by Nancy F Morgan

Created on: October 27, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2009

For those who love to craft yet are on a budget, Fall is the best time of year to put your creativities to work. The reason for this is the bountiful resources befitting the season that are available at little or no cost. From natural resources you can find in your own backyard to vegetables grown by local farmers to stores that sell every item for just one dollar, you can find an array of inexpensive items to use for your colorful Fall crafting.

First, let's start with a list of supplies you might want to gather to have on hand for your crafting needs:

Ornamentals: If you plan well in advance, these can be not only the most beautiful but also the most cost effective items you can have for producing colorful Fall creations. They include ornamental corn; also known as Indian Corn, various types of gourds, squashes and pumpkins. You can buy the seeds for these items at any nursery or garden center for just pennies per plant which will produce numerous vegetables for your use. Plant in the Spring following label directions and by Fall, you won't need to go out and purchase elsewhere. You will probably even have enough left over to share or sell!

If you did not grow your own, full as well as miniature varieties of these can usually be found for a small cost at your local farmers' market or discount grocery store. But think of this as an investment. With the farmer's permission, you can save the seeds, let them dry naturally, then plant your own for next year. Or just be sure to purchase a pack of seeds for planting in the Spring. Then year after year, you can save your own seeds and never have to pay another penny for ornamental crafting!

Pine cones: Pine trees are plentiful in most areas and even if you do not have one in your own yard, most people are happy to let you have some for free if you are willing to pick them up off of the lawn. The same for pine needles. Who wouldn't love to have someone rake their yard in exchange for the loot? Although, since you probably will not need a yard full of pine needles, just ask if you can grab a handful or two.

Feeling green? Pine seedlings can also be purchased very inexpensively in the spring. It will take a few years before the tree produces any substantial amount of cones but sufficient needles will be available the first year. And if you craft annually, this investment will soon pay off.

Colorful leaves: As Fall leaves turn from green to yellow to red, they provide a wonderful source of color for crafting. Try to

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