Creative Places to Buy Craft Supplies: The Dollar Store to Big Lots

Whether you are a hobby crafter or a full-time artist, we all know that crafting supplies can add up; - and they add up fast! In addition to that, we all have tips and tricks, and secrets up our sleeves of where we buy supplies and how we make the most of them in the items we sell. Well ladies and gentlemen, I am here today to open the lid, unleash the dogs and share my best-kept secrets of where I find the best deals on craft supplies.

None of my secret hot spots are really any secret at all. They are probably all places you've thought about visiting at one point or another, maybe even a frequent shopper... but, have you gone there for craft supplies? We shall see...

My first biggest and best kept secret is the Dollar Store. Yep, you heard me right. We've all gone there for one reason or another... some of us love the Dollar Store, and some of us shop in secret and in shame... But, if you are an American and you live in the suburbs, you've probably at least seen a Dollar store. Not only can you buy school supplies for your children, canned goods, even holiday decorations; You can also buy craft supplies at the Dollar Store. Most dollar stores have sections designated for crafting, floral arrangements, and scrapbooking supplies, but keep looking, yes, keep looking. Check out the Storage container section for cute baskets and other plastic containers to both store your supplies as well as display them in your next craft show. Look in the home repair section for tools that may be useful. Creative minds all have a way of turning a useful tool into something else entirely... Party Supplies? Why Yes! Another great spot to find cute little trinkets to use in your craft projects. Same goes for the toys section! You never know when you'll find that one little piece you were looking for to finish off a shadowbox for your daughters bedroom. As you can see, I could go on and on about my beloved Dollar Store, but I think you get the idea... Moving on...

The next hot spot does not require leaving your home. It doesn't even require you to talk. Get on your computer, sit down, and make yourself comfortable. Type in the website eBay.com, and wha-la! You are in craft supply heaven! As a prior seller on eBay, I can personally say that I jokingly call eBay, fee-bay, but when it comes to being a buyer, if you do your homework, you can really find some great supplies and incredible prices. Shopping on eBay for craft supplies is not only fun, because you never know what you'll find, but it's also smart, because it surely beats paying top dollar shipping prices from manufacturers websites who sell the same supplies. And better yet, because our friendly eBay sellers have taken the time to purchase these goods in wholesale quantities, they often start the bidding wars at wholesale to the public prices. Be careful not to spend more than you should on something just because you love it. Nine times out of ten, that seller will list the same item again and again, or you may find exactly that being sold by someone else as well.

Another great retail chain to shop at for craft supplies is Big Lots. Big Lots is a store that I don't spend a lot of time in because I find it to be somewhat cluttered, and often unattended to in the areas of cleanliness and organization, but if you're in the mood to hunt for treasures, you'll surely find them at Big Lots for bargain prices! I ventured into Big Lots myself the other day for the first time in months, after I read this very suggestion on a message board, and thought, hey why not at least take a look. Well, guess what. If the store is a mess, and the manager doesn't mind, well, then they shouldn't mind me digging through the piles and piles of super great deals either right? Have fun with this place, and don't forget to get a basket for all your goodies, and roll up your sleeves!

Last but not least, I combine three other great places into one, because they all serve a similar purpose. Thrift stores, garage sales, and Craigslist are all great places to buy craft supplies. Be it vintage remnants, or new and unused, these three places are all great places to look around when shopping for craft supplies. You never know what you'll find, and whats there today may be gone tomorrow. But, all still, a great way to turn one woman's junk into another woman's treasure.

In conclusion, there are still many other great places to buy craft supplies. I am a frequent shopper of various big box stores, as well as websites who sell wholesale to the public, but I find it most rewarding when I buy supplies not only for a really great price but knowing that I did my homework and often times found something that may not be used by anyone else. This especially goes for shopping at thrift stores and garage sales. You just never know what you'll find, but if you're truly creative, you'll find a way to use it!