Use the Computer

Crafting on a Budget: Tip #4

Even though stamps are a pretty big deal in the card making and scrapbooking world, you can actually make a lot of really cute cards without using them. See, the biggest problem with stamps is that you have to buy a new set for every single occasion... and buy several different colors and types of ink to match all of your different projects... and maybe buy embossing ink and a special little heat embossing tool... and sometimes even buy special punches so that you can cut out the shapes that you just stamped without having to use scissors... and then find a place to store everything.

So, if you are like me and don't have any stamps, you can create some of the cutest cards by simply using Microsoft Word, the internet, and maybe even Photoshop (if you decide to get really fancy). Because Word has so many different fonts, colors, clipart, and other options, you can create a lot of your own sentiments and size them perfectly. Just print them out on white or cream-colored cardstock and you are good to go. Every single sentiment that I have ever used is either a sticker (bought at 40% off, of course), or straight from the computer.

For Father's Day this year, I got my husband a motorcycle (that's how much I saved on scrapbooking supplies...jk) and I wanted to make him a matching motorcycle card. I found a card that I liked on the internet. She used a motorcycle stamp. All I did was google "motorcycle clip art" and look through the images until I found one that I liked. Maybe it took a few minutes more than a stamp would have, but it was free and I had complete control over the color and size of the image.

Save (and Use!) your Scraps

Crafting on a Budget Tip #4

One thing that many of the most dedicated crafters do is that they save their scraps. When I started my first scrapbook, I decided that I would save all of my scraps. I used three different sized plastic bags and separated my extra paper according to size. But, guess what: a year later I still had all of the same scraps. I hadn't saved any money yet!

So, just a few weeks ago I went through all of my scrap paper again. I threw away a lot of it and only kept scraps that were actually big enough to use. Then, I used some of the scraps! I need to do the same with the scrap fabric that I have around here.

Maybe it seems ridiculous that I would go so long without using a single scrap, but I get so excited to use my new paper that it doesn't even occur to me to check the scrap bag. Really, it is only worth saving your scraps if you make a point to pull them back out and use them in projects. Maybe make up a filing system so you don't have to go through every single scrap to see if you have one in a certain color. Whatever you do, make sure that you use those pieces of paper, ribbons, fabric, and other supplies!

Buy Used Supplies

Crafting on a Budget Tip #3

One thing that I discovered, after I had already purchased a lot of my basic card making supplies, is that there are tons of people who buy a bunch of craft supplies only to realize that they don't really have time to use them. There are other people who decide that their stash of supplies is taking up too much space.There are even people who are so dedicated to crafting that they are constantly upgrading to the newest machines and tools; they sell the old to make room for the new. 

Regardless of the reason, you might be surprised at how much money you can save when you buy from other people rather than shopping at a store. Websites like craigslist, KSL, and ebay make it easy to get great deals on practically new tools and machines. All the time, I see people selling their entire collection of scrapbooking supplies including paper, stickers, embellishments, stamps, idea books, storage, and other things.

Whether you are just starting out, or are looking to add to your growing stash of crafting supplies, you can save a lot of money this way.

P.S. You almost never have to pay asking price when you shop like this. Most people are willing to negotiate a little bit if you have cash on hand.

Never Pay Full Price

Crafting on a Budget Tip #2

One of the reasons that I was hesitant to start doing craft projects is that it can be such an expensive hobby. I could hardly believe that people would actually buy a single piece of paper for up to $1.99 and embellishments for $4.99 or more. Buttons, ribbons, adhesive - the list of expenses goes on and on! Even sewing your own clothes and accessories can be as expensive (and much more time consuming) than purchasing them at a retail store!

This single tip has probably saved me hundreds of dollars already. When you shop at any of the major craft stores - including Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabric and Crafts, and Michaels - they pretty much always have a standing 40% off coupon. You can easily find it online and print it, or find it and show it to the cashier right on your smart phone. Craft stores also have TONS of great sales every week. If I see something that I like, I usually only have to wait another week or two until it goes on sale for 40 or 50% off of the regular price. Even if I see a "buy one get one half off" sale, I don't buy it because I know I can get the same item for less.

Although this isn't the case with all of the specialty scrapbooking stores, they are also starting to do "members only" coupons or special deals for people who "like" them on facebook.

By shopping sales and using the 40% off coupon at craft stores, you can get practically everything that you need - and spend about half as much as you would otherwise. It's way cheaper than shopping for craft supplies at Walmart and there is a way bigger variety.

Don't Be a Crafting Hoarder

Card Making on a Budget Tip #1

Frugality is more than just saving money. It is also recognizing that you don't need all of the newest, coolest stuff in order to be happy. Even though it is tempting to run out and buy all of the gadgets, stamps, ribbons, paper, and embellishments that will make my cards look great, I constantly have to remind myself that I don't need all of those things, nor do I have the money to buy them.

Even in the short time that I have been crafting, I have acquired a pretty solid stash of supplies. At first, buying scrapbooking stuff was one of my favorite things to do. Then, I realized that I was buying lots of things that were cute, but that I might never use....

Now that I have a little bit more experience, I realize that there are some things that are important to have on hand for card making, while others are better to purchase as the need arises. For example, I would consider it important to have a good paper trimmer, scissors, and adhesives. I also think it is worth the investment to have a variety of different solid colored papers on hand. I have been pretty conservative with purchasing other tools, punches and stamps because I know I can cut out a lot of things by hand or print them off of the computer. I like to wait until I firmly establish that I will use a tool often before I purchase it. 


That is my first tip for keeping your card making budget in check. If you, like me, are always tempted to sneak off to the craft store and buy new paper and embellishments (letter stickers are my weakness), remind yourself that you don't want to be one of those old ladies who has rooms full of unused crafting stuff (or fabric) that is decades old and out of style.