Cotton swabs aren't just for your ears. Check out these 8 totally cool ideas

Some people say not to use cotton swabs to clean out your ears, but these tiny cotton tools are still one of the most versatile household items and perfect for everything from removing makeup to cleaning out tight spaces.
Believe it or not, cotton swabs are used to make some pretty incredible DIYs. It's a good thing they don't cost much, because you're going to want to stock up!
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1. Easy painting technique (h/t Jay Lee Watercolor Painting)
Break out the colors and learn to paint using cotton swabs. It's remarkably easy to paint these gorgeous flowers with tiny pieces of cotton!
2. Festive painted trees (h/t Creative Child)
Instead of spending money on Christmas cards this year, grab some cotton swabs and make your own! These festive trees are adorable, and it's an easy enough project for almost any age.
3. Hand-dotted glasses
Brighten up some inexpensive tumblers using cotton swabs and enamel acrylic paint! It's hard to go wrong with these as long as you choose colors that go well together, and they make unique Christmas presents. Get the full tutorial here.
4. Lamb craft (h/t One Little Project)
Spring is still a few months away, but it's never too early to start thinking about your Easter decorations! This cotton swab project would look great on your mantle, but it could also be used as a place card holder for Easter dinner.
5. Giant letter
This project gives star treatment to a loved one's initial. Reminiscent of lit-up Broadway marquees, this craft personalizes anyone's space. Place it in a child's room, or make one to brighten up a dorm room. Use one color for the letter and swabs, or use one color for the letter and a contrasting or complementary one for the letter. Get the tutorial here.
6. Watercolor garland (h/t Art Bar Blog)
You don't need a special paintbrush to make colorful watercolor paintings! This is such a gorgeous way to fill up an empty wall. You don't need great artistic skills to pull this project off -- the paintings here were made by 4-year-olds!
7. Glitter snowflakes (h/t B Inspired Mama)
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! This is the perfect craft for the next time you're stuck inside because of a snowstorm. These cotton flakes look so pretty either hanging from a ceiling or attached to a wall!
8. Anthropologie-inspired flowers (h/t Homemade Ginger)
It might be winter, but that doesn't mean you have to stop decorating with cheerful, colorful flowers. These pretty flowers were modeled after some decorative blooms seen in an Anthropologie store, and they're so stylish!
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