Scrapbooking doesn’t always come cheap. Sure, there are many ways you can reduce the amount you spend on embellishments and tools, but like any hobby, materials add up over time.
Fortunately, the more diligent you are about keeping track of your scrapbook spending habits, the more you can save in the long run. For example, I have to adhere to a strict scrapbook budget. To ensure I don’t go over budget I keep all the receipts from my scrapbook buys in a Sterilite container and at the end of the month I add up how much I spent. If I spend more in one month, then I know I have to cut back the next.
One of the ways I keep a lid on my spending is to budget wisely. In most cases, this is relatively easy. For instance, when I purchase cardstock I use weight to determine price. Pound weight is the weight of 500 sheets of paper measuring 20 inches by 26 inches. Typically, cardstock weights ranging from 60 pounds for light weight cardstock to 110 pounds for heavy weight cardstock. The heavier the product, the thicker and more durable the paper.
Most scrappers use medium weight cardstock which usually runs around 80 pounds. Obviously, you will have to pay more for heavier cardstock, but thicker doesn’t always equate to better. Personally, I only use heavy cardstock when I am creating layouts for albums that don’t feature plastic page protectors. By having a heavy weight page you can increase the durability of the design.
If you like to sew on your paper, then you will also want to use a heavy weight cardstock, as you will need the stability to support your creative efforts. In addition, some people insist on using heavy weight cardstock when embellishing with a lot of brads, eyelets, or metal charms. However, I have never had a problem using medium weight cardstock for these embellishments, and I save money in the process.
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