Top 10 Ways to Save on Craft Supplies

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Did you know that just by marketing something as “craft” the mark-up on it goes through the roof?  That’s why I have such a huge problem paying full price for craft supplies.  Some tools are totally worth it for their usefulness and/or long lasting investment return (like my top 10 DIY craft tools).  As a general rule, however, I always want to get the best deals on supplies and I know you do too. Here are my top 10 ways to save on craft supplies!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

 

 

[bctt tweet=”Don’t miss these tips for how to save on craft supplies for all of your projects! #crafts #savings”]

1. Word of Mouth

Let friends and family know the types of things you are looking for and chances are when they come across items in their house that they don’t use or need any more they will offer them to you.  I have gotten tons of sewing patterns, cloth, scrapbook supplies, paint, etcetera all because my friends and family knew how much crafting I do.  My best friend’s mom actually let me go through 2 giant boxes of sewing patterns that she was getting rid of to take my pick to keep before she did so.  Let’s just say my collection grew substantially that day!

2. Thrift Stores

I love thrift stores and I find all kinds of things there that can be used in my crafts.  Some of the best items to look for in thrift stores are frames, baskets, fabric, and books.  These are all used frequently in DIY projects and these are by far the best deals you will find on them.  When shopping at thrift stores, be sure to adjust your thinking so that you are open to all of the possibilities an object can have for your specific project idea.  Read How to Save Money on Practically Anything if you need help.

3. Clearance

If you keep your eye on clearance sections, you’ll be able to find some of the BEST prices in the store.  I also do it to help inform you about which clearance prices are worth it.  Sometimes, just because an item is clearance out doesn’t mean it is a good deal.  Know what a truly spectacular price is for something before buying it and always ask yourself, “What am I really willing to pay for this item?”

4. EBay

Ebay has changed a lot over the years.  It used to be THE place to go to get deals on things that people didn’t want any more.  Now, a lot of stores have taken over and just because it’s on Ebay doesn’t make it a great deal.  I see a ton of auctions that start the price well over what I’m willing to pay.  This doesn’t mean Ebay isn’t a good resource still, depending on what you’re looking for.  Shop here for craft supplies, people.  I have gotten a box of zippers for six bucks on here.  I’ve gotten tons of beading supplies for crazy cheap.  There are awesome craft deals to be found on here.  If you’re willing to buy wholesale lots, you can save even more.  I love getting supplies from Ebay.

5. Yard Sales

I love yard sales.  To me they are the perfect system.  One person gets rid of items they no longer want to make space for the ones they do.  The other person gets amazing deals on items they can give a good home and/or turn into something amazing.  It’s a symbiotic beauty.  A lot of crafters end up with an excess of supplies and when they finally realize it, they get rid of it at bargain prices.  I started my rubber stamp collection at a yard sale.  The lady had been a Stamping Up! consultant for years and she was getting rid of the old to make way for the new.

6. Construction Sites

Did you know that a lot of the ‘waste’ at a construction site just gets pitched?  This includes scrap wood, tiles, and hardware.  Instead of watching it get thrown away, bring it home for your own projects.  Always ask if you can take it though.  Chances are they won’t care at all but it is still theirs and asking is the right thing to do and also protects you.  Word of caution: Be careful whenever bringing anything from a construction site home.  Depending on the project, age of the building, etc. it can contain traces of lead, asbestos, and/or other harmful chemicals.  Always be safe and always use you best judgement.

7. Armories and Posts

Did you know that armories and small military posts clean out their inventory annually?  Sometimes these items go to auction and sometimes they just go in the trash.  Send them a letter and ask if you can take a look the next time they are getting rid of things.  I have gotten some crazy things from armories, from 3-ring binders to huge rolls of Velcro.

Never, ever just go through the dumpster of an armory.  This is for your protection.  Always ask someone in charge and get their approval to do anything at the armory, including go through the trash.  Remember, these are still military installations and should be treated with the same respect and sensitivity that a full post or base would.

8. Recycle

This is one of my favorite ways to save on craft supplies.  It is free and it is good for our planet.  This is a win-win in my book.  I will reuse the Styrofoam from my produce (like for these Kid Made Mother’s Day Cards) or even old cereal boxes (such as in this DIY Family Command Center).  The creative possibilities here are endless.

9. Nature

A lot of supplies can be found in nature.  Bleached wood is great for projects and flowers can be pressed and then sealed for use in all kinds of projects.  Leaves, twigs, and rocks can all be used in super creative and beautiful ways.  Challenge yourself to come up with unique ideas using just what is in your yard or local park.

