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

[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!!

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! 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!

 

[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! 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!

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 I had fun