Tag: auctions,

Crafting On The Cheap

You should never use the excuse “I can’t afford it” when it comes to crafting and here’s  why. I do a number of crafts but one I spend a lot of time on is cross stitch embroidery. Over the last four years since our economy has been in the sewer I have been more resourceful in where I buy supplies.

Welcome to the world of thrifting. I shop Flea markets, yard sales, and most often auctions. The last place you would buy crafting supplies, right? You would be surprised. Over the last four years, I probably have spent less than $50 a year on supplies. I have bought multiple boxes of yarn, large boxes of cross stitch patterns, mixed craft supplies, and more. It is too the point that most of the auctioneers will point those items out to me prior to the sale. Here is just a sample from my latest purchase.

Binder of cross stitch thread.

Sitting in what we affectionately call a “goodie box” underneath a table was this large binder full of thread and in the box was an array of cross stitch fabric, Scissors and more. I spent a whopping $5 for the box and the binder. The binder looked to be in poor condition so I really was not expecting the thread to be any good. In desperation one night when I failed to find a particular thread in my thread boxes I opened up the binder and quickly found the thread I needed. The thread was on a card that was enclosed in a zip lock bag  carefully pulling a strand off the card I held my breath waiting to see if it was any good. On inspection the color looked good but was it weakened with age. I threaded my need and began stitching. Amazingly the thread seemed to be in good shape most likely because of the zip lock bag. On first inspection this binder was the one piece I thought I was going to have to throw out. So glad I didn’t.

So the next time you are in need of supplies, why not venture out to your local auction. You might be surprised at what you will find.

Have a great day, and take a moment to thank God for it

Gavel Down!

If you have never been to an auction you have missed the opportunity of a good buy. While there are a number of different types of auctions I rarely turn down the opportunity to go to one.

Auction items can range from pure junk to high end antiques or working cars and equipment. While I am familiar with the routine auctions near me I also visit auctionzip.com weekly to locate any other auctions of interest within a fifty mile radius.

Once you have selected the location of the auction you want to attend it is just a matter of waiting until the selected date and driving to the location. You will want to arrive at least thirty minutes prior to start time so that you can sign in and get a bid number and view the merchandise.

If you find items you are interested in it is a good idea to make a list. If the auctioneer does not put up the items you are interested in a timely manner it is okay to let the auctioneer or one of the people on the floor know so they can work the items it.

At the start of the sale the auctioneer will introduce himself and give his license number. He will also tell you the terms of the sale and any other announcements.

The auction begins when the first item is put up for sale. If interested in an item you raise your bid number high enough the auctioneer can see it. When he reaches a price you want to pay for the item and you are the final bid the auctioneer will declare the item sold.

At tonight’s local auction I bid on a craft box lot. The box I was interested in was full of a lot of different craft tools and supplies. I won the auction at twenty dollars for the box. When I got home and went through the box there were a number of items that were still new in the package.. Rough estimated value of the box was probably close to at least $150. Not bad.

While there is usually more than one person bidding on an item it is a good idea to have a max bid in mind so that you don’t get caught up in a bidding war and pay too much for an item.

You can literally furnish your house from auctions. You can also buy tractors and farm equipment at a steal just depending on how many other people want that same item.

Auctions are a great way to get whatever you need at a price you can afford. Check out an auction near you.