I’ve discovered that browsers at my yard sales frequently are looking for beads and other craft supplies. My granddaughter had several containers of beads she no longer needed, so placed them in the yard sale this weekend.
My curiosity often gets the better of me, and I ask what the customer plans to do with them. This leads to interesting and informative conversations.
Various uses for beads acquired at yard sales:

Enlarge an art supply stash
An art teacher planned several beading projects and found these perfect for what she had in mind.
A homeschooling mom thought the colorful beads would be great for teaching …read more

I love scrapbooking but I’m also a frugal person, and is it just me or does scrapbooking really cost a lot of money? It can, anyway. There are lots of great ideas to make your scrapbooks stand out that don’t cost a ton.

First, look in unusual places for scrapbooking supplies. Don’t just head to the scrapbook aisle at your hobby store because that’s the place you are going to spend the most money. Also, try looking at rummage sales for scrapbook supplies. It doesn’t have to be a perfectly wrapped scrapbook kit, but …read more

When most crafters and artists think of Etsy, they think of a place to sell finished work.
But did you know that they also have a needlecraft supplies section as well?  You can find anything from hand-dyed fiber to vintage cross stitch patterns in there.  It may take some browsing but there are definitely some treasures.
Check out some of the goodies I found – yummy!

Hand-dyed inspiration pack of fabric, thread and lace from The Rainbow Girl.

Vintage fabric yo-yos from Art, Joy, Stuff.

Hand-painted silk/rayon/tencel thread from Yarntopia Treasures.
images: Etsy

I recently stumbled across “The Curiosity Shoppe” and was immediately smitten!
I love online shops with unique craft supplies, and this one certainly qualifies

Their “craft room” has all sorts of nifty little goodies to keep your kids (and you!) occupied this summer.
How about a vintage flower loom?  Make a stitchable key ring?  Do you know your knots?
New projects for summer can keep your kids interested in more than just tv or video games – and they can also be a fun reward too.
image: Stock.xchg

Okay, by being a “thrifty collector” I don’t mean turning into a hoarder!  I mean learning to be creative with where you find your craft supplies.

Saving money is always a good thing!
Second hand shops, recycle centers (my city has a reuse center) and thrift stores can be great sources for fabric, yarn and craft supplies.
It’s better for the environment to find stuff, rather than have to buy new.
Keep your eyes open in unlikely spots – you don’t necessarily have to spend $$$ in a craft store to get what you need.
It can spark a creative idea to work with new …read more