Your local thrift store is the best way to find beading supplies. Find old necklaces/bracelets and take them apart for their beads, charms, and clasps. This way you're not spending a pretty penny on bead strings at expensive craft stores. You can re-create new jewelry out of old and outdated stuff for cheap.
Old magazines are like a treasure trove of possibility. From paper beads, to gift bows, to baskets, the magazine is a very cheap (if not free) craft supply. Even cutting out some helpful articles and saving them in a folder is a great way to re-use magazines.
Cardboard can always be used for something. Making stencils is one of the most useful things an old piece of cardboard can do for you. Use the stencil for clothing art, re-decorating your walls, or making a statement with graffiti (or posters).
Ever walk past a garbage can and think "who would throw that out?" I'm sure most of us have. Sometimes you can find the best craft supplies on the curb, so don't be afraid to recycle what has been trashed.
