I was 11 weeks along when we told our families (if you'd like to see what we did, you can check it out here), and was even further along when our friends found out. Miscarriages are most common in the first trimester which is one of the reasons people tend to wait a few weeks before sharing the wonderful news.

Can't decide how to announce your pregnancy to your family and friends? Some like to go all out, others prefer a low-key approach. Whatever your style, here are some ideas for you.

Take family pictures with props

If you want to send out cards to family and friends or post it online, grab a chalkboard and draw up your good news. (If you are artistically inclined, you'll be able to get especially creative with this.) You may want to add the due date or a picture from your ultrasound. Whatever you do, make sure that it fits with your personality. Here are two different approaches to the chalkboard prop announcement.

Send out a handmade card

I think anything miniature is adorable, and ever since I was a little girl I have loved fingerprint art. If you have a green ink pad and paper, you are set. Just ink up the fingertips of you and your spouse (and children, if you have them) and get ready to make an adorable and priceless heirloom. This card would be especially fitting for those who already have children. Don't forget to make one for yourself to keep as well!

If your baby has older siblings, let them do the announcing

If going all out isn't quite you, a simple and sweet photograph can speak volumes. Just have your child (or children) hold up a picture of baby from the ultrasound. This photograph, taken by Nicole of Us-ology captures so much and is absolutely gorgeous.

Make a T-shirt and have your child wear it to your next family function

With the words "Only child, expiring (insert due date here)" you are guaranteed to get some gasps, laughs or cries. See how long it takes for people to catch on to your secret.

Talk to your spouse and let him get in on the fun with you. This is one of the biggest announcements the two of you will ever make, so plan together. Be creative and get excited for what the rest of your lives have in store!

The post How to announce your pregnancy appeared first on FamilyToday.

When I first received the book, I flipped through the pages and, sadly, that is about it. For quite a while, it sat on my bookshelf, dusty and alone. Then, after an incredibly difficult trial my family was facing, I spotted that long forgotten book. For the next few hours, I poured over the pages and was in awe of my heritage. My ancestors led incredible lives and dealt with heart-breaking trials. I was filled with comfort and pride knowing that I got to follow in their footsteps.

From that point, I have felt connected to my ancestors. I am intrigued by the family lines that stop a few generations back. My dad's great-grandfather came from Lebanon, but no one knows much about his parents. Solving little mysteries are exciting to me. When they involve family lines, I can't help but get involved and do something about it.

Since discovering my new passion, I have been given many opportunities to share my knowledge with others. However, when the topic of family history work comes up, I am almost guaranteed to hear one (or more) or the following responses:

• "I have no idea where to start."

• "All of my family history work is done. There isn't a thing for me to do."

• "Family history work is for the 'older generation.'"

• "I don't have time."

• "I'm just not interested."

I understand that these are (somewhat) valid arguments. But I hope to put an end to them. Knowing what your ancestors faced before you can give you incredible strength for what lies ahead in your own life.

If you have found yourself thinking any of the above things, it is OK. I'm here to help with solutions for combating these common family history misconceptions:

Misconception #1: I have no idea where to start

Solution: Start right now

There are dozens (if not hundreds) of family history websites. My all-time favorites are ancestry.com and familysearch.org. Ancestry requires a monthly membership, but they offer a completely free two-week trial. Whether you sign up at ancestry.com or not, I highly recommend creating a free account on FamilySearch. It is extremely user-friendly, and there is so much information to be found on that website alone.

Misconception #2: All of my family history work is done. There isn't a thing for me to do.

Solution: Think again

I can almost guarantee that there are things for you to do. I recently discovered a discrepancy between children listed on FamilySearch and a 1900 Census record. Even though this family line was discovered years ago, two of the children had not been added on Family Search.

If you have some family history gurus in your family, chances are the lines have been uncovered, but what about stories connected with those ancestors? Names are great, but real stories? Those are priceless. Think about your oldest living relatives and visit them (if you live close) or give them a call on the phone. You may be surprised what you find out about those who have gone before you.

Misconception #3: Family history work is for the "older generation."

Solution: Prove the stereotype wrong

It's true, when I think of family history work I can't help but picture the older generation. But have you thought about what an advantage you have being part of a younger generation? Technology is all the rage right now. Chances are, you can navigate your way around a website easily. Use these skills to do something productive.

