I have really enjoys the ABC’s of Crafting on a Budget series!  I am sad to see it come to an end, but I hope that you have found some new inspiration and  are excited to go make crafts with your kids.  If you are just joining us, then you will want to catch-up by going here to find all the entire ABC’s of Crafting on a Budget posts.  We are now on Day 5 and we will be looking at the last and final letters of U-Z.

U is for…Upcycled Crafts

By now you have all guessed that I love anything and everything that is made from upcyced or recycled materials.  Check out this inspiring list of crafts that can all be made by re-purposing something that you already own.

1.  I love making games for kids, and this simple Sock fishing Game is perfect way to upcycle up those socks that have lost their match.
2. Your kids will love racing their cars on this this simple upcycled Pool Noodle Race Track.
3. This DVD Coloring Case is a perfect way to re-use all those empty DVD cases that you have laying around.  They are perfect size for putting in your putting in your purse for on the go drawing.
4. Turn a pair of outgrown tights into an adorable Circle Cushions that your kids will love.  Perfect project for learning how to sew.
5. This simple Easter egg upcyced into Light Up Fireflies.  These would be perfect for  your next backyard party, or camping craft.
6. This Skateboard Swing is the perfect way to turn your dusty skateboard into something wonderful.  My kids would love to have this awesome Swing in our back yard.

V is for…Value Craft Kits and Where to Buy Supplies

Crafts supplies can be found all around us. All it takes is a little imagination and the willingness to use what you already have on hand and get a little creative with the process.  Traditional craft supplies can get expensive, so here are a few tips and tricks to stretch your dollar.

1.  I tend to avoid the prepackaged overpriced craft kits that are sold everywhere.  They are convenient, but like most ready made items they are more expensive than purchasing the supplies on their own.  You may be surprised to find that you have most of the items in the kit in your crafting cupboard already.  Check out these adorable kits that would all make great gifts DIY Puppet Making Kit, Sewing Kit, Make Your Own Snowman Kit, DIY Science Kit, Fort Building Kit, and a fun Friendship Bracelet Kit.
2. The dollar store is one of my favorite places to shop for kids craft items.  Check out this amazing list including 100 Things bought at the Dollar Store.  It is a comprehensive list of items that are prefect for frugal crafting and play.
3. After Christmas, I grab all the green, red, and white sequins and jewels for use on other holidays (St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, winter celebrations). The after Christmas discount sales always seem to be the cheapest.  Also, buy in bulk where you can. It works especially well during all the school sales.  Check the back to school flyers and stack up on glue sticks, markers, crayons etc.   You can often find items for a quarter of the price(sometimes even less) than normal.
4. You also might be surprised to learn that garage sales are a wonderful place to look for craft supplies.  People think that they are going to do a project, buy all the supplies and then never find the time.  I love that about people because it means that they sell it on their garage sale for REALLY cheap.  Sometimes you can even find great items in the free bin.  You never know what you are going to find.  I love a good treasure hunt!
5. The best tip I can give you is to actually just organize and reevaluate your supplies.  You may be surprised to find a few items that you forgot about hiding in the back of your cupboard or drawer.  I don’t know how many times I have purchased something only to find another bottle a few weeks later.  It pays to be organized, plus it just feels good!
6. Don’t forget that you can make a number of craft supplies.  Check out my Homemade Art Recipe Pinterest Board for a wonderful list of DIY art supplies.

W is for…Weather

Embrace Mother Nature with your kids.  Sun, rain, snow and wind all provide unique reasons to get creative and go outside.  Check out these creative ideas for embracing the weather with your kids.

1. Kids love jumping in puddles and splashing in the rain, but have you tried Rain Painting with them.  I love this simple way of creating art with kids.
2. I love this simple Wind Spinner made from Recycled bottles.  These cute little guys would look great twirling in your garden.
3. I love these simple Colored Ice Sculptures and your kids will too.  What a fun winter surprise to leave one in the a park, at a bus stop, in the middle of a lake or anywhere unexpected.
4. When the next heat wave hits, this simple Bike Washing Station is the perfect way for your kids to cool off.
5. Create a simple Mud Pie Kitchen for your budding little baker.
6. Harness a bit of the suns energy and create a simple Solar Oven with your kids.  They will love watching their

X is for…Xylophone (DIY instruments)

Your kids will have a blast making their own musical instruments.  Check out these wonderful list of creative homemade instrument ideas that are easy to make and all use items that you probably have in your home right now.  Why not make them all and create a band!

