Looking for a few fun projects to do with your grandchildren, but don't have the cash for expensive kits? Grab a newspaper, circle the most promising yard sales and hit the road.
Making cool crafts from yard sale finds can be a neat way to encourage children as young as 5 to spread their creative wings and learn to see the intriguing possibilities in ordinary things. Here are five fun, cheap things to do with yard sale treasures:
Make Some Magic
Cheap Craft #1: Everybody knows that cast-off prom gowns, old bride's maid dresses or jewel-toned silk shirts can be magically transformed into fairy-tale princess gowns for imaginative little girls. But did you know that a man's dress coat can become a stunning tuxedo for a dramatic little boy? A magician's robe can be fashioned from an old dressing gown, and a white, button-down dress shirt is just the thing for the budding scientist in need of a lab coat. And here's an added fun thought: Pick up a yard sale suitcase or trunk and clean it up. What neater way to store those newly created costumes?
Bring on the Bling-Bling
Cheap Craft #2: Your little opera singers or movie stars will need fabulous jewelry to accent their costumes. Plastic play-jewelry is pretty, but tends to fall apart after only a few uses. What to do? Prowl yard sales for old costume jewelry! Not only can these pieces be given a good cleaning and worn as-is, but you can take them apart and redesign the pieces into spectacular, one-of-a-kind creations.
Here's an idea to get you started: Cut a tiara shape from a piece of cardboard, and encrust it with jewels you gleaned from yard sale brooches or necklaces. Then loop a piece of soft elastic through holes punched in each side to make a headband. (Note: White glue works well, but if you decide to use a glue gun, carefully supervise any handling by children, as the glue gets dangerously hot).
Keep a Cool Head
Cheap Craft #3: Dress up your grandchild's room by transforming old satin or silk dresses into cool pillow shams. This project may be too complicated for younger children, but kids 8 and up can usually manage with a little help. Carefully snip the stitches along the clothing seams, and pull out the threads. Then separate the pieces of fabric. Next, lay out the pillow sham pattern, pin the pieces to the fabric and cut out. Then run a few straight seams and finish the edges. Viola! Now you've got a wonderful, one-of-a-kind pillow sham. And there's an added bonus to this project – the fancy buttons or accessories that were on the clothing can be reused for other craft ideas.
(Don’t) Pass the Bottle
Cheap Craft #4: Did you stumble across a box of old bottles and jars? Stop! Don't pass these up, as the most interesting ones can be used to create fun decorations. Give your grandchild a selection of pretty ribbons, and help him tie on a big bow. Then fill the jar or bottle with colored marbles to create a snazzy room accessory. 
Teenagers might enjoy trimming bottles with jute twine or ribbons and then filling them with scented bath oils.
Another fun idea: Help your grandchild cut out small pictures from magazines. Using white glue, attach the pictures to the jars to create funny collages. Let sit until completely dry, and then spray with clear sealant.
You’ve Been Framed!
Cheap Craft #5: Found a stack of paintings or artwork propped against a wall? Flip through to see what's available. While the choice of subject matter may not be to your liking, the frames might be wonderful. Take a few of the best wooden frames home and set up a painting area. Line the floor and adjacent wall with newspaper or plastic, and tape it securely in place. Next, take one of those oversized yard sale shirts and transform it into a painter's smock. Then set out containers of non-toxic acrylic paint in vibrant colors, hand out the paintbrushes and prepare to be amazed. What child wouldn't be proud to display their artwork in a frame they painted themselves? Hint: These pieces make great gifts, too.
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