I refuse to pay more than $1.99 on a package of scrapbook stickers. When I first started creating memory albums I would often pay upwards of $3.99 for a single sheet of 3D stickers. I rationalized that the whimsical adhesives supported my theme and made my layouts pop. Then, I learned how to get my hands on cheap scrapbook supplies and I’ve been a dedicated frugalista ever since.
If you are a smart shopper you can save big on scrapbooking materials. Start by selecting a few favorite online scrapbook retailers and signing up for their email newsletters. Most include money-saving coupons and sales notifications which are sent straight to your email inbox. Just remember to add the store’s email address to your address book to avoid having the newsletter classified as SPAM. You can also sign-up for sale alerts at local scrapbook and craft shops. Some stores mail flyers advertising special promotions to loyal customers while retailers, such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels, print coupons you can cut-out in Sunday’s newspaper.
Another way to save is to combine coupons with in-store deals. For example, Hobby Lobby traditionally offers huge end-of-the-season sales where it marks down select scrapbooking supplies by 50 to 80 percent. Once you find merchandise you want to purchase from these bargain bins, you can take it to a register and present your coupon to increase your savings.
If you are looking for deals on scrapbook paper, think generic. Scrapbooking on a budget requires creativity. To cut down on the amount you spend on paper, search for sheets that can do double or triple duty. For example, if you purchase non-themed patterned paper in bulk you can use it in an array of layouts. To vary the look of the paper you could spray it with walnut oil to give it a vintage feel. In addition, you could sand the paper to give it a distressed look. The same paper can also be selectively painted with acrylic ink or stamped to create colorful borders to match your layout.
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