Do you enjoy doing craft projects with your kids? If so, you have probably come across some really cute projects. The only problem is that some can be quite expensive.
Try these tips to stretch those craft dollars:
Craft Kits
Before buying expensive craft kits, check the clearance section of craft shops and online stores for discounts. Also, take a really good look at the kit and see if you can make the project yourself with your own supplies. In many cases, the crafts are simple and this is a do-able solution. The kits are more convenient because they have everything you need, but you can usually save money purchasing your own materials. This is especially true if more than one child plans to do the same project. It’s generally much cheaper to buy enough supplies for all the kids than it is to buy a kit for each child.
Save Leftovers
We do it with food, and we can do it with craft supplies too. When you clean up after a craft project, really look at the scraps before brushing them off the table into the wastebasket. Pieces of pretty paper, cardstock, lace, felt, fabric, ribbon, and trim can be used for other projects. Sometimes small pieces are perfect. Just keep them in a Ziploc bag or a clean coffee can for later use. If your bag or can is soon overflowing, you can opt for a larger container but it’s also good to sort through leftovers and purge from time, saving only the best items.
Use What You Have
Making crafts is a great way to recycle things you already have. Cut up clothing that doesn’t fit and use the fabric for your projects. If you cut up an old piece of clothing to make it into rags, save any snaps, buttons, etc. to use in future craft projects. Soda bottles, milk jugs, cans, jars, and lots of other common household items can also be made into cute projects. Paper grocery sacks can be used in many projects,
and they plastic ones are great for protecting work surfaces.
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