Tricked out triceratops: rocking your houseplants with a $6 dinosaur
We said a quick goodbye, but the “squealing” sound he made when I cut into him with my Dremel will haunt my dreams. Sorry, dude, but I think it was for the greater good.
Make Ouija Boards of a different flavor at your artsy craftsy Halloween party
This October we had a few friends over and all whipped up our own spirit boards in different styles. Star Wars? Check. Self-styled ninja script? We’ve got it.
See how we did it, and how you can make your own spirit boards this week.
Get your nerd on and DIY your own Star Wars-themed “quiet book”
The other day my friend Michelle linked me to Julie Gillrie’s ever-so-adorable “quiet books.” I imagine she did this because a) the books are super cute and b) she and her fam are as obsessed with Star Wars as we are and Julie’s book is Star Wars-themed. As soon as I saw this UTTER BRILLIANCE I knew Offbeat Mama would never be complete without featuring it… so here we go!
How to get costumes for cheap-as-free
National Costume Swap Day!!!!!!!
…Which I had never heard of before this year, but isn’t it a brilliant idea? People around the world organize swaps and bring in totes of clothes, masks, wigs, shoes, and paint, and also “shop” for their own costume goods.
A friendly hedge and a nod to Trogdor — in this week’s reader photos
Start your day with our collection of interesting articles web and photos from our readers. In these Clicky Links you’ll find lots of sites to waste a little time on — and an idea for recycling a milk jug into a lunch box.
Click through, too, to find our links on submitting YOUR stuff to Offbeat Home!
All you need to entertain your kids are marshmallows, sticks, and a free hour or two
With fall and winter weather on the way, I start to collect ideas for indoor projects that will keep my kids busy for longer then five minutes. This simple activity is perfect and the materials are readily available and cheap. You simply need toothpicks, mini-marshmallows, and willing hands!
Make an endtable out of cardboard — ENTIRELY out of cardboard!
Are you sick of cheap furniture which always looks the same? Are you longing for curvy furniture, furniture with as many drawers as you want, which adapt to the special shape of your home? Do you want customized furniture but can’t pony up the custom furniture price? You can do it: with cardboard furniture. I’m convinced this is the way of the furnishing future for Homies.
Make your own nautical lamp using hemp rope
Megan’s mama, Lala, invented the lala lamp — this pretty, simple, nautical lamp made with a few ingredients.
It’s got a wide berth for customization, so once you read this tute, you’ll be armed and ready for lamp love.