A simple way to keep your house warm is to seal the bottoms of doorways with a draft stopper. You can usually purchase them inexpensively, but making one is a fun, easy DIY project.

eHow has directions for making a simple stopper, as well as some other ideas like using a leg from an old pair of pants, filling, and sewing the ends shut. Doesn’t get much easier than that!

But you can get fancy with a quilted stopper, or a knitted and felted one.

Make one that looks like a snake, if you’re so inclined, or get creative and make up your own pattern.

Instead of buying fabric for the project, sort through old clothes for materials that will work. Many of the directions suggest using corn, rice or beans for filler, but if there’s a chance you may have mice around your house, I’d recommend using sand. You can also add dried lavender, cedar shavings, or pine needles for a room freshening effect.

Put one in front of any doors that lead outside, and to block the draft coming from any rooms you may not be using or heating over the winter. They work on drafty windows too.

Draft stoppers make great gifts too!