Money Saving Tips
The Basic Kit:
Pencil
12" Ruler
Eraser
Adhesives
Tweezers
Emery Board
Scissors
Yup seriously, this really is all I started out with, these basic tools plus some card, recycled gift wrap and old greeting cards. It is amazing how many things you can create from just those things. But to save you money, see the tips below before you go out and buy anything!
Pencil:
I find a 2H pencil better to craft with than the regular HB, the more B's the softer the lead, the more H's the harder the lead. Using a sharp 2H pencil to draw in lines is so thin that when you cut through the line with the scissors it disappears, not so with softer lead pencils. I did try out automatic pencils, but I kept pinging the lead so gave up and went back to my old faithful 2H! (p.s. and because the lead is harder you rarely need to sharpen it so the pencil lasts forever!)
Rulers:
I have tried loads of different rulers, and have now settled on the one that I think is perfect. The working ruler needs to be made of sturdy plastic, if it is too flexible it will snap. A twelve inch one is a better buy than a smaller one and more useful. Buy one that has both imperial and metric measurements. The one I use is made from white, rather than clear plastic, as I can use a pencil to mark the ruler if I need repeated measurements, and it just wipes off with your finger when you are done.
Once you progress and gain confidence you will probably begin practicing using a craft knife, when you do you will certainly need a metal ruler. This also needs to be a twelve inches long, again with both metric and imperial measurements. If you can find one with a cork back they are much better as they don't slide around, but tend to be quite expensive in craft shops, check around the DIY shops as they are much cheaper there.
Eraser:
Look in the stationary department of your supermarket or pound shop and find those packs of pencil end rubbers. Firstly you will always be able to find it, and secondly you get loads in the pack that will last you for years - if someone doesn't keep 'borrowing' them that is!
Glue Sticks:
I only ever used store brands, & this is the only type I would recommend. Tesco do a great deal on their own brand in their 'Back to school' ranges - 10 small sticks for about £1. Their larger own brand is great value too! Check out other store brands!
Double sided adhesive tape (DST):
There are a lot to choose from, but basically the widths vary but they all do the same job, I tend to stick to the 5mm as a rule - it is the middle size so does everything, the 3 mm is a good buy too, but I avoid the 12 mm, I find it just too big for the job!
You can also buy 'finger lift tape', which has a wider paper backing than the tape itself, but it costs up to three times the price of the regular stuff and it is rather difficult to run right up against the edge as you can't see where the tape edge is through the backing paper.
Double sided adhesive pads (3D pads):
I honestly find the pound shop ones are just fine - I use HUNDREDS, but the more expensive ones are certainly value for money. They tend to be thicker & denser, so hold their shape when layering, & the backing comes off easier.
You can buy larger ones in the pound shops too, they are generally in the DIY section. I like these if I am working with larger pieces, saves time peeling off the backing - you can also cut them if need be - (easier to do this while they are still on the sheet). Though they definately stay where you put them, so no second chances! The little teeny ones I rarely use, but again they have their place.
Recently I have been buying the narrow 3D tape on a roll. It makes things easier as you can run strips where you want it & then just have one piece of backing paper to get off. But the quality varies as much as the width, so pretty much a case of trial & error I am afraid. (I use tweezers to handle the pads and to remove all of the backing papers).
PVA/Craft Glue:
When I first started out I bought a big a pot of PVA glue, but to save you making the same mistake - though it did only cost about £2 - don't buy it. Look out for Tacky Glue, it comes in what seems like a little tube for the same price, but believe me, buy it!
First of all, it has a little nozzle that dispenses little dots of glue which is idea for attaching acrylic gems etc. which tend to fall off if you use PVA. Secondly, that little tube goes on FOREVER and EVER - (bit like Fairy washing up liquid). Thirdly, it dries almost instantly! PVA stays damp for ages and really curls your card/paper. Finally, Tacky glue is the only thing I would use to construct a box - it is the absolute easiest as you don't need to peg the corners until they dry, as it dries almost instantly, and by far the best.
