When money is low and the desire to have something new is strong, there are two places that bring satisfaction. Number one is the public library. Without spending any money you can walk out of there with books, magazines, movies and music. Yes, you have to return them but you can choose items and take them home with you and own them for a short time. How awesome is that!

The other place that can satisfy your need to shop is the dollar store. You can choose any item and it is only a buck! It is great for stocking up on cleaning supplies, birthday cards and holiday needs. Is there a better place when you need to fill Easter Baskets and Christmas Stockings with lots of goodies? Have you ever looked around while shopping and realized you can do some pretty cool decorating with the items on the shelves? Walk with me up and down the aisles for some low cost ideas.

1. Start with the section of dishes. The offerings may change but you can always count on pretty and colorful plates. Co-ordinate place settings that will add color to your table for a quick change. A set of white dishes should be in your collection. It can be dressed up for a classy table or added to bright accessories for a refreshing summer look. It looks perfect with your holiday linens. I love plates hung on the wall as art. One looks good in a small area but if you can hang 3 of them in a row you will get more impact on the wall. They can be the same plate in a repeat look or a combination of three plates that co-ordinate. Do not forget to pick up the plate hangers that are usually available in the store.

2. A set of dishtowels hung over a curtain rod in an overlapping fashion make a quick homey valance. Buy several colors and hang layers for the best look. You could continue the look by sewing a few together end to end to make a washable table runner. If you do not have a sewing machine, you can stitch it be hand using the sewing kit you buy for $1.

3. The selection of frames at the dollar store is remarkable. Choose your favorite photos and frame them so they can be enjoyed instead of just stored in a drawer. Make personalized art by snapping photos of favorite things such as a flower or tree in your yard. A great idea for a boys room is to photograph the front grill or dash board of a vintage or dream car. Have the picture printed in an enlarged size, place in your bargain frame and you will have a one of a kind print for only a couple of bucks.

4. Look in the toy and party section for things to decorate a childs room. Search for kites, colorful gliders and paper fans to suspend from the ceiling. Packs of tissue paper can be folded into bouquets of large flowers. If you do not remember how to do these from your own childhood, you can find directions online.

5. I have often seen little bags of stones and glass pebbles in the dollar store. A simple way to use them is to scatter them on a tabletop for interest. You do not need to use the whole bag just enough to look like the stones were randomly tossed on the surface. Fill a set of tall thin vases with the stones and line them up on the windowsill. You can add a single stem flower to each vase if you like.

Dollar store decorating will challenge your creativity. Grab a buggy and start searching the aisles for your next decorating project.