Dollar Store Craft Supplies You Should Watch Out For

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You guys know I love the dollar store. There are so many great dollar store craft supplies you should watch out for and I want to let you know what they are. I always hear people say, “my dollar store doesn’t have those things”, but if you keep your eyes peeled, go frequently enough, and know what to look for, I promise you will find craft supply treasures that are so budget-friendly. This list has some items you may not have thought about and I hope it sparks additional inspiration for your shopping adventures. I’m also going to give you some project ideas to go with some of the supplies in case you’re not sure how to use them.

It is fair to say that not all dollar stores are created equal. That’s why I suggest branching out and trying different stores or shopping in different towns when you can. Even the same chain has different things at different locations so if you have access to multiple dollar stores, you’re going to want to make rounds whenever you can. Now let’s get started! 

The best dollar store craft supplies 

1. I tried to link at least one project idea to all the supplies, so click any highlighted link to learn more about my dollar store craft uses or additional supplies used! My favorite dollar stores are the Dollar Tree and 99 Cent Only Store. I also look at Dollar General and Family Dollar, but don’t find as much there as the other two.
2. Wood supplies – This is a general supply, but let’s get specific on a few things here! The Dollar Tree has REALLY stepped up their craft department and they have a ton of great cutouts, picture frames and additional items that are blank slates for your crafting ideas. They have phenomenal pieces for the holidays. When you see something you like…BUY IT. They run out quick. 
3. Stencils – Traditional stencils are a newer item I’ve seen in the stores, they are a GREAT price and you should grab them when you see them. I made this mixed media with some. BUT – I often use the large felt shapes you see all the time in the holiday decor department as large stencils. This is a fun dollar store hack that I’ve done a TON! Try it! See how I did a fabulous mantel-scape here.  I also use small things to trace as paint, so look at shapes, not just color!
4. Paint Palettes – Self explanatory, but so useful. There are a ton of basic craft supplies in the craft section now. Stuff like squirt bottles and this craft knife set, so be sure to check it out. My list goes off the grid a bit.
5. Paper Sacks – Yes those good old school lunch sacks are perfect craft material.  You can try this idea or use that paper as a blank canvas like I did here.
6. Wooden Utensils – The make amazing gifts if you take them up a notch. Perfect for stocking stuffers, gifts for dad or your favorite chef. See how to personalize them here.
7. Storage – We all have a TON of craft supplies and the dollar stores are the perfect place to get some organizing items on the cheap. I like to have different totes for different types of crafts.
8. Tissue Paper & Paper Napkins– Crafting with tissue paper and paper napkins is so fun. Once you learn how to add these items to your arsenal of crafting tools you can’t be stopped.  They elevate a wood surface (like this), reimagine an ordinary item and are so simple to incorporate. I personally grab seasonal items whenever I see them.
9. Books – Paper crafting and decorating with book pages is a gorgeous way to add neutral texture and decor to your home and craft projects. Why spend a bunch of money or tear up something you might actually read? Or better yet, paint the outside or try this beautiful spine art project. Grab some from the book department and your supply will never end!
10. Cutting boards- I promise these are at the dollar stores around you, you just might have to keep your eyes peeled. They are great to use as is for charcuterie boards, but take them up a notch with some personalization or transform them altogether! 
11. Contact Paper – I use cheap contact paper as a supply for my Cricut projects. It makes for amazing disposable, one use stencils. If you want to create a large sign, one time design or the like this is a great budget option over using expensive vinyl you will just throw away after use. It is NOT the same as adhesive vinyl, but used when you want the reverse effect like I did on this sign.
12. Shower liners – PERFECT for a paint drop cloth! Want to protect your workspace while you paint or make a mess. These shower curtains and liners are a dream!
13. Faux flowers & succulents – In my opinion the trick to using dollar store flowers is to make sure you aren’t trying to make them look real. Use them in a craft or project where the faux part is a given. OR – mix them in with real. I do that with the succulents. Mix some real with some faux and it really makes for a lovely arrangement.There are tons of great crafts to do with the faux flowers besides making a standard wreath or arrangement though, like this fun box idea.
14. Emory Boards – Think of them as mini sand paper boards. Perfect for aging and distressing small projects. If you do the paper napkin technique, these are great to “sand” off the excess tissue on the sides of your project. An all around great item to have in your crafting toolbox. Plus you might break a nail. 🙂
15. Sponges – I use these rough sponges in my kitchen but I also use them to clean my stencils! They are PERFECT for this task. I lay my stencils in the sink with soapy water and gently run these sponges over them to get the paint off. It works like a charm, even on my mesh stencils. I have more mesh stencil info for you here if you need it!
