Four crafty finds, ten dollars, and absolutely no intention of buying any of them.
Funny how content for the blog just wanders in on Fridays, like a drunk hitting the bar on payday.
There I was, minding my own business, when a perfectly innocent trip to Dollarama turned into another crafting adventure.
Did I need more craft supplies? Absolutely not.
Was I planning to buy craft supplies? Also no.
Did I leave with a bag full of potential projects and enough ideas for several blog posts?
Of course I did.
Said every crafter who has ever walked into a dollar store.
But here's the thing. This wasn't an extravagant shopping spree. I spent a grand total of $10 Canadian on four little crafty finds.
And rather than simply show you what I bought, I thought we'd have some fun putting everything to the test.
Because a bargain isn't really a bargain if it ends up collecting dust in the craft room. And believe me, there's already enough of that happening around here.
So grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and let's see what ten dollars bought us!
First Up: A $3.50 Winter Die-Cut Paper Pad
Oh, this one caught my attention immediately.
Beautiful winter-themed patterned papers, lovely A2-sized scenes, and sheets filled with woodland and nature-inspired die cuts.
Trees, winter scenery, and all those little details that make a card feel special.
And just when I thought I'd seen everything...
What to my wondering eyes did appear?
Sentiments!
Right there at the bottom of the sheets!
Well, hello there, little beauties. You've just saved me from digging through my sentiment stamps.
I'm already imagining some gorgeous winter greeting cards, and the best part is that the papers and embellishments coordinate.
For $3.50, this one looks very promising.
But looking pretty in a package and performing well on the craft table are two different things.
We'll be making some cards and finding out just how far this little paper pad can go.
Next: A $3.50 Santa-Shaped Christmas Bead Kit
Because apparently, my bead collection needed reinforcements.
This little kit comes packaged in a container shaped like Santa's head. Inside are red and green acrylic beads, white pearls, peppermint-looking heishi beads, and some stretch cord.
The beads are cute. Very cute.
The stretch cord?
Well, let's just say I'm reserving judgment. It may be perfectly suitable for the birds, although I'm not sure even they'd appreciate it.
I'm thinking this kit could make some adorable seasonal bracelets for children.
The big question is how many bracelets we can actually create from one $3.50 kit.
We'll count, create, and see whether Santa has delivered a bargain or a stocking full of disappointment.
Five Rolls of Washi Tape for $1.50
Now this one surprised me.
A five-pack of themed washi tape from Calvin, and I wasn't expecting miracles.
In fact, I was expecting exactly what you might expect from inexpensive dollar-store tape.
Something that sticks beautifully for approximately three minutes before deciding it has better things to do.
But curiosity got the better of me.
I tested this tape on different surfaces, peeling it off and sticking it down again. And again. And again.
More than twenty times.
And would you believe it? The little darling was still sticking!
Well, Calvin. I owe you an apology.
Of course, we're not declaring victory just yet. The real test will be using all those pretty patterns on a handmade greeting card.
Will the tape behave? Will it stay put? Will it look fabulous?
Stay tuned.
And Finally: $1.50 Tiny Christmas Tree Decorations
You see tiny Christmas tree ornaments.
I see charms for Christmas earrings and bracelets!
It's a condition. I'm fairly certain there's no cure.
These little decorations weren't even in the jewelry-making section, but that's never stopped a determined crafter.
With a few beads, some jewelry findings, and a little imagination, I think we can turn these miniature ornaments into some delightfully festive accessories.
Will they work? Will they be comfortable to wear? Will they look like something you'd actually want to wear to a Christmas party?
We're going to find out.
And if they turn out wonderfully, I may have to return for another package.
For research purposes, naturally.
So, Was My $10 Well Spent?
That's exactly what we're going to discover.
Over the next few posts, I'll be sharing the projects made with each of these four purchases, along with my thoughts on the quality, ease of use, value for money, and whether I'd buy them again.
No fancy laboratory equipment required.
Just a craft table, a little creativity, probably some coffee, and the occasional questionable decision.
Some of these bargains may turn out to be fabulous finds. Others might teach us a valuable lesson about getting what we pay for.
Either way, we'll learn something, make something, and hopefully have a few laughs along the way.
And that, my crafty friends, is ten dollars well spent on entertainment alone.
Now tell me...
Have you ever wandered into Dollarama for one completely innocent thing and come home with an entirely different collection of treasures?
Or am I the only one who considers the craft aisle a perfectly legitimate tourist destination?
Until next time, happy crafting!
Coffee in hand & something always on the craft table,
Julie — The Paper Artist
