An Expensive Hobby?

Hi, Im new to the board, and to scrapbooking. Ive always wanted to get into scrappin' but never really knew where to start. Ive finally created my first L/O (in my gallery), unfortunately I didnt have many things to work with.

This is an expensive hobby! I started buying things 2 weeks ago, and have managed to spend $300 in 2 weeks, and still dont have much! Unfortunately I have to do all of my shopping online, so i think I lose alittle money in shipping costs, but Ive viewed some of your scrap rooms in the galleries, and cant believe how much STUFF most of you have. Are you all millionaires? lol

Ive got all of my basics, but still dont feel like I have anything to work with.

Where can I find good quality but CHEAP supplies?
By the way.. I have a new addiction now too.. EBAY!!

I'm into digital scrapping now, but I used to be a great recycler, saving scraps of cards, paper, etc. to use (just make sure they don't have corrosive acids). Remember to ask for scrapbook supplies/gift cards from friends/family! Also, E-Cuts are on sale here and can be used over and over!

Also check stores like big lots and dollar stores. They always have cheaper stuff. And if you can actually shop at the store, you can get the Coupon in the AC Moore sales paper every week.

I think this IS a very expensive (and addicting hobby!) But then again, all my hobbies seem expensive. (have you ever made a quilt? easily $100+ just for the fabric) Try buying basics at big chain stores like Michaels, Joannes etc. Look for things that can be used for embellishments outside the scrapbook aisles or stores-for example ribbons. I make a lot of my own embellishments. For example, I wanted a wooden spoon for a layout, so I put my old one on my scanner and scanned it on to photo paper and cut it out! It worked great. I have also scanned fresh flowers and leaves-the possibilities are endless. I try not to buy too many things that are one function only, like punches. The more you do creative things the more creative you will become and the ideas will just keep coming. Don't be afraid to try new things. I have hand painted pages in watercolors to use as backrounds. Hope this give you some ideas!!

Honestly.. the dollar tree is where i got alot of my supplies. they have a great selection..that and joanns.. i made my first 6 pages with everything i got frm the dollar store and i only had spent $5.00 at the time because i didnt know if i was gonna stay with the hobby.

Ive gotten a few things at the dollar store, but Im not really a fan of their embelishments. Unfortunately I can only get out to craft stores once in a blue moon. I guess its just going to take awhile to build up a collection.

This BETTER be something I stick with, for the money! haha

lol well you can always order online... like joanns and michaels.. they usually have good sales. if you want i can give you the link to a really cheap place i just ordered from.

• Miss Anissa Said:

Jo Ann's has some stuff for a dollar- although I think they have crazy prices on a lot of stuff. Walmart has a good selection. Dollar stores now have stuff. I get a lot on ebay- I pay close attention to shipping costs and determine if it is really worth it to me. I don't buy a ton of stuff at one time because I like to concentrate on one theme at a time.

It is an expensive hobby! I've horded supplies for seven years.

MadiV.. id appreciate the link! thank you so much!

http://www.collectedmemories.com

Thanks Mandi, I'll check it out.

I think I am at my spending limit for this month, but then again I said I was done for the month when I hit $200, then $300.. and now I just went and spent another $30 on ebay.

I even bought a new photo printer!

Yes.. I do believe I am hooked!

Coupon s are awsome!
i always look in my junk mail for the Michaels flyers. every time they have a 40% or 50% off Coupon in one of those.
ive bought a TON of stuff never at retail price!

but i agree, it is quite expensive sometimes.

ive been working on a baby scrapbook for a coworker friend and ive got it about halfway done and im already spent about $50.
:-/

I've never ordered from this site (mostly because I can get so much at my lss - M, HL, OUAS, etc.), but they do have a flat $5.99 s&h fee. It's called Scrapbook Warehouse.

If you'd like the link, let me know and I will PM you.

wow you got out cheap...... my first 2 weeks i spent 600 dollars ) and i haven't used half my tools yet.....lol But i did figure out that on average i spend 3 dollars per layout (not counting tools) so if you look at it that way i9t isn't too bad. The biggest thing for me was just getting to apoint where i was happy with my "starter kit"

But hey if i see something i really like or really think i'll use i get it. I know that's not the smartest idea as far as shopping but i'm ok with it.

I do agee with the ladies, the dollar stores are great places for deals as well as places outside of the scrapbooking isles. I found some wooden dragonflies i'll use for my sister-in-law, she just loves em so i had to have em. I've found stuff to use even at lowe's but then again as a guy it doesn't surprise me........ think outside the box.