Tweezers:
Seriously! I couldn't manage without tweezers when I craft, I use them for everything! Don't go out and buy them unless you see those cheap multi packs for a pound or so, use your old ones that went a bit rusty in the bathroom (clean them first obviously - WD40 or baby oil normally does the job), or those ones you bought that you end up scratching yourself to bits with every time you use them on your eyebrows.
Emery Board:
Another essential! Pick up a giant pack in various sizes at the pound shop and keep some in your tool kit. Not only are they great for fixing a snagged nail while crafting, but you can use them to create an aged look to your work.
Scissors:
I only use the packs of three from the pound shops, it is useful to have more than one size, little ones for delicate work and larger ones for long straight lines. You really do not need to spend a fortune on scissors, paper and card blunts them anyhow! Though I do keep a sharp pair at hand for trimming ribbons etc. You can often find decorative edged scissors in these shops too, buy any you like, they probably won't last forever but you will be tired of them by the time they do break.
Crafters make the worlds best recyclers!
Acetate: I rip out all of those 'windows' that come with boxes allowing the contents to be seen. I use it for shaker cards, as a paint palette, to put a puddle of glue on when I am quilling, etc. Don't throw any of it out, even the coloured stuff!
Acetate Bubbles: Not sure of their proper name, but similar to above, they are used to allow contents in the package to be seen, but these ones are shaped around the contents. (Toothbrush packs generally have them, but I have yet to find a use for one that shape - but will eventually!) Square, rectangular, oval and round are best. These are GREAT for making shaker cards in particular, but have lots of other uses - KEEP THEM ALL!!
Boxes: Cereal, tea bag, washing tablets etc. I hoard them all, then when I have loads of scraps of paper left from projects, I collage them onto the boxes and use them for craft storage. (A cereal box can easily be turned into a magazine style file!)
Buttons, bows and ribbon: I cut everything possible from clothing etc. before recycling them. It is amazing how much craft stash you can accumulate this way.
Gift wrap, tags, etc:I grab everything everyone rips off their prezzies at Christmas etc. The family have now taken to giving me a wrapped gift, and the remainder of the sheet of gift wrap, as well as never writing my name on the envelope containing the card, particularly if it is a pretty one!
Other Stuff: A-Z
Books:
Use the local library to browse through their book selection, they will even order titles in for you and let you know when they arrive. It is the most economical way to decide on what your style is, and if you really like a title, go on Amazon Books and buy it at a fraction of the list price, or try your luck on E BAY.
Borrow:
One of ladies in my group once loaned me one of her big pieces of kit to try out (thanx again for that Margaret), it was a brand of die cutting machine as I was trying to figure out which one would suit me best so I would know how much I needed to save.
Cocktail sticks/tooth picks:
If you don't already have some in the kitchen drawer, grab some cheap ones next time you see them! I use them for anything from picking up tiny acrylic gems & applying glue, to making scroll holders!
Making a scroll using cocktail sticks:Take a long narrow strip of paper (approx. 10 x 4 cm) & decorate. Trim off the points from two cocktail sticks & force/glue a bead to each end. Add a little tacky glue to one end of the decorated paper & roll around the stick - hold until glue sets. Repeat at the other end, rolling to the length you require. Add to your project using double sided sticky pads so it retains the 3D element.
Also you can add embellishments, back to back to one end of the cocktail sticks & then use them as decorative 'pins' sticking out the back of the focal point etc.
Coloured Markers:
Buy a large cheap set when you see them, you would be amazed how much you will use them. Instead of inking up a rubber stamp, colour it with pens and then when you are ready to stamp the image just breathe on the ink to re-moisten. (You can't use embossing powders with this method though). I love this technique and use it regularly. You can also scribble on a piece of scrap acetate or a white plate with a marker pen, slightly moisten a paintbrush and use the ink to paint with (and you can also use them in the regular way to colour in with of course)!
Computer:
You don't need to fork out for expensive graphics packages such as Photoshop, or buy specialist craft CD- Roms to make you computer work for you, just Windows 98 or above. Many of the elements initially on this site were created in Microsoft Word or Paint. Most people don't even realise they have 'Paint' on their system but if you have a Microsoft Windows package you will have Paint under the accessories menu.