1. This simple Popsicle Stick Harmonica is so easy for kids to make and the best part is that it is portable.  It is also a fun craft to build with a group of friends.
2. Shoebox Guitar
3. Check out this fun twist on the classic Water Goblet Xylophone.

4. Who wouldn’t love to make and play a set of these adorable Bell Shakers created from nature and your craft cupboard.

5. I love these Double Layered Balloon Drums.  They are easy to make and your kids will have a blast banging on creating music with them.
6. Check out these adorable Click Clack Crocodiles.  They are perfect addition to any band, but sound beautiful on their own.

Y is for…Yea Forts

Kids love forts!  I am always amazed that a simple box or blanket can transform a regular room into a castle, a fairy house, a pirate ship or any where your kids want to go.  Let your kids lead the building process, they have a wonderful imagination for where the pillows, blankets and boxes need to be placed.  Check out this inspiring list of forts you can build with your kids.

1. Building a backyard fort for kids transforms your space into something wonderful.  Kids love snow forts but check out this Colored Ice Igloo.  What a fun and magical winter space.
2. Add lights (Christmas lights work perfect) to your fort and it naturally transform into a wonderful magical space for kids.
3. I love the idea of creating a Ladder Fort.  The height is magical, and it is a perfect place to curl-up and read.
4. Build a nature fort outside.  Check out this wonderful Pole Been Fort, although you could also build a sunflower house or an rustic stick fort.
5. Check out this simple Tension Rod Fort.  It is perfct for small spaces.
6. After your done reading the paper, hand it over to the kids to build an amazing Newspaper Fort.

Tips:  Give your kids a flashlight or a couple of glow sticks to explore their new space.  Forts are a great place to read stories.  Match the book with the style to fort…ex. if you built a castle, then read about a knight or a princess, if you built a boat then you might want to read a story of a pirate.

Great fort building material: blankets, sheets, pillows, backs of furniture, clothes pins, string, boxes, tape and binder clips.  If your are building outside, then snow, sticks, plants, wood…really just let your imagination run!

Z is for…Zone for Crafts

Create a fun area in your home that is designated for your kids crafting supplies or area to do homework.  Kids love having a special space that they can call their own.  Check out these inspiring craft zones all set for your kids to get creative in.

1. I love this simple Self-serve Creativity Zone.  It is the perfect space for kids and everything is at their height.
2. I love this simple Crib Re-purpose to Crafting Table.  It is a great way to reuse an outdated or no longer needed crib.
3. Check out this adorable Flip Down Wall Art Desk.  It is the perfect project if you are short on space and still want to give your kids a creative space to call their own.
4. Pegboard works great in a kids space, and it is relativity inexpensive.  I love this simple Kids Craft Area.
5. If you are looking for a simple Portable Art Desk for your little one, then you will love this one.  I love that it is made from recycled materials.
6. Transform an Old Cupboard into an organized area to contain all your kids art supplies.  I love the idea of having all your supplies tucked out of sight, but available.

Crafting on a Budget Letter A ~ E

Crafting on a Budget Letter F ~ J

Crafting on a Budget Letter K ~ O

Crafting on a Budget Letter P ~ T

Crafting on a Budget Letter U ~ Z (Today’s Post)

MOM TIPS & TRICKS:
• Being a Hands on Mom from hands on : as we grow
• Connecting with your Kids from One Perfect Day
• Family Field Trips with Kids from Edventures with Kids
• Fun Healthy Snacks for Kids from Juggling with Kids
• Kids Party Ideas from Mama Pea Pod
• Mama Survival from The Dizzy Mom
• Organized Home from Mamas Like Me
• Printables from Mama Miss
• Raising Boys from Boy Mama Teacher Mama
• Raising Eco-Friendly Kids from Kitchen Counter Chronicles
• Raising Girls from Mess for Less
• Raising a Healthy Kid from Living Life Intentionally
• Raising a Thinking Child from The Outlaw Mom
• Raising Toddlers from Home Learning Journey
• Raising a World Citizen from All Done Monkey
• Simply Celebrating Holidays as a Family from Inspired by Family Magazine
• Teaching Kids about Money from Carrots are Orange
• The Family Dinner Table from Connecting Family & Seoul
• Trying A New Experience with Your Children from 52 Brand New
• Values for Children from True Aim Education