How to save money on Altered Art Supplies

Do you like creating Altered Art for yourself or your home but can't afford the high cost of supplies that you see at the craft stores? So many people look for the obvious places to buy supplies and they never think about their local hardware store, discount outlet, yard sales, or local dollar store for supplies. There are so many resources for you to choose from and all can fit on a VERY tight budget during this time of a recession. No one who is creative should not be able to create because they can't afford the supplies. Just think, how did the famous assemblage Artists of the 1950's and 1960's create their work when they didn't have their local Hobby Lobby, JoAnne's or Michaels to go to? Follow these simple tips and you can be a thrifty Artist that makes high quality work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Keen eye for a bargin
• Going to unconventional stores for supplies
• Being flexible with your original ideas and sketches.

1. 
    
   Hardware for Art!

   Have you ever tried to find: washers, nuts, bolts, or caulking at a craft supply store and only have them charge you quadruple the price just because it has a pink handle? Or it is in a pretty package with a chirping bird design? Did you know that you are paying for that packaging and in the long run is it worth the extra money? My friend all that you are lacking is knowledge in what size washer, bolt, or screw that you might need for your project and NOTHING more. So check out sizing of those items that you might need then look them up. Or take the item to the hardware store and talk to a sales representative and explain what you are doing and they can help!

2. 
    
   Outlet hardware stores!

   Have you ever been to a Black and Decker hardware store for supplies? Or any type of outlet hardware store? If you haven't you are missing out on some great deals! Nine times out of ten, they always are posting coupons in their store to draw in the customers. So if you know what you need you can get a real deal!

3. 
    
   Shop deep discount!

   One of my favorite places to go is a dollar store of any kind they have great deals on art supplies of all kinds such as canvas, inks, paints, glues, kids toys, it is all great! Keep an open mind about the selection since most of the items that are there are not always the "right" color but hey does that matter, really to a Altered Artist?

4. 
    
   Did someone say...

   The best places in the world to get great deals is, you guessed it, YARD SALES! Your money can go a really long way at a yard sale plus, you can almost always negotiate the price from what they are asking! So try it out haggle for something that you like and need for your art piece you never know... you just might get a deal!

Tips & Warnings

• Always think outside of the craft stores for supplies!
• Be flexible with you idea!
• Always negotiate the price!
• Check out auctions!

[vallain]

on 2/26/2010 I've found some great supplies at yard sales when scapbookers are clearing out some things.

[dasbootjoe]

on 12/25/2008 I learned something new today! Thanks for sharing*****

[veryirie]

on 12/4/2008 Altered Art. That's the first time I've heard that term. Wonderful way to express yourself and save money on the supplies too. Great read!