Where do you buy your craft supplies?

[anomaly13]

I am trying to do more crafts with ds but I need to build up my craft box. Today I was at the dreaded Walmart, I can't stand how huge that store is, but since I was there I thought I would look at their craft section to check prices. Well I ended up spending like $15 on stuff. Here's what I got, was it a good deal or did I get taken?

colored googly eyes, 80 ($.97)
pipe cleaners, 100 ($1.97)
colored feathers, a bunch ($1.97)
white glue, 2 four oz.bottles ($1.00 for both)
sequines, a bunch ($.97)
pompoms, 100 ($2.47)
craft sticks, 150 ($1.97)
ribbon, 2 spools ($.47 each)
animal stencils, 6 ($1.00)
box with lid ($1.00)

Later I was at the dollar store killing time waiting for an appointment and found they had pompoms, pipe cleaners, craft sticks and some other stuff but far fewer items pre pack and of course each thing cost $1.00

So where do you shop? Who has the best deals? I am excited to venture into crafting more, I used to love crafts but have been waiting for ds to get a little bigger and interested, also love looking at all the stuff for sale at stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

[zech13_9_goforgold]

I think whether or not you got a good deal depends on where you live. If you're in a city, then you could apply one set of standards. And, if you're in a end of the road town, then you take what you can get.

I'm in the second of those. We have a Wal-mart and a Ben Franklin craft store. If I can't find what I want there, I can go about two hours away to a Michaels. I order things online sometimes. Especially because it's easier for specialty crafts.

Now, for your question, the prices seem fine to me. I would still check your sales at the other craft stores. I really like Hobby Lobby, but we don't have one anywhere near me. I get to go with my MIL when we're at her house.

I'd would also look at thrift stores, because they get lots of craft stuff in and they would love to give it away.

[mom2fussy]

Depending on how much I need & when, I'll often take advantage of the 40% off coupons we get for Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc. Usually 40% off their prices is cheaper than Wal-Mart's regular price. But you have to buy things gradually that way... It works well if they have a bulk package of lots of stuff, and then you get 40% off that.

I'm always scouting the clearance section of the stores too (Wal-Mart or any other). I've gotten some GREAT deals.

Oriental Trading Co (online) has good deals sometimes, especially when they offer free shipping w/no minimum or $$ off your total. But they tend to be better for bulk items.

[racheleuphoria]

I love buying craft supplies for the kids at DiscountSchoolSupply.com. Free shipping doesn't start until $70, but the prices on paint, paper, brushes, misc collage items, etc are just incredible!

[doubledutch]

if i need something really specific, i will go buy it new from the store - typically i will get it from the store i'm already going to (like target) or some place that takes me the least out of the way - so for example, the fabric store near target rather than the one five miles in another direction. time and convenience are more important to me than saving a minimal amount of money. for higher quality supplies, i find it's a better deal to order online.

for general stocking up, i depend on thrift stores (soooo cheap!), nature (free!) and our trash/recycling (free!). in the thrift store, don't limit yourself to the crafty/sewing area. also check the jewelry, as you can get a ton of beads very cheaply (plus the findings) by buying and taking apart necklaces. some of the things i'll sometimes save from the trash/recycling are:
packaging that could become something cool
paperboard (such as a cereal box) to let my kids paint on it and then it still ends up being recycled unless it's truly amazing
caps and lids both as "supplies" and as "tools" (pots for paint, glue or water)
the always wonderful toilet paper / paper towel rolls