In today's economy, many people, and scrapbookers in particular, are looking for ways to continue doing what they love without breaking the bank. While now may not be the time to buy the latest and greatest products, that doesn't mean that scrapbooking has to be boring. In fact, re-thinking your way of crafting can actually be just the thing to get the creative juices flowing.
JoElle and Karen, owners of Scrapbook Paradise (formerly Treasured Memories Too) in northwest Reno, share some budget friendly ideas for scrapbookers:
1. Use what you already have. Most scrapbookers have a large "stash" of paper and embellishments. Rather than purchasing all new product for a given project, take a look at what you have. That paper may be a couple of years old, but with a little bit of creativity you can make it new again.
2. Supplement with new product. Adding one or two fresh, new items can add new life to older supplies. Scrapbook Paradise is currently awaiting shipment on hot new CHA releases that are sure to fit the bill.
3. Buy smart. Use coupons when possible and shop the clearance table.
4. Use old product in new ways. Alter patterned paper by distressing, inking, painting, or misting. Metal accents and brads can also be painted for a fresh look. Making your own paper flowers is a lot more affordable than buying pre-made embellishments.
5. Share tools. Consider pooling money with a friend or group of scrappers for bigger ticket items, such as punches and stamp sets.
6. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Keep a box handy for scraps of all sizes. These scraps can be used on smaller projects like cards, and cut or punched into different shapes for embellishments. Found and thrifted items can add a lot of interest to your layouts.
Above all, don't let the current economic downturn derail your enthusiasm for scrapbooking. Crafting in general is a wonderfully therapeutic activity and doesn't have to be expensive.
Comments
Taking classes at your local SS is a great investment, small up front cost, new ideas, and usually at least three new layouts quickly, plus extra papers and stuff. I always come home excited and encouraged to be more creative with my layouts.
So true! Same with attending crops or scrapping with friends. Local scrapbook stores are for so much more than just shopping.
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