Misconception #4: I don't have time

Solution: You make time for whatever is most important to you

Sir John Lubbock once said, "In truth, people can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the time but the will that is lacking." How true that is. Start with 10 minutes and watch one of the video tutorials on Family Search. There are hundreds of videos available on almost every topic imaginable. I promise you will not be wasting your time.

If videos aren't your thing, indexing is another simple way to contribute. Not sure what indexing is? This is what Family Search has to say on the topic:

"Your time is a huge gift. FamilySearch indexing unlocks access to the world's records by making them searchable for free at FamilySearch.org. Once indexed, people from anywhere in the world can search to find the records that document the lives of their ancestors, providing an invaluable link between the generations. The availability of a single record is often the key that allows someone to discover an ancestor - or an entire branch of a family tree. Every record you index is important because it helps document someone's life, and everyone deserves a legacy."

Misconception #5: I'm just not interested

Solution: Really, truly give it a try

I want you to give it your best shot. Sign up for the free trial at ancestry.com and create an account with Family Search. Spend adequate time talking to your relatives and create your very own pedigree chart. Talk to others interested in family history and ask them how they got started.

I hope you will be able to recognize the importance of family history work and that you will be blessed for your efforts.

Just prepare yourself. It's contagious.

The post Combating family history misconceptions appeared first on FamilyToday.

It is a miracle that I found out I had thyroid problems. It was after I had given birth to my second child and life simply was not what I had envisioned. I was constantly battling fatigue. I was depressed. I was tired after what should have been a restful night's sleep and I found myself taking naps throughout the day whenever I could find a chance. My recovery after having my first child was easy compared to what I was dealing with. It was difficult enough to care for a newborn and a toddler, but throwing this into the mix was making it nearly impossible to be the mother that I wanted to be.

After weeks of struggling and discussing possible options with my husband, we decided it would be best if I visited a licensed counselor to receive advice and try to figure out what exactly was going on. A handful of my family members had dealt with depression so I was ready to face that possibility also and begin my journey to recovery.

After a few visits with my counselor, she was stumped. She explained to me that I did not have the usual symptoms of depression and was convinced that it had to be something else. A few questions later, she asked me a life changing question: "Have you had your thyroid checked before?" I had no idea what a thyroid was, but after her explanation, I immediately felt a glimmer of hope. When my tests came back positive for hypothyroidism, I was happy to finally have an answer.

Since then, I have visited with multiple doctors and learned that I also have Hashimoto's (an auto-immune disease). I am much more empathetic toward those dealing with any type of disease, especially auto-immune disorders.

It is estimated that 59 million people have a thyroid problem - many are not aware of it. If you feel like something is holding you back from becoming the mother or father that you want to be (but you can't put your finger on what it is) here are some of the most common thyroid symptoms:

Fatigue

Unexplained weight gain or loss

Depression and/or anxiety

Cholesterol problems

Dry hair and/or skin

Constipation

Impaired memory

Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Thyroid problems affect people in different ways. Therefore, people have different ways of coping. I had a difficult time doing the things that I wanted to do as a mother. But it wasn't until my miscarriage that I fully understood the impact that my thyroid could have on my current family as well as my unborn children.

While trying to cope with my miscarriage, I stumbled upon some information that linked thyroid problems to miscarriages. Then I discovered HypothyroidMom, where she talked about a study conducted on 1,000 pregnant women in their first trimester in India. According to the study's lead author Jubbin Jagan Jacob, M.D., "The study found that even mild thyroid dysfunction could greatly increase the risk of serious problems. Women with mild thyroid dysfunction had double the risk of miscarriage, premature labor or low birth weight as compared to pregnant women with normal thyroid function. They also had seven times greater risk of still birth."�

Bringing children into our families can be a difficult process, and with thyroid problems (especially if it's undetected) the process can be that much more stressful. Do yourself, and your family, a favor and visit a doctor if you suspect that you have thyroid problems.

I realize that those dealing with thyroid issues will discover their conditions differently, but because it took me such a long time to come to a conclusion, I hope that I can help you enjoy full recovery sooner than I did.

