Braided Hairband Tutorial

Well, whether you choose to cut up a tshirt specifically to make this... OR you have enough leftover from making the tshirt totebag or backpack or other craft... this is a great project for the shoeboxes. Find instructions at http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/06/repurposing-tshirts-into-5-strand-braided-headbands.html (The model in the tutorial is worth the visit in and of itself. What a cutie!)

ToysRUs Crayolas and Coupons

This week ToysRUs once again has the crayola crayon deal of 4 for $1. This is a GREAT price for crayola. Also today's paper has a LOT of good coupons! From RoseArt to toothpaste to soap! Great stuff for the shoeboxes.

Cloth Chalkboard

I love this idea for the shoebox... include some chalk (perhaps both white and colored).. and they can practice writing or drawing without paper.

The instructions can be found at http://museofthemorning.com/museblog/sewing-creations/fabric-chalkboard-tutorial

If necessary scale the instructions to fit in your shoebox. :)

Staples Deals 7/29

Note: one of the below deals is better if you get this week's Sunday paper and the coupon in them as noted. Some require a $5 purchase to qualify. The cost of the photo paper will qualify you and then has an easy rebate. Or I really like the small size white boards they have in the school supply area for $1 each as they fit in the shoeboxes well and can be reused for school work over and over.

These deals were found at http://www.passionforsavings.com

BIC mechanical pencils, 0.7 mm 5 pk. - $0.25

$1/2 Bic Stationery Product (SS 07/29/12)
FREE wyb 2 after coupon!

Staples standard paper clips, 100/pack- $0.01 with $5 Min. Purchase

2-pocket paper folder, assorted colors - fasteners- $0.01 with $5 Min. Purchase

Prang chalk - assorted colors 12 pk.- $0.25

Staples photo supreme 8.5" x 11" paper, double-sided matte- $1 after Easy Rebate

Free Toothpaste at Rite Aid 7/29- 8/4

Found at clipwithpurpose.com
Crest Toothpaste $3
Receive a $3 +Up Reward when you buy one (limit 2)
Use $0.75/1 from 7/1 P&G
Final Price: money maker with coupon, free without!

Operation Christmas Child reaching the lost

Another video showing the great work being done through this ministry. Enjoy.

Garage Sales and Thrift Stores

For Operation Christmas Child you can ONLY put in new items or handmade items but that does not mean you can't have great finds from garage sales and thrift stores! I have found many items still in packages, new, and unused at GREAT prices!

Some items I have found new include, balls, socks, clothing, craft supplies, and even toys.

And sometimes I buy items used to make into something new...  t-shirt totes and backpacks can be made from t-shirts that are in good condition. Pillowcases in good condition can be made into pillowcase dresses. (In fact some of them are lovely with embroidery!)

One of my favorite OCC bloggers bought a LOAD of brand new matchbox cars at a steal of a deal at a garage sale, giving her an even better deal when they found out that this is for OCC.

If you love garage sales and thrift stores, do not forget to keep an eye out for items for the shoeboxes. There are a lot of great finds out there, just waiting for you to discover! Happy hunting!

Wooden Tops

So simple! So quick! And a cute idea for the boys boxes. Sometimes it feels like crafts favor being made by and for girls... but this one is universal. These were made BY preschoolers so I know we all can manage this one.

Instructions and some VERY cute pictures can be found at http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2011/02/simple-wooden-tops.html#

I love MULTIPACKS!!

Ah, the joy of multipacks! 

With multipacks I can buy MORE for LESS! 

If you pack many boxes this is a great way to save... if you only pack one or two, perhaps you can pack boxes with others so that you can take advantage of the savings. 

Here are some examples of great multipacks:  

Pencils - whether simple yellow school pencils from back to school sales (sometimes just a penny at stores like Staples) or clearanced decorative pencils these are a natural for multipack savings.

Pencil Sharpeners - Dollar Tree has a 12 pack for a dollar

Pens - back to school sales, yay.

Washcloths - Walmart sells packs of 18 for just $4 all the time, other stores often have sales or clearances of holiday or last seasons colors.

Soap - 3packs at the dollar store or multipacks on sale or with coupon are another natural multipack

Socks- these often come in 3 packs or more

Combs- 12 packs at the dollar store!

Hair accessories - hairbands, hairclips, ponytail holders, etc

Matchbox Cars- often go on sale in 5 packs

Playdough - multipacks are often on sale, and sometimes have coupons

Party Favors- mardi gras necklaces, noisemakers, small toys, etc

Stickers- whether books or rolls, there are often enough to share


You can also order in bulk - from amazon (perhaps to reach your free shipping on a different order) or oriental trading company, or even e-bay.

Items such as: toy gliders, bouncy balls, magnifying glasses (plastic), finger puppets, or puppets (often in multipacks)

Can you tell I love MULTIPACKS???? 

In honor of the Olympics.... sports theme boxes revisited

Hey all! I wonder if you are excited about the Olympics! I sure am! YAY! A few months ago I posted on the idea of making a sports theme box at http://klamathocc.blogspot.com/2012/03/sports-theme-box.html but I wanted to bring that idea back as we focus on the joy of sports around the world in the next weeks.

I loved these videos made in England (home of the 2012 Olympics) for Operation Christmas Child. I hope you also enjoy them.