I don’t throw away any leftover scrapping material. Given how much I pay for some of my supplies and embellishments, I would be a fool to toss out scraps. Instead, I make like a hibernating animal and hang on to even the tiniest pieces of paper, ribbon and glitter.
In addition, since I am on such a tight budget, I’m constantly looking around the house for every day items I can use to decorate my layouts. For example, I use plain brown paper bags that I get from the grocery store or Wal-Mart (they’re stored under the self check out stands) to make photo mats. I also recycle old twine, ink and paint.
I save money with photos by using editing software. Instead of shooting with special film or spending money to have a professional convert my pictures I just use the color conversion tools that came with my software. I can turn color pictures into black-and-white and sepia masterpieces without spending additional money.
You can save on paper by layering leftovers. For example, consider covering a brightly-colored bold patterned paper with vellum to soften its appearance. You can also sand paper to give it a distressed look. Another idea is to soak the paper in coffee or tea until it stains. Then, thoroughly dry it and use in antique-theme layout.
Finally, forget about buying an expensive box to hold your precious scrapbook paper. Rather, learn how to make your own large scrapbook paper storage box. Simply buy plain storage boxes during a post season back-to-school sale (that’s when they are cheapest) and spray paint them to match your craft room or area. You can even embellish your boxes with stickers, rub-ons, stamps, ribbons, bows, etc. If you are feeling especially frugal, then use leftover paper to harness a frame around your family photo ad add it to the box.
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