Preserve Your Memories for Pennies
Consumers spend billions of dollars on scrapbook supplies each year. While the products seem to be more enticing than ever, the craft can certainly put a strain the best of budgets. Before you purchase your next expensive piece of paper, embellishments, or brads, consider these thrifty alternatives instead.
Save Your Gift Wrap. All the holidays offer ample opportunities to gather up scrapbook supplies. Why buy patterned papers and ribbons when you can easily recycle bags, bows, ribbons, and wrapping paper to serve the same purpose. Each holiday, have a box and a pair of scissors handy to clip and store useable pieces. You’ll be surprised by the variety and store of scrapbook pages you’ll be able to fill with these freebies.
Swap Supplies. Get together with your friends and trade leftover or unused scrapbook supplies. This is a great way to replenish or add new items to your stash without spending a dime.
Host a Party. Invite all your scrap-booking friends over for a night of crafts and fun. Share tools, pens, and stickers with each other. Have everyone select a few pieces of paper and a punch shape, then trade the cutouts. Use a little ingenuity and everyone will benefit!
Weigh Bulk against Single Items. Before you purchase that next package of 50,000 stickers, decide whether you really need the whole box or if you just need a few travel-related stickers. You’ll save in the long run by just catering to your actual needs.
On the other hand, if you constantly use a particular type of paper for your albums, consider stocking up by purchasing the item in bulk. Typically, the higher the quantity in the package, the less the cost per item. Be sure to do the math to make certain the bulk package truly adds to your savings.
Check out Garage Sales, Auctions, and Thrift Stores. You never know what you’ll find at a garage sale. Stop by a few and see if you can scope out some new stickers, scissors, or other scrapbook staples. Occasionally, you may find someone who’s cleaning out their scrapbook supplies or a dealer who has discounted over-stocked items. These little gems will be well worth watching for!
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