I know that this can be an expensive hobby. I have found many sites that sell at discount or with flat rate shipping. SB.com is good for the discounts. PM me if you want the names of the other sites I have found.

someone mentioned that you need to think outside the box, and that is true. i have found some really cute items to us as fibers, embellies, at the dollar tree in the hair accessories aisle! i will be posting some new lo and there are some in my daughters prom album that were mesh headbands that were 4 in a pack for $1! so, try to keep an open mind to different things. i also found some hairclips that had little leather flowers on them, they worked great on a lo in my gallery; i don't know how to link to my gallery; need to learn; but it is called girls+sisters=friends. just remember that it takes years to really collect a big stash of supplies; i know that i don't have tons of $ to spend, but i watch sales and Coupon s too, and have been at it for over 7 yrs. so, just enjoy and keep shopping and scrapping!

it is an expensive hobby, but you need to remember that you are creating for future generations to know and understand us and what we did. spending tons of $$$$$$ is not necessary, especially if you look at all the cool tips on this thread.
Happy scrapping.
I'm an addict and I'll admit it!

My spending limit is $40 a month! I very rearly buy anything full price! Actually I NEVER pay full price!! (accept at the dollar store). Just always remember that if you know that you are going to you lcs then bring as many Coupon s as you can! Ask the family, neighbors, coworkers, ect. And if they tell you that you can only use one then have the casher ring them all up indevdually! It WILL save you a lot of money!!

HTH!!

I think scrapbooking can be an expensive hobby but it does not need to be... There are plenty of beautiful and inexpensive layouts to be made... Unfortunately, I do believe that I spent $2000 my first year scrappin and if the amount was more - I don't want to know... At times it is just easier to go shopping, or buy books/magazines than actually find the space and time to scrap... I think once you do have a stash to work with there is less that you are willing to buy... The last few months I have bought much less compared to those first months... My largest purchase to day was the cricut machine and 2 two cartridges... Prior to that my MiMi tote set. I can only suggest that you add your new hobby to your budget with a line item - $20 per month, $50... whatever... At some point the mania will pass.... Also, once in a while consider joining the No Shopping Challenge... I participated for 3 months and loved it... I felt great actually using what I already had bought. Those first months of accumulating stuff I really didn't know what I would love to use, etc and bought a number of things just because they were a good deal - many of those items have since been donated, given to new scrappers, put in the scrapbook yard sale, or used on gift books, cards, etc. Buy what you love...

Yeah,you can spend a lot of money... easily! But really once you have a good set of tools (or a good friends who will let you use their tools) it doesn't take much more than about $60-$70 to complete an album. ($40 for a decent album, another $20-$30 on paper, stickers, etc). And this will keep a hundred photos or so!

Or, you can go get some nice frames that could cost you $30 a piece and display one picture at at time.

So really, to me... scrapping is a bargain!

I totally feel your financial pain! I've been scrapping for a couple years now, and I'm still on an ordering spree! My DH is going to disown me if I keep spending the way I do! I have an entire room of scrapping goodies and if I complete a 12x12 album, I'll probably not even make a dent!

Good luck!

Hugs, Josie

PS -- Also check Target's dollar spot, they have some cute finds there!

I have an LSS, A.C. Moore and Joann's in my area. There's a Michael's too but I never shop there. I always buy on sale or with a Coupon . My LSS accepts competitor's Coupon s up to 40%. I also shop at Dollar Tree and occasionally I'll pick stuff up at Walmart. Where there's a will to save money, there's a way. You can find a lot of stuff outside the SB aisle. I never buy flowers labeled for scrapbooking because I can buy a bunch in the flower aisle for $1.00 or less. I think it's pretty safe to say I haven't spent even close to $300 since the beginning of the year.

Welcome to the world of sb!! I try to buy most of my supplies on sale or with a Coupon . I am always on the lookout and sometimes I find supplies at places like Target, Walmart, or even the Staples.

Yes, it can be an expensive habit. It depends on your style of sb'ing...whether you just mount photos and that's it or use embellishments and what kinds.

Great ideas have already been posted!

See if there are any local scrapbooking groups in your area that have crops or organize one with your friends in the area. A great way to share tools and also try out tools before making an investment. There are some people who do mind others using their tools and that's completly understandable but most people out there won't mind letting you try out a tool to see if you like it before you go out and buy it.

