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My husband said I need to find an interest to cheer me up and give me a break from worrying all the time. I don't think I do but promised I'd try, more for his sake than mine. With not having much free cash I want an inexpensive one and if I'm going to have to do it, nothing boring. It's a tall order, me wanting a cheap but interesting one I know. I want a hobby I can do at home when I feel like it and where I'll have something to show for it at the end.
So no chess. Anything scheduled would just be another pressure. Exercise is not an interest. :)
Donna, you said you do scrapbooking in your intro. Isn't that very expensive? I looked at that stuff before in the craft shop and the tiniest things were three and four dollars each. It looked very complicated.
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Aww, pennywise, you'll be fine. :) What about embroidery? It's creative and relaxing and you need to concentrate on the pattern. That would keep your mind occupied.
You can get simple starter kits for cross stitch. The threads you need to make the design are in them. The designs are much more modern and varied now. It's not all Home Sweet Home plaques.
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Pennywise, I'm sorry to hear you're feeling down. What about painting? Pictures, not walls. That would be relaxing. Even if you don't think you're artistic you can get some really nice paint-by-numbers sets that aren't costly.
Or sketching? Look online for free lessons. I Googled it and this was the first one that came up.
http://www.artgraphica.net/
Basic sets of watercolor paints or pencils aren't very expensive at all and you don't need to buy special paper when you're just learning to sketch or paint. Until you think you're ready to create a masterpiece, plain old A4 does fine for practicing on.
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There's also the tie dye that Donna explained in the "running a half load" thread. That would be fun if you can get a bargain too. :)
I bought a kit,,,and cant remember where,,,I shop Hobby Lobby,Joanns andMichaels crafts store..so it would be one of them.If you go to their sites and sign up for the sales ads to be sent to your email,they usually have coupons in them for 40% one item.The kit I bought was 9.99 originally.It came with 3 colors of dye ,3 mixing bottles and bunch of rubber bands,Also directions hwo to do all kinds of designs.I did one with just splatters all over ir and another that had a fade look to it,it strts our a reddish color at the shoulders and by the time it gets to the bottem of the shirt its almost a light light pink.So far thats my favorite.
Only thing about the kit is when you open up the dye and fill it in the bottles with water,,you have to use it all right then,,you cant save some for later,,but you can buy RIT dye in the store and use whatever you need and have more for later.I bought the kit because I wanted the directions for different designs.
Speaking of the craft stores newsletters,,this weeks came to me this morning for Joanns fabric and has 2-50% off and 1-40% coupon in it.I plan on buying some crafts for my grandkids with it(for Christmas gifts!)I like to take advantage of those savings!
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Tie dye would be funky. :) Cross stitch definitely holds your attention. I have a very very easy pattern a friend gave me long ago that I sit down and add to occasionally. There's no time commitment with that and you could make them as gifts as well. You can buy mini ones and see if you like that.
About.com has a big list of free patterns.
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/freecrossstitchpatterns/a/crossstitcha2z...
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Do you like jigsaw puzzles? My neighbor does them on a board and then seals them and frames them like a picture. I don’t know how she seals it. Clear varnish possibly? I hope you feel better, pennywise.
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I think cross stitching is so pretty,,I just cant do it,,especially if its the counted cross stitch,,Im totally lost! Do you like to crochet or knit,,,that can be as cheap as you like or as expensive as you like,,,so so many new yarns out now a days,,some fuzzy,some soft textured etc.The same pattern or item you would make could have dozens of different looks with different yarns.
Scrapbooking is the same,,you can go cheap or loads of $$.If you can use those coupons and get some savings on initial items to start,,but mainly scrapbooking has grown into a HUGE enterprise for companies.Gotta be a thrifty thinker,,such as,,brads and buttons and ribbons can be used,but if you buy them sometimes in scrapbook stores,,they jack those prices up.Best to go to a discount store and go into the sewing section,,same things there,just cheaper.Another thing when I scrapbook,,is to use items from the event or moment,,like I scrapbooked a page where my grandson made balloon animals(hes pretty good at it!),on that page I used some of the broken busted ballons and decorations,and a Happy Birthday napkin on that page under some photos.You can also nab construction paper,glue sticks etc in school supplies.Do a search on scrapbooking,,theres so many sites to check out,,and you'll see a assortment of ways to scrap!Plus it something your family will always have to look back on !Let us know what you get into!
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http://cbs13.com/video/?id=25760@kovr.dayport.com
Here is a video I found tonight that shows scrapbooking on a budget!As you can tell I like to watch videos on making and creating!LOLHope this helps!
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Decluttering is like therapy to me. Every month now since my last big organizational clearout at New Year I begin emptying drawers and closets, getting rid of the accumulated junk. I always feel great when it’s done. If you’ve got a spot in the house that’s bothering you, tackle it. I know you’re all thinking “that’s housework!” LOL. It just doesn’t feel that way and I smile when I see how much better things look. I feel better keeping it under control.
