Shabby Chic DIY Dollar Tree Crafts

    I love all things Shabby Chic! I've recently started redoing the themes in my home, and going for a Coastal Chic vibe. When I'm getting ready to make new crafts, I always go the Dollar Tree first!

Shabby Chic Dollar Tree Crafts

    Today we're going to talk about chalk painting. Now, while you can't get chalk paint at the Dollar Tree, you CAN GET things to paint! They even usually have Modge Podge Sealer in a Matter finish which is what you'll need to seal your crafts.

    When you're chalk painting something, you want to go with glass that has some texture to it. The more texture, the more you can rough it up and make it look distressed. I went with this awesome milk bottle because it was so textured. I also chose this adorable cross tea light candle holder. It's perfect for Easter, and all year round!

What You'll Need

• First you will need some Chalk Paint. I get mine from Walmart, and it's about a buck fifty for the smallest bottle. (These small bottles actually go a long way too, so they're worth every penny!)
• Sealer (I get mine right at the Dollar Tree)
• Glass Items to Chalk Paint
• Alcohol
• Paper Towels
• Paint Brush
• Sandpaper

Let's Get Started

    Now that you've gathered all of your supplies, we're ready to get crafting! First wash all of your glass with soap and water, then dry them off. Next, clean the glass with alcohol and paper towels. Now you're ready to paint! Apply your coats lightly, and let dry for two hours in between. I coated mine three or four times. (The darker paint is three coats, the lighter is four.) 

    After your paint is completely dry, it's time to make them look shabby! Using your sandpaper, sand off the paint wherever you want. When it's just the way you want it, it's time to seal it. Put one thick coat of the Modge Podge Matte sealer on them and let them dry. That's it! Easy peasy!

Treat Jars

    I made some treat jars for my fur babies too. While I didn't get the jars from the Dollar Tree (because I have boxes full of jars,) I did get the taper candle holders there. To make these, you will need jars with lids, the candle holders, and some E6000 glue. 

    After you've painted, sanded and sealed the jars, and they're completely dry, you're ready to glue them to the bases. Add a small amount of glue around the entire top of the taper candle holder, and set your jar on top. (I weighed my jars down with marbles.) Let them sit over night, and voila, shabby (or coastal) chic treat jars!

Sensory Stocking Stuffers 2015

    I did this last year and a lot of you said you appreciated it, so here we are again this year.

    I do NOT get paid by Dollar Tree for these posts. I DON'T get free swag either. I do this because money is tight for so many, and even if it's not, a bargain is still a bargain. Also, a lot of autism therapy stores sell very similar toys, and jack the prices right up. That's not fair. Not when you can go to your local Dollar Tree and find the same things.

    So here it is, 2015's list of Sensory Stocking Stuffers. 

Two Tone Bouncing Putty I myself can NEVER put this stuff down!

Batter Operate Flashing Light Stick 

Battery Operated Flashing Batons  these are dual sensory! tactile and sight in one toy. Liam loves them!

Super Putty 

Stretchy Oblong Novelty Balls Liam and I both love these things! Sometimes they have ones that light up too. Even better!

LED Water Filled Rubber Bouncing Balls  I could stare at these things for hours! I love the smell of them too!

Light Up Yo Yo Balls  I remember the first year Santa brought one of these to Liam. I drove poor pita nuts with it. He finally, very calmly said, "Hon, please put that thing down!"

Licensed Character Bubbles  Bubbles are always a big hit!

Small 2 Piece Metal Puzzle  These are a great fidget toy.

To find a Dollar Tree near you, visit their website.

Sensory Stocking Stuffer Ideas for a buck!

    If you read my letter to a Good Samaritan, then you know what our financial situation is. Let's face it, money is tight for everyone. We have to save it where we can.

    One way I do that is by shopping at our local Dollar Tree. I'm sure you all have one in your town. They have EVERYTHING! Am I right?

    What some people don't know is all the sensory stuff they have there. Okay, pet peeve of mine is places that sell "sensory items" for an arm and a leg when you can get the same thing, or something similar for next to nothing else where.

    So what I decided to do was to go online and collaborate a list of sensory items that would make great stocking stuffers for the seeker in your life.

**NOTE: My Dollar Tree actually has even more sensory items such a "floam" and pop toobs, but I couldn't find them on their web site. Also, not EVERY Dollar Tree has the same things, so products may vary in your store. You can order online, but the lowest quanity was 6 of each item**

Without further ado, here it is!

Check out all these AUSOME items! One thing I want to point out is Theraputty. That stuff is pricey! Why not buy some putty from the Dollar Tree, and add your own items to it for kids to manipulate?

Here's a break down with links to make this even easier for you.

    Spring Toy (Slinky)

Stretchy Fidget Balls

Liam's favorite sensory item!

Fruit Scented Balls

A toy to squeeze and a toy to smell ;)

Bouncing Putty

Liam LOVES this stuff. I always have it on hand!

Super Putty

Also a favorite of Liam's

Dough (play dough)

Who doesn't love play dough?

Fuzzy Monster Friends

How cute are these guys?

So there ya have it. A ton of sensory fun for just a few bucks. Head to your local Dollar Tree and see what goodies you can find!

**Dollar Tree did NOT pay me for this post. I am just trying to help out other Special Needs Parents**