I hope you are enjoying the “12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas Series.”

Just between us? I can’t really take credit for the idea. It was all Leslie’s. I called her yesterday to say thank you because in writing all these posts to help y’all get ready for December along the way I discovered something amazing.

Now I’m extra ready for December, too.

In case you’ve missed any of the days, here’s a recap:

DAY 1: How to repurpose last year’s Christmas decor

DAY 2: How to stock your pantry for the holidays

And today?

It’s all about my favorite go-to sources for inexpensive craft supplies.

Some you have probably heard of.

But there may be a few surprises.

After all, craft supplies tend to show up in the most random of places (wait until you see number 9).

Before we get started—I wrote this post because I’ve started shopping online for so many more things that I ever thought of. Most of these are websites without a storefront. They all have really good prices—although sometimes you have to buy a certain number to get the discount.

This post is written by an expert online (and in-store) craft shopper. It’s a lot of info that you might not need at this exact moment in time so you may want to bookmark it (or pin it) for later.

Here (in no particular order) are 9 REALLY good resources for all the craft supplies you could ever want.

1. Factory Direct Craft

I found this company back in my silver stamping days.

The thing I like best about this website is that they have the most random things that I never thought of. You know. It’s kind of like going to Target for a head of lettuce and you come out with two shopping carts of shoes.

Like the other day, I found these candle grippers.

That I had NO IDEA were even a thing.

You can see all the candle grippers and craft supplies here.

2. Oriental Trading

Oriental Trading is the craft supply place that often gets overlooked.

A lot of people order party or birthday supplies, but they have an amazing selection of really good craft supplies, too (although a lot of time you have to buy a certain number).

This was my go-to craft supplier all those summers I taught Vacation Bible School.

Best random find? These Christmas backdrops. You never know when you are going to need an oversized Star of Bethlehem.

You can shop Oriental Trading here.

3. Stuff4Crafts

The reason why I love Stuff4Crafts?

Coupons.

This is one of the best places I’ve found for basic craft supplies. You want to use the search bar, though, because there are so many things and it’s a little overwhelming.

The prices are really good—and then? They add a coupon on top.

You can shop Stuff4Crafts here.

4. Etsy

Etsy is my go-to when I’m trying to find a random item.

For example, I was working on a project where I needed tons of mini pinecones. I looked at Hobby Lobby and Micheals and all the obvious pine cone places and couldn’t find them.

But Etsy delivered.

The challenge is you have to buy the crafts from individual sellers, so it’s best to look there when you are trying to find one thing. I’ve bought driftwood and scrabble tile and pine cones with great success.

You can shop Etsy here.

5. Papersource

I added this one because they have the CUTEST plaid wrapping paper this year.

And their holiday cards are 40% off right now with the code HOLIDAY40.

The selection is amazing and they have really pretty themed gift wrap, too. Make sure to use the coupons and sales codes they have listed on the blog.

You can shop Papersource here.

6. Createforless

This is like a giant crafting warehouse.

I love Tim Holtz and they have a really good selection of his stuff. I found this site when I couldn’t find what I was looking for in the Tim Holtz section of Hobby Lobby.

Again—you will want to use the search bar. There are a LOT OF craft supplies over here.

You can shop Createforless here.

7. Beadaholique

This is more of a specialized online craft company.

But if you are looking for beads or jewelry supplies?

This is the site for you.

And if you are making handmade gifts? They have an awesome video library.

You can shop Beadaholique here.

8. OnlineFabricStore

This is my go-to for fabric.

Remember when I was looking for blue and white material to make curtains for the front living room? OnlineFabricStore was the place I found all those amazing fabrics.

They are really affordable and have the best selection.

You can shop OnlineFabricStore here.

9. Yardsales

I saved this one for last because it’s not online.

But the deals I have found at yard sales are the BEST.

Truly.

I’ve found brushes and paint and embroidery hoops and stickers and letters and calligraphy pens and thread and bolts of fabric. You never know what will turn up next to an old washing machine and an I {heart} Texas t-shirt.

I hope this post inspires you for all the crafting.

And raise your hand if you are making any of your gifts this year.

Oh, good.

You might want to come back tomorrow.

I have the cutest handmade gift idea just for you.

PS Make sure and stop by Leslie’s, too. She has even more craft supply places for you. We did not compare notes—so I’m heading over there to see if craft recommending minds think alike.

And to add some shopping places to my list. 🙂

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Kris Kris

    But it's so much FUN to go craft shopping at a store! :) Thanks for the suggestions. I smiled at your source for pine cones. We have a park near us named .... wait for it .... Pine Park. There are so many different pine cones there and we have gone directly to the source for our supply.

  2. Image for DeAnna DeAnna

    This is great stuff!!! I'll spend more time looking on a snow day....too easy for me to go down craft rabbit holes! :)

  3. Image for Teresa Gonzales Teresa Gonzales

    Great list. I also use saveoncrafts.com. Found them to be great for parties, weddings and unusual lightening solutions.

  4. Image for Tara @ Stilettos and Shiplap Tara @ Stilettos and Shiplap

    Love this list, KariAnne. Several of the sources I have not shopped at before but as a DIY addict with kids who love crafts, I am always looking for new places to find supplies as inexpensively as possible. I can't wait to check out some of your suggestions.

  5. Image for Deb in Oklahoma Deb in Oklahoma

    Good ideas, all! I've never heard of some of these but plan to check them out. I have a bunch of arts-and-crafty coworkers who have been a surprising source of random supplies. (Plus, the request for one item can lead to lots of emails about the progress of the project, and then to see the final product, ultimately leading to lots of compliments.) I sometimes try my crafting peeps, first, before shopping to purchase things, and have re-homed lots of leftover supplies this way. I agree with Kris (above)--your local park can be a great place to "shop" for materials. Mother Nature is a good decorating assistant.

  6. Image for JC JC

    WOWZA! Some of these I have used and some are new to me! Thank you, KariAnne. I think my crafting budget just got a little bigger!! 😊

  7. Image for Kim Waldorf Kim Waldorf

    I love these tips and this series you are doing! I have not heard of paper source and look forward to checking it out. You know I love to sew, but had not idea about the Online Fabric Store! As always, thanks for sharing all the goods!

  8. Image for JUDY JUDY

    Thanks for the obelisk project. Do the frames warp outside? Can we save your recipes to Pinterest? I could just stare at photos your home all day long! It is so beautifully decorated.

Comments are closed.