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I think cross stitching is so pretty,,I just cant do it,,especially if its the counted cross stitch,,Im totally lost! Do you like to crochet or knit,,,that can be as cheap as you like or as expensive as you like,,,so so many new yarns out now a days,,some fuzzy,some soft textured etc.The same pattern or item you would make could have dozens of different looks with different yarns.
I was going to suggest crocheting too. :) I used to watch my grandma crocheting and she always looked so peaceful when she was doing it. She made the most beautiful baby shawls.
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I think cross stitching is so pretty,,I just cant do it,,especially if its the counted cross stitch,,Im totally lost! Do you like to crochet or knit,,,that can be as cheap as you like or as expensive as you like,,,so so many new yarns out now a days,,some fuzzy,some soft textured etc.The same pattern or item you would make could have dozens of different looks with different yarns.
Scrapbooking is the same,,you can go cheap or loads of $$.If you can use those coupons and get some savings on initial items to start,,but mainly scrapbooking has grown into a HUGE enterprise for companies.Gotta be a thrifty thinker,,such as,,brads and buttons and ribbons can be used,but if you buy them sometimes in scrapbook stores,,they jack those prices up.Best to go to a discount store and go into the sewing section,,same things there,just cheaper.Another thing when I scrapbook,,is to use items from the event or moment,,like I scrapbooked a page where my grandson made balloon animals(hes pretty good at it!),on that page I used some of the broken busted ballons and decorations,and a Happy Birthday napkin on that page under some photos.You can also nab construction paper,glue sticks etc in school supplies.Do a search on scrapbooking,,theres so many sites to check out,,and you'll see a assortment of ways to scrap!Plus it something your family will always have to look back on !Let us know what you get into!
Donna, that is so cool, including the birthday stuff in it ! I hope you share some pictures of your scrapbooking sometime. I would love to learn and the cost always stopped me. The video was good too. Thank you. :)
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My husband said I need to find an interest to cheer me up and give me a break from worrying all the time. I don't think I do but promised I'd try, more for his sake than mine. With not having much free cash I want an inexpensive one and if I'm going to have to do it, nothing boring. It's a tall order, me wanting a cheap but interesting one I know. I want a hobby I can do at home when I feel like it and where I'll have something to show for it at the end.
So no chess. Anything scheduled would just be another pressure. Exercise is not an interest. :)
Keep your chin up, Pennywise. We're here for you. (((hugs))) I always wanted to take up guitar. Do you think you would like to learn an instrument? The pawn shops are overflowing with them.
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What about learning how to make all those homemade smelly things for the bath? You can enjoy road testing them and have your own private spa going on. :)
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Thought I would share this layout I did tyesterday.This is a picture of my mom and my youngest neice,,the picture is about 3 years old.The papers I used(2 different patterns) came from a huge package of papers from Hobby Lobby.Thats the cheapest way to go when buy the papers.If you want to buy individual papers thats ok for certain projects,,but cheaper to buy the bulk pack in the long run.
The flower and leaves and ribbon came from the dollar store,and I have alot more of the flowers and ribbons for only a dollar per roll of ribbon and 1.00 per bunch of flowers.The pearl strand was a thriftshop find also.Just thought Id show you one of the layouts and how frugal it can be.Thanks for letting me share with you.
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l139/Tippin211/brooklyn988.jpg
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Pennywise, I'm sorry to hear you're feeling down. What about painting? Pictures, not walls. That would be relaxing. Even if you don't think you're artistic you can get some really nice paint-by-numbers sets that aren't costly.
Or sketching? Look online for free lessons. I Googled it and this was the first one that came up.
http://www.artgraphica.net/
Basic sets of watercolor paints or pencils aren't very expensive at all and you don't need to buy special paper when you're just learning to sketch or paint. Until you think you're ready to create a masterpiece, plain old A4 does fine for practicing on.
That's a great link cookiefan. :) I would love to be able to sketch properly. I was fairly good at it when I was young. Never pursued that though. Pennywise, if you decide to do that there's ideas on how to source cheap art supplies.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1868103/where_to_buy_cheap_art_...
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Aww, pennywise, you'll be fine. :) What about embroidery? It's creative and relaxing and you need to concentrate on the pattern. That would keep your mind occupied.
I don't know, Savannah. I don't want anything that keeps me too occupied if you know what I mean. I don't think all those threads are cheap either.
You can get simple starter kits for cross stitch. The threads you need to make the design are in them. The designs are much more modern and varied now. It's not all Home Sweet Home plaques.
You read my mind Zoey LOL. I was thinking that might not be my style. Can you show me some patterns?
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Pennywise, I'm sorry to hear you're feeling down. What about painting? Pictures, not walls. That would be relaxing. Even if you don't think you're artistic you can get some really nice paint-by-numbers sets that aren't costly.
