The Wonderful World of Arts & Crafts
Isn’t it amazing what an artistic hand can do with a few pieces of paper?
Anything, from beautiful 3D flowers to scrapbooks that preserve the life-stories of families for generations to come, can be designed from such a simple and basic material. An even more amazing fact is that an art using such basic materials can be downright expensive! If you’re like me, you’re always open to new ideas of how to save a few bucks.
Let me share a few dollar saving tips with you.
1. Save – don’t toss
Christmas, birthdays and holidays are a bonanza for the paper crafter. One of my favorite items to save is cards. I create gift tags and even small gift boxes from these often-tossed greetings. Next time you’re gathering a mound of wrapping paper to throw away, take a second look. Does it have potential? Save yourself a bundle, and store some of it away.
2. Ebay
What in the world isn’t available on ebay? “Wanna be” crafters are a dime a dozen, and often their failure to stick it out becomes a boon to the hard core crafter. When they get tired of storing supplies they know they’ll never use, you’re in luck. Keep a sharp eye out for these purging ex-crafters, and be ready to cash in on your good fortune!
3. Spy those deals in disguise
There’s an old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Well, if you’ve priced photo albums, you know that covers can be pretty darned expensive. The real value of an album is indeed in the cover. A great way to cut costs is to buy an inexpensive album, throw away the inside pages, and fill it with your own pages fit into plastic sleeves. Instead of paying $30.00, you’ll spend maybe $10.00. Watch for ways to convert less expensive products into the material you need.
4. Bulk up and swap
We all know that buying in larger quantities usually saves us money. The next time you go to Sam’s Club and spy a product that you only need one of, go ahead and buy the bulk quantity. Invite your crafty friends over, and swap these items for things they have an abundance of. Trade your way to a savings.
5. Get the freebies
One of the greatest expenses for crafters can be patterns. Those who don’t buy patterns usually purchase crafting magazines for fresh ideas. Why not get online, and find free patterns? There are a number of sites that catalogue patterns for your convenience. When you need a fresh idea, join a forum where others who share your passion are ready and willing to share their ideas.
Paper crafts are amazing works of art that can bring joy to the creator and a sentimental tear to the eye of the receiver. Such a beautiful art doesn’t have to empty your wallet.
Take a look at my blog to see what I mean.
John Savage
View all articles by John Savage
|
|
RUSSIA – 1969 LENINGRAD MINT 9 COIN + MEDAL BU SET IN ORIGINAL PLASTIC SLEEVE $1,200.00 |
|
|
KLUSTER:ZWEI OSTEREI.1ST PRESS 1970 PLASTIC RELEIF SLEEVE+POSTER!! KRAUTROCK.NM! $567.69 |
|
|
BURTON SEVEN SNOWBOARD SE7EN 157cm – BRAND NEW IN PLASTIC SLEEVE SHIPS FAST!! $379.00 |
|
|
PLASTIC SLEEVES for POSTCARDS 7000 X French Quality (3) $299.00 |
|
|
PLASTIC SLEEVES for POSTCARDS 7000 X French Quality (5) $299.00 |
|
|
PLASTIC SLEEVES for POSTCARDS 7000 X French Quality (6) $299.00 |
|
|
PLASTIC SLEEVES for POSTCARDS 7000 X French Quality (9) $299.00 |
|
|
PLASTIC SLEEVES for POSTCARDS 7000 X French Quality (8) $299.00 |
|
|
10000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve White Budget $319.99 |
|
|
20,000 Plastic CD DVD Sleeves Envelope Holder Double Side Wholesale 5 color Mix $299.00 |
