Freaking Expensive Art Supplies

Art supplies are insanely expensive.

Here is my compilation of ways to cut down costs.
Do you have a reliable and inexpensive website or place you go to for discounted or free supplies?
Please share any suggestions in the comments below!

 NOTE: Here is a link back to a previous post by Josh when referring to where to find free or cheap alternatives to expensive computer programs, (Lair of the Artist). All materials in this post refer to things that get under your nails.

Online Vendors 
In general, I check both Jerry's Artarama and Amazon to see if either has a good deal on whatever supplies I need. Jerry's has more of a selection and is usually about fifty percent off in-store price, while Amazon often offers significantly cheaper items but is always a gamble to see if they actually have the specific item you need. There are a ton of other sites that offer similar rates listed below, I happen to like Jerry's the best.

Craigslist Note: Did I mention always, always, always meet in a public place? Shopping on Craigslist can mean finding lots of free and incredibly cheap things but always proceed with caution. 


Hardware Stores 
An amazing array of things you would never have thought of looking for here. Linseed oil, odorless mineral spirits, shop towels, and soap that doesn't destroy your hands after the eighth time of washing off oil paint that day. Airbrush masks, frisket (aka contact paper or laminate), tape of all kinds, utility knives, interesting paint knives, varnishes, solvents, sponges, and all sorts of weird devices that could be used to create texture.
Really, I would just recommend going to a nearby hardware store and checking it out to see if it has anything you could use. Think creatively, be inspired, and support your local business whenever possible.

Trading/Sharing with Friends 
Especially within the same major or field, it really helps to have a friend who also needs to buy that thirty dollar bottle of varnish or fifteen dollar bottle of spray. As an added bonus, talking to friends is amazing for finding new techniques and tools to advance your art.

Flea Markets and Garage Sales 
These used-item sales usually only yield cheap canvases that only need a layer of gesso to cover all of the happy trees or loitering deer previously painted on them. Despite the lack of regularity, these venues are still worth a look or two.

Links! 
Check them out and find your favorite.

Jerry's Artarama
Cheap Joe's
ASW Express
MisterArt!
Dick Blick Clearance Section
Lowes
Home Depot
Zazzle (print your stuff and sell it)
Moo (good place to print business cards)
Jet Pens (everything i've bought here has given absolutely stunning results..try the zebra dip pen nibs)
DaFont (ubiquitous source for free fonts, most require permissions for commercial use however)