How to Buy Scrapbook Supplies on a Budget

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By keithcs
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If you've been inside a craft store lately, you've probably noticed how expensive scrapbook supplies are. I love to scrapbook, but I just can't justify paying tons of money on supplies! Here are a few tips that I use:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Use coupons. Michael's puts out a 50% off coupon at least once a month in the Sunday paper. Usually if you buy something there, another coupon will also print out with your receipt for use the next week.
Step 2

Shop Walmart or Target instead of craft stores. Or even dollar stores! Many times these stores will have cheap stickers and plain paper. Target usually has holiday themed scrapbook paper and stickers in their dollar section (I got 5 sheets of Christmas themed paper there for $1!) Walmart puts their holidays supplies on sale often. During their after Christmas 50% off sale, I got a ton of 3D Christmas stickers for 25-50 cents.
Step 3

Valentine's Day Card

Use holiday cards and post cards as embellishments. My mother-in-law loves to send cards for every occasion, and they are always really cute. Many times I will use these cards as embellishments. It's free! Walmart usually has really cute cards in their 48 cent card section and sometimes I will by those specifically for using in my scrapbook.
Step 4

Use basic supplies. Of course there are tons of scrapbooking supplies out there that cost a ton, but you can use basic school supplies to get the job done just as well. You can use a ruler and exacto knife to make sure you're cutting straight, trim photos, and make photo frames. I use fine-tipped sharpies for most of my lettering. I also bought a big pack of labels that have all different sizes and colors for writing on the pages. Using your own handwriting gives it an even more personal touch.
Step 5

Go to a scrapbooking party. There are a lot of people out there who work as distributors for scrapbooking, card making or stamp companies. They will usually have parties to show you their products. Sometimes these parties are free, usually they cost about $5, and they will let you make cards or layouts, especially around the holidays. This will give you a chance to get new ideas and to use a variety of stamps/stickers/papers that you may not have at home. Plus you can use whatever you make in your own scrapbook.