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
I am a jewelry "remaker". I buy old and create one of a kind "new" stuff.
Save on craft supplies by shopping at thrift stores. If you like to craft or have just a single project to make, you can't go wrong by checking out some thrift stores before purchasing new supplies.
Next time you buy a pair of kids' shoes, keep the elastic string that keeps them together - don't throw it away! Just untie the knot and you've got a wonderful piece of craft string for bracelets and things.
I find that a great deal of things sold at thrift stores are 2nd hand but not used. I have found zippers still in their sleeves for .25, or a savings of about 900%.
For those of you who use polyester stuffing to make animals or pillows, look in the Christmas section after Christmas when they put all of it on sale. I got bags of polyester fill for 75% off last year.
Hubby plays the guitar, and I found some of his discarded metal strings in the trash. I thought - hmm! I could use the wire for my craft projects, especially the jewelry I am putting together, so I kept it for future use!
When going to thrift shops or yard sales, I look for craft kits that have beads, sequins, embroidery thread, etc. Even if the kit is outdated or ugly, I use the materials inside to create my own crafts.
When you need templates for any kind of crafting; plastic sheets are available at most craft stores. However here's what I discovered: go to any "dollar" store and buy a pkg. of cutting board sheets.
Hold a monthly party and invite all your crafty friends to exchange items they no longer need or use. This can save hundreds of dollars and you can get fresh ideas as well.
I always have extra scraps of beautiful paper. I tear them into quarter size pieces for gluing onto cards. They make very pretty additions, to keep in journals, which is what I do with them. This would be fun to do with seasonal wrapping paper too ;)
If you sew, go to your local quilting shows and visit their boutique shop. You will find many discounted items for sale such as sewing patterns, notions, yarn, fabrics, books, and magazines. They also have some nice handmade items other than quilts such as table runners, placemats, purses, etc.
I need help getting fabric and shoe boxes and any craft or art supplies. The reason I'm asking is I'm disabled, and making things makes me feel useful and happy. We are on a limited income. So I am asking for help.
By Emma F. from Selma, NC
When scrapbooking, save all your scraps. They can be used when making cards, etc.
For those into crafting, with the upcoming holidays and all, check out your local thrift stores for cheap craft supplies
Snatch up Christmas craft supplies at dollar stores as soon as they come out. If you wait til closer to the holiday, you might have to go to a craft store and pay full price.