.  We cut into 9 4 inch squares, using a straight edge and box knife.

Download and print the PDF on to card stock.  I used colored pages, Michaels has a pack of 50 sheets on sale this week for $2, making each board  1 cent each.  Trim to four inches.  Better to be a little bigger than too small.

 Fold down just a little of the liner paper on the back of the cut tile.  This will make it easier to line up the card stock.  You have ONE CHANCE to get it on right so take your time

Pull down the liner paper, pressing on the card stock.  Burnish the card stock, especially on the corners.

 If you have paper overhanging the edge, just sand it off to get a perfect edge.

4.  LAMINATE

Print the PDF and laminate.

Cut into game boards.

GAME PIECES

Each set needs 3 pieces of 2 colors.  I used glass marbles from the Dollar Tree.  I got enough for 20 games in each bag, so another nickel in cost.

I made tiny draw string bag for the pieces.  I think I will put the game board, instructions and the draw string bag in a cellophane treat bag to keep it together.

I almost forgot, you could also include a tic tac toe board too.

INFO: Did you know that you can bulk order from Dollar Tree?

Come early November the Dollar Tree will be packed with people shopping for Shoeboxes. There are some good things and some not good things at Dollar Tree. 

I read recently from someone who was at a distribution that a lot of Dollar Tree toys broke on the spot. Just be careful when selecting items. 

Did you know you can order items by the case on-line and shipped to your local store for free?  If you find a good item, get it ordered soon so you have enough. 

Here are some items I recently ordered:

These cute dolls are perfect shoebox items. Some stores only carry the light

skin dolls but you can order this medium skin tone. I like these a lot 

I haven't seen these metal models in person. My local stores didn't have. I bought these after reading reviews. Sounds like they may be too difficult for 5 and 6 year olds, which means I will be putting in 10+ boys boxes. 

I think this is a nice domino set for almost any age. I have also seen a work sheet that could be included where the dominos create the math problem (1 dot plus 3 dots equal 4 dots)

These wood kits are highly rated. They are on back order.   Love these. 

I know my sons would have loved these balloon rockets when they were little. Package of 8. Enough for the boys to share with friends. 

What boy wouldn't love some rope?  Lots of fun things for them. My husband thinks we should include an infographic sheet on knot tying. 

I am sure there are other good Dollar Tree items. What do you like to include from there?

SHOESTRING: Plastic Containers from KFC

Thank you KFC. My DH went to KFC and spoke to the manager and he got this nice stack of small plastic containers.  They are PERFECT for little things. I have used them to put pony beads and cord in. 

I put a sticker over the KFC logo.   I must say that I am pretty tickled with these. 

SHOESTRING: 4 PENCIL BOX FROM UPCYCLED CARDBOARD

Shoebox Shoppers shared a great deal on Dr. Seuss pencils a week or so ago.  These were such cute pencils, I wanted them to be special in the shoeboxes.

I saw this on pinterest:

You can find the original instructions here. I would read these.  I haven't been a detailed.

I made a new template to work with 4 Dr. Seuss Pencils, I used a cereal box. You can download it here.

A couple of things I learned:

1. Tape the template to the reverse side of the box because good lines and scores are important to make a nice finished box.

2.  I scored while the template was still taped down.  I used a ruler and the back side of my scissors.  You need to be precise or you won't get good folds.

3.  Once you cut out, begin to fold.  Again, be precise.

4.  I used double sided tape to hold it together.

5.  I cut a small square of sticky velcro into quarters.  Put the loops on the flap.

SHOESTRING: Rite Aid 75% off Dollar Days

Coloring Books

Foam Puzzles

Animal Visors

Sewing kits

3 pack plastic cups 

Doodle Pads

Pencil Cases

Hair bands 

Sticky back foam pieces

50 cent

Large post-it note selection 

Will break this apart for several boxes

6 bars of soap

FREE

See pic of receipt

$3.49-$2-$1.50

SHOESTRING: DAILY DEAL SITES SIGN UP BONUS

Sometimes Daily Deal Sites and the like offer you a store credit when signing up.  This is a great way to get "free" items.  I received an email today from Beyond The Rack reminding me that I had a $25 credit, totally forgot about it.

I used it to get 4 of these sets.  What a great wow item for an older girl's box.  Melissa and Doug's sets are packaged in wooden boxes, so the girl will also have this cute pink tray.

Of course, I had to pay shipping so each one ended up costing me $2, I think well worth it for the set.

Since I don't do affiliate links, you can see if they are offering deals for signing up etc.

