12 Clever Crafting Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

rafting is a great way to express yourself and keep your creativity flowing.

However, it can also be quite expensive if you're not careful. Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks out there that will help you save money while crafting! Here are 12 of our top tips:

1. Pick up glitter with a lint roller

If you're like me, you love glitter. It's a versatile crafting tool that can be used for everything from scrapbooking to party decor to jewelry making. Unfortunately, glitter is a pain to clean up after.

Instead of sweeping up the mess or getting down on your hands and knees with a dustpan and brush, try picking up these tiny plastic shards with a lint roller (or even better—an anti-static dryer sheet). A quick swipe across your workspace will pick up all but the smallest pieces of glitter in just a few seconds!

2. Sharpen your scissors with sandpaper

If your scissors are dull and won't cut through fabric, use fine grit sandpaper to sharpen them. The sandpaper will remove the burr which prevents the blades from moving smoothly and cutting effectively.

3. Cardboard box spray paint booth

The cardboard box is your friend when it comes to working with spray paint. It's easy to create a DIY spray paint booth using a cardboard box, newspaper, and some tape.

4. Freezer prevents stringy glue sticks

A freezer is a great tool for preventing your glue from drying out. If you have a lot of glue sticks, or even just one or two, it's important to keep them in the freezer so they don't get stringy and unusable when you need them most.

5. Store small items in ice cube trays

In a pinch, ice cube trays can be used to store small items like paper clips, bobby pins, or beads. Simply fill each section with your desired object. If you use a tray with lids (like these), you can also label each compartment—the labeling process itself may take longer than the actual storage!

6. Use a hole punch to create your own confetti

This is a great way to add a festive touch to any celebration. Simply gather up some colorful paper and use a hole punch to create confetti.

7. Use an old gift card as a makeshift scraper to clean out tight spaces

This is a handy trick for getting into small nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach with a regular scraper.

8. Turn an old wine bottle into a soap dispenser

This is a great way to repurpose an empty wine bottle and add a bit of whimsy to your bathroom. Simply remove the label, clean the bottle, and add some soap or lotion to the inside. You can use a cork or a pump dispenser to dispense the soap.

9. Use a clothespin to hold small items while you glue them together

This is a great way to hold two small items in place while the glue dries, without getting your fingers covered in glue.

10. Use an empty toilet paper roll to store and dispense ribbon

This is a simple and easy way to keep your ribbon organized and easy to access. Simply cut off one end of the toilet paper roll and thread the ribbon through it.

11. Use a binder clip to hold fabric while you cut it

This is a great way to keep your fabric in place while you cut it, especially if you're working with slippery materials like satin or silk.

12. Use a heat gun to dry paint or glue faster

A heat gun is a powerful tool that can speed up the drying process for paint and glue. Just be sure to use it carefully and keep it at a safe distance from your project.

In the end, you have to decide what works for you.

Will it be cost-effective? Will it enhance your creativity and enjoyment of your crafting? Keep these things in mind as you make your choices, but also try the hacks above!

Learn More:

• Learn creative ways to make crafts from recycled materials: Recycled Crafts: Making the Most Out Of What You Already Have
• The Benefits of Crafting and How to Get Started