Or sketching? Look online for free lessons. I Googled it and this was the first one that came up.
http://www.artgraphica.net/
Basic sets of watercolor paints or pencils aren't very expensive at all and you don't need to buy special paper when you're just learning to sketch or paint. Until you think you're ready to create a masterpiece, plain old A4 does fine for practicing on.
Cookiefan, thanks for the idea. I am no artist however LOL. Wish I was. :)
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There's also the tie dye that Donna explained in the "running a half load" thread. That would be fun if you can get a bargain too. :)
I bought a kit,,,and cant remember where,,,I shop Hobby Lobby,Joanns andMichaels crafts store..so it would be one of them.If you go to their sites and sign up for the sales ads to be sent to your email,they usually have coupons in them for 40% one item.The kit I bought was 9.99 originally.It came with 3 colors of dye ,3 mixing bottles and bunch of rubber bands,Also directions hwo to do all kinds of designs.I did one with just splatters all over ir and another that had a fade look to it,it strts our a reddish color at the shoulders and by the time it gets to the bottem of the shirt its almost a light light pink.So far thats my favorite.
Only thing about the kit is when you open up the dye and fill it in the bottles with water,,you have to use it all right then,,you cant save some for later,,but you can buy RIT dye in the store and use whatever you need and have more for later.I bought the kit because I wanted the directions for different designs.
Speaking of the craft stores newsletters,,this weeks came to me this morning for Joanns fabric and has 2-50% off and 1-40% coupon in it.I plan on buying some crafts for my grandkids with it(for Christmas gifts!)I like to take advantage of those savings!
Now you're talking! There's an idea that appeals to me. Thanks! :)
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Tie dye would be funky. :) Cross stitch definitely holds your attention. I have a very very easy pattern a friend gave me long ago that I sit down and add to occasionally. There's no time commitment with that and you could make them as gifts as well. You can buy mini ones and see if you like that.
About.com has a big list of free patterns.
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/freecrossstitchpatterns/a/crossstitcha2z...
Kay, thanks for that link. I honestly didn't know how varied the designs were. You shed some light on that for me. :)
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Greenmachine, thanks for the suggestion. I wouldn't be patient enough to do a jigsaw puzzle. It takes all my willpower to stick with a crossword LOL. I appreciate you answering. :)
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I think cross stitching is so pretty,,I just cant do it,,especially if its the counted cross stitch,,Im totally lost! Do you like to crochet or knit,,,that can be as cheap as you like or as expensive as you like,,,so so many new yarns out now a days,,some fuzzy,some soft textured etc.The same pattern or item you would make could have dozens of different looks with different yarns.
Scrapbooking is the same,,you can go cheap or loads of $$.If you can use those coupons and get some savings on initial items to start,,but mainly scrapbooking has grown into a HUGE enterprise for companies.Gotta be a thrifty thinker,,such as,,brads and buttons and ribbons can be used,but if you buy them sometimes in scrapbook stores,,they jack those prices up.Best to go to a discount store and go into the sewing section,,same things there,just cheaper.Another thing when I scrapbook,,is to use items from the event or moment,,like I scrapbooked a page where my grandson made balloon animals(hes pretty good at it!),on that page I used some of the broken busted ballons and decorations,and a Happy Birthday napkin on that page under some photos.You can also nab construction paper,glue sticks etc in school supplies.Do a search on scrapbooking,,theres so many sites to check out,,and you'll see a assortment of ways to scrap!Plus it something your family will always have to look back on !Let us know what you get into!
Here is a video I found tonight that shows scrapbooking on a budget!As you can tell I like to watch videos on making and creating!LOLHope this helps!
Donna, that was very kind of you posting so much there! Thank you. :) The video was great too. I think I could get into that. The tie dye's my favorite idea and then this.
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Keep your chin up, Pennywise. We're here for you. (((hugs))) I always wanted to take up guitar. Do you think you would like to learn an instrument? The pawn shops are overflowing with them.
That was a sweet thing to say. Thanks Jewel. :) And you know why they're overflowing with guitars? Because the strings are agony on your fingertips LOL. I had one as a kid. Thanks but no thanks. :)
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Decluttering is like therapy to me. Every month now since my last big organizational clearout at New Year I begin emptying drawers and closets, getting rid of the accumulated junk. I always feel great when it’s done. If you’ve got a spot in the house that’s bothering you, tackle it. I know you’re all thinking “that’s housework!” LOL. It just doesn’t feel that way and I smile when I see how much better things look. I feel better keeping it under control.
Yes, that's housework! LOL. But I get what you're saying. :) Thanks for the suggestion.
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Aww, pennywise, you'll be fine. :) What about embroidery? It's creative and relaxing and you need to concentrate on the pattern. That would keep your mind occupied.