Thrift Store Bargains for Crafts

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. Over the years, I have found ways to keep my "stash" at a reasonable level, and if you are only making a single project, a large supply of an item is not needed. Here are just a few suggestions on how to save some money on craft supplies.

When needing stuffing, even the smallest bag is quite large. Shop in the pillow section, and you can often find one that was made with stuffing and not a solid pillow form. Also, check out the toys. A stuffed animal can provide you with the amount of stuffing you need and will cost just a fraction of the price of a full bag.

Look through the clothing sections for material needed. Many have daily sales on clothing, and just one blouse can provide much material. Shop through the sheets and blankets for material needed on a larger project. With the variety they have, you will, no doubt, find the texture you are needing. Also, things like tablecloths can be great material for some projects.

I have found trims in just about every thrift store I have visited. They are usually put in baggies and contain a variety. You can find ribbon, lace, buttons, thread, and just about everything imaginable.

Shop the infant department for doll clothing. Even some stuffed animals come with clothing that you can remove and use.

Shop through the magazines and books for papers you need for decoupage or scrapbooking projects. Some even will have sheet music and maps which make great papers for projects.

Are you making a clock or need clock parts for a scrapbook project? Carry a couple AA's and AAA's batteries with you. Once you find a clock, insert them to make sure it works. Clock parts are very expensive to buy, and you can purchase an entire clock for a very minimal cost and have all the parts needed.

Look through the jewelry for pieces you can use as accessories for a project. Many necklaces can be taken apart and the beads and trinkets used individually.

Most thrift stores carry a great variety for "special occasion" needs. Halloween costumes are expensive and many carry a wonderful amount once the season rolls around. You can also find prom dresses, of which many are donated after only being used one time. They are in great shape and even at the cost of a dry cleaning, you will save a lot of money. You can often find party goods still in their original package which many people donate because "they bought too many". Their over spending can be your savings.

I made this garden angel for a friend from thrift store "finds". The body material is from a blouse. I found the garden sign and the wired wing form there and covered it by tying on strips of plastic bags. Her hair was taken off a stuffed animal. Her skirt was made from a child's skirt that I cut apart. She has several bells tied to her, which I also found there. I stuffed her with pieces of plastic bags. In total, I spent $2.50 for everything I needed to make her and still had leftovers. It would have cost me more to buy just one bag of stuffing.

All in all, thrift stores are a treasure cove and a great way to save money. It is truly amazing what one can find in them and since many of these stores contribute to a cause, you will be helping others by shopping there.

By Mary from Palm Coast, FL

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Shared on: 07/20/2011

This is a thrifty sewing tip and a word of caution. The second hand store is a good place to pick up sewing supplies. I bought a one gallon bag full of miscellaneous supplies: needles of all sizes, lots of thread, pins, two pin cushions, tracing paper and tracing wheel, pattern marking pencils, zippers, snaps, scissors, buttons, four crochet hooks and much, much more. I got at least $30.00 worth of usable supplies in a bag I paid $2.00 for.

The second hand store is a great source of supplies, but I think I should include a warning. When you get a used pin cushion, BE CAREFUL! I removed several pins from one, but still felt a prick when I picked it up. I couldn't see anything, so I put the pin cushion in a bowl and cut it open. Then I dumped the sawdust out into the bowl and moved my magnet over it. SERIOUSLY, I got 28 needles out of that one pincushion. The second pin cushion yielded another 14 needles. So, use your second hand store to get supplies, but be careful of old pin cushions. You don't want to be stabbed by a rusty old needle.

By DiJones from Wilsonville, OR

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Shared on: 05/11/2010