Another way to keep from the impulse purchases. When you see a new tool/die cut/embellishment etc. write it down and wait 30 days or so and see if you still really want it. It helps me from wasting my money on a tool that I may or may not use later.

Good replies. Thank you all.

Ive come up with some ways to save money already. I made my paper files out of long flat postal boxes, kind of like those cardboard magazine holders, but these ones fit my 12x12 papers. I just wrapped them with white paper, and you'de never know they were free boxes from the USPS.

I also made my own ribbon cards. After searching and searching the net for the cheapest ones, I decided to make my own out of those left over cardboard pieces that come in the back of paperpacks. (I posted one in my gallery).

Its really the main tools that have added up. I actually met someone online in my area, another military wife, that wants to get together and scrap. She's new too, but she's already invested $800, so she might have some cool things I can test out.

Again, thanks for the great replies!

It is a very expensive hobby. You collect things over time and build a huge collection of supplies. I buy some of the JoAnn's brand emellies to cut costs. They have some great stuff that is the same as some of the "name brand" stuff. You can order from them online and they often do free shipping or 40 percent off an item online.

Not for me! I did a ton of lo's this month and didn't spend a cent! I use freebie digital kits.

I don't spend much for paper lo either, but I dont' have any fancy tools and my lo's tend to be plain and simple. I use what I have.

I have done some major damage with this hobby. I agree though that most hobbies are. Also, I justify some of it becuase I make things as gifts. My mom, sister, and neices all love to get sb pages for gifts. I also justify my books and mags that are sb related because I only purchase them during times that I really want a book or mag. I would have purchased one anyway, it might as well be a sb one. I do not just go out and purchase a ton of them. I use them when traveling and such. The rest of the time I get my ideas from on here. There is a lot here!

Here are my tips based on experience. I wish that I had someone to tell me when I started.

1. Save scraps-There are so many pages where you hardly use any of a paper. I have an system to organize my scraps. It probably cost me 30 dollars. If you consider how quickly you can spend that in paper, it is well worth it. I make myself look through scrap paper before cutting a new sheet.

2. Do not hoard or stock up on supplies. Ok there are a few exceptions. Adhesives and cardstock are ok. You will alwasy use them. However, I have been into this hobby for 10 years. I would be willing to say that pretty much all other supplies and tools come and go. My first 3 years or so I got a ton of pens (every single zig pen that was available at the time), deco scissors (like 10 of them), punches (20 or so), and stickers. Well then pens went out of style. No one handwrote. I considered getting rid of them. Oddly, they came back. Punches and decos went out next. No one was using them anymore. They still are not really popular, but I have seen a few cute pages with both. Then stickers became less popular. As all of those were becoming less popular fiber and eyelets became popular. Then they became less popular. With the new eylete tools eyelets are back in. Anyway, I could make a monstrous list of supplies that I own that have gone out of style or that have gone out and come back in. Mags are always coming up with new uses for old tools because of this. Don't stock up! Seriously, it is easier to get what you want and will use right then. I have never used (not even once) most of my pens, deco scissors, and punches. These are tools that can be used over and over and I have not used them once. It is not just my tools. I have stacks of paper and stickers that I do not want to get rid of but they do not fit my style. Granted I got them all on sale and stocked up, but what good does that do me now. I am always trying to do things to them to make them work on a page because I don't want to get rid of them. I also love the new stuff that is coming out. There is always more new stuff. They release way more than you could ever dream of using each season. I am sure that what you would purchase would be different. However, I am pretty sure your tastes will change. You are just more likely to have bottles of prima flowers and ribbons because everyone loves those now. Who knows what will be popular in 10 years though. So between the new and old stuff I have I now have to purchase more storage... Just don't go there...

3. Swaps can be a good way to get a better variety. Watch out though. They are not all good deals. Think about the cost in shipping and hostess gift and what not. Some swaps are great for this though. You can send in part of a package of ribbon or flowers and get more of a variety back.

