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Drawers from junked-out dressers can also make excellent shelving. Toilet paper and paper towel tubes make interesting holders for storing writing supplies. Old cereal boxes can be given new life by applying self-stick fabric and used for storing magazines or files.

Dare to be different. Broken or chipped plates can be used as mosaic tiles for dressing up numerous objects that will look like you spent a fortune. If you or your neighbors have an endless supply of plastic milk jugs or soda bottles, why not use them? They can be turned into festive containers for plants or unique banks for the kids. Pots, pans, or even old coffee and soup cans can be transformed into interesting containers for plants or other items, such as candles. Got an old window pane or other piece of glass? These can be used for framing photos. Cover an end table and add your favorite photographs beneath it for everyone to enjoy. Why spend money when you don't have to. Lamp shades can be given additional interest by punching decorative designs on them. You could even make your own lamp from parts of an old one. Turn a large jar into the base and fill with your favorite objects such as shells, small plastic figurines, or even potpourri.

Children's artwork piling up? Have them laminated and use them to decorate a bookcase or even a wall. Many times you can find photo frames of various sizes for less then a dollar, with or without glass. These are great for showing off artwork as well. Turn doilies or toy figurines into unique Christmas ornaments. Newspaper is always a good alternative to costly wrapping paper, or you could save tissue paper from past gifts. With a little food coloring, tissue paper can be given new life as interesting wrapping paper for gifts. Don't overlook the possibilities found in the most unlikely of items. For instance, catch spills from food and water dishes with car mats or placemats. These are sometimes given away or thrown out because one is missing. Use film canisters for to store screws, tacks, paper clips, buttons, seeds, or other small items. You could also poke holes in the bottom and use them as salt and pepper shakers for. Cylindrical baby wipe containers are good for preventing balls of yarn from becoming tangled. A lot of times bottles can be purchased for very little or may be found or offered for free. Fill a clear glass bottle with small candies. Make a wine bottle into a vase. Salvage bricks from other people's trash (or reuse your own) and use them around

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