10 Ways To Save Money Scrapbooking
10 Ways To Save Money Scrapbooking
Here are some tips I have collected over the years to help save you some of your hard cearned scrapabooking dollars.
1. Go to the dollar store
This goes without saying, but be sure to keep your eye out for unconventional things that you would not find in the scrapbook isle. For example: buttons, felt, wine charms, flower petals, photo books, tissue paper, paper money, playing cards, or fabric from scarves that can be used on a layout.
Example layout: On this layout I used paper money found at the dollar store.
Example layout: On this layout I used paper money found at the dollar store.
2. Use the wrappings
Literally. When I get a gift that has something nice attached to it that has scrapbooking potential, I keep it. A pair of pajamas tied with a nice ribbon, or a pair of jeans with a silver tag clasp, for example.
3. Cheap storage
Look for storage at places like thrift stores, or make your own. To easily make a magazine holder or regular size paper holder, cut out a cereal box. I found instructions here:
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/recycling-crafts/magazine-holder.shtml
Example: Here is a utensil holder that I now use to store my pens:
Example: I created this eyelet and brad storage from a shower rack along with some containers, all from the dollar store. Cost: about $7-8.
4. Bottlecaps
Make your own, don’t buy the expensive packages. With a pair of pliers I twisted the ends to make it flatter, then I painted them. From there you can use stickers or embellishments on top. This costs next to nothing compared to a retail one.
Make your own, don’t buy the expensive packages. With a pair of pliers I twisted the ends to make it flatter, then I painted them. From there you can use stickers or embellishments on top. This costs next to nothing compared to a retail one.
Example:
5. Use paint
Use acrylic paints to change the look of the scrapbook papers you already have. A nice white tones down darker shades, and puts more emphasis on the layout itself.
Use acrylic paints to change the look of the scrapbook papers you already have. A nice white tones down darker shades, and puts more emphasis on the layout itself.
Example: On this snow layout, white paint is used to create a snowy look, while dark blue paint is used to tone down a hat background.
6. Slide mounts
Instead of buying a few for a lot of money, try searching camera stores for them. I also find eBay a great resource for a big box of white ones. Then you can decorate them to your taste.
Example: Slide mounts used to highlight smaller photos.
Instead of buying a few for a lot of money, try searching camera stores for them. I also find eBay a great resource for a big box of white ones. Then you can decorate them to your taste.
Example: Slide mounts used to highlight smaller photos.
7. Fun Foam
Use Fun Foam to make your elements pop out of the page instead of expensive glue dots.
Example: Fun Foam was used under the letters that spell Gavin, to make them stand out.
Use Fun Foam to make your elements pop out of the page instead of expensive glue dots.
Example: Fun Foam was used under the letters that spell Gavin, to make them stand out.
8. Photo developing
When you average out the cost to print using most high quality printers at home, it's a lot more money than getting your prints developed. Save your color printer for tweaking your layouts with small pictures, but otherwise send in your prints to be developed. I prefer Costco, which has great developing prices and excellent quality.
9. Using scraps
When you average out the cost to print using most high quality printers at home, it's a lot more money than getting your prints developed. Save your color printer for tweaking your layouts with small pictures, but otherwise send in your prints to be developed. I prefer Costco, which has great developing prices and excellent quality.
Use scraps for cards, titles, photo corners and color blocking. For the more adventurous, put them in a blender and make your own paper. Here is a how-to article:
http://www.kidsgardening.com/growingideas/projects/nov02/pg1.html
10. Make it personal
Make it personal If you use personal things on your scrapbook pages, there will be less need to spend money on fancy embellishments. Save your ticket stubs and get a brochure when you go to an event or visit an attraction. If you go to a wedding keep the program, your name tag or other paper products and use them on your pages.
Example: On this racetrack layout, I saved our ticket stubs and a brochure and put them in a hidden pocket behind the photos.
** Please note that not all items may be acid free. You can buy a pen to test the acidity.