Craft Magazine 'lending library':
One of my groups take in their well thumbed craft magazines for the others to take home and return when they are done! (Oddly enough this group are based in a library - wonder if that is what gave them the idea)?
This is a great way to discover which magazine suits your own personal taste without spending a fortune working your way through them all to find out! Then buy it for a couple of months, off the shelf, and if you still like it - subscribe - it will not only save you money but also the effort of going out looking for it each time.
Craft Groups/Crops:
Check out national & local organisations like Age Concern - strangely enough although everyone seems to think you have to be retired to use their services, you actually only need to be 50 or over!
Local libraries often host craft groups as do church halls and many community centres. Generally it only costs a couple of pound per session, and if you end up in an established group of long term (seasoned) crafters, believe me it is a huge bonus, as they will make you feel very welcome and happily pass on everything they know and usually some craft goodies too!.
Create your own decorative card & papers:
I have always toyed around with creating pretty card to use as the main card or as backing card behind the main embellishment.
Bubble wrap
Lightly ink the bubbles on a scrap of bubble wrap paper & then press a sheet of paper or card onto it. You can repeat with different colours on the same sheet. Ink various sections in different colours. Use water colour paints, use embossing ink pad & add embossing powder & heat. Do it with glue & then sprinkle with glitter etc etc.....
Computer Generated backing paper:
I do create a lot of papers on the computer using Microsoft Word mainly, I often load a paper design into Word and then add shapes or words on top to create the effect I am looking for. If you are not confident doing this, try loading the decorative paper into your printer and printing it out with a simple (Happy Birthday) greeting in various fonts all over the page.
Metallic Craft Spray Paint:
My favourite is to get some silver and gold craft spray paint in the pound shop when they have it, then get a plain piece of card, going outside (and you really do need to do this outdoors) and lightly misting whole sheets of card with the paint. Please stand up wind of the spray so you don't end up with it in your face or on your clothing. This dries instantly so you are able to use it immediately.
Stamping & heat embossing:
I love to spend my 'creative block' times with various stamps - some hand made - randomly stamping them to decorate an otherwise plain piece of card, I tend to use gold, copper and silver embossing powder together quite regularly, on a dark base card as I am definitely an Autumn colours girl at heart! Stamp the image randomly on the card and emboss with one colour, repeat with second and third colour overlapping each. You can also try this without the embossing powders and use various coloured markers to ink up the images.
Water colour paint:
I also like to make up some very watery water colour paint in a mister bottle - you can buy these in places like Super Drug & Boots - then spraying the card with that. This takes longer than the method above as you really need to let each colour dry before applying the next.
Duo/Double-sided paper:
Choose a heavier weight or premium copier paper (see 'Printer Paper') & simply print off the first side, allow the paper a minute or two to dry & pop back in the printer the opposite way & print out onto the back.
Embossing Powders & Ink Pads:
These both come in a bewildering array of colours. If I can offer you only one solid tip it would be to either buy clear pigment ink pads and loads of coloured embossing powders, or loads of coloured ink pads and one clear embossing powder, you really don't need both. (If you use a clear ink pad it is far easier to clean your stamps too!). But I have to admit I always have a little mustard or chocolate brown ink pad at hand for tinting the edges of my work.
I store all of my dye based & pigment ink pads (unless they are still packaged) in resealable bags - it prevents the air getting to them and drying them out. I also store them face down after a week or two of use, this keeps the ink in the sponge so they are always ready for use.Don't store the Big & Juicy ink pads upside down though!
Eyelets & Brads:
You can buy large eyelets from a DIY store and large paper fasteners(brads) from stationers as well as coloured and patterned paper clips, they are far cheaper than in the craft stores. You can re-colour the brads with permanent pens, heat embossing powders etc.
Florists Shop Finds:
I often stroll into a florists, if they are friendly they will happily sell you some of their packaging material. This can range from glitter mesh to pretty patterned fine acetates, ribbons, jute etc. You normally buy by the metre. Also, they have lots of other bits, I have found teeny glass pebbles, green florist tape, feathers etc. so well worth a look!
