scrapbookers I have a ?

[mking624]

When you travel, keep your eyes open for scrap stores. I was in Destin a few months ago (not really traveling, but it is a travel destination) and I stumbled upon a joint called the Scrapbook Clearance Center. I got a huge bag of stuff for $25.

The problem with this is that there aren't exactly many people willing to open a clearance store dedicated to scrapbooking. Most people know that they can open a scrapping store and it be a hit without ever even having a sale. I love scrapping, but I stay away from specialty scrapping shops. More often than not, they are charging a lot more for the same thing you can find elsewhere or online for cheaper. I have found the exact same products sold online or at other stores for up to half less than what scrapping shops all over that I've been to. Keep in mind the specialty shops are more likely to charge more because they are not chain stores.

Scrapbooking is addictive...which is why it is so expensive. Every year I bring home more supplies than the last, yet I don't scrapbook any more or less. You just see neat stuff that you know you'll use eventually...bring it home, and it gets burried and you forget you even have it. If you're an online shopper I suggest you stay away from ebay.

Even in its addictiveness, scrapping doesn't have to be expensive. If you know how to do it, it can be rewarding and still good to your wallet. Be careful with buying "neat stuff" because it's neat and you "think" you'll use it in the future...this is why the hobby can get expensive. When you plan your layouts ahead of time, you're a lot less likely to keep on shelling out cash. Buy the item when you know you'll use it. Because if you do buy it and bury it, it isn't exactly frugal anymore. So many scrappers get stuck in this rut and then wind up amazed at how much money they've spent. Also, ebay is not necessarily a bad thing to turn to. You can find lots for not a ton of money. I've bought lots of embellishments and fiber for only a few bucks at a time...those same things, if purchased separately at the store, would have cost me well over $100 each lot. The key is knowing on average how much certain things generally run...and then looking for the best deal on ebay.

Of course, this advice is generally meant for those who really need to keep a close eye on their hobby spending. You don't have to get the name brands, visit specialty shops or buy all the rave tools of the day in order to have a page that looks just like the "professionals." I'm proof that work can be published without any of that.

 

[christinadei]

My first few books were 8 1/2 x 11. I found cute 3 ring photo albums for around $4-$5 each and just took the pages out and bought acid free page protectors. The good thing about 8 1/2 x 11 is you can get the page protectors and paper at walmart or anywhere, as long as it's acid free. I saved a lot of money not buying "scrapbook" paper, just buing reams of acid free paper. Buying the 12x12 page protectors are WAY more expensive. But if you really like 12x12, watch sales at Michaels. I picked up a few 12x12 albums for $5 each. They very often have some on sale for $6.88 each. Or use the Michaels 40% off coupon on any album that's not on sale. They run them about every other week recently.

 

[becky7953]

Are you wanting info about albums, or how to books? Simple scrapbooks is a magazine that is for the beginner scrapbooker. Creative Memories is I think has a simple way to get started. (that is the way I started). I always use the Michaels and Joann's coupons. I shop at Hobby Lobby when stuff is on sale. I too live out in the boonies I just make sure I stock up on stuff so I do not run out.

 

[ntburns22]

Thanks for all the info. Next time we go into town I will check out Michael's and pick up a magazine. You have all been so helpful.

 

[christinadei]

Head over to the scrapbooking board. There are lots of great ideas there. Ther are many people who scrapbook there and they always post good sales, etc. adn they are great about answering any questions you have. So go browse over there and if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

 

[ArielsMommy]

I'm surprised that no one mentioned QVC. I have almost everything they offer in their scrapbooking line (by Creating Keepsakes magazine) and I LOVE everything that I have ordered from them. The best part is that they have huge kits that come with everything you could possibly need to get started. I also think that their prices are amazing for everything that you get. If you can wait until Aug, they are going to have a special scrapbooking kit at a really discounted price. I would recommend you check out their website and see if what they offer appeals to you.

 

[becky7953]

Another idea for idea books Go to your library. Great way to see layouts and not spend anything. I totally forgot about this until I took my kids to the library for story time.

 

[Bonny-braids]

I use Creative memories scrapbooks and think they are awesome. They are so much better than any other brands out there on the market and I have investigated many others. If you are wanting to get started, I would contact a friend that has scrapbooking experience or better yet get on the CM website and locate a consultant in yot area. Explain to her that you want to get started but on a budget...it doesn't have to cost a ton of money if you don't want it to. Most CM consultants hold monthly crops and for a very small fee you would get to use her cropping tools and also take advantage of the ideas sheets and page layout kits that they give away..plus it's nice to watch other people work on thier albums and get ideas.

Every time I go on a vacation or to Disney, I have so much fun taking pictures of my family. I don't buy souvenirs there but when I get home I make a scrapbook of our trip. THAT is my souvenir. It's something the whole family enjoys forever! I have also found someone that embosses my albums with the mickey head icon and also a funky fonted Disneyworld. It looks so cute! I usually add something on the spine along with the date. I love doing this. It looks sooooo professional. It's not expensive either. If anyone would like more information just PM me and I'll give you details.

Good luck with the scrapbooking...you really don't have to spend a lot of money.

 

[disneysnowflake]

Wow. I can't believe I forgot to mention QVC. They have great scrapbooking shows. If you want to buy a bigger quantity of something they are definately worth it.
I bought a cute album kit last year that had two 6"x6" scrapbooks and tons of paper and embellishments plus a book and font cd for around $30. I made on scrapbook for my sister and another for a friend.. and I still had stuff left over.

QVC shows are great. I tape them because they have a bunch of easy to do layouts they show with the products. I'm not one to make a cluttered page or to use things like metal. I like to keep it pretty and simple. Most of the QVC layouts they show during their scrapbooking shows are like this. I watch every time it's on.

Another tip is about buying subscriptions for Creating Keepsakes or Simple Scrapbooks. I bought 3 year subscriptions on eBay for a lot cheaper than buying directly from the publisher.

I started out in 1996 using 3 ring binders. Even for Christmas my husband bought me a nice brown padded 12x12 three ring binder from Michaels using the 40% off coupon for around $16.

Oh, and while I'm rambling on.. AC Moore sells a lot of the new EK Success Disney items. I saw the cutest album that was blue with a swimming Mickey on it. They had a lot of cute princess and other themed papers and stickers.
I have the 8x8 Tinker Bell album. Cute, cute, cute.