Between Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels, I pretty much always have a 40% or 50% off coupon burning a hole in my pocket. If you're lucky enough to live close to one or more of these stores, get on the mailing list. It's worth it! I've honed my couponing skills and have determined the absolute best items to buy (nursery-related, of course!). The criteria that I use in determining when to break out the coupon is a) will it likely not be on sale already, b) does it cost enough to make it worth it because you don't want to blow a 50% off coupon on a 99 cent bottle of craft paint, and c) can I make something totally awesome with it?
These are my top 10 picks. Be sure to let me know what you think, what I may have left out, and what your picks are in the comments section!
1. Fabric
This is a great item to use a coupon for, especially if you're buying a lot of yardage. I once bought 12 yards to make a sofa slipcover and used a 50% off coupon. That's a huge discount!
2. Curtain rods
Even if you want to keep costs down by making your own curtains, the hardware can get expensive. The drapery hardware selection at craft and fabric stores is pretty good, so use a coupon on this item for sure.
3. Upholstery foam
My local fabric store regularly puts out a 50% off coupon, and they also sell soy based foam. Perfect! They even sell a cylinder shaped hunk of foam to make round ottomans.
4. Globes
By now you're well aware of our globe and map obsession. Check out the education related aisle at the craft store to score big savings with your coupon.
5. Cake pans
Maybe not something you'll use in the actual nursery, but surely for a birthday party! Check the baking supply aisle for bakeware like cake and cupcake pans and cookie sheets.
6. Glass dome
Over at Design Sponge, Grace recently showed a sneak peek project from her upcoming book using one of these glass domes, and I instantly thought, "Oooh, I can use a Hobby Lobby coupon for that!"
7. Rug backing
I brush this stuff onto the back of upholstery fabric to make very durable (and machine washable!) rugs.
8. Spray paint
I always have something on my "to spray paint" list, so why not buy it with a coupon?
9. Iron-on transfers
I love these things. You can basically create your own fabric with them. Think of all the pillows you could create! But they can be expensive considering I usually screw up 2 or 3 at first.
10. Toys
When my kids are invited to birthday parties, I can always find something at the craft store. Wooden toys, model car kits, friendship bracelet kits. You can find a pretty big selection and that coupon makes it so much cheaper.
(Re-edited from a post originally published 8.10.2011 - JEL)
(Images: As credited above.)
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I almost didn't read this because I thought "Oh, I already know what I use coupons on." But I'm glad I did... especially the tip about globes... I loved the recent post about the globe pendant lights and was wishing globes weren't so expensive!
Another great craft store toy/gift is the "paint-your-own ______." We've gotten ceramic ponies, wooden treasure chests, and model helicopters, all with paint and brushes, and they're usually a steal.
ooh, i want more details about #7!
Wall frames. I buy a ton of prints off etsy to frame in my house. I make sure that it will fit a standard size and get all my frames at craft stores. Looks professional!
Wow! I've never heard of rug backing. Glad I read the article too!
Great ideas-especially the kids birthday party gift one. I have never thought about purchasing a birthday gift there but when I think about it, what kid wouldn't love the tools to feed their creativity.
Freaky! I did buy that exact fabric at top at Hobby Lobby, using a coupon, in a large amount for curtains in my main living areas. How did you know, Apartment Therapy!
This is a brilliant list. I would add any of the Martha Stewart craft tools at Hobby Lobby.
I have been making knitted slippers for friends & family -- would rug backing work to make them non-skid? I may have to try it! I also have a latch hooked rug that I'll back too.
Yes, CeltChick, rug backing would work great for the bttoms of knitted slippers.
I'll see if I can pull together a tutorial for the rugs. Thanks, guys!
Good idea on toy/craft kits. I am presently putting together a craft box for my 8 y.o. granddaughter, so she can make beaded/sequined felt Christmas ornaments. She loves my collection and I think she's old enough to start making them, too.
I clicked on the article b/c because the fabric jumped out at me. I used that exact fabric from Hobby Lobby to recover my chairs.
http://www.designocd.com/2011/07/14/latest-find/
How much are glass domes new? I see - and donated one - cheap gold plastic clocks with a glass dome on top at Goodwill all the time for about 3 or 4 bucks, depending on who is pricing and what location. You might even get one on freecylce.
One of the craft supplies I use is etching cream, which is about $28/bottle. I use my 50% off coupon on that...
I also would love more info or projects showing the use of #7 - I love discovering new craft supplies!
Books. My Jo-Ann's is kind of a mess. The books never seem organized, standing in line at the cutting table can be a very loooong commitment, but I was jonesing for the beautiful, modern quilt-how to by Katherine Hartman, The Practical Guide to Patchwork ($24.95,) and there is it was - 50 percent off.
Oooh, etching cream! That's a good one!
I use my coupons for resin. It can be so expensive for a small amount, but with a 40-50% coupon it is a steal!
I also have never seen rug backing, but I am intrigued.
What is the name of that fabric? We don't have a Hobby Lobby nearby . . . .
I am with those who are interested in the rug backing--I have never seen that before. Intriguing! The last thing that I used a coupon for at Hobby Lobby was a pet bed pillow. It is huge, and I got it for $12! Then I made a cover for it using sheets that I bought from Goodwill. My silly kids like the dog bed as much as the dogs do, and they want me to make them some for them, which I guess I will do, when I have another coupon! I have also used coupons for items like air-dry modeling clay for the kids. (one more hint about Hobby Lobby, which doesn't involve a coupon- their vanilla extract is actually cheaper than at the grocery stores!)
Also - at Joann's they usually have a little wire cage at the front door with paper copies of the weekly ad (with 50% off coupon) there for the taking. *Always* grab it - even if you don't have a "big ticket" item, it might save you the price of a coffee or something. Also, remember to check whether the fabric is already discounted. I've been bitten before when a bolt that was on sale (and therefore, not eligible for further discount) had been moved into a non-sale section.
Where do you get coupons to these places?
Some other things you might not think to buy at craft stores:
Candles: These stores have a lot of inexpensive, nice candles, especially the scented jar variety. And there are all sorts of candleholders, candlesticks, etc.
Wrapping supplies: Presents wrapped with real ribbon are always nicer, and you can typically pick up rolls for 50 cents (or less) apiece. For small item or favors, there are lots of little boxes and bags to choose from. If you give away a lot of homemade edibles, look for the bakery boxes in the cake decorating aisle.
Storage: Craft stores have one or two aisles dedicated solely to storage baskets, bins, and so forth. Some are for specialized craft supplies, but most are generic and prettier than what you'd find at a store like Bed Bath and Beyond. I once got a couple of large, colorful baskets to toss our shoes in at the door. You wouldn't believe how many people ask where they came from!
Hobby Lobby puts their coupons on their website for download.
Joann has an email list that I signed up for in the store, but like fisheggs said, I've seen them in the store, too.
Michaels has an email list that I signed up for in the store, but they also sometimes print them out on your receipt when you make a purchase.
In general, ask at the checkout about getting on mailing lists and email lists.
Oh yeah, I had forgotten about the candles! Except I don't use the coupons for those at Hobby Lobby, because they go on sale for 50% off every few weeks, it seems. I have been buying candles there as end-of-school-year gifts for my kids' teachers for the last few years. I think they are a great gift--even if they don't like them for decorating, they can put them away and use them when the electricity goes out!