4. I agree with the think outside the box. I find random stuff around and use it. Ribbons that come on packages, buttons that are the extra on a shirt or that are on a shirt I am getting rid of, the twill from an old pair of drawstring shorts that I am going to get rid of, fabric from old clothes and what not, paper clips and office supplies(you can paint them other colors too), silk flowers from an old plant that some one does not want, a doily that your grandma made (does anyone still use these for their real purpose?). I even spot things and pick them up off the ground. I found a cute little flip flop earing someone had dropped in the airport. I used the flip flop charm as a charm on a page. It is amazing what you can find when you start looking! That is part of the fun for me. I have a whole jar of stuff that I have found for free!
5. I make a lot by hand. You can cut letters, hearts, flowers, and simple shapes easily out of paper instead of getting a die cut machine or using punches. You can even cut strips of scrap patterned paper to look like ribbon or large paper flowers instead of all the store bought flowers. They look just as good.
6. Look at styles that you like and avoid stuff that you won't use. I have a corner rounder. I don't use it. They are popular. I just tend not to like it. Also if you like brads as much as eyelets, use brads and do not purchase an eyelet setter.
7.Fonts! They are free...no need to buy any and no need for a million ways to make letters. Just use free fonts!
7. Have fun and be creative with what you have! Don't worry about what everyone else buys and has all over thier pages.
8. Hang out on this lovely site. There is always someone posting a great sale or a cool way to use a basic supply. Be careful of the enablers though. We are everywhere........hmm...I just love my new bohemia paper!

Wow, alot of great information, thank you for taking the time to reply with all of that. I really cant wait to start taking part in the swaps! Im actually on a secret pals list on another site (unrelated to sb'ing) and my secret pal has sent me TONS of sb'ing stuff these last 2 months. Its really exciting to get things someone else picks out, she's sent stuff that I'd never consider buying, but I am so glad I have them now.

Im not really into punches (yet), but I was able to pick up some cute ones for 25 cents each, so they are worth the money, even if they just end up sitting on the shelf looking pretty.

Honestly.. I really did build up a good collection on that $300.. so I think I'll definate buy for the page from now on, unless I absolutely need something. Im just going to let me stash grow, as you all said.. over time.

I am also new in the scrapbooking world.
I just wanted to say thank you to Anissa for opening this topic. And thanks for all you with the great tips.

Have a great day!!

This is a crazy expensive hobby and I love it, must be the Tarus in me... lol I'm a Coupon /sale shopper,though. Recently my co-workers started bringing me their Joanns/Michaels Coupon s. I am so thankful for that (I work for a non-profit-not rolling in the dough by any means).

I am still trying to decide if going out and buying for each LO is more cost effective then just going out and buying? Afraid I'll spend $ on something I don't need and then it's waste.

Christine~

Yes, I'm a millionaire. Then I wake up! *LOL*

I've collected stuff for a while, the main tools are the most expensive. Once you have a cutter, scissors and a printer you are really set. Everything else is used up pretty quickly.

Are you having fun, Anissa? That's what matters!

If you are creating albums for your family and friends, to show your grandbabies, you are doing what you like, then it's priceless.

Just set a budget per month/week and then you will be okay.

Just a little different viewpoint here. I am a person that likes to "stock up", and I generally use what I stock up on. Maybe not the week or month I bought it, but I do use it.

I got involved in this hobby last spring and since then have bought every stack-pack of paper I could find on sale. This, in inself, is a tremendous bargain.

I have bought NO paper that is full-price or expensive, or just by the sheet, or as part of a collection. I did break down and get a few sheets of Basic Grey at Michael's when it was on sale for 6 for $1.

When I get ready to make something, I go to the "store" in my spare bedroom where all the stacks are. I always find something I can use.

When the craft stores run a sale on half-price ribbon by the roll, I stock up. I recently got rolls in lots of colors at Hobby Lobby for 25 cents for 10 yards of ribbon.

I hand-cut most of my letters and embellishments from paper, using stencils I have found on sale. There are lots of stencils available with cute tags, labels, library pockets, etc. They aren't as convenient or as quick as a die cut machine, but they didn't cost hundreds of dollars either, just a couple of bucks. They can be used over and over.

If you like the look of large monogram letters, use a Coupon and get a set for half-price to use as a pattern, about $4, and then you can make your own, out of pattern paper or even chipboard (cardboard).

Like others have said, just try to think outside the box. You will be amazed what you can create.

Yes, it takes some time, but I didn't take up this wonderful hobby so I could save time.

Scrapbooking is expensive, but most other hobbies are as well, in my opinion .

Here are ways I save money:

1. Never buy full-price. Most of what I have comes from Big Lots, dollar stores sales and clearance. When Hobby Lobby runs things half-off, that's when I buy them. I know they will always go on sale again, so I never buy them full price.

2. Find a buddy when buying things like paper slabs or "value" packs of paper or embellies. Splitting the cost will help a lot, and then you're not stuck with 4 sheets of the same paper.