If you suspect that your thyroid is causing you problems, here are some things you can do immediately to improve and speed up recovery:

Go Gluten-free

It seems to be a "trendy" thing right now, but for those with thyroid problems, gluten can be a key player in determining how you feel; for better or for worse. Try going a few days without eating any gluten (I promise it can be done!) and evaluate how you feel. I didn't think I had any problems with gluten until I went off of it and then I realized that I had gotten used to feeling bloated and having stomach pains all throughout the day. Either way, it's worth a shot. If you'd like more information, Chris Kresser wrote an informative article on how gluten and thyroid are connected.

Exercise

If you are anything like I was before my thyroid levels were under control, the last thing I wanted to do was exercise. But this simple, daily activity may help out much more than you think. Start small and slowly increase your daily workout to get those endorphins flowing! Your body will thank you.

Avoid blaming yourself

For the longest time, I felt like the world's worst mother. I did not feel like myself and I figured that I just wasn't cut out to be a mom. This is where I wish I could rewind and do things differently. If you don't feel like yourself, and especially if you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, cut yourself some slack and realize that it is not your fault. Talk with a family member or visit with your doctor to discuss options for recovery.

I definitely still have bad days here and there as a mother (who doesn't?) but overall, I feel like I have improved significantly and there is no way to quantify the blessing that it has been in my life, as well is in the lives of my family members.

Being "present" in my children's lives is something that I value and hope to pass on to my children. And thanks to a question asked of me by my counselor, I am able to do just that.

The post Feeling depressed? It might be a thyroid issue appeared first on FamilyToday.

I have what you would call an "adventurous spirit," so when my husband and I relocated to a very small town due to his job, I guess you could say I had culture-shock. The town we live in has one market complete with pricey groceries, a few gas stations, one decent restaurant and a lot of people who are related to each other. It's been an interesting experience.

Because there are so many elements to living in a small town that I am not accustomed to, life has been challenging. We've lived here almost three years, and it still doesn't quite feel like home.

However, about a year ago, I saw on my friend's blog that she was nominated to be president of a "Mothers Club" and I instantly wrote her an email asking all about it. She gave me some wonderful advice, and after talking to her multiple times, I gained the courage to start a mothers club of my own. Since my friend gave me such great advice, today I'd like to do the same for you.

Q: What exactly is a "Mothers Club?"

A

My friend's mothers club website sums it up well. A group of mothers "Who have the common goals of sharing resources, building friendships, and having fun. We offer each other support, validation and encouragement in all aspects of parenting. We are here for our children, each other, and ourselves." From there I learned that mothers clubs can have whatever activities you and your members are interested in.

In the mothers club that I started, we have a book club, craft night for moms, a monthly field trip (last month we went to our local fire station and it was a huge hit with the moms and kids alike), walking group and music and movement for the little ones.

Q: How does it work?

A

Mothers interested will pay a predetermined annual fee (ranging from $15-$45) and that will give them access to all activities offered through the mothers club.

I love this about the mothers club because it offers so much flexibility. Before starting this club, I would often talk to mothers about getting together, or starting a book club and I would usually hear the following words, "I'm just too busy." With the commitment of paying a fee and flexibility in the activities offered, you should have something for everyone. Some mothers in my mothers club are only involved with the book club, others have come to every activity we've had.

Q: How can I get the word out?

A

Think about where mothers in your town go most and target those areas. I have tried just about everything to get the word out for mine. Facebook, blogs, fliers around town and in bigger stores; I even passed them out at the library and for a big children's dance review that was going on.

Once you have the desire to start a mothers club in your area, things will likely start falling into place. Talk to moms you know and pitch your idea to them to see what they think. Chances are, they will be excited about socializing with other moms.

An article posted on the Power of Moms website, summarizes the importance of "building a strong support system," which is exactly what a mothers club is all about.

If you're like me and wish you had a few more mothers to relate to, think about starting a mothers club. It may be slightly out of your comfort zone (it certainly was out of mine) but when word gets out, it will spread quickly and you'll find yourself with a wonderful support system with others going through some of the same things that you are.

The post Want friends? Start a mothers club appeared first on FamilyToday.

I admit, at first, I had a really hard time with it. How could such a seemingly small ingredient (gluten, found in wheat) affect someone's body so drastically? I could not understand the harm that a piece of pumpkin pie could inflict.

The tables turned two years ago, however, when I got diagnosed with a severe gluten intolerance along with Hashimoto's disease. Thankfully, I had my family to turn to for help (and some very delicious recipes). Most grocery stores carry gluten-free products. Still, the transition was not as smooth as I might have hoped.

