Thriftcraft: Witchcraft on a budget

​     Witchcraft can often seem extremely expensive; tools and spell items can range anywhere from a few to thousands of dollars. But they don't have to, and in this article, I'll teach you how to save money without cutting corners in your craft!
     First and foremost, you do not NEED fancy tools to be a witch, a chalice can be a favoured coffee mug, a cauldron can be a simple kitchen pot, really anything can be anything with the right intent. "But what is I WANT to have special items? is there a way to do it less expensively?", you may be wondering; and the answer is, of course! Here are some of our favourite budget witch ideas for all your craft needs!
 
1. Daiso and Dollar stores- Inexpensive stores like Daiso Japan and Dollar tree often have lots of inexpensive items that can be used in your craft. Scented candles, prayer candles, votive candles, candle holders, bottles, jars, incense, and so on are frequently found for as little as dollar. 
 
​2. Witch Swaps- Many areas have witch swap shops where you can leave things you no longer want or need and take that which you do. Often times these take place at established events, so keep an eye out! Online swap resources can often also be found on Facebook!
 
3. Thrift stores- Thrift stores, especially Goodwill or Savers (Value Village) are great for finding ritual items such as chalices, altar bowls, boxes, and even journals! At my local stores, I have scored one of a kind ceramic chalice, cast iron cauldrons and pots that can be used as cauldrons, brand new leather journals, and even god(dess) and elemental figures! As an added bonus, many thrift stores are non-profits or charities that put money back into the community for job training and community relief resources!
 
4. Local Vendors- Most areas have local vendors of some sort that make and sell wares that can be used for magick! To find vendors near to you, try reaching out to your local SCA chapter, or search Facebook or google! For persons in the Seattle area, Both Edge of the Circle Books and Gargoyles Statuary are in the university district right off 45th, and should they not have what you need, they can likely help you find it. And for our friends down in Arizona, the Astrology Shop in old Glendale is one of our favourites as well!
 
5. Online- In the age of technology, pretty much any item you could ever want is available online! And if you are hesitant to use mega corporations like Amazon and would like to avoid sites like Etsy or eBay’s listing fees, try checking the sellers page, as they likely have a website that allows you to buy directly.