If high craft prices keep you from making things you love, this guide is for you. I will show you simple steps to buy craft supplies in bulk, plan projects that use the same materials, and store what you buy so nothing goes to waste. This is beginner friendly and easy to follow. When we plan ahead, we stretch every dollar and always have what we need.
Quick win: when I priced paint for a group project, buying a half gallon worked out to about 36% less per ounce than small bottles. Savings like that add up fast.
Why Bulk Works for Crafters
Bulk buying cuts your per-item price. Stores often give price breaks when you buy larger sizes or multi-packs. Many craft retailers even have special bulk sections and programs online where anyone can order without a membership. You can browse bulk options at places like MichaelsPro and similar art supply shops; they list everyday bulk assortments for crafts, frames, and more.
You can also find case quantities and multi-packs at discount chains. For example, Dollar Tree explains how to order cases online when you want multiples for classes, parties, or group kits.
Art stores often advertise “quantity discounts,” preferred customer programs, and value packs that lower the unit cost for paper, canvas, and other staples. These options can be helpful when you want craft supplies in bulk without sacrificing quality.
The One Skill That Multiplies Your Savings: Unit Price
The key to getting real value is comparing unit price. Unit price tells you the cost per ounce, per yard, per sheet, or per piece. Use a simple formula:
Price ÷ Number of units = Unit price
When you compare this number across sizes and brands, you can see true savings at a glance. NIST also highlights best practices for clear unit pricing so shoppers can compare apples to apples.
Example:
- 8 small acrylic bottles totaling 16 oz for $24 → $1.50 per oz
- One 32 oz size for $36 → $1.12 per oz
The bigger size wins if you will use it.
If math is not your favorite, no worries. Many online listings already show size and pack count. You can also use a calculator on your phone while you shop.
Plan Projects Around Shared Materials
Bulk works best when you plan. I like to map my next 4–6 small projects and choose ones that use overlapping supplies. This way, I can order cheap craft supplies in bulk and use them fully.
Try this 3-step plan:
- Pick a core material. Choose one base you will use across several projects, like white acrylic paint, cotton fabric, or kraft cardstock.
- Design a mini series. Batch 3–5 makes that use the same base plus small accents in different colors or trims.
- Schedule your sessions. Work through the series while everything is out, and you will waste less time and less material.
Need ideas for a series? See our budget craft ideas roundups on Trusti ASG. We group projects by material so you can plan sets that share what you buy.
- Explore ideas: trustiasg.com search results for “budget craft”
- Explore storage helpers so nothing gets lost: trustiasg.com search results for “storage”
Where to Find Bulk Deals Online
Here are common places to check. Use unit price to compare across sites.
- Craft chains with bulk portals. MichaelsPro lists bulk crafts, frames, and supplies with no membership needed. Filter by category and pack count to find the best unit price for your needs.
- Art retailers with quantity discounts. Blick offers preferred customer savings and value packs on canvases, paper, and more. Look for bulk packs that drop the cost per sheet or per canvas
- Discount stores for group kits. Dollar Tree shows how to place bulk or case orders online so you can stock up for classes or craft nights. Wood and metal craft blanks are often available in multipacks.
When you shop, watch for clearance sections and stacking offers. Value packs that are also on sale may beat the regular bulk price. Blick’s clearance page is a good place to check.
Store It Right So Nothing Goes to Waste
Good storage protects your savings. Label everything with the date opened and the size. Keep paints, glues, and finishes in a cool, dry place and seal them tightly. Home and lifestyle editors note that paint can last for years if sealed and stored well, and that water-based paints tend to have shorter lives than oil-based. Check for signs like lumps or sour smell before use.
Use clear bins for bulk items like foam brushes, dowels, and cardstock. Keep a “first in, first out” habit. Put newer packs at the back so you finish older stock first.
For more organization tips made for small spaces, browse our storage guides on Trusti ASG: trustiasg.com storage ideas.
Starter List: What To Buy in Bulk
If you are new to bulk buying, start with items you use weekly. Here is a simple list you can adapt:
- Paint and finishes. Get neutral base colors in larger sizes and accent colors in small bottles. If you host classes, consider half-gallon or quart sizes and decant into squeeze bottles.
- Paper goods. Cardstock, kraft paper, watercolor paper, and mixed media pads in multi-packs or reams. Look for value canvas packs as well.
- Adhesives. PVA glue, hot glue sticks, tape runners, and double-sided tape in case quantities.
- Basic tools and blanks. Foam brushes, mini rollers, wood craft shapes, crates, and signs in multipacks.
- Fabric basics. Muslin, bleached cotton, and common interfacings in larger yardages if you sew often.
A Simple 10-Minute Bulk Plan
Use this quick checklist before you click “buy”:
- List your next 4 projects. Pick a theme so materials overlap.
- Count real usage. Estimate how many ounces, sheets, or yards you actually need.
- Check unit price across sizes. Compare per ounce, per yard, or per piece so you see the true cost. NIST’s guidance explains why consistent units matter.
- Confirm storage. Do you have labeled bins or a shelf spot so items stay clean and easy to find
- Set a reorder reminder. When you hit 25% left, add it to your list so you never run out mid-project.
You can also search our site for planners that help you batch and budget: trustiasg.com search for “bulk planner”.
Smart Ways to Use Every Last Drop
Even the best planners have leftovers. Here is how I finish mine:
- Color families. Plan a mini set of tags, cards, or fabric trims that all use the same two colors so you can empty small paint jars and thread spools.
- Scrap sessions. Once a month, schedule a scrap-only hour to use trimmed paper, ribbon ends, or fabric strips.
- Gift prep box. Keep a bin for small makes you can gift later. This turns leftover supplies into quick wins.
Put It All Together
When you buy craft supplies in bulk with a plan, you lower your cost per project and save time. Pair bulk sizes with series projects that share the same materials. Compare unit prices so you know you are getting a true deal. Store items well, label them, and rotate stock.
If your goal is DIY to save money, this is one of the easiest places to start. Try one small series this week, like cards or fabric pouches, and price the materials both ways. You will see the difference.
For more ideas and printable planners, visit Trusti ASG and search our guides on budget craft ideas and storage for small spaces:
Free Bulk Craft Supplies Planner
Download the free, easy-to-use template in the link below to make life a little easier for you as you start your fast crafting journey:
With a little planning, you can stock up smart, keep your space tidy, and craft more for less. That is the power of craft supplies in bulk used the right way.
