Using the Basics

When it comes to living inexpensively the basic things we need are a few simple tools and a bit of know-how.  One of the things that has saved me the most money over the years has been restoring free or very cheap pieces of furniture.  I had no formal training, but when necessity comes calling you learn to make do. 

My toolbox contains a hammer, a set of allen wrenches, a variety of screwdrivers, a pair of adjustable pliers, sand paper and sanding blocks,a plumbing zipper, and a caulking gun. With these you can do nearly every job around the house.  I would like to add a couple of clamps to my box but for now have found creative ways to securely hold things in place while gluing.  A set of weights works nicely for most things and I've even been known to pick up the end of the couch and set my piece under the foot. 

Most of my tools I have found at thrift shops or been given, but if I were going to buy one new I would look for a lifetime warranty such as Craftsmen tools found at Sears.

For most plumbing issues a zipper will work nicely, these are found for about $2 and are a long piece of thin, flexible metal with teeth like a zipper on each side instead of just one. You simply shove it down the drain, wiggle and pull it back out. The teeth on the zipper will pull the hair and other matter clogging up your drain right out leaving you clog free.

 One of my favorite items to work with are fabric drop cloths. Because of their size they can inexpensively be turned into curtains for over-sized windows or even as upholstery fabric to cover an old piece of furniture.  You can use Sharpie markers to create designs with or without a stencil or fabric dye or paint to change the color.  A $20 drop cloth will cover an entire full-sized couch with material left over, so even if you decide to dye or stencil the fabric you will still be way ahead financially than if you had purchased upholstery fabric.

Here are some examples to get you started

• Drop cloth coasters 
• Debbie shows you how to make curtains, place mats and even pillows from a drop cloth
• Don't know how to sew, this tutorial will show you how to make curtains using a hot glue gun.
• Rugs are expensive but here's how to make your own rug any size and any pattern for very little.
• Have an ugly floor but can't afford to carpet or lay hardwood flooring? You can create a lovely floor with brown paper bags, everything you need to know is in this tutorial.  I've even seen this done on outdoor concrete patios if they have some protection from the elements.

There was a time when being a jack of all trades was common, I think it's time we return to that practice and learn just enough to be able to save a lot.  

Do you have one item that had multiple purposes to save you money?