Scrapbooking tips from Scrappy Jackie

Scrapbooking tips to save money

Each scrapbook costs at least $30 to make, and with the price of supplies skyrocketing, it's no wonder that many are searching for better alternatives. Here are 10 tips for stretching your scrapbooking buck.

1. Use wallpaper instead of expensive colored papers. Ask around to see if friends have extra swatches laying around. Wallpaper outlets may also sometimes give out free samples.


2. Be creative in sticker-making. Instead of buying expensive ones in stores or on websites, buy adhesive sticker paper and make your own. You'll get a much wider range as you look in magazines and newspapers, and your stickers will have the extra edge over those who buy pre-manufactured ones.

3. Don't throw out scraps. Small pieces of paper can be used in creative ways, and a colorful 8.5x11'' can be reused a number of times. Newspapers and magazines can, again, come in handy, as can old greeting cards, and pretty much any other colorful scraps lying around the house.

4. Watch your usage patterns. If you find yourself using some colors more than others, don't buy more than you need.

5. Websites such as http://www.wholesalescrapbookingsupplies.com/ offer discounts by selling wholesale. Make sure to check the "clearence section" of the websites you frequent.

6. Great places to shop: BJs (Costco, or any other wholesale club,) the dollar store (for basics like pens, glue, and paper), Wal-Mart, the hardware store (for things like copper wire, glue, brushes, eyelets), and yard sales or Salvation Army. Keep a lookout for more artistic things in unusual places.

7. Use brown lunch bags as the backings for picture frames, letter outlines, and any support items.

8. For lettering, access to a color printer will help you greatly. If you run out, simply print and cut out the letters you need. Or do all your lettering on an inkjet, keeping in mind that in the long-term, ink expenses may be less than buying custom letter sets.

9. Start a scrapbook club and trade supplies.

10. Keep an open and creative mind! If you look around, supplies may arise from the most unusual sources.