Our Tips to Save Big on Arts and Crafts Supplies
Crafts projects don't have to send you over your budget. If you're on the lookout for cheap ways to add to your scrapbook stash or interested in inexpensive home decorating, try these thrifty tips and see how easily your creativity pays off. All you need is a little extra elbow grease.
- Don't Toss Those Sunday Circulars. Besides letting you know what's on sale this week, some national chains include coupons for big savings in their Sunday newspaper flyers. For instance, Michael's often features a coupon for 40-percent off any regularly priced item (with only a few exceptions). Ditto for national art and framing store Aaron Bros.
- Ask for E-Coupons. Such sites as Joann.com will offer information about discounts and in-store coupons to those who sign up online and, if shopping on their website, codes for free shipping. Plus, don't forget about other chains which might not be crafts-specific, but do have items for art and other projects, such as Target.com and OfficeDepot.com.
- Visit Garage Sales. While you might not find the newest equipment or trendy merchandise, garage sales can offer a slew of low-cost opportunities for the imaginative crafter. That cracked vase could be table-ready with decoupaged graphics; a wicker chair with a broken seat could be transformed into an outdoor planter; and, with some sandpaper and fresh paint, that battered trunk could be a wicked toy chest.
- Fabric Finds. Even if you don't sew or quilt, fabric may play an integral role in your project. Hancock's of Paducah offers several closeout categories for as little as $3.98 a yard for a variety of patterns. Ladybutton Fabrics has categories for both clearance items and weekly specials for savings. And, though they are known more for their mod furniture, IKEA has an extensive selection of funky fabrics, also starting at $3.98 a yard.
- "Teach" Yourself. Stores that cater to the educational community often have hard-to-find supplies and general creative goods at excellent prices ... and you don't have to be a teacher to shop there. Plus, if you check their online counterparts, they usually have sale buttons on their site navigation bars with special pricing. Lakeshore Learning offers crafty learning activities disguised as fun. Check out their online store or locations across the country.
Member Comments On...
Our Tips to Save Big on Arts and Crafts Supplies
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Some more crafty money saving tips I have handy - any old wool jumpers from charity shops or items that you no longer wear can go into the washing machine at higher temperature to shrink and turn into felt which can then be used as a cushion cover! - Also find dozens of Arts & Crafts offers all under 5 at this page: http://www.homecrafts.co.uk/_Craft-Goodies-Under-5-Pounds
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Wonderful advise. I would add: research what furniture store will give you the best value for what you are buying. Here's one: http://www.roomstogo.com/
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Another great fabric place is Walmart's craft department they usually have pretty full $1/yard tables and you can usually find some really cute patterns there.
