How to spend as little money as possible on DIY?

I guess saying something is "easy" is a way of encouraging first-timers. Cost $0 assumes you have basic things at hand ready to complete a project like glue, tools, maybe a glass jar or paint, etc. I don't think anyone is trying to mislead

people. I hope you don't feel that way, but instead see it as people rooting for you to try and succeed!

A lot of people already have items in thee home for repurposing,hence no cost

It basically means the person already had everything they used. It might be something left over from another project but if you buy something for $8.00 and used most of it on another project, it didn't cost you anything to finish a new project that used that item.

For example, I might have bought a quart of paint to do a project and a spray can of sealer. If my hubby and I get rid of something in the trash, I might remove something like a piece of wood. I could take that piece of wood. Paint it with the left over paint. Add a picture I already have or some dried flowers from my garden and spray the whole thing with the left over sealer. That would cost me $.00 on the day I did it because I bought the paint and sealer for another project but I had some left over and I had the wood that I salvage from something that needed to go in the trash.

Hope that helps you understand better.

I do understand exactly what you're saying. I think the people that are saying this have a lot of leftover supplies from previous craft projects, up Cycles or remodeling projects. You're right...everything does cost something, unless you truly get it free. I do know that you can go to a site called Freecycle or Craigslist and look for free items on that to upcycle or redo. But as far as the materials,tools or products needed to actually complete your specific project? I get it...everything originally cost some money. I think what they're saying is...don't forget what you might have at home before you go out and buy something. And understand, still know what you mean when you express your frustration with this statement from DIYer's. I hope this reply helps!

Hello Marcia; Typically people will post projects that they have worked on, and to them the cost was Zero.

The person posting had Everything which was needed to make the project with.

When looking at projects, Etc.,,,,. keep an open mind.

If you like something, make a note, and keep the directions, photos, Etc.

I personally do this, as I have lists of what I am looking for, and what I want to get done!!!

Try shopping at a Thrift Store, Flea Market, Etc. If you find something that you like, and the price isn't bad, this is a good way to be able to play around with pieces and to not spend much money!!!!

I hope that this helps you!!!!!!! Take Care!

I've been married almost fifty years and I still have some things from back then. I have also been given many, many things, as gifts and as hand-me-downs. And I have accumulated tools and craft supplies for many years. When my grown sons/wives askEd what I wanted for Mothers Day, birthday and Christmas, I started requesting a rechargeable screwdriver, a circular saw, a jigsaw, a miter box and hand saw, etc. It took a few years, but I finally had the basics. When you post, you have to try to give a cost and level. I usually give the cost of what I had to buy specially. And the price I am willing to pay at a junk store in no way relates to what some other people may pay at an antique store. As to the level, I figure that if my youngest elementary age grandchildren can do something with supervision, it must be easy for grownups. And if I can get a project done without crying or giving up in frustration, other grownups would find something easy to do. If it takes several days not including drying and curing, then it's probably medium. If I should have hired a professional, it must be hard. This is how I come to my estimates. Best wishes 😇

Free meaning repurpose things you may already have or found at curb side or from friends and other left over projects.

I recently shared a project on here and it did indeed cost me nothing. Although I did use some spray paint I had that I had bought at one time, but not for this project. If you have time enough and keep your eyes open you would be amazed at what you can find for nothing.