Kendra Brea Cooper
Scoping Pinterest for craft ideas is fun, until you realize how much time and money these crafts actually cost. It seems that finding the clock and cash to craft is a privilege for those who have both, so I've put together a list of tips for crafting away from expensive craft stores and pretentious (time consuming) craft tutorials.
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 You can re-create new jewelry out of old and outdated stuff for cheap.
The next time you have a get together, make it a clothing swap. Encourage people to bring the things they don't need any longer and trade them among each other. After you have your new pile of free swapped clothing, head over to the Threadbanger archives for upcycling ideas. Work together to make something new. Community crafting is the way to go.
Want to knit something new but hate the prices of yarn? Find an old sweater (or sweaters) and unravel them to make a new yarn ball. Attached is a how-to for recycling yarn.
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.
Garage sales are great ways to get some extra supplies for your DIY project. They're not stores, they're items from your neighbor, so it's community buying and trading.
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.
If you have spare time, digging through your local Flea Market can be a great way to find those extra craft bits. One more way to include the community in your DIY efforts.
The thrift shop should have used craft supplies like scissors, stamps, glitter, and anything extra you want to fill your craft stash with. You shouldn't have to pay a fortune for glitter, seriously.
Have a get together for your friends and have every one bring over craft supplies they're willing to trade and share. You could host a craft night in your community and encourage people to share tools and skills. It's a great way to meet new people, make gifts, and avoid the shops.
Pop culture and all that ideology sitting in the blind spot. Also crafts.
