Image: sxc.hu

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 counting, math and color recognition.
• Embellish quilts and fabric art
• Add three dimensional effect to mixed media art
• Making jewelry for fun and profit
• Decorating Christmas stockings sold at craft fairs
• Adding interest to an otherwise plain sweater

What do you use beads for in your arts and crafts?

Post from: Blisstree

Beads, Beads & More Beads!

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 look for items that could be used in your book.

The thing that I do the most is simply collect things from where we go and what we do, and use them in our scrapbooks. Some of these might not seem like “traditional” scrapbooking pieces (such as wrappers, matchbox covers, and even coasters) but when I put them in with the rest of the page (pictures, journaling) it makes it all come together. Then the pages are not only frugal but also unique.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Frugal Scrapbooking

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

Post from: Blisstree

Craft Supplies on Etsy?

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

Post from: Blisstree

Crafty Summer Fun For Kids

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

Just remember, it’s not thrifty to buy stuff you know you’ll never use, just because it’s on a really good sale…

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

5 Reasons To Be A Thrifty Collector