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
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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.
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).
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.
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.