10. Amazon.com

This one isn’t a secret.  We all know how much you can save on Amazon.com (on just about anything if you’re patient).  Did you also know, however, that if you put something in your cart and leave it there that Amazon will let you know if it reduces in price or if they find the item cheaper through another seller?  This doesn’t work if you need the item right now, but if it’s something you can have a little patience on (typically a few weeks at least) you can get some even more amazing deals.  Remember the Hello Kitty timer I mentioned in $3 DIY Sanity Saver?  About 2 weeks after putting it in my cart I got an email from Amazon.com showing me the same exact timer for only $3!  It was originally almost $9.  I could have purchased it for a third of the price.  This is seriously worth trying.

So there are my top 10 ideas to save on craft supplies.  I’d love to hear what ways you save on craft supplies in the comments!

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Birthday Card Frame Insert

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I love making things that are a little bit more personal, so when I made the DIY Birthday Card Frame I knew I wanted it to include something that would resemble an actual card but also include my son’s handwritten crayon signature. Unfortunately, he wasn’t around while I had the time to make the card.  My solution?  I found one of the many pieces of artwork and notes that he has signed and simply cut out his signature.  Done and done.  So there is a little bonus tip for you.  Okay, on to the tutorial to make the birthday card frame insert.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

Birthday Card Frame Insert Materials

 

Step 1

Using the little paper insert that comes in frames as a guide, cut cardstock to the correct size for the frame.

 

Step 2

Stamp your message or picture (or both) on the piece of cardstock.

Note:

 

Step 3

Pour your holographic embossing powder over the stamped image and then shake the excess onto a scrap piece of paper.  Return the excess to the container.

 

Step 4

Use your heat gun to go over your stamped image until the embossing powder is heated. (You will notice a change in its appearance once it melts) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have embossed all of the images you wanted stamped on your card.

 

Step 5

Have your child sign the card, place it in the frame and you’re done!

Don’t forget the tip at the beginning of the post to help you if your child isn’t with you when you make the card. You can easily personalize the insert to fit the birthday girl or boy’s style. This tutorial is also easy enough to let your child help you make it. Mom should do the heat gun steps, though. You can get more kid made crafts on our Kid’s Page!

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In case you missed our DIY Birthday Card Frame tutorial:

DIY Birthday Card Frame

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Let’s face it; the card is a kid’s least favorite part of their birthday presents.  Furthermore, unless their parents save them for them they just end up recycled or thrown away at some point.  This past weekend, my son had a birthday party to attend for one of his classmates.  I always make the cards we give out for any occasion and this one was to be no different. A DIY birthday card frame is a fun new twist on the tradition.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

I had been shopping for picture frames for another project earlier in the day and totally forgot to measure which size I needed before venturing out (of course!).  So instead of going all the way back home and measuring it, then traveling back to the store, I just bought 2 different size frames.  The one that wasn’t the right size was just sitting on my desk begging me to use it.  It also happened that during grocery shopping that week, I came across clearance Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle duct tape on clearance for $1.50!  The fates were working in my favor because the birthday girl loves Ninja Turtles.  I decided to make a birthday card frame instead of a regular card.  That’s way more fun than some boring piece of cardboard that doesn’t even have any money in it.

It turned out awesome and I’m super stoked to share it with you!

DIY Birthday card Frame Materials

 

Step 1

Prepare your frame by taking out the glass and all the padding/inserts.  You don’t want to risk breaking it while you’re working on your frame.

 

Step 2

Start on the left side of your frame and cut a strip of tape long enough that it overlaps the outside edges.  Then press down the tape to the frame being sure that the inside tape edge lines up with the inside edge of the frame.

 

Step 3

Cut off the excess tape. If your frame has a lip like mine did, simple run your fingernail along the edge of the lip making an indentation.  Then open your scissors and run one blade down the groove you made.  Once you’ve done that it should left away cleanly and leave you with a nice straight edge.

 

Step 4

Repeat step three until your frame is completely covered.  I lined up the photos on most of mine but it will still be awesome if you don’t want to be that OCD about.

 

Step 5

Replace the glass and cardboard/padding to your frame.

Ta-Da! You’re done with the frame and you can add whatever you want to it: a note, a photo, a simple Happy Birthday message… it is up to you.

Want to see how to make the awesome card insert pictured?

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