Whether you’re doing a DIY project to save money on an expensive piece that you love, or just making something cute to decorate your home, craft supplies can end up costing a pretty penny.  Here are a few tips to save on craft supplies.

1.  Know what you already own.

Before you head to the store to get supplies for a new project, take inventory of what you already have so you don’t waste money buying doubles of what you already have.

2.  Have specific projects in mind.

If you head to the craft store without a specific project in mind, you’re going to be attracted to all the shiny things and spend way more money than necessary.  Before you leave, research the project and make a list of only the things you need to do the project (and don’t forget to take inventory of what you already have).  Then buy only what’s on your list.  I don’t care how cheap metal decorative items are this week, $5 is still $5 and it adds up.

3.  Buy off-season items.  (Head into the store right after the holiday.)

We all know that the time to buy Christmas items is right after the holidays.  Same goes for every season.  If there’s a holiday, it’s celebrated at Hobby Lobby.  So if you want to decorate big for a St. Patrick’s Day party next year, head into the store on March 18th to get the deals.

4.  Don’t be afraid to make returns.

Rather than debating whether or not one pack of googly eyes is enough, go ahead and buy two and you can return one later.  It will save you time and gas so you don’t have to constantly go back to the store when you run out during the project.  If you think you’re going to use the 10 bags of leftover googly eyes before the kids get into them and glue them all to the walls, you won’t.  Just go ahead and return them.

5.  Know the coupon policies.

Store coupons policies may differ a bit depending on which store you go to.   You should ask your store what they allow before you count on the policy you find online.  However, this is what I’ve found.

Michael’s:

Michael’s online coupon policy states that you may only use one coupon per transaction per day.  Michael’s accepts coupons from A.C. Moore, JoAnn Fabric and Crafts, Ben Franklin, and Hobby Lobby.  You can’t use competitor coupons for percentage off.  There are plenty of ways to find Michael’s coupons:

-Store Coupon
–App
–Email
–Weekly Ad

Hobby Lobby:

Check out the Hobby Lobby Weekly Ad before you head into the store – there are always tons of great things on sale.  Hobby Lobby honors competitor sales on the exact same product, but not on percent off coupons.  You can use one coupon per transaction per day and you can find coupons here:

–Online
–Printable
–Email

Jo-Ann:

JoAnn’s will take coupons from Michaels, Hancock Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby.  They should also let you use more than one coupon per transaction.  You can find their coupons:

–Online
–Email
–Text Offer

6.  Shop at Thrift Stores

Thrift Stores are one of my favorite places to buy fabric.  You can find a ton of fabric for only a couple of dollars.  Be creative and use sheets or sweaters to make pillow covers.

7.  Shop at the Dollar Store

The Dollar Tree is one of my go-to stops for crafting. They have some awesome glassware that is even cheaper than 40% off glassware at Hobby Lobby.

What are your tips for saving at craft stores?