This week I visited Michael’s Craft Store. They were having a 75% clearance event on remaining Christmas items. If you have the budget this would be an excellent time to stock up on things for next year. But when you are looking, don’t think Christmas. Think what can these things become? A great example I saw was a set of small gift boxes that were octagon shape with a dome top. They had red and green colors in a simple print; no Christmas pictures. Most people would leave this behind, but if you are thinking like me, you see treat boxes or jewelry boxes, or favor boxes.  They could be used for birthdays, weddings, showers, or just any old day. The trick is to change the holiday feeling by adding paper, ribbon, paint, etc. With a little work you can produce something fabulous for very little money.

The store I visited was still in the process of changing over to their new products for 2010. Almost every section of the store had items on clearance. I found some ribbon that inspired an idea for Mother’s Day. I came home and planned out what I wanted to do with the idea, so now I can go back and get the right amount of ribbon to complete the project. When you shop keep your mind open to all the possibilities and inspiration will come to you.  

I have talked about Folk Art’s Extreme Glitter before, but today I ran into a smaller size bottle. Look in the Valentine’s Day craft section to find the standard size bottles of hologram, red, pink, silver, and gold. The original 5 oz. container was $6.99; this is a 2 oz. bottle for $2.99. While you actually pay less per ounce for the larger bottle, you may never use up the larger bottle. In this case choose based upon how much you will use the product. If you have never used Extreme Glitter buy some and try it, you will love it. Extreme Glitter is an all-in-one product; it is not glitter glue. The glitter is suspended in a paint-like consistency and you apply it with a paintbrush. After a few thin coats you get a smooth, very glittery finish. The glitter does not fall off like the traditional glue and glitter process. If you can paint the item, then you can glitter it without fuss or mess.

Michael’s always offers ribbon spools for $1.99 in different styles. The 2010 lineup is out with a number of great prints this year. I saw zebra print with some new color pairings like black stripes on purple (love those 80’s) and chocolate stripes on aqua (a new favorite). Some of the new spring flowers are just too much fun. The giant gerbera daisies come in black this year; think about how unexpected that would be paired with the hot pink in an arrangement. The spring mini flowers are also out and have a great selection. I particularly liked the yellow and orange hydrangea. These little flowers are great for decorating; add some to a bird house or in a wreath to accent a simple design. I always pick up a few each season and add them to all kinds of projects.

Michael’s has presented collections for decorating and crafting in recent years. Spring collections are very softly colored with a fun variety of themes. I particularly like the funny snails and gnomes in the garden theme. If you love Paris and pink the parisienne theme is just right for you. I loved the containers, birds, and butterflies. For me these are the kinds of things you can use to create lovely things for your home. In fact, the butterflies and the memory of a cake on the cover of a Martha Stewart magazine have inspired an idea that I will present for spring later this year.

New $1.00 merchandise is available too. I found some great stamps, adhesive gems, and board books. Buy now while the choice is good for your Teacher Appreciation days this spring. Pair up some great items like journals, shopping lists and mouse pads. Package them with the matching ribbon and make a card with the matching stamps. You get a gift that looks like you went top of the line and will stand out among all the other gifts. Don’t forget to check the seasonal area of the store, Michael’s has more dollar items there during this time of year.

I left the store with some mini flowers, a board book and stamp set. I only spent $5.00, but I still received a coupon good for next week for 50% a single item. I know that the coupon makes you spend more, but if you stay focused getting a coupon every time you shop can net big rewards. I used them a lot last year and saved a good amount of money. I made a list of things I wanted and their price that I kept on me. Each time I shopped I got a coupon, most of the time it was 40% off. When I could afford it, I would go back the next week and get an item off my list and another coupon. When I would get a 50% coupon I always went back and used it for the most expensive items on my list. Even if you only shop there a few times per year, use the coupons, the second trip can save you lots of money.