National Craft Month, the frugal way

You can't beat free! Everything at Freecycle is free and mostly local. You can make requests for particular items and search other towns for a Freecycle group if you can't find what you want in Des Moines.I have seen many many items for fairy gardens, terraria, costume jewelry for beaded knitting, and cross stitching. Goodwill Industries maintains seven metro area stores as well as outlying towns like Indianola and Ames.Craig's List has a Des Moines group and has an "arts+crafts" category. I have seen supplies for oil painting, scrapbooking, beading, and more. Prices vary greatly, but I think dickering is very acceptable. Since people who list their wares are local, you don't have to worry about shopping for long periods of time and finding nothing, especially if photos are involved.View the list ยป
Garage sales, especially ones held by local churches and groups like Living History Farms Guild, are great for shopping because of the variety and sheer size of the inventory offered. I have found fabric from the bolt, fabric from tablecloths and drapes, and yarn at extremely low prices at such sales.

Family newsletter

The Craft and Hobby Association declared March to be National Craft Month in 1994. Any special interest, hobby, or craft can be as expensive or as frugal as you make it. Since this is a Frugal Family column, I'm going to list my favorite local and frugal sources of craft and hobby supplies.

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One great place to start a hunt for supplies for any craft venture, new or old, is your own house, and the houses of friends and family. Many people begin hobbies and leave it, yet hold on to their supplies.

The other source I like is special interest support groups. Model railroad enthusiasts, knitters, wood carvers, etc. all have group gatherings, sales, and swaps. They may not have internet presences, so visiting stores and asking the staff is a good way to learn more -- no purchase necessary.

Other quick places I peruse when money is short include:

View the list
  • Garage sales, especially ones held by local churches and groups like Living History Farms Guild, are great for shopping because of the variety and sheer size of the inventory offered. I have found fabric from the bolt, fabric from tablecloths and drapes, and yarn at extremely low prices at such sales.
  • Craig's List has a Des Moines group and has an "arts+crafts" category. I have seen supplies for oil painting, scrapbooking, beading, and more. Prices vary greatly, but I think dickering is very acceptable. Since people who list their wares are local, you don't have to worry about shopping for long periods of time and finding nothing, especially if photos are involved.
  • I have seen many many items for fairy gardens, terraria, costume jewelry for beaded knitting, and cross stitching. Goodwill Industries maintains seven metro area stores as well as outlying towns like Indianola and Ames.
  • You can't beat free! Everything at Freecycle is free and mostly local. You can make requests for particular items and search other towns for a Freecycle group if you can't find what you want in Des Moines.
  • The Des Moines branch of ReUseIt operates as a yahoo group, which is email based. Because of this, crafters seeking supplies may need to search to find the group, and wait for membership to be granted. Requests are entertained on a limited basis, but many craft supplies are listed here so requests may not be necessary.
View the list
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, Des Moines Frugal Family Examiner

Julia McGuire has had a family of six and an income of one for the last nine years. Contact Julia or learn more about this three year veteran of coupons and rebates at her blog.

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