Save Money on Scrapbook Supplies

With all the new scrapbooking products being introduced in the market, it's easy to throw our budgets into the air and splurge on the latest cool embellishments or paper designs that catch our eye. Here is some tips that will help to keep more dollars in your wallet while still providing creative options for preserving your precious memories.

1. Free Downloads Online.

As digital scrapbooking is gaining in popularity, there are sites all over the internet that offer downloadable and printable scrapbook paper and elements for free. The styles range from contemporary to shabby chic. Not only do they save you money minus the cost of paper and printer ink, but they are also a great way to sample products for these scrapbooking sites and to add variety to your projects with items not found in stores.

2. Buy in Kits

Scrapbook kits are a great way to save money on your supplies. Essentially, everything you need is included in your purchase. Since kits are generally cheaper than if you were to buy everything separately, using a kit to create multiple projects or a themed album will certainly stretch your dollars.

3. Recycle

Another fantastic way to save money on your scrapbook supplies is to recycle your paper scraps. Use them to make cards, embellishments from die cuts or punches, page titles, cover chipboard, or photo frames. Be creative. Develop an effective organization system to keep track of the scraps that you have and your wallet will thank you.

4. Organization

An often overlooked solution to saving money on scrapbooking is through organization. Simply keeping your scrapbook supplies in check will help you know what you already have. The next time you visit a scrapbook supply store, make note of your current inventory, and if you need to, make a list of what you have so that you are not tempted to buy what you don't need.

5. Join a Membership/ Monthly Kit Clubs.

Membership sites or monthly kit clubs are another alternative to saving money on scrapbooking products. Often supplies will come with a discount. Choose memberships or clubs whose products you like to use the most so that you don't waste money on items that you are not going to use.

6. Shop Ebay.

If you want it, you can probably find it on Ebay. Browse the vast listing on this shopping portal and you are sure to find many great bargains on individual items as well as in bulk. Look for sellers who do not inflate their shipping or will combine shipping on multiple purchases. You should also consider selling your unused scrapbook supplies to get some money back while clearing out your stash.

7. Direct sales demonstrator/consultant. Earn and save at the same time.

If you are a serious scrapbooker and find yourself spending a great deal of money on your projects, you may want to consider becoming a direct sales consultant or demonstrator for the company of your choice. As consultants usually get discounts starting around 20% and go up from there depending on how much you spend, this can save you considerably over time. Be aware that most direct sales companies require an initial starter kit and quarterly minimum to remain active. Most people overlook this option because they think they will need to actively sell to others through in home parties and recruit others to join. However, you likely find that most are simply in it as a "hobby demonstrator" and don't actively sell products except to their scrapbooking friends. Another idea is to get a group of your friends together who agree to purchase a certain dollar amount from you every couple months so that way you can all save money.

8. Don't overlook the bargain areas in the back of scrapbook shops and specialty stores.

When you walk into a scrapbook supply store, you can't help but notice all the cool new products that are on display. It is easy to forget that most stores have a designated area just for bargains, often inconveniently in the back corner. Make it a habit to check these areas first before you resume shopping. You may be surprised by what you find. But a word of caution: Don't buy something just because it is on sale unless you have a specific project in mind. It's easy to be tempted by a discount, when in fact, your purchase may wind up stashed away and unopened. In the end, you wind up loosing money instead of saving it.

You scrapbooking hobby does not have to cost a fortune. Following these simple tips will stretch your dollars, saving you money for what's really important.