15 Craft Supplies You’re Wasting Money On (and What to Use Instead)

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Crafting is a very rewarding hobby, but it’s also very easy to get sucked into the sparkle of tools when shopping at the store. You go in with the intention of grabbing a few necessities and leave with a cart overflowing with gadgets, tools and materials that you think will make your projects simpler, fancier, or faster. Let’s face it, some of those supplies end up collecting dust in the back of a drawer and you wonder where all your money went.

The truth is, you don’t have to purchase every trendy craft supply out there. In fact, most of the so called “must haves” are not needed, and there are plenty of cheaper, DIY alternatives that will work just as well (if not better). Here’s a rundown of 15 craft supplies you’re probably wasting money on, and what you can use instead.

Expensive Paintbrushes

Fancy paintbrushes promise precision, but the truth is you don’t need the top of the line brushes unless you’re working on intricate detail work. Most crafts will get by with basic brushes from the hardware store. They’re also much easier to clean—and replace if needed—with no need to break the bank.

Craft-Specific Storage Boxes

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Of course we all want those colorful, plastic craft organizers but they can be so expensive. Instead of spending money on fancy storage solutions, reuse old jars, tins or even shoeboxes. You really can use a little creativity to turn everyday items into practical and charming storage options.

Patterned Paper Pads

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Andrei Metelev

You can spend a lot of money on patterned paper pads and be left with a stack of paper you will never use. Buy plain paper and use your imagination by stamping, painting or drawing your own created designs. Not only is it more cost effective but it also allows for total customization.

Fancy Colors or Glitter Hot Glue Gun Sticks

Almost every craft project works just fine with standard hot glue sticks. While those glittery, colored glue sticks look fun, they don’t really add much to your finished product. If you want a little sparkle, sprinkle glitter onto plain old glue while it’s still wet—much cheaper and more versatile.

Pre-Cut Stencils

While pre cut stencils might be convenient, they can be surprisingly expensive and restrictive. Instead, create your own stencils with a craft knife and some cardstock. It won’t cost you a dime beyond basic supplies and you’ll have more freedom to design exactly what you want.

Specialty Hole Punches

Yeah, those heart, star and flower shaped punches are cute, but how many times are you actually going to use them? Instead of building your own collection of specialty craft punches, snip out shapes with scissors or a craft knife, or trace and hand cut your own for a distinctive personal touch.

Fabric Glue

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While fabric glue can be expensive and does work well for small jobs, you don’t always need it. For most fabric projects, a needle and thread are a cheaper and more durable option instead. If sewing isn’t your thing, basic white glue will work for many lightweight fabrics.

Embellishment Kits

Most premade embellishment kits are overpriced and you usually only use a fraction of what’s included. Rather, grab bulk packs of anything you know you’ll use, or even better, upcycle buttons or charms from old clothes and jewelry.

Specialty Craft Scissors

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Anita Eka Permatawaty

Decorative edged craft scissors may be fun, but how often will you actually pull them out? Instead of filling your workspace with multiple pairs, spend the money on one decent, sharp pair that can do all of your basic cutting. If you’re looking for a more decorative edge, try tearing and folding paper.

Fabric Markers

But fabric markers are convenient, but they run out quickly and you don’t need them for most fabric projects. Fabric is just as easy to write on using regular permanent markers as well, and they are a fraction of the price. They are also available in a larger range of colors.

Adhesive Vinyl

Adhesive vinyl is great for stickers and decals but it can be expensive when you’re working on larger projects. Normaly you use contact paper, which is much cheaper and comes in loads of different colors and patterns. It’s an easy cut and apply, and a great alternative to expensive vinyl.

Glitter Paint

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Olivia Rich

While glitter paint may seem like a time saver, it hardly ever gives you the level of sparkle you’re looking for. But if you want a little more dazzle, mix your own glitter into regular paint or sprinkle glitter onto wet paint. You’ll get more coverage without paying a premium, and more shine.

Ready-Made Gift Tags

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Making your own gift tags is a fun, easy, and much cheaper option than spending extra on fancy premade gift tags for your presents or crafts. Take scraps of paper, old holiday cards, or cut cereal box shapes and decorate them however you want.

Embossing Powders

Usually, embossing powders are expensive and need special tools like a heat gun to get working. Rather than spending money on embossing supplies, you can use stamps, textured paper or raised stickers for a little bit of dimension without having to shell out for extras.

Every Surface Has Specialty Paints

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With glass paint, fabric paint, and wood paint, there’s a paint for everything these days, but if you’re working with acrylic paint, it’s probably going to work on most surfaces just fine. When you mix the acrylic paint with a medium you can use it on fabric, glass and even outside, saving you money and eliminating the number of paint bottles cluttering your shelves.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.