10 Tips to Find Cheap Craft Supplies

Don’t blow your entire paycheck at the craft store. These budget-friendly shopping hacks will keep you crafting every day.

By: Karen Kavett

Show: HGTV Handmade

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Clothing Store Clearance Racks

If you don’t need entire yards of fabric for a project and just need small pieces, check out clothing store clearance racks for clothes that you can cut up and fabric you can repurpose for much cheaper than the fabric store.

See More Photos: 15 Creative Ways to Upcycle Old T-Shirts

Thrift Stores

Similarly, hit up your local thrift stores for unfashionable clothes that can be cut up and remade into new craft projects. And don’t forget to check out the home decor section for outdated items that can be spruced up with a bit of paint.

See More Photos: 9 Ways to Use Thrift Store Finds in Your Dorm Room

Jewelry Clearance Rack

Many fast fashion clothing stores will have a clearance rack of jewelry, often marked down to only a dollar per item. This is a great place to find items you can disassemble for the beads and jewelry findings to make your own jewelry projects.

Watch the Video: 10 DIY Jewelry Projects

Office Supply Clearance Sections

Hit up office supply clearance sections for discounted stationary, paper and tape, often marked down because the packaging is damaged even though the product is totally fine.

See More Photos: 37 Clever Uses for Everyday Items in the Home Office

Hardware Stores

Take a trip to a hardware store to find interesting findings and other household supplies that you can repurpose for your DIY projects. And don’t forget to grab a few free paint chips while you’re there!

Get the How-To: Turn Paint Chips Into Geometric DIY Wall Art

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for the loyalty program at every craft store you go to for exclusive coupons and discounts. If you don’t want the emails clogging up your inbox, set them to go to a separate folder or make a new email address that you only check when you need to go shopping for supplies.

See More Photos: DIY Crafts 101: Decoding the Craft Store

Recycle Bin

Your own recycle bin is a great resource for craft supplies! Repurpose cardboard into trendy planters and a salad container into a chic picture frame.

Get the How-To: DIY Recycled Wall Decor Crafts

Local Art Schools

If you have a college with an art program nearby, keep an eye on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace at the end of every semester. Students from out of town may be looking to get rid of extra supplies for cheap, and you can snatch them up.

See More Photos: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Amazon Price Trackers

If there’s a specific craft supply you have your eye on, set an alert in a price tracker site like Camelcamelcamel to get notified if it dips below a certain amount.

Watch the Video: Finding Cheap Craft Supplies