Creative saving
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy small paint samples from hardware stores to create custom signs or art instead of buying pre-made decor.
They are cheaper than store-bought items.
one person who lived it
Make handmade cards or gifts instead of buying them.
Spending time shows love and care, which children remember and cherish forever.
one person who lived it
If you move frequently, use tapestries for wall decor because they pack down small and can be washed and stored in space bags.
They are easy to wash and store in space bags prior to moves.
one person who lived it
Add a bit of water to gouache paint.
It makes the paint more fluid.
one person who lived it
Buy old wood frames from yard sales or secondhand shops and have them resized for new art to save money compared to buying new frames.
Buying new frames at a shop is expensive.
one person who lived it
Drive through wealthy neighborhoods on garbage day to find usable furniture and household goods left on the curb.
Residents often leave these items out for others to pick up.
one person who lived it
Trade skills, such as hemming pants, for artwork from art students.
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Repair dented stretched canvas by slowly brushing water across the back (unpainted side) to tighten the fabric and pull it back into shape.
As the canvas absorbs water, it tightens up.
- Do not soak the canvas; the goal is only to cause tightening.
- The item might not be real canvas.
one person who lived it
Avoid resting the back of a canvas against a chair backing to prevent warping the surface.
Prodding or resting the canvas this way can warp it quickly.
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Apply waterproof or UV protector spray to DIY painted signs intended for outdoor display.
Standard paint is not weatherproof.
one person who lived it
Ask around local college campus art buildings to find affordable art.
It is described as the cheapest way.
one person who lived it
Buy pottery from local art centers or colleges to get cheap, ethically sourced items.
Sales help cover student costs.
one person who lived it
Consider buying art prints as a cheaper alternative to original paintings.
They are extremely cheap.
one person who lived it
Consider buying standard sets of watercolors instead of extracting ink from markers if the price difference is negligible.
Standard sets are versatile and allow use of the same tools.
one person who lived it
Cut floral prints from old books and affix them to wood plaques to create vintage-style wall art.
one person who lived it
Cut out children's paper drawings and adhere them to old tabletop decor using Mod Podge.
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Paint characters on inexpensive mugs to create personalized drinkware.
- Hand wash painted mugs to preserve them.
one person who lived it
Leave unwanted items neatly beside dumpsters after office hours to allow community members to use them before disposal.
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Paint solid colors on inexpensive canvases to create affordable modern-style wall decor.
one person who lived it
Repaint thrifted frames and combine them with National Geographic art to create display-worthy pieces.
one person who lived it
Use homemade decorated lanterns as seasonal gifts that recipients will actually like and use.
one person who lived it