Stepping foot into a craft store is dangerous for many crafters’ pocketbooks. It is so easy to over-buy and spend a ton of money on craft supplies which–after the first initial project–just sit in a closet or on a shelf. Having craft storage is great, but not if you fill it with supplies you will never use again. There are so many fun Pinterest projects to choose from; it is easy to buy duplicate supplies instead of checking your stash and working with what you have. I have created a checklist which I run through before I head out to the store. This keeps me more focused with my crafting dollars and allows me to spend more money on yarn. Ha! You knew there was a reason behind my method! Here is my list of things to remember before buying new craft supplies.
1. Do I already have something that will work?
I was at a crossroads; a major element in my project broke. After a quick Internet search for how to fix it, I was ready to pick up my car keys and head to the craft store. Then I stopped, and thought to myself, Would a permanent fabric glue work instead of spray adhesive? Could I use Tacky Glue instead?
How many times have you jumped in the car to go out and buy a single craft supply when what you already have would work fine? {Raising my hand in guilt!} I’m happy to report that my alternative idea not only worked like a charm, but I was able to use up the whole bottle of Tacky Glue. Score! I used up a craft supply without adding any more stuff to my house. This made my husband very happy.
2. Can I creatively solve the problem?
What can I do to get the same look called for in the pattern or instructions? Would adding glitter to regular glue give me the same effect as glitter glue? Instead of stickers, can I cut out cars and trucks from wrapping papers and use packing tape to decorate the kids’ folders? Before buying new craft supplies, remember:Â You are a crafter–start thinking creatively.
3. Do my friends and family have it?
Ask around to see if someone has what you need, or a suggestion for a replacement. Many people are overloaded with leftover craft supplies and fabric remnants. You are not alone! (Hence, this blog post.)
My mom’s, my mother-in-law’s, and my friend Dawn’s stash fabrics plus my fabric scraps make up a great quilt!.
4. Can I get the supply second hand?
Birthday party supplies, craft supplies, holiday party decorations–these are all items that you can find secondhand at garage sales, thrift stores, and estate sales. You do need to be careful and use due care before buying new craft supplies at garage sales, thrift stores, and estate sales, though. You can read more about that in this blog post on garage sale shopping.
What I’ve Been Up To
It has been busy this past week, but– when isn’t it busy?! I am pretty sure that your life has been overloaded with things to do as well. We are gearing up for a garage sale in the next couple of weeks, which means there are random boxes of stuff sitting around and waiting for the day they will be sold. Constantly seeing these boxes reminds me that I need to go through the rest of my belongings and make sure that I am really and truly ready for the sale.
I have been crocheting up a storm these days and have so many new ideas. Did I tell you that Fall is one of my most productive and creative times of the year? I have been working on more color pooling, and I can’t wait to show you. I’ve also been thinking about the giveaway in November (it’s the anniversary of my Etsy shop, so I’m having a giveaway) and the January challenge (this year is flying by and will be over before you know it). I just received the cutest little things to include for the giveaway–I can’t wait for you to see it all! (Yes, I am one of those people who want to give Christmas gifts in November.)
Are you curious to hear what I am thinking about January? That is the wonderful time when we take down and put away the Christmas decorations; start a fresh, new year; clean up, sort through, and organize our stuff–it’s a new beginning of sorts. It is also when I start the annual Use Your Stash Challenge! I hope you will seriously think about joining us. It is fun and addictive to see what we can make without shopping. It also is a big budget booster and family pleaser (because it helps our overflowing stash fit back into its designated storage space).
Talk to you later,
Karen