I was lucky enough to be on good terms with the florist department at college when I was studying for my teaching qualification a couple of years ago, and I am still using up the stuff I bought then!
Foiled/mirri/holographic card:
Keep your eyes open in all of the pound style shops, - Home Bargains is a good one if you are lucky enough to have one nearby - you can usually find great deals on all of this type of card there. You can get anything from 10 to 16 A4 sheets in a pack for less than £1 - way cheaper than in any craft shop I have ever visited (plus it will go through your printer face down so you can print templates on the back). Ditto for corrugated card, crepe paper, silk fibre paper etc.
Free Stuff!
Visit craft magazine websites for free downloads. You don't have to be a magazine subscriber, though generally they ask you to subscribe to their online newsletter before you can download anything. There are loads of others out there too!
Glass (Heat Resistant) Cutting Mat:
I have been trying out a clear glass cutting mat you can find in stores such as Home Bargains for £1.99 - intended for use on the kitchen bench, rather than buying a 'craft' one for a whole lot more dosh! You need to buy one that doesn't have an 'embossed' finish as it needs to be totally flat like a window pane.
I have to be honest I was sceptical whether a glass mat would work better than the regular self healing cutting mat, but I have to admit I am totally convinced - there is absolutely no drag, so you hardly need any pressure, so great for those with carpol tunnel or arthritis etc.
I also use this mat when I am heat embossing/heating shrink plastic etc. as it is designed for use in the kitchen it can withstand heat.
I have created a grid for you to print off onto adhesive film to stick to the underside of your glass cutting mat - Use this link to download it.
Glitter & Glitter Glue:
I only ever buy the kids sets, they work just as well as the expensive craft ones, though you may need to sprinkle a little more loose glitter over the glue if you really love your bling!!
Hand Made - Indian Style papers:
I always look into The Workswhen I am nearby as they ALWAYS have good paper packs, though I do tend to buy the cheaper end of the range as they are generally the better value in terms of assortment. The larger packs tend to have loads of the same papers.
Heat Resistant Mats:
I have tested out a regular sheet you buy to use in the oven as opposed to a dedicated craft mat, it works just fine, so go to the nearest Home Bargains or discount store & buy one for as little as £1.99!Also see glass mat above.
'Leather' effect paper:
I have recently discovered - quite by accident - that a very effective 'leather' effect paper can be easily created from a piece of pearlescent card. Though it must be of a quality that will not crack, as you need to scrunch it up, over & over - very thereputic actually - until the pearlescent layer separates from the backing card layer. This leaves a malleable paper layer that resembles leather.
Light Box:
I honestly would never have owned one until the ladies from one of my craft groups bought me one at Christmas! (Thanx again girls). If you have a glass topped table, stand your table/desk lamp underneath it and it does exactly the same job! I have read that you can also work up against a window, but that wouldn't be very comfortable so I personally would only try that as a last resort!!
Paints:
I generally only use kids acrylics and watercolours but have to admit, I adore Cosmic Shimmer paints - they are quite expensive - at about £1.75 for a teeny pot, but they last forever and have a GORGEOUS pearlescent finish. I buy a couple at a time and am building up a nice range of colours now.
Peel Off/Acetate Markers:
If one of the family hadn't given me some as a gift way back at the beginning, I would never have owned any. Don't waste your hard earned cash, simply buy permanent markers instead.
Post & Packaging
If you are fed up with post & packing charges, check out TV demonstrators own website as you will find that although the product is generally the same price, many have free P&P - so you actually save a bundle going direct!
Printer Paper:
I cannot stress enough the importance of a decent quality printer paper. But you absolutely don't need spend £11.99 for 150 or even 200 sheets. I use Tesco's 'Premium Copier Paper' which is around £3.50 for 250 sheets. I couldn't get my hands on any for a while & then it reappeared in the new package - shown here - but 20gsm lighter. The heavier & smoother the paper, the better quality the image will print out.
