Crafting is a multi-billion dollar industry in America. When you think globally the numbers increase exponentially.

Social factors like the global pandemic as well as increasing demand for handicrafts by socially conscious shoppers have added to the industry’s growth with unprecedented results. Even as some brick and mortar supply store locations closed, revenue exploded through online sales.

A single seasoned crafter would be shocked if he/she took a step back and added up the amount of money they have spent on craft supplies. I know I am. I’m generally a thrifty shopper and I probably have at least a full college tuition worth of supplies in my studio. That’s not including equipment.

Where does your money go?

Have you ever thought about how your “fun money” has wider implications?

Michaels is the largest craft supply store in North America. It was acquired by, private equity firm, Apollo Global Management in 2021. Apollo has more than 200 subsidiaries that do not pay taxes. Keep that in mind when you see prices like a point turner worth less than a dollar selling for $9.99. or when you see them promote how they “give back” to Project Sunshine. Don’t forget giving back is tax deductible, which may not matter if you don’t pay taxes anyway.

Hobby Lobby, another very popular craft store, is known for its ultra conservative “Christian” stance. According to them, they “[honor] the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles”. They were victorious when the Supreme Court ruled in their favor in the case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. Although their FAQs are crafted with a live and let live tone citing how they do not prevent employees from obtaining contraceptives, they do not discriminated against women or LGBT employees, and that they are only concerned with being allowed to run their business under their own religious freedoms, they donate millions to the biggest far-right organizations, and political figures including very controversial figures like Donald Trump, the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) and it’s founder Bill Gothard – all charged with abuses against women. If this is in line with your values shop away, but you may not want to get yarn for your pink pussy hats, or supplies for the LGBTQ parade or drag ball there.

The crafting industry has a global reach, with many of our favorite supplies coming from other countries. However, it’s important to consider the impact that purchasing these supplies has on the economic growth of those countries instead of your own. Think about how millions are spent on whim craft ideas only for people to lose interest in a particular craft or toss unused supplies, contributing to American landfills. So, when we’re spending big bucks on craft supplies, it’s worth keeping these factors in mind.

Alternatives

I encourage everyone to explore all your creative ideas but there’s no reason to spend a fortune doing it. If you are curious about a new crafting avenue start by getting supplies at considerably less expensive places than the big box craft suppliers.

You can begin by making small purchases at dollar stores, but what’s even better is to thrift them. Thrift stores and Facebook are excellent sources for budget-friendly craft supplies.

Thrift Stores

The popularity of thrifting has caused prices to soar in some cities, but you can still find great deals when it comes to craft supplies. Most stores will make, what I call “craft bags”, which are little bags of random objects. Stores take many of the smaller objects people have donated and bag them together to sell for a minimal price.

Craft bags allow you to challenge your creativity. Look at one and think, “What can I make with these things.” You will surprise yourself with the results.

Checkout your local thrift stores. There is a misconception that they are all charities or non-profits. Consider the thrift store you patronize. Is it a charity shop or a for profit business? Where does the money go? Where do unsold items end up? Try to make informed decisions about what you are funding for fun.

Facebook

Facebook has a Marketplace where people post their no longer needed items for sale. There are also hundreds of free Facebook groups dedicated to makers, creators, and artists where you can trade supplies and creative ideas. You can also receive or give away unused supplies. This approach fosters a sense of community. You have more control over where your hard-earned dollars go. You will spend less money and you can make new friends with similar interest. By participating is these groups you may also get to meet people with different beliefs and lifestyles who you may not have met otherwise and see your commonalities over your differences.

Online Thrifting

There are also online thrifting options like Mercari, but keep in mind that shipping fees can increase the cost, so it’s better to look locally first.

Shopping online makes it easy to fall back into the trap of going straight to Amazon or the big boxes. But by going the used route help the average person make some money and reduces the amount of waste we have to manage.