Best Budget Craft Materials for 2025: Affordable Supplies for Every DIY Project

Looking for the best budget craft materials? Discover affordable, high-quality supplies for DIY projects, scrapbooking, painting, and more in 2025!

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Must-Have Budget Craft Materials for Every DIYer

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Essential Craft Supplies Under $15

Looking to get into crafting from scratch? Need a gift for a crafter that seems to have everything? These are the supplies that I find I come back to again and again and always have in my house.

• UV Resin: I bought some of this on a whim because I wanted something to seal the keychains I had made for my daughter. Since then, I’ve used it for tons of jewelry pieces that are super easy and stand the test of time. I’ve made earrings that I LIVE in and they still look the same as when I made them! The other thing I like about it is that it is really customizeable – great for making gifts for people. You can add glitter, color, flowers, pictures, gems, you name it!
  • KISREL UV Resin 300g
  • If you don’t already have a UV light, you can pick up one very inexpensively like this one.
• Paint Sticks: If you have little ones or just want the ability for easy, mess free painting, these paint sticks fit the bill. They go on similar to an oil pastel but dry just like paint! I’ve used these with my kids to paint pumpkins, wooden ornaments, canvases and more!
  • TBC The Best Crafts Paint Sticks
• Mod Podge: Mod Podge seems like a no-brainer. This stuff has been around since the 60s and is still going strong so you know it has to be good. That also means that there are tons of tutorials on things you can use it for. I use it all the time to protect or seal projects. You can use it as an adhesive or a sealer which makes it super versatile. I’ve also found that the shelf life is awesome. I just found an old bottle from years ago and used it on a project and it still worked great! I usually use the original glossy or matte finish but they have a bunch of different formulas now. They even have a dishwasher safe version!
  • Mod Podge
• Shrink Film: Ok, I know this stuff has been around forever but it still is one of my favorite things to work with, especially when I’m crafting with my kids. I love how easy and safe it is to create durable projects that last. They even have printable shrinky dink paper now so you can print photos or pictures to color. I’ve made magnets, jewelry, keychains, and lot’s more.
  • Shrinky Dinks
• Blank Canvas Boards: I always have a stack of these handy for craft days with my kids. I especially like them for doing milestone and holiday projects. They are a great size for hand and foot prints and pack away nicely without taking up tons of room. They can be used with so much more than paint, too! Use them with oil pastels, crayons, sketching or for pouring projects.
  • ESRICH Canvas Boards for Painting
• Air Dry Clay: This stuff is so much fun to play around with, especially if you have little ones. It stays soft if you want it to, or you can let it dry for a few days and it will harden into a keepsake. You can paint it afterwards to add some durability and fun. It is perfect to use for kids’ school projects, home decor, and more! My daughter used it to make fun accessories for her fairy garden.
  • Crayola – Air Dry Clay – White – 2.5lb
• Other things that are inexpensive and handy to have: Quality scissors, hot glue/hot glue gun, craft sticks, tweezers, paper trimmer, self-healing cutting mat, high quality ruler, acrylic paint in various colors, foam brushes

Tips for Finding High-Quality Craft Materials on a Budget

• Check out thrift stores and garage sales.
  • My local thrift store always has tons of yarn, fabric, and other crafting supplies and sometimes you can find some really good deals, especially if you’re not looking for something specific. Craft supplies are things that tend to build up in people’s houses and are often let go at great prices when people decide they need extra space.
• Don’t be afraid to buy used.
  • This goes along with my previous point, but it is something to always keep in mind. People tend to take good care of their crafting equipment and some things are absolutely worth it to buy used. I recently bought a Kenmore sewing machine from the 70’s for under $100 from someone and it is solid! They really don’t make them like they used to anymore and I’m sure I will get lots of use out of it, even if it is over 50 years old.
• Try online marketplaces.
  • I have bought plenty of high quality, namebrand supplies on Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, eBay and Poshmark. If you are looking for something specific but can’t afford retail price. You can often find materials that are brand new that someone is just trying to clear out. Amazon also has an option to buy things that are in “used like new” condition that usually just means the box has been opened. I have had good luck with all of these options.
• Wait for sales.
  • This one seems obvious but if you’re not in a rush to create a specific project, I like to wait and stock up on supplies if they are on sale. One of the best times to get basics is around back to school sales. I like to pick up watercolors, crayons, erasers, colored pencils, markers, pens, and more during those sales. You should also check out end of season/post holiday sales as many of those things can be repurposed for another use or saved until the next year. That also gives you a whole year to finish whatever project you have in mind! 😉

Upcycled & Repurposed Materials for Budget Crafting

I love upcycling things. It appeals to my eco-friendly sustainable side and saves money. And just because it is made yourself, does not make it any less high quality than buying new. In fact, many times my upcycled projects hold up better!

Easy things to upcycle

• Large plastic containers: I like to save any large plastic containers I use from things like vinegar, bleach, and detergent. There are tons of things I’ve seen online that can be made from old plastic containers, from handwashing and bubble filling stations to fun Valentine’s Day boxes and more!
• Scrap wood: When we built our deck on our house, we had tons of leftover scraps of wood. I saved lots of them, but also gave some away to other crafters. If you keep your eyes open, people will often give away scraps rather than go through the hassle of getting rid of it themselves. We also tore down our old porch and barn and I saved wood from that as well. It is nice having a supply of boards when I get inspired for a project. This is a cheap way to build a stash and save some material from the landfill.
• Old blankets or fabric: I recently went through a lot of my daughters baby clothes to sell/donate, but found several items that were not really in any condition to give away. I ended up saving them and using them as rags to use when I stain or paint a project. If you know how to sew you can reuse old t-shirts or denim and make them into new pieces of clothing, totes, and more. There are even lots of no-sew options as well.
• Old or outdated furniture: Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to grab great quality furniture at a low price. I’ve found that my thrift store furniture is usually solid, heavy, and full of potential. If you find a sturdy piece, it is often easier than you think to make it new again. You will be surprised at how some furniture paint and new hardware can completely transform a piece. Dressers and chairs are some of my favorite furniture pieces to give new life to.
• Remnants from remodels: Every time we start a remodeling project, I have to talk my husband into letting me keep all the old stuff. I love saving old fixtures or wood from our remodeling projects. Old sinks can be used as planters or water tables for little ones. Old windows can be made into trendy decor pieces. Old gutters can be window boxes or strawberry planters. Pipes can be used for shelving. The options are endless, and if you have the space, I think it’s definitely worth saving that vintage item.

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Conclusion

Crafting on a budget is easier than you think! With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can stock up on high-quality, affordable craft materials without overspending. Whether you’re making handmade gifts, decorating your home, or just enjoying a DIY session, these budget-friendly supplies will help you bring your ideas to life. Now, grab your favorite materials and start crafting today!

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