If you, or someone in your family struggles with gluten, I am sure you are aware of the challenges that this can create:

Cross contamination

Are those bread crumbs in the bread dish filled with gluten?

No one diet fits all

Finding meals to please everyone in your family - not just those with special dietary needs - can be a difficult task.

Dining out

Eating in restaurants and social gatherings is challenging because not every restaurant or dinner host is on-board with a gluten-free menu. Going out with your family or friends can turn into a not so pleasant experience.

Since I have experienced all of those challenges (and more) I want to help turn family meal time into an enjoyable time for you as well as those family members who are not on a gluten-free diet. If you find yourself in a gluten-free rut, I have a hunch that these recipes are just for you:

Pasta

If giving up pasta has been difficult for you, or you want to switch it up from gluten-free pasta, try replacing it with squash. Spaghetti squash is a delicious and healthy alternative. This spaghetti squash and meatball dish from the "Chris Loves Julia" website is delicious. If you are not a fan of spaghetti squash, pick up one of these vegetable spiralizers, and make your own "pasta" with zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Your kids might enjoy making pasta with you.

Cheese

The "Our Best Bites" website posted the recipe for quick Brazilian cheese rolls and they are the perfect addition to almost any meal. Warm, fluffy and cheesy...what's not to love?

Pizza

Haven't found a pizza crust recipe that you love? Me either. However, this pizza recipe from Minimalist Bakerclaims it's the best of the best. I think I will be making it this weekend with my family (I have got major pizza lovers under my roof!)

Asian Cuisine

When making this Asian Noodle bowl with ginger peanut dressing, just make sure that you use gluten-free soy sauce. Besides that disclaimer, dig in and enjoy.

Savory vegetables

I have tried serving my family Brussels sprouts multiple times, but so far I have been unsuccessful in convincing them that they are yummy. I think this creamy Brussels sprouts & shallots dip is the ticket.

And now for some sweet recipes

Just be warned that these chocolate cake bites from the Oh She Glows website are extremely delicious. I have served these at multiple parties, and every time I have people coming up to me saying, "How are these gluten-free?" They are a crowd pleaser for sure.

If you have got children old enough to help out in the kitchen, let them help you make some chocolate macaroons. Chocolate and coconut combined is divine, and though this isn't the cleanest recipe, it provides lots of chocolaty fingers to lick.

Banana cream pie is my weakness. I could definitely eat it on a weekly basis, if not more. These three-ingredient banana bites (just bananas, coconut and cinnamon) are a perfect little pick-me-up and may help curb your banana cream pie cravings.

These banana bread breakfast bars, filled with bananas, oats and dates are both healthy and filling. Keep these on hand when busy mornings with your family roll around, and you will be set.

If you or someone you love is missing doughnuts, these cinnamon and sugar apple rings are a fun substitute.

I know first-hand that going gluten-free is not about what's popular right now; it is a way of life that will forever change the way I eat. It is not the easiest transition, but I am confident that these recipes will take you in the right direction and family meal time will be enjoyable once again.

The post How to prepare gluten-free meals without torturing your family appeared first on FamilyToday.

Though most children thrive outside, not all outdoor landscapes are suitable for children. If you're worried about your existing landscape, here are five ideas for creating the perfect family-friendly yard:

Determine what activities your children love the most

Tree houses, tire swings, rock climbing walls, trampolines and playgrounds are all things that will enhance outdoor play. And chances are, you will have the most popular yard in the neighborhood. Decide which items are right for your family and design your landscape with those things in mind.

Make sure there is plenty of room to run around and play

Kids crave lots of space and when they have ample running room, they can really have fun. Games of tag, soccer, and kick-the-can can hardly be played on a small patch of land.

Identify your needs and wants

Have you got basketball stars in the family? A basketball court may come in handy. Do you have a green thumb? Make sure there is space for a garden; one that the kids can help out with. If you've got lots of running space, a water source will be ideal. My grandparents installed a drinking fountain in their backyard and it is a hit among the little ones.

Be mindful of the plants you choose

Obviously, you want to steer clear of poisonous and potentially harmful plants. Edible plants and a vegetable garden are extremely kid-friendly and are also beneficial. Try planting a strawberry patch or growing a crop of sunflowers to start out. Letting your children snitch some carrots of strawberries is a good way for them to eat some fruits and vegetables.

