Scrapbooking revolves around memories, right?
Not exactly. It’s really about the inventive arrangements and the embellishments.
Crafting the ideal page of snapshots, keepsakes and decorative elements has become a true craft (and sometimes a contest).
Those adorable patterned papers, whimsical die cuts and pre-made page trinketscandefinitelypile up. By the time you leave the craft store with a bag of goodies, your purse can feel noticeably lighter.
So what’s a budget-conscious scrapbooker supposed to do?
Ways to Cut Costs on Scrapbooking
With a bit of imagination, you can assemble personalized, attractive pages without breaking the bank.
Here are money-saving pointers from resourceful crafters online for snagging inexpensive scrapbook supplies.
1. Build Your Layout Around Keepsakes
Once you begin searching for scrapbook material, you’ll notice mementos everywhere.
Sure, ticket stubs are classic. But you can also save maps, menus, brochures and magazine clippings as items to commemorate a trip, a night out or just an ordinary day.
Kim used hospital freebies as the foundation for her so-called Lazy Mom’s Baby Book. She avoided spending on pricey baby-page extras by relying on complimentary items from the hospital.
2. Let Photos Fill the Space
When it’s time to cover space on a page, photos are one of the most economical choices per square inch. And if your goal is preserving memories, a photo beats a pile of pricey trinkets.
Upload images to user-friendly online labs and have prints delivered for just a few cents each.Shutterfly and Walmart are great starting points.
If you want prints from Instagram, I’ve had good results with Fox Print, which accepts uploads straight from your feed.
Mel stretched a handful of photos into an impressive layout on this page using smart cutting tricks. Grab scissors and glue and you’ll have everything you need to create an attractiveandbudget-friendly design.
3. Score Free Printables
Scrapbookers tend to be generous, and they like sharing. Many scrapbooking websites provide lots of free printables that are perfect for personal projects.
For just the cost of ink and a few sheets of paper, you’ll have a wealth of graphics to enhance multiple pages in your album.
MyScrapNook offers templates for stencils, borders, tags and even full-page designs. Meanwhile, ScrapbookScrapbook.com hosts hundreds of printables organized by theme.
4. Use Paper Clips Creatively
Really, it’s amazing what can be fashioned with a few paper clips and pliers. And is there a cheaper office item? Probably not.
See what crafty people make from paper clips: angels, tiny hangers and fish hooks (so fun!). These flat embellishments add subtle dimension and texture to pages.
Jessica fashioned these sweet heart-shaped paper clips and completely amazed me. So inventive!
5. Collect Paint Chips
I wonder if hardware store staff ever tire of scrapbookers browsing the paint chip aisle… probably. But until we’re shown the door, we’ll keep grabbing these complimentary craft bits.
Pick up the little color cards in shades you like and you’ll have compact blocks of solid color ready for any project.
Emily Grace has a clever take on the natural ombre look found on the longer paint strips. Punch a repeated shape from varying tones of the same hue to craft a modern layout for zero cost.
6. Use Cookie Cutters as Tools
Think of cookie cutters as alternate stencils. Use them as patterns for cutting shapes, tracing outlines or—if you prefer—baking treats to nibble on while you craft.
Hannah used cookie cutters to contain blocks of handwriting. The crisp silhouettes pair nicely with loose handwriting, adding a playful, low-effort touch to your page.
7. Repurpose Old Books
The possibilities with pages of text are endless!
Creative folks are painting watercolor blossoms on vintage pages and folding paper into origami dresses. You can even print images onto old pages using this helpful how-to.
Or, try a clever trick and lift ink from old pages with tape for collage work.
Julie used book pages as background and layered clippings in larger type, ransom-note style. It’s the most charming ransom-note-esque design I’ve seen!
Out of old books? Check your local thrift shop, estate sale or library sale for inexpensive vintage books.
Your Turn: What are your favorite ways to scrapbook affordably?
