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Calling handmade items “cheap crafts” is probably not the best idea given the connotation. But if you love to make stuff and love to save money at the same time, these budget crafts are for you!

You can scroll down for a list of cheap craft ideas with Mod Podge (which itself is an inexpensive craft supply). Before we get to that, I wanted to give you my top five tips for cheap crafts.

Five Tips for Making Cheap Crafts

  1. Shop the thrift store and/or dollar store for surfaces. The thrift store especially has quality items at an enormous discount. You can get so many awesome surfaces in need of a beautiful re-do!
  2. Use coupons when shopping at the craft stores. Every craft store I shop at has an app, and I have them all on my smartphone. I never make a purchase at a craft store without using a coupon.
  3. Wait for sales. Every so often, the craft stores and other retailers have sales on their supplies. I love it when Michaels has a 20% off all regular priced items, and that’s when I pounce and stock up! Get to know their sales patterns and save money just by paying attention.
  4. Swap supplies with friends. If you have friends that craft, they probably have unused supplies they only used once or twice – and you probably have them too. Share your supplies to save!
  5. Consider selling. I know many a person that has funded their craft addiction by selling the projects when they’re done and then starting again. Some have gotten some pretty solid businesses up off the ground! Selling isn’t for everyone, but it could be for you.

You might like cheap crafts and saving money, but don’t sacrifice quality. Don’t skimp on paint, scissors, scrapbook paper, etc. Use your coupons on the quality craft supplies like Mod Podge so that you have them on hand but didn’t pay full price.

Are you ready to see some awesome cheap crafts – that don’t look cheap? Scroll through the projects below!

Decorate a Suitcase with Printed Photos

Learn how to decorate a suitcase with printed photos! Use Mod Podge to transform an old luggage find into a personal photo gallery. Skills Required: Intermediate Beginner. You should have experience using decoupage medium with paper, because the photos might wrinkle. Have you ever found an old suitcase and thought, “This could use a makeover”? …

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DIY Push Pins with Personality (for Beginners)

Discover how to make unique DIY push pins with hot glue and silicone molds! This easy guide is perfect for beginners looking to personalize their space. Skills Required: Beginner. If you can use a hot glue gun, you can do this craft. Just be careful to protect your work surface with a silicone mat. Hello …

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Cute DIY Pencil Holder from a Jar (Free to Make!)

Transform an empty jar into a stylish DIY pencil holder with paint, paper, and Mod Podge. This pencil cup is perfect for desks, craft rooms, or gifts and you probably have all the supplies on hand. Skills Required: Beginner. You’ll be using paint on glass and then Mod Podging scrapbook paper onto it. Anyone can …

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DIY Notebook Cover: A Quick and Creative Makeover

Transform your stationery with this easy DIY notebook cover guide! You can personalize any notebook with simple materials and techniques. Perfect for planners, journals, and handmade gifts. Skills Required: Beginner. It helps to have experience with Mod Podge to avoid wrinkles. Thicker paper is easier to decoupage than thinner paper, so just keep that in …

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Fun and Functional DIY Chip Clips from Clothespins

Learn how to turn clothespins into chip clips! This DIY project is SO easy that even a kid can do it. Budget friendly and customizable. Skills Required: None. This is simple, and cheap, and great for people who have never crafted before. You don’t need much experience; just using scissors and a paintbrush. In the …

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