Essential Budgeting Tips for Creative Crafters

By Jehanne Bening — November 30, 2025

It’s that time of year when we gift. Earlier today I went back to Dick Blick’s. I bravely marched in for “just one tube of permanent white gouache.” Naturally, I walked out with a bagful of art supplies for other crafts that were absolutely, desperately needed. If you’ve ever blown your entire SCA scribal budget in under six minutes, welcome home—you’re among friends.

And with the gift-giving season sneaking up on us, I realized this was the perfect time to discuss saving money. At the very least, we can pretend to save.

Online Art Stores: Where Your Self-Control Goes to Die (But Prices Are Good!)

Shopping online really does save money… theoretically. You can compare prices, stalk sales, and pretend you’re a responsible adult. The big sites have enormous inventories and “sales sections” that are like treasure chests.

Sure, sometimes the paint you ordered arrives a bit… mature. A little crunchy and difficult to get out of the tube. But hey—discounts!

Buy Only What You Need (Until Something Shiny Appears)

In theory, I make a list and stick to it. In practice, I still have enough inks to survive the apocalypse and enough brushes to supply three workshops. But who among us hasn’t accumulated a “stash” just for the classes you teach?

Recycling Like a Medieval Craftsperson

Need paint trays? Pudding cups! Need palettes? Styrofoam meat trays! Need paper towels? The cheap kind works perfectly (and somehow lasts longer during emergencies?).

Coupons: A Scribe’s Love Language

Coupons are my superpower. I have Googled “Michael’s coupon” while still in line with the grace of a caffeinated apprentice.

And that glorious 40%-off-one-item deal? That, friends, is when I would pounce on that fancy French Ultramarine blue I now gift to other scribes.

The Newsletter Trap (But With Deals!)

I dislike email clutter—but those newsletters do alert me to sales. Is it worth it? Usually. Do I also get tempted by things I never knew existed until that email arrived? Absolutely.

The Pergamenata Resurrection Trick

If you’ve never scraped off dried ink with a knife while watching TV, are you even a scribe?

Just be sure to test the other side before committing. Sometimes pergamenata behaves like a saint; other times it behaves like a o cute little glass covered dampen dishes. Another time I bulk bought little multiple mortar and pestal bowls. The same with Drx Trim.  Both still moothat now moons at me from the shelf whenever I walk by.

Guild Cooperation: Cheaper and More Cheerful

One of the best deals ever was the Calontir Scribes’ Guild’s purchase of giant pergamenata sheets. We sliced them down and gave them to anyone who finished an original award scroll. Cheaper AND a reward for service? That’s peak Calontir.

Care for Your Tools (Or Regret Later)

Dip nibs don’t ask much—just a little cleaning and drying. And yet… somehow I forget.

As for ink and paint:

Don’t freeze them. They separate into weird alchemical layers.

Don’t cook them in a hot car. They explode.

Don’t store wet paint. It molds. (Ask me how I know.)


Organization Saves Money (In Theory)

Every time I lose a tool, I buy a replacement in frustration. Like magic, the original reappears the very moment the new one arrives.

Someday my studio will be organized. Possibly. Maybe. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Think Before You Splurge

Easel art cases look fabulously professional… but do you actually use one? I don’t. Even now I’m a crafting hermit. Buy what fits your need, not what looks impressive at events.

I’d love to learn your gift giving saving ideas. I can always learn more. Please, share with us your tips and comments.