4 ways to have fun crafting on the cheap

These days it's hard to justify an impromptu spending rampage in jo-ann or your favorite local quilt or scrap supply shop. Some of us can't even justify spending the gas it takes to get you there. As much as our local, independent craft suppliers need our support right now, we are limiting our purchases to the essential items we need to complete a specific project, instead of stocking up on fabric and papers we like but have no plan to use in the near future.

When I imposed strict limits on my spending earlier this year, it wasn't with a happy face. But then I started thinking like a creative person should, and not only discovered a *silver lining* to my situation of limited means, but craftily came up with some new ways I could get my hands on the craft materials I need...

1. perform an inventory of your craft materials
This includes everything else in your craft room that is a consumable. While you're at it, extend your inventory to the rest of the house especially the storage closets. When you find an item you don't use anymore ask yourself if it could become a craft supply. If you see potential, take it into your craft room. Congratulate yourself for doing some spring cleaning and then attack the next storage closet. When your inventory is finalized search for craft projects that have your specific items on the supply list. Or get creative and invent your own!

2. organize a craft supply swap with your crafty buddies
Once you've performed your inventory you'll see that you aren't really inspired to use certain pieces in your paper, fabric, or embellishment stashes. Odds are, your crafting buddies are in the same situation. Summon them over for a fun-filled Saturday of swapping! Ask each participant to bring a grocery bag full of unwanted items to add to the group pool. Dump everyone's unwanteds in a pile on the floor then take turns picking a few items each. When everyone has had their fill, donate the dogs and send everyone home happy with their new loot.

3. Make a quilt from thrift store fabrics
Test your creativity and challenge your attitude. Dare to ask yourself the question, "who says you can only use 100% cotton?" Once inside your local thrift store start your search in the area with bedding and other linens. Can only find uglies? Get them anyway and then mentally prepare for putting your quilt design skills to the test. You will emerge from the challenge a stronger quilter and I guarantee the quilt will hold a special place in your heart. While at the thrift store, look for other items you can upcycle!

4. Make ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) and join a swap.
ATCs can be made from your leftover paper, cardstock, fiber, and jewelry-making remnants, as well as paints, stamps, and almost everything else. These projects are small investments of time and materials. So free yourself from convention and see what comes of it. Swap the ones you like with your craft buddies or add your contact info to the cards, stick them in your purse, and give them to new friends and contacts you meet.

The *Silver Lining*
Why do you think craft challenges are so popular? Because the establishment of parameters or limits regarding supplies or themes around a craft project isn't really a loss of freedom at all. When you don't have the brand new fabrics you've been ogling online, or the fantastic papers that are hot off the press, and are limited to your stash in your quest to make new, cool, fresh, inspiring pieces, you'll find that you CAN. Your creativity steps in and makes up the difference. You grow as an artist and its very likely your finished projects will have some unseen thing the last project you made from brand new, hand-picked materials didn't quite have as much of. That unseen thing is soul.