Making crafts is great for stress relief and expressing yourself, but those supplies really add up. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to fuel your creativity.
Why Crafting Doesn’t Have to Cost a Lot?
Craft supplies can get expensive really fast, so finding cheap craft supplies and being smart with your supplies can help reduce the cost of crafting
You can turn leftover buttons into jewelry, fabric scraps into accessories, or even old clothes into patchwork art, and you can do all of that while saving money and reducing waste. When you realize how much you can make with so little, it’s empowering. You can save money all while taking control of your craft.

1. Start with What You Already Have
Before you spend a dime, pause and take inventory. Most crafters already have a goldmine of potential hidden in drawers, closets, or bins labeled “miscellaneous.”
Look around your home with fresh eyes:
That old shirt? That’s fabric.
Empty jars? That is perfect for organizing or painting.
Wrapping paper scraps? Yes, that is a collage or card making materials.
2. Thrift stores are great for crafting supplies.
If you’ve never gone shopping at the thrift store for craft supplies, you’re missing out on one of the most exciting (and affordable) parts of the crafting journey.
People fill thrift stores and secondhand shops with:
- Vintage fabrics and linens
- Unused yarn, thread, or buttons
- Baskets, tins, and storage
- Old clothes to repurpose into patchwork projects

3. Cheap DIY Craft Ideas You Can Start Today
When people think about “cheap,” they often imagine sacrificing quality. But that isn’t true. Inexpensive items can just be as high quality as expensive ones.
Here are a few low-cost projects you can create with cheap items:
- Scrap Fabric Coasters – You can transform quilting cotton or old shirts into washable coasters. Stack, sew, and flip them right-side out.
- Mason Jar Candle Holders – Use jars you already have. Paint or decoupage them.
- Collage Wall Art – Create a beautiful masterpiece by cutting up old magazines, wrapping paper, or junk mail
- Button Bracelets or Brooches – If you’ve got a stash of random buttons (who doesn’t?), turn them into fun accessories using elastic thread or glue and pin backs.
4. Upcycle Old Items
Upcycling is making something new from old items
Here are some clever upcycling ideas:
- Old jeans → pouches, bookmarks, or tote bags
- Paper towel rolls → cord organizers, gift boxes
- Plastic containers → Paint trays, sewing caddies
- Broken jewelry → Embellishments for cards or frames
These projects cost next to nothing while reducing waste, making you a more eco-conscious crafter.
5. Community Swaps and Online Groups
Many crafters join online crafting communities or do local meet-ups where members swap or donate extra materials.
6. Create and maintain a budget for your crafting.
Even if you love a good deal, it’s easy to overspend when you’re surrounded by beautiful materials. Setting a monthly craft budget helps keep your hobby cost effective stress free.
Here are some budgeting tips:
- Keep track of what you’re spending. Use a notebook or app.
- Buy only the craft supplies you’ll actually use each month.
- A little reward after sticking to your budget feels great.
- Local stores have unique finds and reasonable prices.
7. Affordable Craft Supplies: Where to Shop Online?
When you can’t find what you need in stores, many crafters look online for cheap craft supplies at small shops. These hidden gems often offer:
- Scrap bundles
- Clearance fabrics
- Discount tools
- Unique finds you can’t get in big-box stores
And shopping from a smaller source often means you’re supporting another maker’s dream, someone who truly gets what it means to love crafting from the heart. Checkout our online crafting store HERE.
In conclusion:
Anyone can craft, no matter how much money they have or how good they are. You don’t need fancy material to make something meaningful, whether you’re a beginner or expert.
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