Garage sales are great. There is such an endless variety, and you never know what you will find. If you're into crafting the garage sale can be a goldmine. The goldmine is the joy you feel when you see a table full of fabric, a box filled with skeins of yarn, dozens of frames and pictures, and all priced from 10 cents to a dollar.
I found these little frames 4/$1.00, in perfect condition. I could have put little pictures in them, but opted to place my pressed flowers in them and use them on top of gift boxes, in place of cards. It was a pretty touch, and cheaper than a card or a bow.
By Deb from East Brunswick, NJ
Being an avid crafter, I often make projects that require a circle cut from something. I would search through the house, finding an item that was the correct size circle, such as a can of soup.
Don't throw away any old or unwanted makeup and nail polish that you may have. They are a wonderful alternative to crayons, paint markers, or coloring pencils. I use mine when making cards with stamps. The eyeshadow blends very well in place of colored pencils.
A bolt of white ribbon got rained on and I thought it was ruined, but being frugal, I ran water over it to clean it off. I then dropped red and green food color on both edges of the rolled up wet ribbon.
A very inexpensive way to get a wreath form is to buy the pipe insulation that has a slit in it in the size you need and form it in a circle. This insulation is firm and is a dark charcoal gray.
There are over 1,200 Michaels Stores '- art supplies, crafts, framing around the world. At the end of each season - items that are unable to be sold may be offered in grab bags (stores may vary). Seasonal items will be stuffed in a bag and sold for only $4!
I found this lovely holiday bath pouf on sale for a dollar. I love the color green and the gold edging that sparkles.
Have the wrong color lace for your project? No problem if you have food coloring. I often use different colors of lace in my projects. If I don't have the color I need, I just put it in a disposable cup with water and several drops of food coloring.
Here's a way for crafters to save money. I use wallboard joint compound as a dimensional paste in crafting. You can buy it at hardware or home improvement stores. At Lowe's I bought a 3 lb. container for $2.
I do a lot of card making. Stock paper isn't really cheap, so if I have left over sentiments or papers from cutting out projects. I put them all in a basket next to my computer desk. Then if I need something, it is usually right there in the basket.
I am a jewelry "remaker". I buy old and create one of a kind "new" stuff.
As an avid crafter, I am always looking for ways to save money on supplies. I often experiment with ideas in hopes that I can recreate an item that will last longer and cost less.
This is a thrifty sewing tip and a word of caution. The second hand store is a good place to pick up sewing supplies. I bought a one gallon bag full of miscellaneous supplies. I got at least $30.00 worth of usable supplies in a bag I paid $2.00 for.
Does anyone know of any places I can go to for really cheap beads and clasps? I've looked up the prices for clasps and they are so expensive!
By Loleini
Depending on the kind of clasp you want, if you have a few simple hand tools and some wire, you can make your own. I make jewelry, and I prefer handmade findings. Generally, they will end up costing less than buying clasps. If you don't have any tools and you need only a few clasps it might be cheaper to buy ready-made, but if you're making many pieces it might be worthwhile to buy a few tools and learn how to make them.
If you enjoy working with metal, you can even buy sheet and get yourself a jeweler's saw and make more substantial pieces. I made a really cool toggle to go with one of my bracelets that way.
If you scroll down this page to the Wire Working Techniques section, you'll find instructions for a simple clasp.
www.fusionbeads.com/
You can also do your own search and find other instructions. Jewelrylessons.com has a lot of tutorials (some are free).
As for inexpensive beads; what kind are you looking for? I have a sales tax license and usually buy mine wholesale. I mostly buy stones (never plastic, and very rarely glass). If I want Swarovski crystals, I usually order online. I try to make it to the Rings & Things bead show when it comes to our city (once a year), and load up. "Cheap" is going to be relative.
Sometimes you can get nice quality beads at a good price, but then sometimes "cheap" quality beads cost too much for what they are. If you have a Hobby Lobby or Michael's in your area they routinely have sales on beads/jewelry making supplies and coupons online or in the newspaper.
Keep an eye out at yard sales,thrift stores or Estate sales. Old clasps, beads from several items not just jewelry and other interesting things can be bought rather cheaply.
Keeper
