The holidays are over. All the decorations have been packed away, but we’re still solidly in the grip of old man winter. Right about now you may be feeling a little dull and dreary. Without all those holiday decorations your home might feel that way as well. The challenge is to find ways to spice up some of those bare spots without blowing that 2010 budget you’ve so carefully set up.

Here are some inexpensive ideas to fill in those blank spots while you search for the perfect piece of art. Basic craft supplies like fabric, paint and decorative paper can become your best friends these days.

One of the easiest ways to perk up a blank wall is to cover several canvas stretchers with some favorite fabrics or fill several inexpensive picture frames with decorative paper. When hung together as a group, simple ideas like this can have a powerful impact on a room.

Origami shapes folded from decorative paper are not only fun to make, but can also provide the feeling of flowers for those who live with barren, snowy winters. Attach the shapes to twigs with fishing line to create a hanging mobile or wire them to a piece of driftwood for an interesting centerpiece.

You can also use fabric or paper on the inside of bookshelves or glass-front cupboards. A fresh color or pattern behind the contents of the shelf can help display collectibles to their best advantage.

Look for everyday items to use in your art. Pieces of a cardboard paper towel roll (or leftover wrapping paper tubes from the holidays) can be recycled into an interesting 3-D art piece. Leave it bare for an organic look or give it a quick shot of spray paint to add some color. Silverware odds and ends can be turned into hooks for towels or other assorted things.

What clever ideas have you come up with in your quest for inexpensive art? Please, share them with us here in the comments section.