Frugal...or creative?

This will come as no new news to those that know me, but I'm kinda frugal.  I clip coupons.  We only get magazine subscriptions I can find for free on the internet.  I haven't passed a clearance section in any store - EVER.  I do have a weakness for handbags, but I've even limited those to outlets and discontinued patterns (thank you, Vera Bradley!).

That being said, one place I try not to skimp is in the studio.  Spending a lot on a new backdrop is normal.  Antiques and vintage props never come cheap.  Fur, it's about $36 per yard.  You'd be amazed at what floors cost.  But being the "cheap" one, if I can make it for less...why not?

So after I spend months trying to find a vintage, weathered wood crate for babies, I gave up.  I just couldn't bring myself to pay $50-$100 for old wood.  Thank goodness for Michaels and Pinterest.  Who knew that a little apple cider vinegar and some steel wool would make it easy for me?  I know it sounds crazy, but if you soak the wool in the vinegar over night....homemade stain.  And the combo oxidizes the wood and you have instant old!  Just in time for my newest baby session tomorrow.  And the cost?  A whopping $17 - and I have 90 percent of the steel wool still left over.  Time for a new project, I guess!

Before

After