Allow your kids to contribute to the landscape decor

Landscaping is a good family activity. Your children should enjoy participating in planning and decorating your yard. These stepping stones combine both the sentimental and the functional into one. Plus, the kids will have a blast making them.

Landscaping on a budget

If you're on a tight budget, DIY as much as possible. My kids would fall in love with their very own sandbox, and this is now at the top of my to-do list. I've scoured the Internet for the very best; my top three suggestions are on these sites: Made, Small and Friendly, and MPMK.

Take your landscape one step at a time. It may be easy to feel overwhelmed at first, but if you plan carefully and do it in stages, it will be easier to create the landscape you want. Before you know it, you will have a place that both you and your children will love and cherish.

The post The great outdoors: 5 family-friendly landscaping ideas appeared first on FamilyToday.

When my husband and I purchased our first home, with a spacious backyard, I knew that a garden was a must. So the very next summer we got to work and made some raised grow boxes. We've had a (mostly) successful garden for two years now and I hope to continue to make it better the rest of my life.

Over the past two years, I have learned a great deal about how to start up a garden. Here are some basic tips to get you started:

You only need a little space

Have you given up on the notion of starting a garden because you have very little (or no) yard? Guess what? You don't need a lot of space. Vertical gardening is a fabulous way to pack in a lot of fruits and veggies with a small punch. This is one that I'm going to talk my husband into building. Here are a few more vertical garden ideas that seem simple enough.

You can grow a garden using pots

If you don't want to delve into vertical gardening, stock up on a few big pots. Using some nice, fertile soil, you can grow a small harvest on your front porch. You can also try hanging baskets or tomato hanging plants to adorn your patio.

Try using cinderblocks

Cinderblock gardens are yet another option for those of you with limited space. Plus, they are super cheap, modern, and customizable. What else could a gardener want?

Create a gardening plan

This post by A Cultivated Nestis very informative when it comes time to figure out your garden plan. Some things she covers includes, how to determine the best location for your garden and her top three reasons for growing a vegetable garden. It's a great read.

There are many gardening resources available online

Smart Gardener is a wonderful, free resource on gardening. By signing up, you can enter your specific garden details and they will help you choose which vegetables and fruits to plant. They also have a fun harvest calculator to estimate how much money you are saving by growing your own food.

Know the basics of gardening

Good soil, lots of sunshine, and plenty of water are key to growing a successful garden. If you don't have close access to a water source and hose, an old-fashioned watering can will do the trick. That's what I use and it works well.

With a little knowledge and some determination, you can discover how wonderful it is to maintain a garden and reap the fruit of your labors.

The post Basic gardening tips for yards of all sizes appeared first on FamilyToday.

My husband and I bought our first home in 2010, and we had absolutely no clue what we were getting ourselves into. Our cute brick bungalow was built in the 1920s and believe me when I say that it was in need of lots of tender loving care.

We both knew that it was going to take good, old-fashioned hard work to get it the way that we wanted it. Neither of us knew much about home repairs prior to moving in. However, thanks to wonderful, extremely knowledgeable neighbors, and YouTube, we have been able to take our home repairs one step at a time, and learn an incredible amount in the process!

There are hundreds of couples, like us, who set out to save lots of money by doing home repairs themselves, and we wanted to be the couple that actually followed through with those intentions. This young couple, from Idaho, recap their experience.

If you want to try your hand at DIY home repairs using YouTube, here are a few keys to success:

• First and foremost, have confidence in yourself! Henry Ford nailed it when he said, "Whether you think you can, or can't, you're right!" Everyone has to start somewhere - you may as well start today. Begin with small, simple projects and work up to bigger ones.

• When you've got a certain home repair project in mind, start by simply searching for that topic in YouTube's search bar. Then, once the results have appeared, scan through and search for videos with the greatest amount of views. This will increase your chances of finding a video with relevant and clear explanations.

• Once you've selected a video to watch, quickly read through comments left by previous viewers. Many times, we watched a video, only to realize after viewing it that all of the comments were negative, and others didn't advise performing the task that way.

• If you find a great video on tile and grouting (for example) search other videos done by the same person. They may have other videos that will be of interest to you for future projects.

As a couple, we have relied on YouTube dozens of times to assist in projects ranging from installing a backflow preventer, to removing an old dishwasher, and inserting can lights into an existing ceiling. Whatever you've got on your to-do list, YouTube is here to help!

