Do you want to do scrapbooking but have a limited budget to buy the essential supplies? Then read on and learn some tips and tricks to get around your shoestring budget and still create beautiful scrapbooks you can be proud of.
First, you make a list of the things you need in order of priority. The scrapbook album is the most essential tool to have. But you can find inexpensive scrapbooking kits that have everything you need all in one package. In the end, it can come out cheaper than buying everything individually. Also, you can make your own mini albums very inexpensively using paper bags and envelopes. More on that in a moment.
You would then need the basic tools and supplies – pens, papers, adhesive, and scissors. Rubber stamps, acrylic paints, puncher, stickers, card stock, and ribbons are things you may already have or can get very readily. Check your own supply to see what you already have that you can use, like scissors, colored papers and markers.
Once you have identified the things you need, make a list of the things you need to purchase. Remember you are working on a limited budget so you know your priorities. It is better if you make two lists. One is for the must haves and the second is for the extra supplies if you have excess cash.
Next, check the price on the Internet to get an idea of the prices. There are several sites that sell scrapbooking supplies and there are more sites that offer discounted scrapbooking supplies. You may want to visit sites that offer cheaper but quality supplies. Make sure to shop around. The first site you visit may not be the best so take your time and browse several sites before deciding where to buy your supplies.
When you have decided where to buy your supplies and have an idea of prices, then it is time for you to make your final list. This is a good idea because you want to have your list at hand when shopping. If you are anything like me, your eyes are much bigger than your wallet! I get to the store and see all the pretty embellishments and things and there goes the budget! Making that final list keeps you organized; this list will be your shopping guide. You can also shop online as it is more convenient and less stressful. If you prefer seeing the product first before paying for it, then you can go to stores.
If you still have some extra cash left, you may want to buy some inexpensive scrapbook supplies that would give extra glow on your scrapbook. Rubber stamps, colored pens, and colored papers are still cost efficient yet would add sparkle to your scrapbook. I also mentioned creating mini scrapbook albums. These are my favorites and a lot of fun to make and give as personalized gifts. You can make them out of paper bags, envelopes or cardstock. Check out the Following the Paper Trail YouTube Channel, as Laura teaches you how to create gorgeous mini scrapbook albums out of small, medium and large envelopes as well as paper bags. It is very easy and quite inexpensive to get a pack of envelopes at your local stores.
If you are really on a tight budget, you can improvise by using materials you can find in your home. Magazines, newspapers, and other papers can be good alternatives for colored papers and paints. Yes, expensive materials would really add good effects on your scrapbook, but with a little creativity and imagination, any material you have at home would transform your scrapbook into a work of art.
Happy Scrappin’!
