Craft freebies?

Hi all.

My sister has recently got into crafts in a big way, mostly paper crafts. She's on a limited budget though so thinking ahead I thought I would give a big stash of craft goodies for Christmas that I'll start collecting now, a few bits a week. Does anyone know of any companies that offer freebies or samples? Thanks.
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Comments

  • glynisrose
    glynisrose Posts: 199 Forumite
    Plenty of free stuff on google but I have never heard of anyone giving away freebies like this. I did much the same for my sister but I bought magazines with freebies on the front and bought things I know she'd use. I saved them all up over 6 months or so then wrapped them and gave them to her!! She was really pleased! I gave her a bow maker, some clear stamps, Papermania inks and a couple of cheap (on sale) acrylic stamping blocks.
  • Hermia
    Hermia Posts: 4,473 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I doubt there are many. I expect the samples might not be much use. One of the paper companies used to give a sample pack of their papers, but they were really small (as you would expect).

    I would just keep your eyes peeled. My local TK Maxx has a lot of craft stuff and it often ends up on the red sticker shelf. One time they had some huge designer scrapbook paper pads for a few quid each!
  • LV_Sue
    LV_Sue Posts: 273 Forumite
    Cardmaking and Papercraft site has free papers to download & print
    http://www.cardmakingandpapercraft.com/cardmaking-papers

    Also Printable Heaven has some free downloads
    http://www.printableheaven.com/pages/150%252b-Free-Downloads.html


    I think you have to register on both sites first.
  • magic57
    magic57 Posts: 736 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Hi
    Just a thought - do you have any scrapstores near you? You could give her a membership - usually about £20 a year.
    Then she could visit anytime and collect left over stuff that companies have donated. It's a bit hit and miss but sometimes you can find some really useful bits and pieces especially fabric. If you google scrapstores it should give you a list. School and playgroups often use scrapstores for artwork.
    Good luck
  • Katiehound
    Katiehound Posts: 8,083 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Buy a few magazine subscriptions- I posted this offer elsewhere:
    http://www.buysubscriptions.com/summersale
    quote code: SS14CKT
    5 issues for £5 which includes cover gifts. I think there are 2 or 3 card making mags in the offer. Ends 31 August.


    Cheap paper from Craft Creations- 5 pence per sheet offers at present in the discounted section

    Downloadable papers from www.papercraftinspirationsmagazine.co.uk


    If you Google "card making downloads" a whole mass of websites appear with papers, templates etc.
    Being polite and pleasant doesn't cost anything!
    -Stash bust:in 2022:337
    Stash bust :2023. 120duvets, 24bags,43dogcoats, 2scrunchies, 10mitts, 6 bootees, 8spec cases, 2 A6notebooks, 59cards, 6 lav bags,36 angels,9 bones,1 blanket, 1 lined bag,3 owls, 88 pyramids = total 420total spend £5.Total for 'Dogs for Good' £546.82

    2024:Sewn:59Doggy ds,52pyramids,18 bags,6spec cases,6lav.bags.
    Knits:6covers,4hats,10mitts,2 bootees.
    Crotchet:61angels, 229cards=453 £158.55profit!!!
    2025 3dduvets
  • Again not freebies but i have been lucky enough to get a craft clearout or two on ebay - a vast saving on what i could have paid for them
  • Katiehound
    Katiehound Posts: 8,083 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Not free , but cheap...lots of items @ 50 pence, 10 cards with envelopes for £1, paper packs (6x6 size) £1 and CD roms @ £1
    Here: http://www.everycraftsapound.co.uk/

    Worth looking at carboots as sometimes crafters are getting rid of equipment/stash
    Being polite and pleasant doesn't cost anything!
    -Stash bust:in 2022:337
    Stash bust :2023. 120duvets, 24bags,43dogcoats, 2scrunchies, 10mitts, 6 bootees, 8spec cases, 2 A6notebooks, 59cards, 6 lav bags,36 angels,9 bones,1 blanket, 1 lined bag,3 owls, 88 pyramids = total 420total spend £5.Total for 'Dogs for Good' £546.82

    2024:Sewn:59Doggy ds,52pyramids,18 bags,6spec cases,6lav.bags.
    Knits:6covers,4hats,10mitts,2 bootees.
    Crotchet:61angels, 229cards=453 £158.55profit!!!
    2025 3dduvets
  • Some of the cheap book shops have a small crafting section where you can pick up some pretty supplies here and there.
    Elizabeth :)
    Long-term No Buys: print books, make-up, art/craft items
    Lost 8 of the 20lbs I need to shed:D
  • Anglea
    Anglea Posts: 7,207 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic
    I've had craft freebies found either on MSE or another freebie site - these have been fabric samples, stationery - unusual papers, labels, stickers, blank greeting cards, illustrated art postcards etc

    You can finds free craft stuff online eg Gumtree, freecycle etc
  • I know it's not actually craft paper but I have used them for crafts: if you go on the B&Q website you can get free wall paper samples. You can choose 4 per order. Not all wallpapers are available for samples so you have to go through and click on the individual wallpaper, where it will say next to it if you can request a free sample.
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