Social Media and Makers; Creating Below the Poverty Line

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Like most people I am on a budget and like most artists this budget extends to my supplies.

As a single mother living below the federal poverty line my disposable income is limited and as a result my budget for art supplies is super small.

I thought frugal crafting would be a good topic to share some ideas for.

First and foremost being a creative person means seeing things in a way that other people might not. So get creative. Think outside the box. Look at things and see possibilities instead of just static objects.

My best frugal crafting tips and advice:

1. Try to never pay full price for anything art related. It will all go on sale or clearance eventually. You just have to be patient.
2. Clearance and free shipping, baby.
3. HSN, QVC, Fingerhut, etc. Yes, you are paying more than you would pay if you’d bought it outright but um… I can’t afford to buy a $50 dollar box of markers in one shot. I can, however, afford to buy a box of markers for $17.50 a month for the next 5 months. Wait until they have sales or free shipping!
4. Tuesday Morning. It’s a discount store that is like the second life for craft supplies. All the clearance products from other craft stores gets shipped here. It is glorious. Authentique and Graphic 45 for $3?!?! Um…yes, please!
5. Thrift stores and Garage Sales. You really have to know your stuff (I see you, lady who’s trying to sell that Dollar Tree paint set for $10!) but there are treasures to be had. My favorite find was a brand new, never opened pack of Pigma Micron pens for $1.99 at the GoodWill.
6. Facebook Marketplace and eBay. You can definitely find some good deals on there. This does take a discerning eye as there are some unscrupulous characters selling knock offs and counterfeit products.
7. Destash accounts on Instagram. One person’s old supplies are another person’s dream tools.
8. My super secret weapon; Sezzle, Klarna, and Afterpay. Think #3 but with no interest payments and bi weekly payments as opposed to one monthly payment. The stamp companies offering payment plans are Arteza, Jillian Vance Designs, Unity Stamp Co Tonic Studios, MFT, Kindred Stamps, Ink Road Stamps, and Paper Issues. This is how each one works: Ink Road Stamps and Paper Issues have no minimum purchase amount required. They use Sezzle. Arteza, Jillian Vance, Tonic, and MFT have a $35 minimum purchase amount. They use Afterpay. Unity has a minimum purchase amount of $45 and they use Klarna.
9. Amazon Prime offers a discounted monthly rate (click here) if you meet income qualifications (check out Amazon warehouse for really awesome deals!).
10. Save, save, save. There are some things that don’t really go on sale. For me it’s Art Glitter Glue. I can never seem to find it on sale. I save up so that I can buy it.
11. If you have a habit like smoking or drinking and you want to have more money for your art supplies then try cutting back a little. It’s hard, I know. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt (I’m now 3 years, 3 months, and 4 days smoke free at the time of updating this post 3/21/20).
12. You don’t need all the things they say you need. It’s awesome to have all the things but you really, truly don’t have to have one in every color.

That’s all for now. Leave your frugal tips below.

Don’t let the bastards grind you down.

Until next time,

Lap, cap, pretty gift wrap,

Samantha