While the quilting bee used to the be the gathering time for women to work on a creative project together, today's scrapbookers are much the same in that they come together in groups to attend "crops" where they bring a stash of scrapbook supplies to work on their latest scrapbooking idea while supporting each other's work. Scrapbookers are determined to capture memories for the children so that their families will have a permanent record of fun times, cherished family gatherings and even the day-to-day living that often gets forgotten decades later.
If you've done any scrapbooking at all, however, you realize how expensive the hobby is. From archival quality scrapbooking paper to durable albums, the costs involved in digital photo printing, the tools for creating exceptional pages and purchasing embellishments for final touches, the budget of a scrapbooker can get out of control very quickly.
What are some ways to keep the costs down while still preserving your family's memories? Here are a few ways to save money without giving up trips to the scrapbook store or canceling your next scrapbook retreat.
Buy Supplies with Coupons
Many craft stores publish coupons in the Sunday newspaper or offer coupons online. For big purchases such as paper and albums, use these coupons to save the most money at one time. You can plan ahead for many of these purchases, for instance, if you plan to produce a wedding album for your cousin who is getting married next summer, consider buying the album during one of this year's sales with a great coupon. It will make your gift no less special.
Find the Best Prices on Digital Photo Printing
A few phone calls in your area will help you find the best prices on digital photo printing and processing. Not every store sells prints for the same price and not ever store's quality is the same. Find the shops near your home with the best rates, then test each for quality. Most will allow you to upload your digital images online and you can pick up your prints within an hour at the store.
Swap from Your Supply with Other Scrapbooking Moms
Sometimes you have to buy an entire package of paper to get the right color when you really don't need all of the colors contained in the package. Organize a supply swap with other scrapbooking moms so that you can trade with each other and get rid of the things you no longer need. You'll keep your supplies fresh this way and it will cut down on clutter in your scrapbooking area.
Sell Unused and Unwanted Supplies
For your next garage sale, set up an area to sell your extra supplies, paper and tools that you no longer want or need. Garage sales are popular with scrapbookers and you will be able to get good money for your supplies. Make sure to package them well so that they won't get dirty or ruined by people handling papers and embellishments. You don't want to price them too high, but you will still be able to sell them for a good price. Make sure when you place an ad online or in your newspaper that you mention scrapbooking supplies. This way, you'll have a lot of women making it a point to visit your sale.
Consider the Switch to Digital
If you're skilled with PhotoShop or any of the desktop publishing programs, you may want to make the transition to digital scrapbooks. Once you learn how to make the desired effects on layouts, you can add your pictures and embellish away without having to buy supplies again and again at the scrapbook store and craft supply businesses. Many of the papers and creative embellishments can be found free or at a very low cost online.
Scrapbooks are a great way to keep your family connected, show your kids how much they've grown and changed and in the years ahead you'll be able to look back and remember all the fun times you've had. But don't let scrapbooking ruin your budget. These tips will help keep you scrapping and happy for many years.
~Anna~