Do you love to scrapbook, but money is tight? Don’t worry, there are lots of ways to scrapbook on a budget! I have had many times over the years when I had to get even more creative with my crafting, but it can be done!
How to Scrapbook on a Budget
Invest in Quality Tools
There are certain tools that are essential to scrapbooking….if you are new to this hobby you can check out my post, 10 Scrapbooking Essentials to Get You Started. The price of these tools can seem high…but if you get quality tools the first time the tools will last you for YEARS to come! My best advice is to ask for these tools for special occasions where you might receive gifts….Christmas, birthday, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. Let your loved ones know that you are wanting to build up your scrapbooking tools and give them some ideas!
Buy Cardstock in Bulk
Plain colored cardstock is a basic supply that you will constantly need in order to scrapbook. If you buy the big paper packs of solid colors you will get a great deal. Buying basic colors that will match a lot of layouts will also save you money! I love the deals I find at Michaels and Joanns on their paper packs! Never pay full price…just wait a week or two and they will go on sale for 40-50% off!
Watch for Sales
You can get great deals on scrapbooking supplies regularly. The big box craft stores have weekly deals and everything cycles through eventually. If I am needing adhesive…I just wait until it goes on sale. I also try to stock up on supplies when there are special offers like a coupon for an extra 20% off your TOTAL bill…that is on top of sale prices! You can get great deals with coupons like that. Be sure to sign up for Michaels and Joanns mailing list so you will get the best deals!
Be Creative with Embellishments
Almost anything goes in scrapbooking these days! That means there are lots of things lying around your house that would make great embellishments! I got some Christmas gifts that had ribbon on them…put it in my supply box. You can keep bottle caps to put on pages. You could paint silver paper clips to add some jazz to a layout. If you have old, ratty clothing you could take the buttons off the clothing and then cut the clothes up for rags! The buttons will work perfect for embellishing pages!
Ask Your Friends
If you tell your friends some of the things you use in scrapbooking….I am sure they would love to save items they won’t use for you! Don’t be shy to ask friends and family for their extra, unused sewing supplies or craft supplies!
Keep a Scraps Box
I keep a box of scrap paper. When I cut up a paper and have leftovers…those leftovers go in the scrap box. I use these scraps when I am making tags, cards or other small items for my pages. It saves me from having to cut up a brand new piece of 12 x 12 paper for just a small piece. The scraps of patterned paper work great for making cards! This is a great way to not waste your precious supplies!
Create a Swap with Scrapbooking Friends
When I go to scrapbooking crops sometimes we create a Swap Pile and put items we don’t think we will use. You can leave items and take other things that you will use. It is a great way to recycle your supplies!
Check out Facebook Groups for Deals
There are tons of Facebook groups for just about everything these days. I am in a couple of local scrapbooking groups and people post items for sale. I have found some great deals on tools and even just basic supplies. If you keep your eyes open you can find some real steals! You can even post if there is something specific you are looking for!
There are lots of ways to scrapbook on a budget! Don’t let a lack of funds keep you from being creative and getting those memories into books for your family to enjoy for years to come! If time is your enemy when it comes to your scrapbooking be sure to read, 10 Tips for Making Time for Hobbies.
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