|
|
20,000 Plastic CD DVD Sleeves Envelope Holder Double Sides Wholesale 5 color Mix $299.00 |
|
|
1937 $10 Note Gordon – Towers Y/D1634444 – BC-24b – Comes In Plastic Bill Sleeve $224.10 |
|
|
Authentic US Cavalry Civil War Letter Dated May 8, 1864 in a Plastic Sleeve $225.00 |
|
|
Gently Used 32 GB HP TouchPad, Touchstone Charger, Plastic Sleeve, & Travel Case $215.99 |
|
|
NOS IMPERIAL RED BARK TART ARNEL 46-24 EYEWEAR GLASSES W/ PAPER SLEEVE $200.00 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Refill Plastic Sleeve White $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve Blue $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve Green $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve Purple $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve Yellow $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve Pink $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve Assorted Color $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve Black $199.99 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve White $199.99 |
|
|
1981 Panama 50 Balboas Proof Gold Coin, In Plastic Sleeve and COA $199.00 |
|
|
Enrico Baj Latex Glove in Plastic Sleeve S.M.S. 1968 $196.03 |
|
|
5000 Color Double Side CD DVD Plastic Sleeve Envelope $195.99 |
|
|
Case of 200 BCW 9 x 12 Photo / Print Rigid Topload Holders hard plastic sleeves $183.75 |
|
|
5000 CD Double-sided Plastic Sleeve White Budget $179.99 |
|
|
5000 Double Side CD DVD Plastic Sleeve Envelope W/Clear Window (Hold 10000 Disc) $174.99 |
|
|
Charles Peterson “Sledding Hill” Signed & Numbered Print in plastic sleeve 23×30 $149.99 |
|
|
HUGE GIANT LOT TOY TRAIN MAGAZINES VINTAGE MODEL RAILROADER 125#+ PLASTIC SLEEVE $150.00 |
|
|
10K Economic CPP Clear Plastic Sleeves With Flap Fit CD DVD(5 Mil Thickness) $168.00 |
|
|
10,000 Economic CPP Clear Plastic Sleeves With Flap Fit CD DVD(5 Mil Thickness) $168.00 |
|
|
MONTREUX JAZZ 2003! Swatch by TED SCAPA in SLEEVE-RARE! $160.00 |
|
|
Tory Burch Purple/White Long Sleeve Plastic Flower/Embellished Tunic Top 4 $160.00 |
|
|
9000 PLASTIC CD DVD POLY (LDPE) BAG SLEEVE NO FLAP JS97 $132.99 |
|
|
5000-Pak =RESEALABLE= Plastic Wrap DVD Sleeves OPP14mm $159.99 |
|
|
2001 Proof Dollar Half Dime Nickel Cent 5 coin set Orgnl Plastic Sleeve 10 set $149.90 |
|
|
ZEIT²! Swatch ART in SLEEVE & SIGNED By M. WINKLER-RARE $150.00 |
|
|
2″ Crete-Sleeves: Plastic Hole Forms for the Building Industry *BOX* *LOT* $135.00 |
|
|
600 Pcs Plus-Matboard and Plastic Sleeves-All Sizes for Framing and Mounted Art $150.00 |
|
|
5000 CPP Clear Plastic Sleeve with Flap $149.99 |
|
|
5000-Pak =RESEALABLE= Plastic Wrap =SLIM= DVD Sleeves! $149.99 |
|
|
General Plastics Corporation Dura-Sleeve Electrical Asbestos Conduit Ad $149.00 |
|
|
CHLORINE! Stunning Swatch “ELEMENT” Watch in SPECIAL SLEEVE! NIP-RARE! $145.00 |
|
|
5000 CPP Clear Plastic Sleeves With Flap Fit CD DVD $148.88 |
|
|
Tory Burch Navy Blue/Gold Plastic Circle Detail Long Sleeve Dress L $135.00 |
|
|
250 MAGAZINE MYLAR Comic Book Sleeves BAGS 4 MIL Thick Plastic Mylars 9″ WIDE $129.00 |
|
|
5000 CPP Clear Plastic CD DVD Sleeve Bag Sealable Flap $139.90 |
|
|
john lennon/ono plastic ono band 45 rpm sleeves total of 10 good or better $135.00 |
|
|
OBI SPECIAL (STADE DE SUISSE 1)! Sp. Swatch w SLEEVE! $130.00 |
|
|
5000-Pak =RESEALABLE= Plastic Wrap CD Sleeves OPP10.4mm $134.99 |
|
|
Rag & Bone Navy Long Sleeve Black Plastic Stud Front Dress 6 $125.00 |
|
|
5000 Pack CPP Clear Plastic Bag Sleeve Fit CD DVD $129.99 |