The post Got home repairs? YouTube can help appeared first on FamilyToday.

If you're feeling less enthused about making lunches, here are a few ways to spruce them up and make them more fun and healthy!

Dip away!

Kids love to dip (my son is living proof!) Make lunch fun by packing veggies with ranch dressing, chips and salsa, sliced apples with yogurt, or pita bread with hummus.

Use color

Want to jazz up your child's lunch? Try packing a lunch using only food items of the same color. It's sure to put a smile on their face!

Accessorize

not

touching!

When I stumbled across La Petite Peach's school lunch accessory guide, I was instantly sold. Everything included in their round-up is so darling, how could your child notwant to eat their lunch?? These bento lunch containers are also very kid-friendly and allow you to pack multiple things without them touching!

Add variety

A PB&J sandwich is good only so many days. If you're stuck in a rut and don't know what to fix for your kids, smallhelpings.com is here to help! With hundreds of kid-tested and approved recipes right at your fingertips, a small monthly fee may be worth it!

Consider the weather

On cold winter days, the last thing your child is going to want for lunch is a cold sandwich. Pack up a thermos full of toasty warm soup, and make their day! When the weather turns warm, make your child's favorite smoothie and pack that in their lunch. If you freeze it beforehand, it should thaw out by lunchtime and be the perfect consistency!

Themes

Jamie Schultz of thislunchrox.com has some of the most creative ideas out there! Her website is full of inspiration on how to create "themed" lunches that are healthy as well.

Don't forget the fruits & veggies!

If you've got a picky eater on your hands, check out this article for 10 ways to add fruits & veggies to your child's lunch. There is bound to be something they'll eat!

Above all, try not to get overwhelmed with the task of sending healthy lunches with your children. A little bit of planning can go a long way (for both your sanity and your child's health!) Also, if you want to try sending a little note in your child's lunch, check out these free printables here, here, and here! (But remember, writing on a napkin does the job too!)

The post Healthy ways to break the lunchbox funk appeared first on FamilyToday.

1. Cover a lampshade

My mother-in-law and I were able to transform my entry table lamp, using fabric from old curtains. I used this awesome tutorial from Young House Love and couldn't be happier with the finished result. Along with a brand new lamp, I was able to spend quality time with my husband's mom - bonus!

2. Make a crayon roll

If you've been around little kids lately, chances are you know how much they love to color! You also may know that coloring supplies (especially crayons) tend to get mixed up, broken, and strewn about the house. This darling crayon roll from Say Yes to Hoboken is the answer. Small enough to throw into a diaper bag and easy enough for little hands to use, this is at the top of my to-do list.

3.

Pin cushion

I love this pin cushion for it's ability to store little knick knacks as well. If you've got scraps of fabric lying around, you're bound to have pins and needles that need a new home.

4.

Decorate your c amera strap

Does your camera strap need a little extra love? There are dozens of ways to dress it up. If you're looking for something on the frilly side, this tutorial is great. If you prefer a no-sew method, check this out. And this geometric painted strap wins the award for my favorite.

5. Reusable snack bags

Feel like you go through way too many zip-lock bags? Me too. These reusable snack bags are right up my alley. If you don't have oil cloth around, this tutorial may be just the one for you. This would be a great project to let little one's choose which fabric they would like. It may even increase the chances of them keeping track of it while out and about.

6. A

new makeup bag

uses very little fabric, making it perfect for all of those scraps. My favorite's are found here and here.

7. Do your kitchen towels need sprucing up?

For some great inspiration see this and this. One way to show our love to others is through the giving of gifts. If you've got a bridal shower coming up (or a birthday), these kitchen towels would make excellent gifts and would be a fabulous way to remind them of your love.

8. Diaper strap

 I'm always searching through the diaper bag for the one thing it's supposed to carry - diapers. This diaper strap tutorial is a fantastic way to keep the essentials together.

9. Fabric Garland

You can never have too many garlands around (in my opinion.) This fabric garland would be easy enough to DIY.

10. Puppet Theater

And lastly, this shadow puppet theater is sure to impress the young and old alike. The possibilities for creativity are endless.

Now go ahead, rummage through your fabric scraps and make something you and your family can be proud of ... for free.

The post 10 things to do with extra fabric appeared first on FamilyToday.