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View Full Version : 10 Ways to Save Money on Scrapbooking


Angie
05-29-2008, 06:34 PM
I saw this online and thought this information and thought it may be helpful to some of you.

1) Use your scraps to fill in empty blocks on your layouts and cards. Scraps are also great for layering small embellishments and photos.

2) Print your own. Use your computer to print your own sentiments, journaling, titles, even embellishments. I especially like using Photoshop with my 4x6 photo printer. Instead of printing a photo I make a 4"x3" collage of flowers and such and print two on a sheet. These look especially nice on the front of a card.

3) If you will be covering a large portion of your background paper use your trimmer and cut away the center of the paper. In essence making a giant whole in the center. Use this paper as your photo mats.

4) Create your own frames. Many people forget that you can easily use your paper trimmer to create frames for your cards and layouts. Another great way to use up your scraps.

5) Go simple, not every layout needs to have $10 worth of 3-D embellishments. Cut back one or two embellishments and use them on other pages or cards.

6) Join a crop or club. We women are always willing to share our tools and gadgets. We also can't resist bringing every single tool and gadget with us to crops, so don't be afraid to ask the person next to you if you can borrow a punch or stamp. Attending crops at local stores is always a great way to try new products without having to buy. Every store should have a classroom full of tools that they are willing to share.

7) Swap with a friend. If your like me you have a ton of stickers, papers, and more that you thought you would use. Get together with some friends and have a crop and swap party. Each person brings their projects and supplies to crop and a box full of used and unused products that they are willing to swap. Over tea and cookies everyone can swap out their unwanted supplies! Hey that sounds like fun, I may just have to plan a crop and swap for myself. Oh better yet, YOU plan it and just invite me! LOL

8) Print your photos through an online company. I recommend Snapfish for digital photo printing. You can get prints for as low as $12! Resist the urge to use 1 Hour photo and skip all the extras like CD's and double prints. You can create your own CD's for much less and many of the photos won't be good enough for double prints. That is why I love doing it online, I can order double and specials sizes of just the really special photos.

9) Use your tools and diecut machines. I cringe everytime I hear someone say they have a Cricut or other diecut machine but never use it. You have already invested in the machine or tools so now put them to use.

10) Go smaller. By creating a smaller album you automatically reduce costs since you will be using less paper, stickers, and embellishments.

Ching
05-29-2008, 07:13 PM
lol....this is a great article Angie.

My best tip is to ONLY buy as you need and are about to use in the next 5 mins only. lol

craftymom
05-30-2008, 08:47 AM
those are some great tips..

Also use alpha stamps instead of rubons or stickers, b/c you can use them over and over.

Ching
05-30-2008, 10:58 AM
actually, a better one than alpha stamps because styles change and b/c stamps are a pricey investment.

download fonts, and use your computer to print out titles and journalling. YOu can always hand cut them down to your hearts desire. I've doen that with my journalling. lol...I'll post a sample of that later on this afternoon.

Angie
05-30-2008, 12:12 PM
Oh I love downloading fonts! That is a nice $$ saver as well.

Norma Kennedy
05-30-2008, 12:33 PM
Great tips !!!!

stampinmomof2cuties
05-30-2008, 09:27 PM
Thanks for sharing this. These are great ideas!

melstampz
06-10-2008, 05:55 AM
Great tips! I would add research review of big ticket items before you buy. Then you're sure to get something you love. I got my second paper-trimmer that way and am SO happy with it. :0)

debbiedee
07-12-2008, 03:55 PM
too funny! I am thinking this is going to say things like:
stay out of a scrapbook store
don't go on line
etc. Ü

ddobson
08-01-2008, 12:12 PM
Awesome tips!

stampin-sunnychick
08-01-2008, 01:02 PM
Great Stuff girls!

Some I already do...some I don't.

It seriously hurt me when I learned about layering to use an entire sheet of 4x6 paper for photos...so I did the cutout the middle technique just 'cause I'm a cheapo!

I've got one to add. Use junk mail to create cards/pages with...there are some seriously beautiful works of art in your file 13 pile. Rethink your throw away pile- instead think treasure!

heidi baldini
08-01-2008, 01:31 PM
Tfs!!