FUN STUFF
Thinking Outside the Box: 5 Places to Find Inspiration
By Kristen, age 19, Massachusetts
Sweet Designs Staff Intern
I am a self-proclaimed girly girl. I love pink, floral prints, polka dots, you name it. I love everything girly. I love to shop for things, from clothes to anything with which to decorate my room. However, I am very strapped for cash these days. I've resorted to the hobby of arts and crafts, where I can recreate high end pieces at the fraction of the price. I have found many places to build up my craft supplies and keep things handy just in case I have a sudden burst of inspiration. Here are five places you can look to find craft supplies without breaking the bank.
Mom & Dad's Shed or Garage
The last place you'd want to look is your parents' shed or garage - they might make you clean it! But I do suggest going there (try not to get noticed), and look for scrap pieces of wood or metal for your craft supplies. Just the other day I got some spare PVC piping cubes from my dad, with which I intend to make an abstract 3D poster. From painting spare pieces of wood for a beautiful piece of art to a duct tape purse - just go for it!
Your Local Recycling Center
One person's trash is another's treasure. Your local recycling center is the prime place for someone who wants to make crafts. Paper, ribbon, yarn, buttons, knitting needles ... the list of things there are endless. Go there with a big bag and an open mind.
The Outdoors!
Everything in nature is free, meant for us humans to use to our advantage. From rocks to flower petals, you can think of a lot of things in nature to incorporate into your craft designs. Press some flowers and glaze them onto furniture for a permanent and beautiful look, or collect some differently colored rocks for a collage. The possibilities are endless!
The Craft Store
If you do have a couple bucks to spare, the craft store is great for glue, decorative paper, buttons, glitter, and googley eyes. The craft store is great for the essentials. Try speaking with a sales associate for the best deals and prices.
Your Own Bedroom
Have any bland furniture in your room that needs some jazzing up? Leftover supplies from your latest science project? Candy wrappers? These things are the perfect basis for crafts. Try
www.designspongeonline.com for DIY projects and tips for crafts. It's one of the best craft design blogs out there!
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