How To Save Money on Craft Supplies {and Score Free Stuff Too!}

One of the biggest challenges for handmade artists and crafters is the cost of supplies.  How can you make a decent profit when the cost for craft materials is so expensive?  

Fortunately, there are ways that you can get some great deals on arts and crafts supplies.  Some materials you can even get for Free!  

It can take some time to find the best way to save a buck, but we put these resources together in an easy guide you can use to save money and stick to your budget when it comes to the costs of art materials.  

Tips to saving money on craft supplies:

1. Have a specific project in mind – One of the first things I do before heading to the store is bring a few photos of the type of project I’m looking to create so I can begin creating a list of materials that I need.
2. Check to see what you already have in stock – After I have made my list, I go through the supplies that I already have and pull them out and cross them off my list.  You’d be surprised to find that you might already have some of the items that you need to create your finished piece.
3. Know your stores’ coupon policy – Check to see what sales your craft store is having that week.  For example, floral products go on sale once every 3 weeks at Hobby Lobby and I pick that week to go shopping when making one of my wreaths or floral arrangements. Check with the store and ask about their price and coupon matching policy and don’t forget to take the survey on your receipt for an extra coupon towards your next purchase.
4. Shop for holiday items the day after the holiday – You will get some amazing deals on holiday items if you shop the day after the holiday.  Items can be marked down significantly, so you can stock up and have for the following year.
5. Shop at the Dollar Store – Dollar Stores have some great crafting products and you can get some amazing deals!  If you like making wreaths like I do, I have put together a list of Wreath Making Supplies You Can Buy at Dollar Tree that you can check out.
6. Yard Sales – Take a drive to some local yard and garage sales.  You may find some great supplies here, super cheap!  You can go to Craigslist and use the search box to search for craft supplies and see what garage sales might have them. Some other websites that might have this information is Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, Letgo and OfferUp.
7. Thrift Stores – Thrift stores can be a great place to find items that can be used for crafting. Some of the items you may find at a thrift store are scrapbooking materials, fabrics and jewelry.
8. Download your stores App – Apps are an easy way to get coupons that you don’t already have that you can apply at checkout.
9. Sign up for your craft store’s newsletter – You will be notified of the upcoming week sales ahead of time so you will know what’s on sale before heading out to the stores.
10.  Check out the “dollar spot” at Target –  You can find some great and cheap craft items there!
11. Look for the craft item you are planning on buying on google first to see if it is priced cheaper elsewhere. Make sure to check shipping prices and factor that in as well. If you can, do in-store pick up to save on shipping costs.
12. Look for wholesale or discount supply stores in your area that might have what you are looking for, and much cheaper!
13. Look for online coupon codes – Use Retailmenot or use Honey browser extension if you are purchasing online to apply coupons that you may not realize are available for your purchase.
14. Use eBates for possible rebates on your purchases and get money back for your purchases!
15. Buy in Bulk – When you buy in bulk, you can usually get a better price.  If you don’t need that much of a particular item, see if a friend or fellow crafter would be interested in going half with you on the cost and you can split the materials.
16. Check out the clearance section – Most craft stores have a clearance section.  It can’t hurt to check it out, you may find some items at really great prices.

Where can I get cheap craft supplies online?

There are some great websites that sell art and craft supplies at a lower price.  Here is a list of some of the best websites where you can save on your next DIY project: 

• Create for Less
• Amazon
• Zulily
• Annie’s
• Ebay
• Etsy
• Save on Crafts
• Factory Direct Craft
• Paper-Source.com
• DollarDays
• DollarTree
• Oriental Trading
• Stuff4Crafts
• Expressions Vinyl
• Loveknitting
• Fabric.com
• Papermart
• MisterArt
• Beadaholique
• OnlineFabricStore

Where can I find free craft supplies?

There is no better price than FREE!  Check out these websites where you can get free supplies:

1. Craigslist – You can find free art supplies, art tables and much more.
2. Bigwords.com – You can get free stickers by filling out this form at bigwords.com.
3. Free art bins at local art and craft stores – You might be able to grab some fabric, beads, paper and more.
4. Host a Supply Swap – You can host and set up a craft supply swap in your area by connecting with local facebook groups in your area, or through your church or community center and putting an Ad in your local newspaper.
5. Needlepointers.com – You can find links to a bunch of resources where you can get free samples for all types of projects at needlepointers.com.
6. Pottery Barn – Request free fabric swatches by going to https://www.potterybarn.com/request-swatches.
7. FlowerTread – You can score some free samples of flower thread at flowerthread.com.
8. At Home – You’d be surprised at some of the items around the house that can be used for your next project.  Some examples of this include glass containers, cardboard, old books and maps, newspapers, pvc pipe, pool noodles, toilet paper rolls, and egg cartons.
9. Frugalvilage.com Forums – You can find a bunch of sources where you can get free yarn, fabric and more at FrugalVilage.com.
10. Saral Paper Corporation – You can get a sample of all 5 colors of Saral Wax Free Transfer Paper by sending a self-addressed envelope http://www.saralpaper.com/sample.html.
11. Go Outside – There are so many great materials that nature can provide us such as seashells, rocks, sticks, wood, leaves, sand, pine cones and flowers.
12. Become a Micro-Influencer – If you have a big following, chances are there are opportunities for you to promote a companies’ product and get free stuff!  Check out this article on how to score free products as a micro-influencer: How to Get Free Art Supplies and Become a ‘Micro-Influencer’.

We hope these tips will help you save some money on your next shopping trip for craft supplies.  If you have any resources you would like to share, let us know in the comments section!