Dollar Store Decor: 100 Projects for Lush Living That Won't Break the Bank

by Mark Montano, Jeremy Nelson (Photographer)

From the most popular decorator on TLC’s hit show “While You Were Out” comes a guide to the coolest kind of decorating on the skimpiest of budgets. Just a few dollars and a bit of creativity go a long way toward adding spice to your living space without breaking the bank. Stores like Dollar Tree and 99¢ Dream are popping up in every city in America with a treasure trove of items from frames to faux flowers. With these materials―and some easy instructions from Mark―readers will learn how to create and embellish everything from lampshades to storage areas for a fraction of the cost they would pay anywhere else. These projects are so cool no one will ever guess how little was paid!
Edgy and stylish, this book is the hippest guide available on shoestring budget decorating.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2005

Reviews

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of people commented on how tacky some of the projects in this book are, and I suspect some of these reviewers aren't very creative to begin with. For one, this book is for teens, not adult women, and second--most of the projects can be slightly altered to become more sophisticated looking with a little imagination. I was impressed, and I read a lot of craft books:)

[Tara Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the one that started my collections of his books

[Sarah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book and projects. Not all the supplies for all the projects can be purchased at the dollar store so keep that in mind that you might have to hunt down some supplies elsewhere. Also some of the projects are tacky and cheap, but there are enough that are not bad at all. A few I might even try. Very interesting to read and get my creative juices flowing when walking around the dollar stores!

[Theresa Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some nice ideas in the book. Not all the supplies are dollar store items, but there are enough ideas to get you thinking anyway.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author lists 101 crafts/projects that can be done with materials from the dollar store. Lovely! To be honest, some of the crafts are terribly tacky and I wouldn't spend one penny on them, let alone a dollar. But, I did get a lot of great ideas from homemade Christmas gifts for my girlfriends and some home improvement projects done dirt cheap!:)

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few of the crafts in this book seem repetitive (using the same materials in different ways), but lots of great inspiration in making your own crafts from dollar store supplies. The style of the crafts are pretty obvious that they were crafted items and a little kitschy rather than sophisticated home decor, but if that's your thing, you'd like this book.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok... so, while this was sent to me as a joke... there are maybe 2 crafts I would consider doing in this book. Otherwise... um.... most of these are ridiculous! A fun browse thought!

[Gus · Rating 1 out of 5]

For those people that like fake flowers and want to spend money on color copies of gift bag patterns. Not for me.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not just tacky items, but the sample photos are kind of pitiful looking. Some things made no sense. Why make a rug out of scrub sponges when a dollar store rug would be cheaper AND nicer? Very odd.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool ideas for DIY projects that can liven up the decor of your room or house. Fun, many are innovative and creative ideas I would never have thought of.

[Dolldiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creative ideas for home decor using inexpensive items.