5 Ways to Craft on a Budget

It happens to the best of us. We spend hours on Pinterest looking for the perfect do-it-yourself project to try out. We then head to the craft store only to have all of our hopes and dreams crushed by the cost of supplies. Sigh. Could it be that the materials are overpriced or do we just have “insufficient funds”? I find that it is a combination of both. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t have to be the end of our crafting dreams. I have found ways to navigate the pricey craft world. I present to you 5 Ways to Craft on a Budget!

5 Ways to Craft on a Budget

1. Use What You Have

The easiest way to craft on a budget is to use what you already have. Yep, I said it. That one container you hoard random craft supplies in- this is the time to use it. Maybe you are a newbie to the scene and don’t have a collection of crafting materials. You too can use what you have. Look around your home for these items: used, but cute wrapping paper; outdated fashion magazines; buttons that fell of your favorite collared shirt; and the jeans you ripped while running to catch the bus. All of these items can somehow be used in your next craft project. The old can surprisingly create something new!

2. COUPONS, COUPONS, COUPONS

Coupons are one of the best ways to save. Craft and fabric stores like Michaels and Jo-Ann have coupon deals that range from 30%-60% off single items. Many times they have 15% and 20% off your total purchase coupons. Sign up for their email subscriptions and they will send you PLENTY of coupons.

3. Shop Sale and Clearance

Another good way to craft on a budget is to buy items that are on sale or clearance. Craft and fabric stores hold seasonal and holiday sales as well as their own sales. This will give you several chances to save! They also have ever existing clearance sections. I have to admit that some items in the clearance section are not that attractive, but if you look carefully you might find some beautiful gems.

4. Go Generic

Similar to food and medicine, the craft industry has generic and name brand products. You don’t have to buy name brand craft supplies for your project to be successful. Generic brands work just as well and cost less.

5. Budget

Before you go into a craft store, you should have an idea of how much money you want to spend on supplies. I would suggest setting a monthly budget specifically for craft supplies. Estimate how much you think you will spend taking into account non-discounted prices. Take that number and add a little more money for good measure. When you go to the craft store, spend less than your budgeted amount by employing the previous four tips. You will be surprised by how much money you save instead of waste.

It is definitely worth it to try out these 5 Ways to Craft on a Budget. I still remember the day I went to Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and saved $75 through the techniques employed above. I felt so blessed because I spent less than $40 on supplies. With that said, get to crafting on a budget!

How will you craft on a budget? Comment below!

Take 15 minutes today to read, write down, and meditate on this scripture: "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before." - 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NLT)