totally shocked at craft supply prices!!!

**rosey7415** · 11-29-2009, 10:56 AM

i make wreaths, swags, florals, decoupage, etc. my wreaths....most 18 inches...are fully loaded, i sell them for 20.00...the bigger sized xmas wreaths are 25.00. that is my highest.

well, i get an order for 2 large (30 in.) wreaths with white poinsettias, ice crystal branches, snowy branches, large silver bows w/large streamers. no problem.....order was for a cold freezy look with ice crystals as she had an ice crystal theme this year.

my chin almost dropped on the floor when i went to purchase these items at micheal's.

one 30 in. undecorated wreath with nothing on it....$30.
need large white poinsettias due to size...will look nicer...4.99 ea.....need at min. 6 per wreath....$30.
ice crystal branches...on sale at joannes..$12.....only purchased 3 branches so far...need many more....

large snowy branches....10.00 ea!!!

82.00 per wreath!!!........not even counting ribbon.....so totally rediculous!!! i only bought the ice crystal branches at joannes as i could use them on my frames i make. i called and told the customer i didn't think we should proceed....she heartily agreed and thanked me for letting her know. can you imagine if i had made these??? she would have thought i was being greedy....and that is doing it for free!!!

i do know that with their 40 percent coupon for one item...it would have been about 15.00 off of one wreath. i wouldn't have time to wait 4 sale prices each week as she would have wanted them as early as possible. can you believe it????

**frugalwarrior2** · 11-29-2009, 11:13 AM

I hear ya. We buy things a Gibralter trade center. Its a flea market w/ permanent booths. Do you have one near you? We also collect stuff from garage sales. Most things are about 10% of what craft stores want. Just an idea.

**starsapphire** · 11-29-2009, 11:20 AM

Doesn't help you now, but start stocking up on your craft supplies during the after holiday/after season sales. There's one craft store here that marks seasonal items way down afterwards.

**mommymath** · 11-29-2009, 11:22 AM

If you can get today's Michael's ad, it looks like wreaths are 30-50% off depending on what you are looking for and there is a 10% bonus coupon that applies to wreaths (in addition to other stuff); at least you could get all four at one time with the discount!

I do the same 40% strategy at Michael's, too. Good luck!!

**ladytoysdream** · 11-29-2009, 12:14 PM

Can you make them with real tree branches ? Pine cones, etc ?

**mauimagic** · 11-29-2009, 12:43 PM

Sticker shock all over the place. Mahalo for posting - and all the good ideas!! Using natural components sounds like a good alternative too!! Good luck - life is challenging us to be smarter and smarter in all that we do!!

Our Ben Franklin store offers the 40% off also, but it is not worth the gas to drive one hour each way to save for one item.

**Libby** · 11-29-2009, 12:43 PM

I totally agree - craft prices are skyhigh! I'm not a crafter and thought I'd try to be crafty and make homemade soap for my great nephews this year. The 2lb block of melt and pour was already $17 and then I need to buy essential oils to scent them ... ugh! (I'd rather use essential vs plain fragrance oil - less of an irritant to their skin)

**shoiji** · 11-29-2009, 04:14 PM

Foliage and flowers are something I do not enjoy shopping for because of the price. Usually the nicer looking the items the more it costs.

Luckily I just need to buy a few more items to add on to the x-mas wreath from last year.

**Contrary Housewife** · 11-29-2009, 04:40 PM

I never pay full price for craft supplies. If I can't get it on sale I either use the coupons that come in the mailers, from websites, or in their emails, or I buy it off season on clearance.

The plain wreaths and floral picks were all on sale the week before thanksgiving (at Michael's). It's too bad you missed it. We put together a 12" wreath for under $10.

Joann's will let you use as many coupons as you have, on different items.