Finding Cheap Scrapbooking Supplies
Scrapbooking is not a cheap hobby. In fact, I think it’s one of the more expensive hobbies you can have. There are so many tools, papers, punches and ribbons and not enough money to go around. Over all the years that I have been scrapbooking I have found a few tricks that I use to get cheap scrapbooking supplies that I will share with you guys.
1. Never pass up a 50% off or more sale or coupon.
It is so rare that I see any kind of scrapbookig supplies go on sale for more than 50% off retail. Most craft and hobby stories stick to 40%. Always check those ads and if you are lucky enough to spot a 50% off sale, do not pass it up. The same goes for 50% off coupons. Never let those 50% off coupons expire. Use them on a new punch you’ve been eyeing or a paper pad.
2. Shop at unexpected stores.
Two of my favorite places to frequent for craft supplies that aren’t necessarily hobby and craft stores are Wal-Mart and Ross. The Wal-Mart near my house has a small scrapbooking section that contains everything from cricut cartridges to stamps. The supplies there often go on clearance and they price match any advertised price. Ross is another store that I’ve discovered carries scrapbooking paper. I have found some great papers there and they are all unique.
3. Frequent your local flea market, swap meet and yard sales.
I almost always find supplies at the local swap meet. I have been lucky enough to stumble upon Martha Stewart punches for $1! Always keep your eyes open for scrapbooking supplies. If you want to find yard sales with scrapbooking supplies try your local Craigslist. Just search for scrapbooking and you will find loads of people selling off their old supplies and local yard sales with craft supplies for dirt cheap. Most of these people are often willing to sell you their supplies in bulk making for a stellar deal.
4. Never underestimate the power of a dollar.
I often shop at the dollar store for my scrapbooking and craft supplies. You will find the dollar store has a treasure trove of possibilities. You can get cheap stickers and adhesives here for less than half of what you would pay at the hobby stores.
5. When shopping for expensive items always check online retailers.
Many online sites can offer cheaper supplies because they have a low overhead. They generally don’t have a large store front full of employees so they keep their operating costs very low. They will usually pass this savings on to you in the form of awesome discounts for some of those more expensive tools. Always do your research online when you are considering a big scrapbooking purchase.
6. When all else fails, make your own supplies.
There are so many resources out there available to help you make and customize your own cheap scrapbooking supplies. Try printing your own patterend paper at home using free printables or paint your own custom paper using cheap acrylic paints. If you have a digital cutting machine like the Silhouette Cameo you can make all of your own page embelishments. If you own the Imagepac Stampmaker you can make all of your own stamps too. Have access to a 3D printer? How about making some resin style flowers to embelish the page.
The internet allows so many of us to share not only our ideas but also our supplies. There are many great blog resources out there, like this one, that offer free resources for cheap scrapbooking supplies.
Your stuff is gorgous, wish you had more books, it took me a while to learn how to download, but i aquired it without a hitch. my shabby chick book is almost done, so easy and worth every penny. LOve you!!!
Hi Chelsea
Thank you for the great tutorials. I have really enjoyed watching you create such beautiful things! I would like to make the recipe box for a gift for a friend . I don’t seem to be able to print the recipe cards. I could download the box pattern but not the cards. Can you help?
Thank you
Robyn