SHOESTRING: 8 CENT SOAP, MAYBE FREE

I am not a big couponer.  I tend to print them and let them sit on the printer.

Thanks to Krazy Coupon Lady, she pointed out a great deal at Rite-Aid this week.  You can get 6 bars of soap at 49 cents total or 8 cents a piece. Coupons.com

Use a $1.00 Smart Source coupon to get a six-pack of bar soap for $0.49, or $0.08 per bar. Check it out:

Buy 1 Irish Spring Gear Bar Soap, 6 ct $3.49, sale price through 9/26

$2.00 Off With In-Ad Coupon through 9/26

Use one $1.00/1 – Irish Spring Signature for Men Body Wash/Bar Soap OR Irish Spring Gear Body Wash/Bar Soap from SS 9/20

Final Price: $0.49, or $0.08 per bar

 Actually, it may be better than what she shows, when I printed the coupon, it shows bar soap, so it may be free.  You can print two coupons (go to her site to find the link, I don't do affiliate links and since her deal, let her get credit).

You will have to go to Rite-Aid twice to get use this deal 2x.

GENERAL: GOODWILL and THRIFT STORES. What to buy where

I have recently been to a bunch of local thrift stores and Goodwill (currently in Seneca SC) and have a few things to note that maybe of help to other shoppers.

1.  Goodwill seem to be cheaper on stuffed animals and beanie babies.  This one has them all for 50 cents.  I was able to find quite a few NWT.

2.  DO NOT buy pillow cases at Goodwill (for pillow case dresses, drawstring bags, and small doll baby quilts).  They charge way too much, generally $1.  At the Salvation Army, I got for 12.5 cents each and at another local store, 50 cents each).

3.  This local Goodwill has the color of the week tag for 50 cents each on Sunday.  I bought men's shirts to make aprons.

4.  If you are lucky enough to live in locations that have the clearance stores (Columbia and Charleston SC, not Atlanta area), you can get great items by the pound.  I look for tote bags etc, many are new and no one else seems to go for them.  It can be a 'scary' place to the uninitiated.  Warning:  get out of the way when handbag and shoe bins get brought to the floor!  Women are vicious.  You can't beat the bargains at $1 or so a pound.

I don't get to them often.  If you have a teacher in your life, you can get great deals on kids books for their classroom.

5.  Tote bags. Except for above, don't buy at Goodwill as they are too expensive.  I found a brand new oilcloth tote in a cute print this week for 25 cents at a local thrift store. They had tons of the non woven grocery store type bags for 25 cents too.  At this price, it is certainly a time saver instead of sewing.

6.  Sewing Notions and Trim.  I can usually find little baggies of trims, ric rac, lace etc at the Thrift Stores.  In Seneca, the Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop always have baggies for 10 cents.  It maybe that it is an older demographic here.  I also found new zippers at another store for 15 cents.

I use the trims etc to go in my clothes pin doll kits.  I will be posting on this soon.

7.  Clothing.  I only buy new with tags at Thrift Stores.  I spend a little more but it is so nice to include.  I got a pile of Russell Athletics 2 button boys Henley shirts this week for $3 each, retail is usually $13.99.

8.  Ball Caps can always be found at Thrift Store, maybe not with tags but clearly new.  Love to include in older boys' boxes.

I am sure there is more to add here.  I would love to know what you find and use at Thrift Stores and Goodwill in your boxes.

 

SHOESTRING: Dry Erase Learning

I have been thinking a lot lately about the preschool children.  My daughter-in-law has spent the last two years teaching at a high poverty school in Charleston SC.  She said these kids are at a such a huge disadvantage because of the lack of preparation and environment at home.  I imagine these preschool kids who will receive these boxes probably are also lacking in basic preparation.  I have been working on some projects that are fun but also can help develop some needed skills.  More on this later,  

But in this vein, Toys R Us has a 5 pack of flexible white boards in their on-line clearance. $1.48.  I think they could easily be cut in half to fit in a box.

Punch a hole in the corner, tie a dry erase marker on a string, ditto a small cleaning cloth.  

it is lined on one side and blank on the other.

What do you all think about this idea?

Shoestring? Toys R Us

Colored Pencil set in metal tin with metal pencil sharpener Toys R Us

http://m.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=71370716

$1.08

This maybe above your "buy" price. I really like this set for a shoebox. Love the tin storage box and the metal pencil sharpener. I hate the plastic sharpeners from the Dollar Tree. Those just chew up the pencil. 

I think this worth the little extra money 

ON-LINE