Scrapbooking on a budget

[nestinggal]

Since quitting my job to become a SAHM in July, we have had to make quite a few adjustments now that we are a one-income family. I am loving being at home and would not go back to work now for anything (except I may have to get a PT job for fun money). One of the adjustments has been not being able to run out and pick up whatever scrapbooking supplies I needed for my latest project.

Needless to say I am interested in hearing how others cut corners to keep cropping. Please share your favorite budget scrapbooking tips.

I’ll start:

1. Purchase frequently used colors (white, black, ivory) of cardstock at your local office supply store. Most of the cardstock they carry is acid free and a fraction of the price you would pay at your LSS. (Example: pack of 250 sheets at Staples is $8.98 (less than four cents a piece) vs. a pack of 36 sheets at Archivers for $4.49 (twelve cents a sheet). This is also great if you do a lot of card making--one sheet of 8 ½ x 11 makes two standard size cards.

2. This one is a Disney one: Download free clip art off the internet and print out on cardstock to make your own page accents. I did this for my AAM #2 challenge page (Aladdin) and I am printing and cutting out several more characters to use for DS autograph book.

Here is a website with tons of Disney characters (I think I first got the link from the DWT site): www.disneyclips.com

[iwannabeminnie]

Wow! Thanks for the information. Congratulations on your new 'job'! It is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.

[hugemickeyfan]

I agree about being a stay at home mom is the best job there is. Until recently (I start full time on monday) I have worked part time so I got to almost be a stay at home mom. Someday I will get there again. Scrapbooking on a budget well I do like the clip art idea. You could also make stickers out of them with one of those Xyron gadgets. I love mine. Then you wouldn't have to purchases sticker packs and not use them all. I have also found buying my cardstock colors in bulk is much cheaper than individually. You can buy the packs of colors at most crafts stores. Sometimes you can find a varity of shades for less than $5.00. I also have several websites in my favorite and I check them often for items on specials, clearance or maybe free shipping.



Huge Mickey Fan

[thesnowwhite]

I look at jewellry stores for clearance jewellry...like 10 or $10 then take apart the charms, chains, etc to use on pages...then the charm is under a dollar versus the $4-7 you see at craft stores.
Also, the dollar store here in Canada has great stuff...like vellum tages 6 for a dollar...that is great for the budget!
Shari

[iwannabeminnie]

Wow, I never thought about looking at Claire's for scrapbooking items! That is a great idea!