Ok, so I'm new at all this....BUT

[mickeylove2]

Why is it that scrapbooking is so expensive???Do you kind folks have any ideas or tips that can help my budget? I got some stuff to do 2 scrapbooks for our upcoming trip and I guarantee that I have spent well over $200 so far and at least 3/4 of that is a 1 time use! :scared1: I want to be able to put together some really nice scarpbooks so I've been buying things here and there but I wish I could find a cheaper way to do it, at this rate these 2 will be the only scrapbooks that I ever make! HELP!!!

[nicurn]

do you have an ac moore, michael's or joann's around you? they take each others coupons and usually are running 40% off sales on scrap stuff. Also target usually has scrap stuff in the $ section (some is nicer than others) at least every other 7 weeks. right now they have some cool stuff (see target $ spot post). big lots usually has random scrap stuff as well. walmart, dollar stores, etc. I usually wander around the stores and find stuff that isn't technically scrapbook stuff and buy it. Target clearances their scrapbook aisle every 6 months and that's always fun. (sometime in feb/march I think will be the next time) If you want metal embellishments, try the hardware store, they have some cool stuff there too. :) good luck! maggie

ps: I don't worry about the whole acid free thing cause I'm not putting it right on my pictures and I'm usually putting stuff on another piece of paper on the layout anyways. :)

[outlander]

Start saving things from around the house. ...pictures from magazines, stickers, beads, foam letters.... everything! Get creative and recycle! Get some of the foam tape and layer letters, stickers and cutout pics to make them multi-dimensional for a unique and not so simple look.

Have fun!:cool1:

[bigbabyblues]

I remember feeling the same way when I started scrapping! I've found that once I bought the cutting tools and the things I needed to get started, I haven't spent nearly as much. I just buy albums/pages/adhesive/page protectors as I run out, and it's usually spread out. I buy paper and embellishments with I find it on sale or if I need something for a specific page.

What have you bought so far? My biggest expense now is albums, and I only buy one every 6-8 months or so. I went to AC Moore last week with a friend, and they were having a 40% off on some paper and most of the stickers. I got a bunch of stuff for $28; that's the most I've spent at one time in a long time. Someone is almost always having a sale on their cardstock; I mostly use plain colored cardstock instead of so much printed paper anymore. I will buy printed paper for a specific page, if I can find it when I need it. I live in the middle of nowhere, and it's an hour drive or better to Michael's and AC Moore. There is a small scrapbook store about 1/2 hour away, but it's more expensive.

Steph

[Connie of Trenton]

Wondering if you could check into being a CM consultant. I have no clue what the perks might be? Or how about working at a scrapbook store in your area-maybe they would give a discount?

[BernardandMissBianca]

Only buy specific pieces for each project. I have so much stuff I could open my own store. And it's stuff I may not use for years. Take your pictures, get them grouped together by layouts, then go shopping for paper and embellishments. And limit your impulse buying.

[Fran98765]

You may want to look into digital scrapbooking. You can scrap for eons with freebies found all over the web, excepting the cost of your program, which you may already have. See the Digital Scrapping FAQ for more details.

[mickeylove2]

These are all great ideas! Thank you!!:woohoo:

[aroyer]

I agree with B&MB, shop with a specific project in mind. I started doing that recently and it has really helped me not only budget wise, but project wise. I have accomplished more lately when I am more focused than I have in a really long time. All of the Halloween and Christmas stuff is starting to call my name... might have to start a new project... :rolleyes1

[mickeylove2]

do you have an ac moore, michael's or joann's around you? they take each others coupons and usually are running 40% off sales on scrap stuff. Also target usually has scrap stuff in the $ section (some is nicer than others) at least every other 7 weeks. right now they have some cool stuff (see target $ spot post). big lots usually has random scrap stuff as well. walmart, dollar stores, etc. I usually wander around the stores and find stuff that isn't technically scrapbook stuff and buy it. Target clearances their scrapbook aisle every 6 months and that's always fun. (sometime in feb/march I think will be the next time) If you want metal embellishments, try the hardware store, they have some cool stuff there too. :) good luck! maggie

ps: I don't worry about the whole acid free thing cause I'm not putting it right on my pictures and I'm usually putting stuff on another piece of paper on the layout anyways. :)

I didn't know about the coupons from MIchaels and Joanns, there are a couple of stores pretty close- withing 30 minutes or so, I will have to go to get my hands on some coupons and go! I just spent $98 at Michael; s2 weeks ago!:eek: Most of what I have bought, I have gotten from Walmart and there stuff isn't cheap at all. I will also have to check out Target, we have 1 about 15 minutes and we have a Target Greatland 45 minutes away, I don't go there very often. I also am not creative so I have a hard time thinking that I could use something for scrapbooking that isn't for scrapbooking, does that make sense?!? I guess I'll have to think more out side of the box. Thanks for the hints!