16. Ping Pong Balls – I am sure there are lots of things you can do with these, but this is my favorite idea for them!
17. Chargers – Ok, so this is more of a decor item than a craft item, but they are so great for your table decor. You can EASILY take them up a notch by monogramming them, painting them or trying another creative technique to transform them. I never pass these up when I see new shapes or colors.
18. Mini Glass Jars – Tiny crafts make me happy. These little Dollar Tree jars are perfect for a fun necklace or this little inspirational gift idea you should definitely try.
19. Canvas – It goes without saying these little canvases are a great deal. If you want to paint in the traditional sense you can practice your heart out and not break the bank. I love to use them as a reverse canvas and get a sweet little frame with backdrop out of them! Here is a bright idea.
20. Glass Cups – I am not sure I would load my kitchen up with the glassware from the dollar store, but they do have some great glasses sometimes. Look for the ornate ones, unusual or ones you can work into a great tablescape. I love the transformation these stemware glasses got for the holidays, so easy to do, see how here!
21. Dowel Rods – It seems like I can never have enough of these for various craft projects. I love to have a good supply on hand. Here is a cute idea using dowel rods as a crucial component!
22. Vases – Glass vases can get easily elevated into something fun, mysterious, glamorous or holiday ready. They are a blank canvas for crafting and decorating. For $1 you can try all sorts of different things with little fear of messing up something valuable! I think that is another reason I love dollar store supplies, they are a great testing ground to build your DIY skills with little to loose.
23. Readers – You might not call the a craft supply, but I absolutely do. Without them, there is no crafting for me. LOL. I have grown blind as the years pass and dollar store readers are great to tuck away in all corners of my craft room so I am never without!
24. Bandanas – These are the perfect fabric source for fun crafts.  Use them to decoupage onto wood pieces, frames, mixed media art, pillows, etc. They often have cute holiday scarves you can use as well.
25. Greenery Foam – This stuff can get expensive and is necessary for all sorts of floral arranging situations. It’s a good thing to have in your craft stash.
26. Jute Twine – Y’all know I am addicted to jute twine. I use it ALL THE TIME. You’ve seen it in my glass jar! Grab this for sure, because you will use it all the time if you hang out with me for long. (and I sure hope you do!)
27. Frames – I feel like there are a million ways to update a picture frame and while these may not start off so special they can easily get there quick. Check out this fun Halloween idea. Plus you can use them to frame the free print out I give y’all every month over in the mercantile! 
28. Clothespins – I adore clothespins. Is that weird? The are perfect for hanging things on garland, making picture frame blocks and all around display ideas. I love that they have different sizes too. You might have to find them in different parts of the store, so look up and down ALL THE AISLES when you dollar store shop! You find lots of goodies in different departments!
29. Jars – Again storage solutions abound at the dollar store. I love to use glass jars for gift giving, storage, holding pet treats and especially for pantry or laundry room organizing. Throw a little glass etching on there and you have yourself a beautiful decor item on a dime!
30. Stickers – I am a scrapbooker, y’all may not know that. I’ve been at it for years and years. I do grab some stickers for my scrapbook adventures, but I like to get alphabet stickers sometimes for reverse stenciling. Here is how I made this sign with stickers! Sometimes a good sticker just does the trick like on these ornaments!
31. Plates  – Again, not sure I’m stocking the cabinets with dollar store dishes, but they definitely have a place! The clear glass ones are begging for a makeover, you can use ceramic paint to update the plain ones, or try using the colored ones as chargers on your table. When you leave them on the table as a charger your table always looks complete, just plop your dinner plate on top of it and the table stays “made”. 
32. Canvas Art – I am not always a fan of the canvas and wall art available at the dollar stores, but I am a fan of a cheap canvas. You can often get great size and shape wood boards, canvases and the like that you can easily paint over or cover in fabric and use a jumping point for your own crafty creation. It is so much easier to spend a buck on a piece than make your own! Just think of all the things you can do.
33. Wrapping Paper – The dollar stores have a variety of wrapping paper and outside of being great for gift giving you can craft with it! Plain brown shipping or kraft paper is always a handy item. I like to use fun patterned wrapping paper for a table cloth or table runner though! It’s perfect for a creative table and then toss it when you’re done. Gotta love that kind of clean up. 

I seriously hope this list helps you think of the things you see at your local dollar store or favorite budget shop a little differently. If you made it this far you might want to pin this idea for later, hopefully there are some projects you see worth coming back for. Gather the inexpensive basics and have a good stash to create the decor, gifts and items of your wildest dreams without breaking the bank! How fun is that!? Now tell me…what did I miss that you like to look for at the dollar store?