Hello, my thrifty friends! As you know, I have been a bit of a homebody this year as I renovate and redecorate my home. I have been seeing a return to hobbies and crafts. From granny crafts and anything to keep your hands busy as the summer comes to a close. If you want to try your hand at a new hobby don’t run to the craft store. Make a U-turn to your closest thrift store. I have thrifted some hobby supplies, and you can too. Here’s what I found at the thrift store for a steal compared to retail.
Yarn and crochet hooks
My mom taught me to crochet when I was young, and I had a friend who tried to teach me to knit. I wanted to get back into it without spending a lot of money. I was pleasantly surprised when I found not one but two brand new packs of crochet hooks. One was metal, and one was plastic with various sizes. I also found a huge skein of brand-new yellow yarn. I saw a tutorial online for crochet sun charms, and the yellow was just what I was looking for. I think I might have secretly manifested it. I’ve visited Twinsburg Goodwill, and they have a whole craft section with no shortage of new yarn.
Craft kits
Craft kits are perfect if you want to be crafty and you don’t know where to start. I recently saw a juicy couture charm bracelet-making kit in the kids’ section of Goodwill. I thrifted a color-by-number Frank Lloyd Wright kit. Someone started it, but I finished it, and it was fun and reactivated my artistic side. To know me is to know that I love tie-dye and dyeing my clothes. I remember when this shibori dye kit was in store. It was brand new again. It is a perfect screen-free activity to do with the kids.
Painting
Painting not only is a fun creative hobby, but it’s also a great way to get custom art for your home made by you! I have been able to thrift at least 2 small wooden paint easels; you can also find paint, brushes, palettes, and even paint kits. If you’re up for a challenge, thrift one of the photo-printed canvas art and paint over it. Create your own artwork. It’s a great way to get a large artwork you love without spending upwards of $80 for a new large canvas.
Drawing
I love carrying a sketchbook with me so when an idea strikes, I can sketch it out. When I’m out in nature or at a cafe, I can sketch a little scene and stop doomscrolling. I found a beautiful leather-bound sketchbook that was brand new. I love that it has a leather string to wrap around and tie the sketchbook closed. I have been using it nonstop so it’s getting a bit worn, but that adds to the charm. Also, you can thrift fun markers and pen sets for coloring and journaling. I have even found a full box of new pencils.
Gardening isn’t just for spring and summer. My gardener sister told me now is the time to start your fall seeds. You can find grow kits and other gardening tools like kneeling pads and watering cans. Not to mention tons of plant pots. You can even thrift for your garden decor. Whether it’s a fairy garden or fall theme, the thrift store is a great place to shop. Think outside the box while in the housewares section. I have seen teacups and saucers turned into bird feeders and pottery into fountains.
Jewelry Making
I’m a jewelry girl. I love to make it, and I love to buy it. As I mentioned before, you can find jewelry-making kits at the thrift store. You can also thrift things to make into jewelry. Paracord is great for bracelets, and I saw some again in the craft section at Goodwill in Twinsburg. It’s easy to look through the jewelry section as if you’re in the craft store. Think about taking apart beaded necklaces and remaking it into new pieces. You would only need a few supplies to get started. From there, you can make tons of new jewelry. Beaded necklaces with charms are really popular right now, and there are so many how-to tutorials online that you can follow.
I hope everyone is inspired to try out a new hobby. Get creative and stay thrifty, friends.
~ Taylor S.