yeah i have the craft box thing going for my kids! santa was kind this year and provided some new things (stocking fillers) to add. New pencils etc. I think that the cheap shops, big w etc have great craft bits. Woolies has a few bulk packs of feathers etc. You can keep your eye out for things around the home to add. You can recycle boxes etc and give them to the kids for free craft.

I tend to have a useful box, just like on Playschool. I put boxes of all sizes in there, magazines, old cards, bubble wrap, ribbons and wraps off of things, cardboard insert from toilet rolls. Whatever really, you’ll be surprised at how crafty ‘rubbish’ can be

School supplies shops (as in where teachers shop) often sell things in bulk at much cheaper prices than elsewhere. Worth a look if there is one in your area – most will sell direct to the public on a walk in basis.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 13 Nov 2015 , 3:34 am

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  Do you know the names of these shops?

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    • • mom165081 replied
      • 13 Nov 2015 , 12:54 pm

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    In WA, Educational Art Supplies is good. I am sure there would be similar in other States too. Edex.com.au could also be worth looking at? Try googling Teacher Craft Supplies or School Craft Supplies as well. The range from these stores is much better and economy of scale is great. Watch out though as catalogue prices don’t include GST.

    If you haven’t tried Model Magic its a bit pricey, but great fun. Also, buy a few bags of cornflour and make goop at home – its super messy, super cheap and the kids love it. We hide things in it and have to feel to guess what we have found. Its got a ton of amazing properties to explore and experiment with too. Put it in the bin once finished though (DONT WASH DOWN DRAN – IT WILL CLOG THE DRAIN!!!!)

    We also collect leaves, twigs, stones, feathers, flowers (from our garden only) and other interesting objects from our garden and on walks. These are great and free crafting objects – we keep them sorted in jars. Try painting with feathers and other objects. Try painting with water on pathways. Wool, buttons and beads are cheap and easy to find in op shops.

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    • • mom93821 replied
      • 14 Nov 2015 , 8:13 am

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    Wow! Thanks for taking the time to write this excellent answer. Big thanks to you!

Kmart, Big W and the Reject Shop sell some basic kits of craft stuff. I usually try all the cheapy bargain shops as they sometimes have some really good craft stuff similar to what they sell at Spotlight or Lincraft for more. Other than that look at things around the house you can keep for craft – toilet rolls, scrap paper, wrapping paper, cards etc

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 12 Nov 2015 , 8:06 pm

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  Thanks – will have a good hunt around all of these shop!