Reuseable Sandwich and Snack Bags

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Have you seen the Wrap n Mat?  It is a reuseable Sandwich bag that runs about $8 each.  The average sandwich baggie costs $.05 each.  You would need to use your Wrap N Mat 160 times just to break even.  On the plus side, it is already made, and the lining is guaranteed lead free, PBA free, phthalate-freephthalate-free, and food safe.

Wrapnmat

A twist on the wrap in mat, is a rip-stop nylon lined bag with velcro closure found here:  http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6941342.  The cost is simlar to a Wrap in Mat, but is plastic free and made by a Work at Home Mom!  The fabrics are definintely cuter too.

Wastenotsak 

If you can sew, your opportunity to save money is expanded!  There are a couple of tutorials out there to make your own reusable lunch ware.

http://frenchsleepdeprivationstudy.blogspot.com/2009/06/snack-bag-tutorial.html

This tutorial tells you every detail on how to recycle mylar snack bags (like potato chips come in) into your own sandwich bags.  These use elastic and buttons to close which makes washing them easier than with velcro.  They are super cute too!

This one recommends PUL for the lining, but you could substitute nylon fabric if that makes you feel better.

http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/2009/02/reusable-snack-bag-tutorial.html

Or try this one.  It's a unique shape that looks easy to make and use.

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/43227/how-to-make-a-reusable-sandwich-wrap

Reuseable sandwich bag 

This last one I love, because it uses a freezer weight zip-loc baggie and turns it into a washable sandwich wrap.  It's easier to wash than a traditional baggie, is already food grade, and will last a loooong time.

http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/03/homemade-sandwich-wrap.html

Cutting back on dishes and laundry the frugal way

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With 5 children and a husband hanging around all day, I've been washing my fair share of glasses and cloth napkins.  We tried to cut back on the dishes by writing the kids names on plastic cups.  That wasn't a good fit for my personality :).  When one child was thirsty, I had to dig through countless cups until I found one with his name on it.  Usually I wasn't patient enough to find the cup and assured the child that whoever's name was on the cup would be glad to share it.  The consequence was that I never could remember who drank out of which cup and I was washing some 21+ cups a day.  We're going through that many napkins too which has been adding up to a lot of laundry.

I had a brain spark this week after seeing those adorable coffee cup cozies.  I've been wishing for a reason to sew one, but we don't drink coffee.  Then I thought if each child chose their favorite fabric from my stash, I could make them their own cup sleeve and matching napkin.  We would all know whose is who's–and they can use the same cup and napkin all day. I used the tutorial from House on Hill Road for the cozy and it was perfect.  Here's a quick peek at the first 3 cozies.

Marshmallow bunnies 032 

Inexpensive Christmas Idea: Crayon wrap, crayon apron, or crayon tote

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Consider the joy a box of crayon brings! (And for only twenty cents for a 24 color box.)  Some of the cutest coloring books can be found at $1 shops too!  A ream of inexpensive white paper for completely orginal artistic expressions makes the gift complete.  Have time to sew?  Why not make an adorable crayon roll to hold them all together? Crayon boxes don't hold up very long and it can be hard to see the color you want–crayon rolls don't have that problem.  And they don't make a sound if you accidentally drop one during church!  For a great tutorial try this one from Skip to My Lou:  http://www.skiptomylou.org/2007/04/25/on-a-roll/

Crayon-roll-1 skip to my Lou 

Go a step further and make a crayon apron so the little artist will always have her tools at hand!  Here's a tutorial for a simple butcher style apron:  http://djsgemstones.blogspot.com/2008/07/easy-crayon-apron-for-little-artist-in.html  There are also some adorable half apron styles available from Cberry at her Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5375558 Crayon apron 

A crayon tote keeps all your crayons handy and gives you a place to store your coloring books and drawing paper.  I can see this on a cute hook in a child's room keeping everything ready to go and easy to grab for an outing. I have misplaced my source for this picture–so if you own it, please e-mail me so I can give you credit and a link to your store!

Coloring book caddy

Handmade Christmas for 18″ dolls.

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You Can Make This dot Com, has a couple of great free patterns out for 18" doll skirts.  They are designed for Toys for Tots.  I love this idea.  Our Christmas budget is pretty tight , but I have tons of fabric scraps.  My 8yo and 5yo daughters and I whipped out the wrap skirt this afternoon in less than an hour.  My 8yo was able to put every stitch in herself. I plan to get her started on a pile of skirts for Toys for Tots.  I'll upload a picture when I get my digital camera back. (It's a long story)  Get your free patterns here:  http://youcanmakethis.com/info/free/FREE-Make-Twirls-for-Girls-for-Toys-for-Tots.htm

Twirl skirts for dolls