[mickeylove2]

Start saving things from around the house. ...pictures from magazines, stickers, beads, foam letters.... everything! Get creative and recycle! Get some of the foam tape and layer letters, stickers and cutout pics to make them multi-dimensional for a unique and not so simple look.

Have fun!:cool1:

That's the problem, I'm not! ;)

[mickeylove2]

I remember feeling the same way when I started scrapping! I've found that once I bought the cutting tools and the things I needed to get started I haven't spent nearly as much. I just buy albums/pages/adhesive/page protectors as I run out, and it's usually spread out. I buy paper and embellishments with I find it on sale or if I need something for a specific page.

What have you bought so far? My biggest expense now is albums, and I only buy one every 6-8 months or so. I went to AC Moore last week with a friend, and they were having a 40% off on some paper and most of the stickers. I got a bunch of stuff for $28; that's the most I've spent at one time in a long time. Someone is almost always having a sale on their cardstock; I mostly use plain colored cardstock instead of so much printed paper anymore. I will buy printed paper for a specific page, if I can find it when I need it. I live in the middle of nowhere, and it's an hour drive or better to Michael's and AC Moore. There is a small scrapbook store about 1/2 hour away, but it's more expensive.

Steph


I haven't bought any of that stuff! So far all I have bought is 2 albums, I have 2 girls and we want to make each of them their own scrapbook from our upcoming trip, about 4 things of card stock, 3 or 4 things of the decorative paper, I think the card stock and paper is like 20 sheets in each, lots of embelishments and stickers, here lies my problem, they are all so adorable that I have to pick them up when I see them! 2 packs of extra pages for the books.
What do you mean by cutting tools, I haven't actually started doing anything with the books so I don't know what I need?!? HELP!!!

[mickeylove2]

Wondering if you could check into being a CM consultant. I have no clue what the perks might be? Or how about working at a scrapbook store in your area-maybe they would give a discount?

CM- Creative Memories? I would love to do something like that but I have no time for being a consultant for anything! Or working part time for that matter, I work FT and go to college FT while running my 2 girls to every practice, lesson and game that there is! I'm sure the perks would be great though!! :cutie:

[mickeylove2]

Only buy specific pieces for each project. I have so much stuff I could open my own store. And it's stuff I may not use for years. Take your pictures, get them grouped together by layouts, then go shopping for paper and embellishments. And limit your impulse buying.

I never thought of that, I just had the idea of doing these books and thought of what I could use or might need and then I let my girls each pick out what they wanted too, for instance, for a Minnie page, off the top of my head I guarantee there is about 8-10 embelishments and stickers that they each have for her, from the stickers of Minnie, there is a bow sticker, (I dont know what they are called but it is 3 d and feels kind of like fabric and you peel the back off and it sticks, they are like $3 a piece in Walmart) anyway there are 2 or 3 of them, there are 3 d and flat sticker things of MInnie and Mickey together, there are even little clear plastic envelopes with Minnie on them!!!:confused3 Are we really going to use ALL of these on 1 page???? Um I'll guess, no! :confused: I guess taht means I'm no good at limiting my impulse buying?:rolleyes1

[mickeylove2]

You may want to look into digital scrapbooking. You can scrap for eons with freebies found all over the web, excepting the cost of your program, which you may already have. See the Digital Scrapping FAQ for more details.

Thanks, I didn't know there was such a thing as digital scrapbooking! :surfweb:

[BernardandMissBianca]

I never thought of that, I just had the idea of doing these books and thought of what I could use or might need and then I let my girls each pick out what they wanted too, for instance, for a Minnie page, off the top of my head I guarantee there is about 8-10 embelishments and stickers that they each have for her, from the stickers of Minnie, there is a bow sticker, (I dont know what they are called but it is 3 d and feels kind of like fabric and you peel the back off and it sticks, they are like $3 a piece in Walmart) anyway there are 2 or 3 of them, there are 3 d and flat sticker things of MInnie and Mickey together, there are even little clear plastic envelopes with Minnie on them!!!:confused3 Are we really going to use ALL of these on 1 page???? Um I'll guess, no! :confused: I guess taht means I'm no good at limiting my impulse buying?:rolleyes1

3-D embellishment is right and no, you'll never use them on 1 page! LOL

the envelopes are cute for things like Mickey Dust (confetti from WDW).

Save some for later if you decide to do autograph books.

So have you guys not gone to Disney yet, you said upcoming trip??
You will probably have enough pics of everything for a 2 page layout. I would say roughly 6-8 pics is what you should take of various things. Say Minnie for example, if you did a Minnie page you can take pics of her when you get an autograph, in the parade, during the castle show, at Chef Mickeys or Liberty Tree Tavern. Etc, x 2 pics from each that's 8 right there. Always take at least 2 pics because you never know which will come out the best.

