Last week we discussed thrift shopping for crafty items. This can be a great way to build a crafty stash especially if you are just starting out on your creative journey. Here are a few more items to consider when shopping at the thrift store. 

Check the jewelry section when you visit the thrift store. Sometimes they will sell bags of costume jewelry for a few dollars. The jewelry can be converted into charms and baubles to embellish projects. If you have basic jewelry supplies, old necklaces can be broken apart to be converted into charms to add to bookmarks, pencaps, and tassels. If you don't have jewelry supplies, you can always glue the item to a card front or scrapbook page. Sewing a piece of old jewelry to a junk journal can create fun textural elements.

In the book section, one can find sheet music, encyclopedias, maps, dictionaries and so much more. Pages can be coffee dyed, painted, inked and stamped. Cutting up old gardening books for floral elements can be great for a gardening journal. Old paper is great if you are a crafter who likes to make a prototype of a project. 

Another place to check is the section with purses and wallets. Purses are made with a variety of stiffer materials such as vinyl and leather. They can be cut apart for use in another project. If you need a stiff faux leather element consider using a scrap from a purse to embellish with. If you are interested in book binding, try wrapping a book cover in the faux leather from a purse to give it a fresh new look.

Thrifting is great if you are wanting to branch out creatively. Perhaps you have always wanted to experiment with adding fabric elements to your designs. Purchasing an old placemat to cut up is great because it is only a few dollars compared to a new cut of fabric or vinyl at a box store. Using an inexpensive item can help decrease fear when branching out to a new technique. If it doesn't work out, it was only a few cents lost. Don't be afraid to get creative and use the items you have in your stash! Experimentation can help you cultivate your creativity.