Simple Tips & Tricks for Budget Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking budget a little low?  Not enough money to buy everything you think you need?  I will show you ways to create a scrapbook you can be proud of while on a limited budget.  These steps work whether you are a personal scrapbooker or are running a scrapbooking business.

It’s important to realize there are multiple venues to purchase scrapbook supplies.  In general there are three different types of these stores.  First you have the store that will sell you name brand scrapbooking supplies at or close to full price.  Then there is the store that will sell you discounted scrapbook supplies that may not necessarily be name brand.  Finally there are stores that offer a full range from cheap to expensive.

If you have money to buy, you can go anywhere, but since you are reading this article we will assume you can only go to the second or third option.

BUT WAIT!

Scrapbooking Budget Process

Before you go shopping you have a few things you need to consider first:

1. Decide what materials you require and prioritize what you need. Your album should be the first required item with the album refill being next.  Paper, glue, scissors and pens are things you can have as necessary.  Paints, stickers, stamps, card stock, punchers or other minor details are things you may be able to do without, but are still essential.
2. Look at your shelves and desk and look for items you may already have. If you truly are looking to save money, do with what you have.  Scissors, pens and papers are things you may already have from past projects and are completely reusable. This will help when you have to purchase items that you don’t have.
3. Create your list of materials that you need.  Now that you know what you need to purchase, create your shopping list.  You may even want to create two lists, one for must haves and one for extras if there is room in the budget.  Prioritize your list with what you decided from step one to help you.
4. Create the final list.  Now that you know what your materials will cost this final list will help you stay organized when making your purchase.

Finally, it is time to shop. You can buy online, which I recommend as it is less stressful and more convenient.  Sometimes you just have to see a product in person though and those times you may need to venture to an actual store. You can also do this if you want to get started immediately.

For the tightest scrapbooking budget, you can always look around for creativity.  Newspapers, Magazines and fliers or other papers can be a great and unique alternative to paints or expensive papers. Sometimes these simple substitutions can not only save money, but help make a one-of-a-kind scrapbook that is your own!

Have you found ways to keep your spending in check? Do you have any special tips for scrapbooking on a budget? Leave a comment and let us know if this has helped you.