|
|
5000-Pak =RESEALABLE= Plastic Wrap =SLIM= CD Sleeves! $129.99 |
|
|
5000-Pak =RESEALABLE= Plastic Wrap =5 x 5 INCH= Sleeves $129.99 |
|
|
Case / 100 BCW 11 x 14 Hard Plastic Topload Holders 11×14 rigid protector sleeve $129.99 |
|
|
DUNNY DELUXE EXCLUSIVE Art Swatch w SLEEVE by T. EATON-NOT SOLD IN SWATCH SHOPS! $125.00 |
|
|
BLOODROCK 3 RARE HEAVY PSYCH SPANISH PLASTIC BACK SLEEVE LP CHILE 1971 $129.00 |
|
|
LA SIRENE ET LE MARIN! Swatch ART w SPECIAL SLEEVE-NIP! $120.00 |
|
|
4″ Crete-Sleeves: Plastic Hole Forms for the Building Industry *BOX* *LOT* $110.00 |
|
|
Case 50 BCW 13.25 x13 Record Album Topload Holders hard plastic protector sleeve $122.00 |
|
|
1999 Proof Half Dime Nickel Cent 4 coin set Original Plastic Sleeve 10 set $109.90 |
|
|
OXYGEN! Swatch “ELEMENT” Watch of L.A.’s Skyline in SPECIAL SLEEVE! NIP-RARE! $115.00 |
|
|
Avery 72611 Heavy-Duty Plastic Sleeves Polypropylene Clear 12/Pack (12) $117.99 |
|
|
SIGN OF THE TIMES! Swatch NY TIMES SQUARE w SLEEVE! NIP-RARE! $110.00 |
|
|
250 GOLDEN AGE Comic Book MYLAR PLASTIC Sleeves Bags 4 Mil THICK 8X10+1/2″ $105 $105.00 |
|
|
1 1/2″ Crete-Sleeves: Plastic Hole Forms for the Building Industry *BOX* *LOT* $100.00 |
|
|
600 Nascar Trading Cards in plastic vending sleeves $99.99 |
|
|
1000 Plastic Outer 33 RPM LP Vinyl Record Album Sleeves BCW $114.75 |
|
|
VIVE O 2004! Soccer Swatch in Special Sleeve! NIP-RARE! $105.00 |
|
|
6″ Crete-Sleeves: Plastic Hole Forms for the Building Industry *BOX* *LOT* $96.00 |
|
|
3000 PREMIUM CPP Clear Plastic Sleeves With Flap Fit CD DVD $109.98 |
|
|
100 BCW 9 X 12 Photo /Print Rigid Topload Holders hard plastic protector sleeves $105.00 |
|
|
5000 CPP Clear Plastic Sleeve with Flap Budget $104.99 |
|
|
DIBUJOS! Swatch w DATE & ART STORY in Sleeve! NIP-RARE! $95.00 |
|
|
2000-Pak =CLEAR PLASTIC POLY (CPP)= CD Sleeves, With Flap (40 x 50-Pak) $101.99 |
|
|
2000-Pak =CLEAR PLASTIC POLY (CPP)= CD Sleeves, With Resealable Flap (40 x 50Pk) $101.99 |
|
|
1992 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS-FULL SET 800 CARDS IN PLASTIC SLEEVES AND BINDER $85.00 |
|
|
Swatch Watch “LINES OF NEW YORK ” SPECIAL SLEEVE $99.99 |
|
|
AUTHENTIC LOUIS VUITTON CREDIT CARD CASE WALLET WITH 7 PLASTIC SLEEVES $99.99 |
|
|
2000-Pak =CLEAR PLASTIC POLY (CPP)= CD Sleeves, No Flap (40 x 50-Pak) $99.99 |
|
|
400 BCW Large Bill /Currency Rigid Topload Holders hard plastic protector sleeve $99.99 |
|
|
2004 Proof Dollar Half Dime Nickel Cent 5 coin set Orgnl Plastic Sleeve 10 set $89.90 |
|
|
1000 SLEEVE SHEET PROTECTORS ~ CLEAR PLASTIC $79.95 |
|
|
5″ Crete-Sleeves: Plastic Hole Forms for the Building Industry *BOX* *LOT* $81.00 |
|
|
OLYMPIC FRIENDS! Swatch Beijing FUWA PACK, LTD 10K PCS in Special Sleeve-NIP! $90.00 |
|
|
3″ Crete-Sleeves: Plastic Hole Forms for the Building Industry *BOX* *LOT* $80.00 |
|
|
NFL/FOOTBALL LOGO Swatch w SLEEVE for SUPERBOWL FANS! $90.00 |
|
|
New Plastic Clear Necktie Tie Sleeves (1000 Count ) $79.95 |
|
|
GERMAHOLIC! Monster Swatch in ART SLEEVE by MATTHEW LANGILLE! NIP-RARE! $90.00 |
|
|
2002 MASTER GOLF FLAG *NEW IN ORIGINAL PLASTIC SLEEVE* $85.00 |
|
|
ORANGE PAINTED TIME! Swatch ART w SLEEVE By S DEAN-RARE $85.00 |
|
|
PHIL’S GREATEST HITS! Art SPECIAL SLEEVE Swatch-RARE! $85.00 |
|
|
500 Plastic Outer Sleeves 3 Mil High Quality Record LP Album Covers 33 RPM Vinyl $89.99 |
|
|
Qty. 84 HAVOLINE RACING VIP PRESS PIT PASS PLASTIC SLEEVE HOLDERS w/ 34 LANYARDS $74.99 |
|
|
JOE MONTANA 1981 TOPPS FOOTBALL ROOKIE CARD #216 IN PLASTIC SLEEVE PROTECTOR $89.95 |
