My hobbies are sewing and crocheting. Like others have mentioned, I plan ahead and, I use coupons for JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, etc. If I need 3 skeins of yarn, I wait till I have 3 coupons for each skein. I never pay full price for supplies.
I love those ideas Kevin and agree totally - we're regulars at our local library and I've got my oldest thinking in terms of creating his own future versus just finding a job somewhere. I definitely think that mindset is crucial in today's world and ultimately, that's the whole point of a good education, isn't it - to prepare them for the real world.
I just started sewing late last year. Like the other crafter, I use coupons to hobby stores (like Joann) and signed up for their mailing list to get more coupons in the mail. I'm also only buying exactly what I need and not a bunch of random stuff that I think I'll need "one day". I also visit a local store that saves unwanted items (scrap fabric, unused notions, along with other household items) and re-sells them for a fraction of the cost. Sewing doesn't just save me money; I've been able to sew myself things that I see in a catalog but wouldn't pay money for (like a bedside organizer). Also, I can never find summer tops I like (damn those baby-length sleeves!), so I plan on sewing tops for myself soon.
My other hobby is gardening. I repurpose a bunch of food containers (like egg cartons, yogurt cups, etc) to start seeds and grow the seedlings. Once you have pots for the mature plant, you usually don't have to replace them for awhile. The only other thing is soil. I have been buying potting soil with fertilizer added from WalMart, but I think I might start buying the cheap soil and adding a water-fertilizer mix myself; I'm not sure if that would save money. Gardening does save me some money, but you can't compare the taste of a home-grown tomato to that garbage available in the grocery stores.
As a mom of a large family, keeping hobby costs down is a full time job. No matter what the pursuit, we follow this simple process for indulging in fun without breaking the bank.
1. Can it be done for free? From horseback riding to knitting, there is a way to get what you need for next to nothing. A) Trade your time and talent. Muck stalls, trade services, or become expert at referrals (to name a few) B) Find free sources for materials like libraries if you love reading or freecycle for (just about everything) the things you need your pursuit. C0 Trade hobbies- chances are good that if you do not like snowboarding, someone else would love to give it a try and probably has invested in a hobby that was not quite right for them either.
2. Reduce the cost- Use coupons and discounts. Buy used from Craigslist, cheapcycle, thrift stores and yard sales.
3. Start a club. If you love a hobby that has lots of bits and pieces that make the pursuit fun, try starting a group where everyone meets up to enjoy the advantage of the tools collectively.
4. Wait it out. Every hot new thing is followed by the next hot new thing. Trust me, the incredible whatever-it-is will go on sale and you'll save big time.
I search for online coupons when checking out. This usually saves 10-15% or at least free shipping. It's a great way to save a few bucks here and there.
I like to swim, so I moved into a school district that lets residents use their sports facilities for free. Now I don't have to pay for a YMCA or community pool membership and I can use the pool at my neighborhood high school whenever I want.
When I'm in a creative mood I make multiples! I then sell the extras on Etsy or Ebay. For instance, I make polyclay dollhouse miniatures. I make what I need for my own use, and since I already have the colors blended, pop out a few more to sell. This completely covers my cost of materials, and then some... Same thing with gardening - propagate and sell! Knitting, crochet... For saving on supplies, I wait for Hobby Lobby 40% off or free shipping coupons. Sign up with them by email and you will be ahead of the game!
I like crafting as a hobby, so I try to buy things on sale or clearance. I also try to save money buy repurposing things like materials or cards I already have so I don't have to visit the craft store as often.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/kroshey/status/197384647901052928
https://twitter.com/frugalportland/statuses/197383784428093441
My hobbies are sewing and crocheting. Like others have mentioned, I plan ahead and, I use coupons for JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, etc. If I need 3 skeins of yarn, I wait till I have 3 coupons for each skein. I never pay full price for supplies.
I focus on just one hobby at a time. This year, it's bouldering, which means that I won't be buying any yoga classes.
I focus on just one hobby at a time. This year, it's bouldering, which means that I won't be buying any yoga classes.
