Most crafters love having lots of extra supplies on hand because they can experiment with all sorts of textures, crafts and designs. The “craft stash” that allows crafters so much creativity typically comes at a price, but savvy crafters know how to take advantage of deals. This Black Friday, take advantage of seasonal sales to stock up on all the supplies you need to prepare for the holidays. After you hit up your favorite craft stores, think outside the box to continue saving.
Craft Store Deals
The major craft stores, A.C. Moore, Michael’s, JoAnn Fabric and Hobby Lobby, offer slightly different inventory. If you can, visit all of these to enjoy the most savings. This year, Michael’s will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day sales offer doorbuster items and 30 percent off your order. If you keep your shopping to Black Friday, save 25 percent off your entire order from 7 a.m. to noon. Christmas ornaments and holiday supplies are an average 30 to 40 percent off. Select kids craft are “buy one get one” or “buy one get one half off.”
While JoAnn Fabrics hasn’t released their shopping holiday plans yet, the fabric store opened at 6 a.m. in 2011. JoAnn offered a 50 percent off any item coupon in 2011, and gave customers 20 percent off their regular order. While the fabric store is known for its wide selection of ribbons, ric rac, fabric, patterns and sewing supplies, JoAnn offers far more. Think school supplies, scrapbooking papers and decor, candy-making supplies and more.
Hobby Lobby has not yet released their Friday shopping deals, but expect the craft store to offer doorbuster prizes and sales to attract shoppers.
This year, A.C. Moore opens at 5 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. Save 40 percent off your entire order from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., then save 60 percent off your whole order from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The first 100 Friday morning shoppers will receive a $5 gift card. Since holiday gift bags, jar candles and pashminas are on sale, you can stock up on holiday gifts for your friends and family. Craft supplies on sale include Christmas greens and ribbons for homemade wreaths. Jewelry making, scrapbooking and stamp supplies are 40 percent off. Other A.C. Moore sale items include blank t-shirts and sweatshirts, canvas, paints and wooden baskets.
Other Ways to Save
The same shopping plazas that hold craft superstores may offer additional inventory that appeals. Home Depot and Lowes stores have gardening supplies, wood, fasteners, paint and more. Save on spray paint to customize everything from planters to picture frames. Pick up bulbs like Amaryllis or hyacinth, then decorate terra cotta pots with paint, ribbon, mosaic, buttons or other materials.
Marshalls, TJ Maxx and the Christmas Tree Shop receive regular inventory that may appeal. If you’re planning holiday gift baskets, pick up fancy food items at any of the three. Find stockings you can craft, as well as stocking stuffers for the holidays. Look for cookie cutters and decor for baking crafts and paper and punches for scrapbooking.
To stay on task the Friday after Thanksgiving, go through your craft stash and make a list of items you’re low on. Then make a list of things you’d like to purchase. Compare Friday sales flyers to see what store offers the best deal on the items you need most, then start your shopping engine.
Danielle enjoys stocking up on holiday craft supplies to make homemade holiday cards. Read her work at artroommelody.com.