I usually have 1-3 embellishments on each page too. Depending on the number of pictures I have.

You also have time to think about what kinds of pictures you want. Most people start scrapping after the event. I have found that since I started scrapping DH and I take different photos than BSB (before Scrapbooking). It changes your whole perspective. BSB I would never have thought of taking pics of signs, now I do it all the time, doors too, and windows. Up close to the walls of buildings looking up, etc....

Anywho, lots to think about, if you have more questions feel free to ask. Everyone here is super helpful!

*Disclaimer- DH and I take on average 3000-5000 photos on each trip so don't take my word for it.* :teeth:

[Yzerbear19]

I try to wait for things to go on sale. I know that Hobby Lobby frequently has their paper, albums, sheet protectors, stickers, embellishments, stamps, etc all 50% off at different times. So sometimes its just a waiting game. This past week I bought 2 albums and 2 packs of sheet protectors (25 per pack) for $33. Everything was half off. It would have cost $66 for everything not on sale. I really like when they have all their paper 50% because it includes packaged papers. I've gotten packs of cardstock (50 sheets) for $2. I got a pack of black and one of white the one time they were on sale because I use those the most for lettering and with my Mickey and Friends Cricut cartridge.

Joanns and Michaels both have frequent sales on paper, stickers, etc.

The one local scrapbook store near me usually has sales on cardstock which includes Bazzill the first Friday of the month and sometimes later in the month. I can get 5 sheets for $1. They also have 20% off of their paper quite a bit during these sales. So sometimes I will wait to get there until Friday.

I think definitely knowing what you need helps. I do as someone else suggested and wait until after I have my pictures and will take them in the store with me to find paper, stickers, etc. There are some things like Disney that you can buy beforehand, but I like to wait until after so I know what I need so I don't buy things I don't need.

And definitely knowing what kind of sales the stores around you typically has helps. Sometimes its a pain to wait for an item to go on sale, but it can really save you money.

Another way to save money is to work with a friend. :) My sister and I scrapbook together so we share a lot of stuff. Plus our sister-in-law scraps and we've shared things with her as well, like her Sizzix machine.

[huge mickey fan]

You mentioned you didn't have any cutting tools since you haven't started yet. Here is my suggestion. Buy a good 12 inch cutter, I have a Fiskars and it works wonderfully, a good pair of scissors and some adhesive. I also have the Xyron sticker maker so make my cut out letters sticky or other clip art that I have saved.

Now as far as supplies I used to buy evey Disney item when ever I saw it. I couldn't help it. It was a few years in between trips so I was stock piling for a long time. Never again. I had stuff I bought and haven't used for 3 trips in a row. Of course there is always new stuff coming out so I put in in a bin and then let both sisters and mother go through it to scrap our big family trip last December. It is now called our community box. We all add to it or take out when we need something.

I wouldn't buy anymore supplies until you get after your trip because you may not get the pictures you think or you may get some you weren't counting on. I usually take advantage of the local store coupons or sometimes some of my favorite online stores run specials or sales. Keep an eye open for sales and then the cost isn't so bad.

[nicurn]

take all the pictures you want because you never know what might be a good picture. :) I probably tend to oh shall we say "overtake" pictures :) I sometimes put it on continuous shoot and just click away. :) I end up with a zillion pics and probably only print 40-50 (if that) but I have never felt like I "missed" a picture. :) maggie

[Goofysmate]

Not sure if this is of any help to keep the cost down on scrapbooking, collecting things from around the packs like parking tickets , park tickets, and so on . Also the cast members sometime are also giving away small round sticker which could be saved to use at a later date.

[bigbabyblues]

What do you mean by cutting tools, I haven't actually started doing anything with the books so I don't know what I need?!? HELP!!!

The cutting tool I used the most is the personal trimmer from CM; I think there are other brands out there. It's used to crop the pictures down to the size I want them to be. I also use a 12-inch paper trimmer to cut the paper for borders, etc.

The other thing I have is the circle and oval cutting system from CM. It has patterns and blades to cut circles and ovals of different sizes. I don't use it a whole lot anymore, and I probably wouldn't consider it necessary to get started.

I know what you mean about the embellishments being too cute to resist, I have the same problem! I've finally cut back to buying only what I need for pages I'm going to work on soon. I did have a hard time last week at AC Moore when the stickers were all 40% off.

Stick around here, this is a great place to ask questions and get tips.

[LindaBabe]

I have a huge box of Disney paper and embellishments and rarely use any of it for scrapbooking.

My advice for saving money is to buy punches instead of stickers (they're reusable) and use penwork, for example, instead of rub ons, and computer generated lettering for titles.