I love those ideas Kevin and agree totally - we're regulars at our local library and I've got my oldest thinking in terms of creating his own future versus just finding a job somewhere. I definitely think that mindset is crucial in today's world and ultimately, that's the whole point of a good education, isn't it - to prepare them for the real world.
Great comment - thanks!
Kate
Left a comment on the FB page.
Thanks for the resources! I’m a man on a mission…hoping these help :-)
I save on my hobbies by always checking the clearance sections of my favorite stores, using coupons, and checking thrift stores.
I save on my hobbies by always checking the clearance sections of my favorite stores, using coupons, and checking thrift stores.
Started walking with my husband every night instead of an expensive gym membership.
I just started sewing late last year. Like the other crafter, I use coupons to hobby stores (like Joann) and signed up for their mailing list to get more coupons in the mail. I'm also only buying exactly what I need and not a bunch of random stuff that I think I'll need "one day". I also visit a local store that saves unwanted items (scrap fabric, unused notions, along with other household items) and re-sells them for a fraction of the cost. Sewing doesn't just save me money; I've been able to sew myself things that I see in a catalog but wouldn't pay money for (like a bedside organizer). Also, I can never find summer tops I like (damn those baby-length sleeves!), so I plan on sewing tops for myself soon.
My other hobby is gardening. I repurpose a bunch of food containers (like egg cartons, yogurt cups, etc) to start seeds and grow the seedlings. Once you have pots for the mature plant, you usually don't have to replace them for awhile. The only other thing is soil. I have been buying potting soil with fertilizer added from WalMart, but I think I might start buying the cheap soil and adding a water-fertilizer mix myself; I'm not sure if that would save money. Gardening does save me some money, but you can't compare the taste of a home-grown tomato to that garbage available in the grocery stores.
A lot of public golf course offer coupons for special rates on certain days of the week.
As a mom of a large family, keeping hobby costs down is a full time job. No matter what the pursuit, we follow this simple process for indulging in fun without breaking the bank.
1. Can it be done for free? From horseback riding to knitting, there is a way to get what you need for next to nothing. A) Trade your time and talent. Muck stalls, trade services, or become expert at referrals (to name a few) B) Find free sources for materials like libraries if you love reading or freecycle for (just about everything) the things you need your pursuit. C0 Trade hobbies- chances are good that if you do not like snowboarding, someone else would love to give it a try and probably has invested in a hobby that was not quite right for them either.
2. Reduce the cost- Use coupons and discounts. Buy used from Craigslist, cheapcycle, thrift stores and yard sales.
3. Start a club. If you love a hobby that has lots of bits and pieces that make the pursuit fun, try starting a group where everyone meets up to enjoy the advantage of the tools collectively.
4. Wait it out. Every hot new thing is followed by the next hot new thing. Trust me, the incredible whatever-it-is will go on sale and you'll save big time.
so excited about picking the dandelions from my yard and I do daycare so I have all the lil chitlins to help!!!!! thank u
Commented and liked on Facebook too! :)
I like you on Facebook!
I use coupons whenever possible!
I search for online coupons when checking out. This usually saves 10-15% or at least free shipping. It's a great way to save a few bucks here and there.
I "liked" this post on facebook
I like to swim, so I moved into a school district that lets residents use their sports facilities for free. Now I don't have to pay for a YMCA or community pool membership and I can use the pool at my neighborhood high school whenever I want.
When I'm in a creative mood I make multiples! I then sell the extras on Etsy or Ebay. For instance, I make polyclay dollhouse miniatures. I make what I need for my own use, and since I already have the colors blended, pop out a few more to sell. This completely covers my cost of materials, and then some... Same thing with gardening - propagate and sell! Knitting, crochet... For saving on supplies, I wait for Hobby Lobby 40% off or free shipping coupons. Sign up with them by email and you will be ahead of the game!
I like crafting as a hobby, so I try to buy things on sale or clearance. I also try to save money buy repurposing things like materials or cards I already have so I don't have to visit the craft store as often.
I "like" your page.
I love to read so I go to the library. Also I download free ebooks on Amazon Kindle. I download directly to my computer.