A Very Cheap Blog 

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Product Reviews

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A blog I’ve dedicated to product reviews. Find product reviews for art supplies and DIY crafts. Plus some tips on the do’s and don’ts when choosing the right supplies for your projects. 

Full product review on Gelly Roll white gel pens in various sizes. Size 05,08,10 and the strengths and weaknesses of both. Spoiler alert 🚨 I love them! 

Product Review: White Gel Pen

How Milo markers stack up against big name alcohol markers. A quick review

Reasonably Priced Alcohol Marker review

My honest review on Mod Podge Hard Coat and why you can’t live without it!

Mod Podge Hard Coat Review

Liquitex acrylic paint product review! Find my top five reasons liquitex is the right choice. 

Liquitex Product Review 

Alrighty fellow DIY lovers, if you are anything like myself (I assume you are or you would not be reading this very blog post) you have likely figured out just how amazing yet ridiculously expensive chalk paint can get. I too had a very rude awakening when taking on my first projects. They turned out to be anything but Shabby Cheap! 

The numerous trial and error pieces all said the same thing to me while sitting a hot mess of paint and regret.,.. “I’m wasted money!” I’m sorry but no one who themed an entire blog on how to be cheap likes to be haunted by the sound of cold hard cash being flushed. So... still assuming of course, I took to the internet hoping to find a way to fix what I had done without the added heartache of another wasted gallon of paint. What I found was the easiest recipe and I’m sure most of us have what we need right now. Are you ready for this crazy game changing chalk making additive!? 

Make your own chalk paint for a fraction of the price! 

Now let’s get into some examples shall we?!
Keep scrolling for my blog posts!


That’s why I’m here today! To pass on the bits of knowledge I wish someone had shown me! How to actually create these awesome DIY projects without spending tons of money to do so, because that’s why we do this right!? 

I have tested quite a few theories and some have really been awesome money saving alternatives and others... well we won’t speak of those other times because we are perfect and we only make Pinterest perfect stuff around here! Just kidding guys calm down.

What I found: 
Base coat seemed to thicken a lot quicker and be more gritty while applying and the enamel was almost the polar opposite. It took a little more baking soda, stayed a lot thinner and was less gritty. Some thing I have found say you don’t need to sand after, I personally take 400 grit and get it just slightly damp and sand off some of the grit. Seal with wax or your choice of sealer and bam! You just made your own chalk paint masterpiece for $2.00!! 
Now that my friends is Shabby Cheap!! 

Swipe to keep reading!Wait!! Before you go... please subscribe to my blog!! Get updates on new blog releases and other coolness! I won’t send you tons of emails or any junk mail! 

Welcome to a very cheap website..! 

First let me say I’m happy you landed here on my DIY blog! If you are anything like myself, you are most likely looking for some quick advice, recipe, or even a step by step guide on an awesome project you want to recreate? Well I believe you are in the right spot my friend! 

I have a passion for arts and crafts, and when I first started getting into making craft projects, I soon realized that it can become expensive! Like quickly! You see this cute little Pinterest post and you are thinking you can own that piece of furniture, or make that journal no problem! Only to soon realize halfway through your list at the crafts store that this stuff really adds up! Me too friends... me too. 

Well I’m pleased to say I have been in that spot where I’m up to my elbows in paint and glue with $5 left in your pocket and suddenly I realize...
 I’m out of sanding paper.🤯🤦‍♀️ 


🤯Baking  soda! 🤯

No there isn’t a list of crazy ingredients or hidden steps that I have not mentioned. That’s it baking soda + paint = chalk paint, well the look and feel. Now I will warn you, the mixture will make the paint gritty. Make sure you mix it very very well and don’t allow it to sit to long or you may have to stir again. I feel it’s what painting with hummus would be like. 

Now I wish to express that this method is not the only option, and there are also different opinions on what paint to uses well as. So I tested it out a bit, I tried a base coat paint, a med base and a two in one enamel . A few of the recipes I have come across mention using latex paint, I however am a rebel and wanted to live on the edge! No it was because we had picked up the paint at Home Depot for 50 cents a piece, and with the baking soda costing a mere $1.50, I wasn’t going to lose sleep over this. 


Guide to thrifty  DIY arts and crafts, product reviews and of course my blog.

How to create Perfect up cycled furniture and thrift store specials while saving money at the same time! Shabby cheap! 

Arts and crafts, handmade, hand painted 

A Cheap DIY blog 

Top Five Reasons Liquitex is my 

#1 Go to for acrylic paint 🎨 


I’m sure you have guessed based off of my picture above, I might be slightly fond of Liquitex Basics! I consider this to be my number one go to for acrylics. 
Have you ever stood staring aimlessly in your local crafts store at the seemingly endless options of paints? Well if you are anything like me, a self taught artist with zero professional training or classes, then I’m sure you know the exact look I’m describing. Well I’m pleased to tell you one key piece of advice. If you’re an amateur with very little experience then liquitex is a very good place to consider starting.  Why you may ask? 


1. In the grand scheme of things, liquitex is affordable

2. The ease of use and versatility is (in my opinion) unparalleled! 

3. Liquitex comes in different levels based off of your experience. For example there are three main types soft, medium or heavy which is considered artist level full body. 

4. The many different choices and variations of colors are awesome. Not to mention the many different mediums that can be used with liquitex to create any look or texture you want.

5. The way the colors blend together and dry make it perfect for artists of any level of experience. Create well blended seamless effects or harder unmixed lines the choice is yours. Liquitex is easy to move while not drying too quickly. Having play in your paint is key for beginners. I know it was for myself! 