The other thing is plan plan plan in advance - I use simple scrapbooks magazine fast formula sheets - and then buy. It's the cute impulse purchases that languish in their containers after eating up the scrapbooking budget.

[Leighbert]

I would suggest reviewing scrapbook magazines to get an idea of which products appeal to you and which don't. Often, the manufacturers of the products you like sell their products on-line and you can get some great deals. I recently bought a lot of really nice paper and embellishments off of Daisy D's website at a great price because it was on clearance. I've also gotten good deals from other web retailers.

Also, don't forget about ebay. Some of the sellers on ebay are very knowledgeable scrapbookers and they sell beautiful scrapbook materials at great prices.

[mickeylove2]

All of these ideas are really great, thanks for being so helpful!

[mickeylove2]

I would suggest reviewing scrapbook magazines to get an idea of which products appeal to you and which don't. Often, the manufacturers of the products you like sell their products on-line and you can get some great deals. I recently bought a lot of really nice paper and embellishments off of Daisy D's website at a great price because it was on clearance. I've also gotten good deals from other web retailers.

Also, don't forget about ebay. Some of the sellers on ebay are very knowledgeable scrapbookers and they sell beautiful scrapbook materials at great prices.

What are some magazines that I should be looking for?? I know that some are probably better than others. Thanks

[Leighbert]

I like Simple Scrapbooks because the layouts are accessible and not overwhelming--I can adapt my pictures to the layouts this magazine features and the pages I create look good. I also really like Scrapbooks, etc.--the layouts are so beautiful. I look at the pictures in Creating Keepsakes but the layouts are usually too advanced for me.

I can usually find all of these magazines at Target, Wal-Mart, or the grocery store.

[nicurn]

I like looking through the gallery at 2peas. www.twopeasinabucket.com
maggie

[jmc_in_disney]

I do agree with everyone here - start with what you need, not necessarily what you want! I'm 2/3's of the way through our Disney album and haven't used a 1/4 of what I bought for it!

Most of my basic tools came from Creative Memories - scissors, 12 inch trimmer, personal trimmer, tape runner and journaling pens. Some things I have from CM that are nice but I don't use as much are a corner rounder, oval cutters and a wavy 12 inch cutter.

I too search out the Michael's, Joann's and AC Moore ads to see what's on sale - at this point, I only buy something when it's on sale or when I have a 40% off coupon. And if you're patient, just about everything goes on sale at some point! I visit a few different message boards and that's a great way to find out about sales, coupons and online sales. One site I love for certain scrapping things is www.frugalities.com - their discount changes every day. I just bought a bunch of stickles (glitter glue) at 46% off!! :banana:

Working with a friend is also a great idea - I have a friend who scraps and we both recently got Cricut's - it's great when we scrap together and can borrow each other's carts!

And, just an fyi - but especially with Disney books, you might end up using certain character embellishments on other pages, not just pages dedicated to them. For example, I have Minnie, Mickey, Goofy on my Chef Mickey's page and Minnie & Mickey are on my ToonTown pages - so you might find some of the embellishments work elsewhere.

Have fun with it!

[Raenstoirm]

If you also spend a little extra time shopping, you have no idea what could be useful in other departments of the store. For example, my last run to Michaels for paper I discovered the clearance section of summer stuff. I loaded up on 25 cent ribbon and these flip flop making kits. Essentially they are foam pieces that are meant to go around the base of the flip flop and over the top. I got one with waves and another of flowers that is almost 3 feet long all for 1 buck each! :banana: They will be great for my summer pages.
Wander around other departments, beads and little wood cutouts and mini mirrors are all useful and they are cheap since they are not "scrapbook" items.

All in all though I have blown a couple thousand dollars on scrapbook stuff in the last few years, so even this has not saved me from the financial burden of scrapbooking!:eek:

[BernardandMissBianca]

If you also spend a little extra time shopping, you have no idea what could be useful in other departments of the store. For example, my last run to Michaels for paper I discovered the clearance section of summer stuff. I loaded up on 25 cent ribbon and these flip flop making kits. Essentially they are foam pieces that are meant to go around the base of the flip flop and over the top. I got one with waves and another of flowers that is almost 3 feet long all for 1 buck each! :banana: They will be great for my summer pages.
Wander around other departments, beads and little wood cutouts and mini mirrors are all useful and they are cheap since they are not "scrapbook" items.

All in all though I have blown a couple thousand dollars on scrapbook stuff in the last few years, so even this has not saved me from the financial burden of scrapbooking!:eek:

the dollar spot at Michael's and Target. The rub on dept in the craft stores. Puzzle pieces, wooden pieces metal.

Maggie's favorite used to be dry wall tape from Home Depot. LOL

[Faerie]

I just got a TON of stuff at Target in the dollar spot - ribbon, chipboard, make it yourself calendars, mini albums :D I had fun