Crafting doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful or fulfilling. Whether you’re scrapbooking, sewing, DIY-ing home decor, or doing crafts with your kids, there are plenty of smart ways to save money and still make something amazing. Here are 10 tried-and-true tips for budget-friendly crafting that keeps both your creativity and your wallet happy.
1. Plan Projects Around What You Already Have
Before heading to the store, “shop” your stash. Take inventory of your supplies—paints, fabrics, ribbon, paper scraps, mason jars, you name it. You’d be surprised how much inspiration you can get just from what’s already in your home.
2. Set a Crafting Budget (and Stick to It)
Give yourself a monthly or seasonal budget for supplies. It helps prevent impulse buys and forces you to get creative within your limits. Treat it like a challenge—how much can you create for $20 or less?
3. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Craft stores like Michaels, JoAnn, and Hobby Lobby frequently offer 40-60% off coupons. Combine these with cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta, and you can score big savings on supplies.
4. DIY Your Supplies
Can’t find the right embellishments or textures? Try making your own:
Homemade Mod Podge (water + white glue)
Painted paper instead of expensive patterned sheets
Hand-stamped fabric instead of pre-printed options
5. Buy in Bulk or Share With Friends
Some supplies—like yarn, beads, or fabric—are cheaper in bulk. If that’s more than you need, split the cost and supplies with a friend or local crafting group.
6. Repurpose and Recycle Materials
Old jeans become denim coasters. Cereal boxes become organizers. Broken jewelry becomes embellishments. Look at everyday trash as potential treasure.
7. Use Dollar Stores for Core Supplies
You can find glue sticks, paint, brushes, stickers, jars, and even canvases for $1–$1.25 each. Not everything is high quality, but for kid crafts or casual projects, they do the trick!
8. Follow Free Tutorials and Patterns
Instead of buying books or paid patterns, explore Pinterest, YouTube, and craft blogs (like this one!) for endless free tutorials. Bookmark your favorites and try a new one each week.
9. Organize Your Supplies
When your craft area is tidy, you’re less likely to rebuy things you already own. Clear bins, dollar store containers, and label makers can save you time and money in the long run.
10. Set Up a “Use It or Lose It” Challenge
Give yourself a fun goal: for 30 days, make crafts only using what’s already in your stash. It pushes you to be creative with less—and often leads to your most unique ideas!
Final Thoughts
Crafting should be joyful, not stressful. With a little budgeting and some creative thinking, you can keep costs low while still making beautiful things. Remember: it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about what you create.
Bakes, Makes, and Saves 