Spending a little more on your paper will save you loads on your printer inks. Standard copier paper absorbs the ink & so you also lose definition in your image. Better quality paper is denser so absorbs less ink so you get a cleaner, shaper image. As an added bonus, this Tesco paper is 20gsm heavier than normal copier paper, so a nice quality for printing your decoupage.
Pro Markers & Ink Jet Printers:
Having just recently bought myself some Pro Markers I am still learning as I go. But something that is worth mentioning is that they work amazingly well with stuff printed straight from the computer.
I use an ink jet printer & the ink in the pro markers does nor react to it, so it doesn't smear at all - & here I was under the impression you had to use particular ink pads with them?? So don't waste money on more even ink pads - simply print stuff straight from your computer!!!!!
Quilling Tool: Make Your Own
If you don’t have a quilling tool, cut a slit down into the blunt end of a bamboo skewer to a depth of 5mm (approx), tape around to stop the slit from spreading. This works just as well as the quilling tool, but the centre of the coil will have a slightly bigger hole.
Quilling Paper: Make Your Own
Buy one of those pound shop paper shredders, the one with the winding handle & feed through coloured paper to make your own quilling strips.
Scanner:
When I first started out I used to trawl the charity shops for bargain bin clothing just for the pattern, I used to bring them home & scan them into my computer to use as lovely background papers. But when Joanna Sheen emailed me about copyright issues I stopped using these papers on site. But I had an email from Millie in the USA this morning (15 June 2010) saying she uses the same technique!
Shaker Cards:
Save the punch waste in a little bag or container, great to use as shakers. You can use anything from seeds to rice, glitter to little beads, even small buttons will work.
Use up packaging, the type they mould around the contents to allow you to view what is inside the pack. Makes great shaker 'bubbles'!
Silk Flowers:
Go to accessory/party shops & look out for pre-strung garlands. They come in an array of colours. Get the kids felt tip pens out & draw patterns on them - I went for spots in this picture (I did the ribbon too). Use a dye based ink & stamp patterns on them - sometimes you may need to give them a quick press with the iron first. Don't try using pigment ink as it won't dry. Use silk paint to tint the edges, or a felt tip scribbled onto an acrylic block/plate & watered down works too. Use glue & glitter? There are just so many ways to decorate them yourself!
Spirelli:
You can buy pre-cut spirelli shapes, but if you have a pair of decorative edges scissors - why spend the dosh - just grab those! You are meant to end up with an even number of bumps around the outer edge, but I have never found it really mattered.
You could also used the smallest scalloped circles near the bottom of the Shaping Templates page. Otherwise use dies to cut scalloped shapes - the more scallops the better the effect.
Stamps: Selective Purchasing:
I like to take a long hard look at stamps to see how many ideas I can come up with before buying them - I call this selective purchasing! Here is one of a range from Do Crafts that I love as it is so versitile. Not only can you create decoupage with it, but you can cut into the design to make other embellishments such as corners.
Stencils for dry embossing:
Don't go out buying loads of brass stencils until you know whether or not you are ever going to get into using them! To try out the technique simply cut identical shapes from two scraps of light weight card and align them one on top of the other then staple together along one edge. Slide a piece of card - pearlescent works best for dry embossing - between the two and use a dry biro to trace around the edge of your shape,you only need to do the edge so don't go scribbling in the middle or you will only spoil the finished effect. Take the card out from the 'sandwich' and turn over the to see the finished result!(I generally use paper punches to create the stencils as I am rubbish at cutting shapes freehand)!
Swap:
I know this sounds too obvious for words, but if you have crafty friends, or are part of a craft group SWAP. Arrange to take a flower punch (for example) to the next session and swap them around until you meet again! You can do the same with rubber stamps & machine dies too!
Used tea bag/black coffee:
No honestly I am serious. Not that I mean keep a grotty tea bag in your craft kit at all times, just when you want to create a sepia/aged look to a project use a damp used tea bag or some cold black coffee - don't go buying those expensive aging inks/sprays etc. you really don't need them!
