Craft Store Savings: Smart Shopping Strategies for Budget-Conscious Creatives
- cheaptasticchick
- Dec 18, 2024
- 4 min read
As someone who's spent countless hours creating everything from wedding bouquets to handmade gifts, I've learned that crafting doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you're a busy parent squeezing in creative projects between work and family time, or a grandparent looking to share some creative magic with the grandkids, I'm here to share the insider secrets to saving big at your favorite craft stores.
The Art of Savvy Craft Supply Shopping
Let's face it – crafting can get expensive quickly. Those beautiful scrapbooking materials, vibrant paint sets, and intricate decorative items can add up faster than you can say "DIY project." But with the right strategies, you can stretch your crafting budget without sacrificing quality or creativity.
Hobby Lobby: Mastering the Sales Cycle
Hobby Lobby has a unique approach to discounts that can save you serious money if you know how to play the game. Gone are the days of weekly coupons, but their rotating sales cycle is a game-changer for budget-friendly crafters.
Pro Tip: I've created a comprehensive Hobby Lobby Sales Rotation Guide (see below) that breaks down exactly what goes on sale each week. This little cheat sheet has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years – especially when I was preparing for my daughter's wedding and needed to create budget-friendly floral arrangements.
Insider tip: Wedding items are typically 40% off every other week, but they jump to 50% off during September, making it the perfect time to stock up on wedding crafting supplies!
Hobby Lobby Sales Schedule
Michaels: Rewards and Discounts Galore
Michaels has taken customer savings to the next level with their rewards program. Michaels offers 15% discounts to Military and 10% discount to seniors age 55+. Teachers, you're in for a treat – a consistent 15% off all purchases, including sale items by signing up for the FREE educator program. This program is open to all teachers, staff and faculty Pre-K through Post-Grad within the US, including teachers who work in daycare centers, early childhood learning centers, home schools, after school programs, and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Be sure to download the Michaels app and join the Michaels Rewards program. All members will earn 3% in Rewards on eligible purchases every time they shop. Qualifying members will earn 6% in Rewards if they have spent $300+ in eligible purchases in the past 12 months. You can also earn bonus rewards based on how you shop, get access to coupon codes, and more.
JoAnn Fabrics: Discounts for Everyone
JoAnn Fabrics is a treasure trove of savings for various groups. They offer 15% discounts for educators, military, and healthcare workers. Students and recent graduates can save even more with a 20% discount by signing up for the free Student/Grad Beans program. Through this program, graduates will receive the 20% discount for up to five years after graduation.
Be sure to download the JoAnn App and take advantage of the JOANN Smiles program. This personalized program inside the app rewards you when you complete missions. Rewards are crafted just for you. You will be able to take advantage of bonus discount days, birthday rewards, special coupons, and other special surprises along the way.
Have a big project? There are even more savings opportunities with JoAnn Plus. Take advantage of bulk discounts, fabric bolt discounts, and a 10% discount when you purchase over $75.
Not to sound like a television commercial, BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! JoAnn offers tons of coupon discounts for in-store and online purchases. The best hidden secret that I didn’t even know about until an employee shared it with me - JoAnn will accept competitor coupons on in-store purchases! They also offer accept price matching from these online retailers: Amazon.com, Cricut.com, Dollargeneral.com, Familydollar.com, Hobbylobby.com, Homedepot.com, Lowes.com, Michaels.com, Officedepot.com, Partycity.com, Staples.com, Target.com, Walmart.com. You can read about competitor coupon matching and deal exclusions here if you have any questions.
Bonus Savings Strategies
1. Download Store Apps: Instant access to mobile coupons and exclusive deals
2. Use Rakuten: Cashback for both in-store and online shopping. This can be stacked ontop of store discounts. You can earn extra bonus cash by joining through my affiliate link.
3. Check Credit Card Rewards: Some cards offer additional cashback on specific purchases
4. Seasonal Clearance: Buy ahead for the upcoming year at end of season sale events.
Seasonal Sale Hack
Want the absolute best deals? Mark your calendar for these clearance periods:
- January 1-9: Christmas items up to 90% off
- Late February: Valentine's Day items at 90% off
- Week after Easter: Easter items up to 90% off
- Mid-August: Spring and summer items at 90% off
The Bottom Line on Budget-Friendly Crafting
Crafting should be about creativity, joy, and self-expression – not financial stress. By implementing these strategies, you can:
- Reduce your craft supply expenses
- Plan purchases around sales cycles
- Maximize every dollar spent
- Enjoy your creative projects without guilt
Remember, the most valuable resource is often not money, but the time and love you pour into your crafts. These savings strategies simply help you craft more, worry less, and create memories that last a lifetime.
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