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What are Some Tips for Purchasing Craft Supplies?

By Sherry Holetzky
Updated May 17, 2024
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If you enjoy working on craft projects or finding crafts for kids, you may be interested in more resources for purchasing craft supplies. While there are craft shops and even chain stores devoted specifically to arts and crafts, there are also other options. However, it does pay to check local craft stores for great deals and special sales.

If you don’t happen to have a craft store in your area or are having trouble finding the items you need, you may be interested in ordering craft supplies. You can sign up for a catalog or a mailing list that includes sale items from a chain store, or you may decide to shop online. However, if you do decide to shop by catalog or online, be sure to check the shipping costs first. The low price of the products may not end up being a good deal, if you end up having to pay a lot for shipping and handling.

There are many options for purchasing craft supplies on the Internet. Because you can essentially shop worldwide, you have the opportunity to find the best craft supplies. You may also find exotic or original items that are not available in local craft shops.

Another idea is to get together with other people who are interested in purchasing craft supplies. This way, you should be able to obtain shipping discounts often available on large orders and you can also take advantage of the benefits of buying in bulk. You can enjoy low prices on high volume purchases of craft supplies by going in on them with other people who share your interests. You might not need an entire case of beads, or feathers, or craft glue, but if others need the same items, you can save some money by splitting a case and sharing the cost with other crafters.

Also, look into seasonal bargains on craft supplies. As with many products, you can generally find end of the season discounts. Christmas craft supplies will be cheaper after Christmas and often well into the new year, and you can put your sale items aside until the holidays return. Of course, this strategy works for more than just Christmas crafts. You can find great out of season discounts for any holiday or occasion. Be careful about purchasing trendy items or unusual colors that may not be in style again the following year. It’s best to stick to more traditional colors and styles when purchasing craft supplies out of season.

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Discussion Comments

By SarahSon — On Jun 16, 2012

I am the type of shopper who loves to shop the end-of-season clearance sales. This goes for clothes as well as arts and crafts supplies.

The day after Christmas I am one of those shoppers who gets up early to fight the crowds, and take advantage of the marked down Christmas merchandise.

Not only do I buy craft supplies like this during this season, but I do this all year long. Very seldom do I pay full price for my craft supplies. I have a craft closet where I store what I buy until I am ready to use it.

Once you get used to buying your craft supplies this way, it is hard to pay full price for them. Even if I don't have need for a particular item at the time, I know there will always be a project that I can use them for later.

By honeybees — On Jun 16, 2012

I have several artificial flower arrangements in my home, and also put together floral arrangements for other people and companies on the side.

I get some of the best deals on floral craft supplies just by using the weekly coupons from my local craft supply stores. I live in a big city, so fortunately have easy access to many craft stores.

Some of them have weekly coupons where I can save 40-50% on my purchases, and this really adds up to a big savings. For someone like me who is shopping at a craft store at least once a week, I always make sure I have my coupons with me so I can be ready to use them at any time.

By bagley79 — On Jun 15, 2012

I love to scrapbook, but it can get pretty expensive buying scrapbooking supplies on my own. There is a group of us who get together once a month to work on our projects together.

When we meet, we also put together a bulk craft supplies order. By doing it this way, we are often getting a reduced rate because we are buying in bulk. We also split the cost of shipping so this lowers the cost even more.

Most of us like to work on other crafts in addition to scrapbooking, so there is never a shortage of different craft supplies that we are looking to order. When our craft order comes in the mail, it feels like Christmas as we are opening up all of our new supplies.

By julies — On Jun 15, 2012
I have three daughters who love to craft and create. I am always on the look out for great deals on craft art supplies. One of our favorite things to do in the summer is go to garage sales.

If you don't have much time, or are looking for something very specific, this might not be the best option. This is just something that we enjoy doing together on the weekends.

I know I have hit the jackpot when we find a place where there is a teacher who is getting rid of some of his or her supplies. Some of the best and most inexpensive craft supplies I have found have been at places like this.

Many times we come home with more than we need, but I know it will eventually get used for some kind of project down the road.

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