Been putting off updating a room in your home until you can figure out where to get thousands of dollars to redecorate? Look, if you've got $10 and a little time, you can get started right now. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for decorating on a shoestring.

Wall art. Take pretty sheets of scrapbooking paper, mat them, frame them and then hang them as a grouping. You'll be amazed by the stunning result.

Dollar frames. My secret is out for how much I love the 99 Cents Only stores. I can usually find a big selection of frames that come with mats and glass in random sizes and classy looks. Fill the frames with fabric, pretty paper, food labels, vintage photos, collectibles like baseball cards, cigar bands or ticket stubs. Ten frames of random shapes and sizes from a dollar store can quickly become a gallery in a hallway, a grouping over a mantel or a splash of delight to an eating area.

Fat quarters. A fat quarter is a quarter yard of fabric that measures 18 inches by 22 inches, sold either singly or in a coordinated bunch in fabric stores. Typically, fat quarters are about $2 each. Use fat quarters to make new tops for tired, dismal throw pillows. Or piece them together to make a fun new throw for the back of the sofa. Fat quarters are great for creating wall art, too.

New floor. This is amazing, and you may think I've lost my mind, but you really can create a beautiful new floor with ordinary paper bags from the grocery

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store. You'll end up with a faux leather or concrete look that is durable and drop-dead gorgeous. This project requires paper bags, polyurethane and hard work. Any crafter or decorator can do it. For step-by- step instructions, go to TheBudgetDecorator.com, then type "faux leather floor" in the search box.

Flat Sheets. Look in the closeout bin for random flat sheets. Any size will do. Even a twin size contains yards of fabric you can use for any number of home-decorating projects. Pad and cover an old headboard. Cut it up to make a new tablecloth and matching napkins. Thread the wide hem onto a curtain rod for an instant new window treatment. The possibilities are endless.

Paint. There's nothing like a freshly painted wall, cabinet, bookshelf or table to make everything feel clean and new. All you need is a quart, and you can get it in your choice of hundreds of colors at any home improvement store for less than $10. Tape off and paint a "panel" in a contrasting color on the wall where you will be hanging your new wall art. Paint the inside of a cabinet, especially one that has a glass front door. Or go crazy and paint your front door red. You'll smile every time you come home.

Write to mary@everydaycheapâ skate.com or Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630.