HOW TO SCRAPBOOK WITH A BUDGET OF JUST $50!

As you’re beginning to learn how to scrapbook, you might be discovering that the expenses can add up. Although it’s fun to wander the craft aisles and choose a few items, you can keep scrapbooking costs down by utilizing the following tips.

HOW TO SCRAPBOOK TIP # 1 – CHECK YOUR INVENTORY.

Gather your supplies to determine what you really need. Learning how to scrap book is a lot of fun and chances are you have supplies around your home which will reduce what you actually need to buy.

Do you have glue sticks, scissors, a paper trimmer, colour paper, stickers and such? Gather these items together so that you truly know what you have on hand, and not just what you think you might have. Hold onto your scraps of patterned and stock paper as well. A lot of times you only need a small piece of paper when creating a frame or cut-out and scraps work great for that

TIP # 2 – INVESTS IN THE BASICS.

Shopping mainly for the basics will keep scrapbooking costs down. Check your local dollar store before heading off to the craft store to find basic supplies. As you get ready to learn how to scrapbook you will need:

1 pair of patterned scissors

Adhesive

Scrapbook pages with protectors

1 or 2 basic templates (oval, rectangular or square)

A variety package of patterned paper

A package of misc. card stock (stores quite often sell odd pieces of card stock at a fraction of the retail cost)

Fine tip black marker

A basic scrapbook album

If you can’t find these items at the dollar store, then go to a retail store that has a craft department or to a craft store. Look for items that are on sale. Ask the store clerk if there are any in house coupons or download coupons from the internet.  When it’s near the end of a season or right after a holiday, you can find all sorts of supplies that have been drastically reduced.

Scrapbooking albums can vary in size. Consider making 8.5″x11″ pages instead of the larger ones. You can purchase card stock, plastic page protectors and binders at an office supply store for less money than what you’ll pay at a craft store. Most craft stores sell patterned 8.5″x11″ paper so you’ll still have great choices for backgrounds. Cover the outside of the binder with material that you already have on hand. 

Making a scrapbook for a teen? Cut up a pair of old jeans to use as a cover.  Want to scrapbook your baby’s first year? Use a fleece blanket. In regards to purchasing scrapbooking tools, think quality and versatility. If you buy poorly made scissors or templates, you’ll need to replace them after a few uses. Thus, it’s cheaper to invest in quality products in the long run.

TIP # 3 – SWAP WITH FRIENDS.

Rather than purchasing new supplies, swap or borrow items from friends.

A lot of people who are learning to scrapbook, or have been scrapbooking for years, get together with friends for a day of scrapbooking together. To keep costs low, exchange supplies with your friends.

Looking for a few stickers? Swap a couple of sheets of patterned paper that you’re not likely to use. Wish you had a circle cutter? Ask your friend if you could use hers and in return offer the use of your special templates. Because so many people tend to overdo it when shopping for supplies, most people are happy to swap or share.

TIP # 4 – GET IDEAS FOR FREE

No need to purchase craft books or magazines for great scrapbooking ideas! You will be amazed at the number of online ideas regarding how to scrapbook are offered for free! Whether you’re looking for a cute idea of how to showcase photos from your child’s trip, or want layouts for birthday cards, you’ll find it!  Instead of investing in die-cuts and stickers, look for free clip art that you can easily download and print.

Also contact your craft stores to inquire about free workshops. Usually craft stores will offer one or two scrapbooking workshops a year. Not only will you get free ideas, but you’ll be able to walk away with a completed craft.

TIP # 5 – NOW YOU KNOW HOW TO SCRAPBOOK!

By following these tips, you can easily purchase what you need to begin your scrapbooking hobby for less than $50.

From time to time you’ll want to add to your current supplies. Decide how much money you can put aside for scrapbooking each month. Only purchase additional supplies when you have saved up enough money. 

For example, if you decide you can put $10 aside each month, and the new tool you want costs nearly $30, then you know you need to wait three months. Also, remember to check garage sales, thrift stores, and church bag sales. You’ll never know what great finds you might come across! I’ve even bought some great shabby chic lamps before!