How to Make a Scrapbook on a Budget

When you enter the scrapbooking universe, it's easy to be seduced by all of the pretty (and expensive) goodies that decorate your creation, such as buttons, decorated paper, stickers, stencils, ribbons, stamps, and special cutting tools. Because we all want our scrapbook to be the prettiest and most personal, we naturally want to spend a fortune on all of the big and little items available in art and craft stores.

However, if you use a little creativity and a little planning, then you can make beautiful scrapbooks that probably represent you better since you have to rely on your noggin to create these items instead of buying all of them at the store. Here are a few 'scrapmiser' techniques that you can use to trim your budget and still maintain the quality of your scrapbook creations.

1. Firstly, don't buy items impulsively or just because they're on sale. It's like buying clothes; the stuff that you buy on a whim usually doesn't get used and becomes a waste of money and space. No matter how pretty those sparkly iguana stickers seem, buy them unless you have a jungle theme in mind for your scrapbook. Instead, create a list of the items you need: items for cutting, adhesives, basic paper, and markets, stencils or stamps for letters.

2. Plan your projects before you go shopping. Select the pictures and other memorabilia you want to display, decide on your palette, and pick out a central theme for letters, decorations, and ornamental options. If you walk into a store with a plan, you will find it much easier to stick to a trim budget if you have a good idea of what you want to create.

3. Think about what decorative scrapbook items can be replaced with basic household or office items. Those spare buttons taking up space in your dresser drawer can stand in for the expensive buttons you find in the scrapbooking aisle. Instead of fancy patterned paper, you can use magazine and catalog clippings (flower catalogs always have gorgeous pics of roses and other blooms). New (or used) wrapping paper can also be a good substitute. You can also print out all sorts of clip art or other pictures on the Internet for free instead of purchasing paper or stickers.

4. Before you head to your favorite craft store, check out stationary, dollar, office and discount stores. Wal-Mart and Target both offer scrapbook supplies at discount rates, while stationary and office stores usually sell paper for a lower price than art stores. Dollar stores often contain wacky and cheap decorations that you can add to your scrapbook creation.

5. You can find all kinds of wonderful books about scrapbooking and scrapbooking projects, but before you shell out any cash, check out the web! There are all kinds of free scrapbook projects and ideas you can use without spending a dime. If you think that a scrapbooking book is a must, then do your research before you purchase. Make sure that it's a good investment!

6. Lastly, not only is scrapbooking with friends fun, it can help you save money! Trade supplies with friends, share templates and books! Let your friends and loved ones know what kind supplies you want for your birthday or for the holidays!

In the end just remember, no matter how much you spend, make sure you have fun!