Scrapbooking has become one of the most popular crafts or hobbies in existence today. The appeal of scrapbooking crosses age, gender and even artistic talent. Although the actual practice of scrapbooking came into play in the 1800s, it has ignited nearly a frenzy today as scores of people look for ways to preserve pictures and other keepsakes. You might want to scrapbook pictures of vacations, family and friends, kids’ drawings, heirlooms or mementos, the possibilities are nearly endless. In fact scrapbooking has become so popular there is an entire industry of retail stores, web sites and publications to support any scrapper’s ideas. The only problem with this fun craft can be the cost: if you shop often for scrapbook supplies you can find yourself with a mounting bill to support your scrapbook habits.
The good news is that it does not have to be this way. You will not have to give up scrapbooking to save money; but you may have to stretch your creative muscles! There are many ways you can add to your scrapbook supplies without having to empty your wallet and you can feel better about your pages because you know you created them yourself! So if you love scrapbooking but still want to save money here are some scrapbooking for cheap tips-
•Rethink your paper- One of the most expensive scrapbook items may be the papers that make up the basis of the page. There are several ways to help cut the cost here. Find out if anyone you know might have wallpaper sample books lying around, or see if your local craft stores may have discarded some. Sometimes retail businesses will give these books away free if they no longer have a use for them. These papers cut easily and look beautiful in a scrapbook when cut to the size of your album. Consider other things than paper for your background.
Scrapbooking a vacation-then use the map that helped you get there as the background for your pictures. If you do not want to deviate from traditional paper then be sure to buy when the paper is off-season (darker colors in summer, lighter colors in winter), buy in bulk or buy only clearance paper.
•Set up a scrapbook club-With so many people loving to scrapbook it really is not hard to form a scrapbook club. Simply pick a monthly time to meet, assign rotations on who brings the refreshments and bring all your scrapbook gear along. Groups find this advantageous to saving money since you and your friends can not only share expensive scrapbooking gadgets(because not everyone needs their own sticker maker or die cut) and they also find it useful to trade items(paper, stickers, die cuts) that they are not using for ones their friends do not want either. Rather than simply having items you are not going to use gathering dust in your scrapbook files you can trade with friends for things they are not going to be using and everyone comes out a winner!
•Go to scrapbook expos or retail open houses. Throughout the year scrapbook manufacturers will gather to display their newest products to excited scrappers. While this is always fun to see there is an additional benefit because they often give away loads of free stuff! For a minimal fee you may be able to come home with a loaded goodie bag of great scrapbook materials. In addition retail stores often host open houses in an effort to draw more scrapbook customers. They will also give away free stuff as a draw to potential customers so be sure not to miss this opportunity to get scrapbook materials while giving your wallet a rest!