|
|
2002 Proof Dollar Half Dime Nickel Cent 5 coin set Orgnl Plastic Sleeve 10 set $79.90 |
|
|
ARNOULD FASHIONS! Swatch FACE ART & ART WORK in SP. SLEEVE by Jak Arnould-RARE! $85.00 |
|
|
Norpro 431 4-Piece Silicone Ice Pop Maker Set $11.99 Create your own pop treats. Easy to push up with this cleaver design. Set of 4 . Lid holds in ingredients before they freeze and keeps pops secure in ice chest for picnics and BBQ’s. Fill seal freeze and enjoy. Create treats using juices, purees, yogurt, soda, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, gelatin, fruit, berries, candies, chocolate, carmel, whipped cream and sprinkles!… |
|
|
Takeya Classic Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve $25.00 Takeya glass water bottles are portable, stylish, and are available in five colorful silicone sleeves. Product Specifications: Takeya is committed to enriching people’s lives using modern design, a rich palette of colors, food-safe materials, unique functionality and high quality craftsmanship. Throughout their entire product line, you will find Japanese-inspired designs and innovative featu… |
|
|
Copco 2510-9963 Acadia Reusable To-Go Mug, 16-Ounce Capacity $5.69 Stop throwing away countless foam cups and help protect the environment with this insulated, re-usable travel coffee cup from Copco. This white cup features a brown, non-slip grip that resembles the sleeve on disposable cups. The lid quarter turns to seal and lock in place, which helps to prevent leaks. The entire cup is insulated, which makes it perfect for retaining either heated or cold beverag… |
|
|
Unfinished Music 1: Two Virgins $13.75 Two Virgins is still best known for its notorious cover photo of John and Yoko posing naked and unashamed. It’s also remembered as a historical artifact: it was recorded overnight in Lennon’s mansion, before the couple consummated their relationship. But few have heard the record and fewer still have played it twice. Essentially, it’s the White Album’s “Revolution 9″ stretched into a whole record … |
|
|
Plastic Ono Band (Mlps) $28.98 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
PASSPORT PROTECTOR $1.50 PASSPORT PROTECTOR… |
|
|
500 CLEAR Reclosable Zipper Bag. 2” x 3” – 2 mil thick $1.65 500 New Resealable Plastic Bags . These high quality reclosable plastic bags allow you to have the bags you use most on hand. The reclosable seals open all the way to the edges of the bags giving you full use of the interior. Each has a 2 mil thickness and measures approximately 2″ x 3″… |
|
|
Wiremold C210 White Cordmate II Kit $16.21 The Wiremold White Cordmate II kit contains everything you need to hold wires and cords within a space-saving cord channel that’s flexible and hinged, and easily snaps opens and shut. The peel and stick self-adhesive backing is easily attached onto baseboards or walls, and the white PVC components can be painted or stained to match a room’s color. This kit is ideal for holding networking cables an… |
|
|
500 CLEAR Reclosable Zipper Bag. 2” x 2” – 2 mil thick $0.01 500 New Resealable Plastic Bags . These high quality reclosable plastic bags allow you to have the bags you use most on hand. The reclosable seals open all the way to the edges of the bags giving you full use of the interior. Each has a 2 mil thickness and measures approximately 2″ x 2″… |
|
|
Chinet Comfort Cup (16-Ounce Cups), 50-Count Cups & Lids $9.68 Chinet Comfort Cup Hot Cups & Lids are preferred 2 to 1 over other hot drink cups…. |
