by Talina Norris

Created on: January 04, 2008   Last Updated: October 21, 2010

Crafting is a great hobby for both old and new but as with any hobby it can get quite expensive. If you have to run out and buy tons of supplies for your specific craft before you can even begin it takes some of the fun out of crafting and it is also burden on your pocket book. The type of crafts you choose to do is key!

Back in the 1940's crafting was done to show patriotism, money and necessities were scarce so little was wasted and much was reused. As the years passed crafting was done for two reasons, to get back to the basics or to be more fashionable. In this article I will share with you several ways that you can get back to the basics through crafting by reusing what you already have in your home. Simplicity is key but it will still be lots of fun!

A tradition that harkens back to days of your is using old fabric scraps to make braided rugs. This simple craft is an ingenious way to recycle left over fabric and create something new to enjoy. All you need is fabric scraps, scissors, some thread and a needle. You tie the scrap fabric together with tight knots to form 3 long strips of fabric, then you braid them together as you would your hair. The longer you make your strips the bigger your rug will be. When your strips are braided together you simply wind the braids into an oval, circular shape (or whatever shape you desire). Use the thread and needle to sew the winded braids together and you are done! Here are detailed instructions and a video tutorial if you are interested in making a braided rag rug.

If you like scrapbooking/ preserving photographic memories then you should try making homemade paper! You can reuse junk mail, computer paper, egg cartons, newspaper, paper bags, tissue paper and much more. All you have to do is gather the paper items you want to use, soak the thicker stuff and tear or cut it into strips. Combine your strips with warm water and pour into the blender. Blend the mixture until all the strips become a pulp. Then you pour the pulp mixture into a basin or tub filled with water, after adding about 3 or 4 batches of pulp to the basin you are ready to proceed. Take your framed screen (visit: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/makingpaper.html to learn how to make your framed screen) and submerge it in the basin, you are trying to get an even amount of the pulpy mixture directly above the screen. When you feel you have an even and suitable amount of pulp above the screen lift the screen out of the basin taking care to keep it level.

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