I often stroll around scrapbook supply stores and drool over all of the expensive tools and embellishments that I can’t afford. The exercise is humbling and depressing at the same time. It can also be inspiring if you are naturally creative. After all, not all scrapbook supplies are budget busters. In fact, some of the most unique scrapbook materials can be found in your home… for free.
Take a few minutes the next time you are cleaning your home and look for every day items that can be repurposed as scrapbook embellishments. Doing so can save you a ton of money, plus you get the added enjoyment of turning old items into new decorations for your layouts.
Some practical items that can be turned into scrapbook treasures include:
*Mismatched buttons
*Ribbons
*Leftover yarn
*Beads from broken jewelry
*Decorative tags from gifts
*Wrapping paper
*Scrap material from old sewing projects
*Greeting cards
*Swatches
*Broken chalk
*Leftover stickers
*Recycled cardstock
Another way to save on your scrapbooking hobby is to buy in bulk. Economy size scrapbook paper and other embellishments, such as stickers can easily save you several dollars off the cost of buying individual items. In addition, when you buy in bulk, you don’t have an excuse to make impulse runs to the scrapbook supply shop and purchase items that you don’t really need.
The same philosophy pertains to online scrapbook supply shopping. Many online retailers offer free shipping or other discounts the more items you buy. Take advantage of the special offer for items you use on a regular basis and don’t be suckered into purchasing cutesy seasonal items that you think you are going to use, but end up storing away and forgetting all about. Your best bulk bets are cardstock in versatile colors, such as white, black, grey, cream, and blue. Other good bulk buys are refill pages, silver or gold eyelets and brads, and adhesives.
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