When I was four years old, I would obsessively count my money and sleep with my piggy bank. I like the security of having money. I’m cheap. I’m also incredibly poor right now which leads to the necessity of being cheap. Perhaps you would like to know how it is that I can say “which I already had on hand” in all of my decorating posts. Perhaps this annoys you and you’ve been thinking, how in the world does this girl have just the right spray paint, ribbon, scrapbook paper, doo-dad just conveniently on hand? I will tell you my secrets oh-annoyed-ones if you promise to tell me yours!
For FREE
Ribbon: Bits of ribbon that can be reused in decorating are everywhere. When you receive gifts, save the ribbon. When you are at a wedding reception and there is ribbon galore, see if the bride would mind if you took some home. This may sound tacky, but typically the bride is more than happy to give away the decorations (especially if the reception has been “open bar” and you ask at the end of the night. 🙂 At a friend’s wedding, I scored more red ribbon than I knew what to do with. It was great! When you buy bath products, quilts, candles, etc., save the bit of ribbon that comes on the packaging. Chances are very good that you’ll be able to use it again.
Buttons: Save all the extra buttons that come with your clothes and are sewn on the inside of your garments. A little incentive for you: I was thrilled last Christmas when I found a gorgeous red velvet jacket on sale for $5! Problem was that it was missing some buttons. Not a big deal, I thought, I’ll just buy some. Come to find out that the buttons that I needed to match my jacket were going to cost $15! Lesson learned. If you are giving away some clothes that have fantastic buttons, save the buttons. If you need some great buttons and have the time, go to the thrift store. Chances are good you can find some hideous dress with fab buttons for less than you’d pay for the buttons alone at a fabric store.
For Cheap:
The Dollar Store is a great place for floral crafts and for the unexpected. It’s a great place to peruse on a regular basis. The dollar section of Target is also a fantastic place to look for deals.
Tracey says
I am feelin' you on the Hob Lob comment…why can't we have one in Northern Virginia?! Those people don't know how good they've got it!
I'm so glad I found your fun blog!
Its So Very Cheri says
Hey Beth,
Have you signed up for the coupons at JoAnns. They mail them out regularly. You do have to in the flyer and have them scan the address or you will fall off of their mailing list but I get coupons every few weeks. Watch for Holiday weekends like this weekend when they will give extra deals. I think it is an additional 10% off your purchase and you can use it with the 40% coupon.
Cheri
Melanie S says
I like the printing out images from fabric sites idea. Ingenious. I'm sorry you don't have a Hobby Lobby. I would give you mine if I could.
fawnda says
The Dollar Tree store also has some great scrapbooking supplies too. I get my tape runners and paper that often times.
You can also find some good fabric at the goodwill/ thrift store by looking in the sheets and curtains.
Embellished Bayou says
Great tips! I also second picking up things on clearance even if you don't know what you'll use it for. You have to know when to stop, though, or you'll end up with drawers and cabinets full of scraps, embellishments, and so forth!
Jane @ Decormamma says
I'm right with you girl friend… Great tips! Check out my post tomorrow about my white dish collection…er' obsession! I've scored many a plates and bowls at flea markets, thrift shops, garage sales, and even the dollar store!! For me, a great deal knows no shame! Thanks for the great tips!
KC says
I was laughing so hard at your Hob Lob comments – I feel the same way since the closest one to me is like two states away. I had never even heard of it until I read some blogs mentioning it. Anyway, thanks for the laugh! I commiserate with you.