Make a batch flavored vinegars. Dig out some of those interesting glass bottles you’ve been collecting, and bottle up your completed vinegars. If you follow directions carefully, herb vinegars only get better with time, and by the holiday season, you should have some excellent gourmet vinegars to give as gifts. As always, you can find directions and recipes in your local library or on the internet.

For the balance of the summer, plan a family craft or project night once a week.  You’ll find that the first one or two might be difficult to convince every family member to participate, but even teens and husbands will enjoy themselves once they get started.  In addition to spending quality family time together, you and your kids will save money since you won’t be going out, renting movies, or other things to fill the same time.  You’ll also be making nice things you can give as gifts, or use yourself.  Another money saver.  Add a wish to the wish tin for each family member each time they participate.  Remember to add money savings to the tin as well.

Visit 2 or more of your home improvement stores, and ask if they will give you a dozen counter top sample ‘chips’.  These are usually found in the kitchen and bath areas of the stores, and are small rectangles of the different counter top finishes.  Each has a hole already punched in it.  While you’re there, ask if you can have some paint sample strips as well.  Your kids can think up a multitude of crafty things they can make by gluing cut up paint chips and counter top chips to other items.  The smaller counter top samples can be made into pendants, dog tags, and other fun items.  If you are feeling creative, the larger samples can be cut into random pieces and used as mosaic tiles to turn a plain pot or jar into a mini masterpiece.  You can also use either to decorate the top of a tray, frame a picture, or decorate almost any household item.  If you have never done mosaic, check out a book from the library, or search for directions on line. 

Christmas is just 6 months away.  If you are looking for ways to fill those “Mom, I’m Bored!” days, take the kids to the library and check out some books that show how to make things.  You and the kids can start making some very special Christmas gifts for family members.  Paper, candles, soap, fashion accessories, jewelry, and home décor are all easy to make with inexpensive or “found” items.  Books tell you how, and you’ll have more fun when your gift recipient is amazed that their very special gift was hand made by you or your children.  Every year, I make my parents fire starters using cupcake paper liners, wood chips, and melted wax from leftover candles.  It’s their favorite gift each year, and costs me pennies.