3. Try all tools & big-ticket items before buying. If I hadn't run out and bought every new thing when they came out years ago, my budget would be a lot bigger. I have so many tools that I never use. I also research a lot on quality (for things like totes) before I buy. This will save a lot in the long run.

4. Try to avoid the Coupon mentality. Yes, those Coupon s are great, but I always give them away when I don't really need anything. Otherwise I find that I feel like I have to get something with it, even when I don't need anything.

5. Definitely think outside the box, like the ladies above said. I never buy colored staples in the scrapbook dept. at stores. They mark the price way up. Go to the office supply section and you'll save a bundle. Same with those fancy round paper clips, certain kinds of brads, and other things. Office supply stores are a great resource because they carry some of the stuff we love at a much cheaper price. Hardware stores are great for things like washers, hinges, etc. Besides that, I like that I only have to buy one or two at the hardware store, instead of buying a pack of 25 at the LSS or scrapbook dept.

6. This one is most important!! HAVE FUN!

i def agree with riorabbit and Eeyorelynn. my expernice is use what ya have. sometimes it turn out work for scrapper. i learned my lesson is i spend too much on small things like felt or foam sticker and realized that i never use it. also i just learned that you can use any p.p with fonts. also you can use other things such as outside of box you don't have to use the material that you have to. because i noticed one material is cost more than you really need it. i learned my lesson that i never spent over stupid material that i never used it . i 'm happy what i have that is good enough for me because i can make my own hands and use my sense of creative and happy what i made. i learned that is alot of money with this . now im forbid myself not buying anything that i never used .

patty

• Miss Anissa Said:

LOL--many of us with those kinds of scrap rooms have been "collecting" for years. Even though my room is overfull with stuff, I really think it is totally not necessary to have that much stuff--there is only so much you can use!

Dollar stores are good places to shop too. Maybe go in with a friend on buying some stuff and split the costs. HTH

• petergabrielfan Said:

Awesome advice!!!

Uhhhhhhhhhh yeah to say the least! LOL

To get started it is expensive, but if you buy quality tools and learn techniques to make your own embellishments, you begin spending less and less. this month, I've spent less than $20. However, during the summer I spend a lot more because I bought my Cricut and the stuff that goes with it and cartridges for my Xyron s. Ink cartridges, Xyron Cartridges, Font cartridges for the Cricut, are the costly things. Paper, glue, etc. is relatively cheap. I got a Prima bug too and bought 10 bottles one week. That put a dent in the sb spending money. When I was new at scrapbooking, I bought a lot of stickers - I had to have them. Now I have this zippered binder fullof stickers and never use them. The same thing withthe wavey scissors - I have about 30 peair and never use them - not to forget all the punches and rubber stamps - and zillions of eyelets - just be careful about things like this. Dont feel like you have to have everything at once. Get to know your style and what you like to use before you end up with all the stuff you'll never use. LIKE I DID.

so true! we have to be more carefully what we bought and ya have to more condifent if you will use them or not. most people want to do expensive hobby and they relaize that they never use it.. since i notice myself that i never bought full price because i know i will never use it. i dnt want regert myself if i dont need them .. have to be wise up and think different idea beside outside box or anything else that you can find such as thrift store or yard sale or different things .. i use color book and cut them down and put into layout with cutie such as xmas or different things . you have to creative as much as you can and more useful to different tools and different things that you can use them more often. instead being sitting things down and never use it ..


enjoy with different idea with scrapper.

patty

I am definately trying to think thrifty. Infact, today my daughter and I stopped at the dollar store, I was looking for some glass bottles/jars to store things in. I couldnt find any I liked, but my daughter found these cool pens that she wanted to buy each of her friends for christmas. They just happened to come in these clear tubes, so I bought a bunch of them for $1 each.. we took out the pens for her to give to her friends, and I kept the tubes. They're even better than what I was originally looking for.

I think I am quickly determining my 'style' too, so its a little easier on the budget than splurging on a bunch of stuff just to have. My biggest expense this week is going to be putting my scraproom together.

that's good way to find out what they have at dollar store , you never know what they have with scrap stuff. good luck about putting together for scraproom. enjoy them what ya have now for scrap.


patty

For blooms and fall leaves, you can get them at walmart or a dollar store for a buck, just pick the blooms off the stems and attach to layouts with a brad or eyelet.

Michaels, joann's, hobby lobby do 40% off and sometimes a 50% off Coupon you can take and get the more expensive supplies cheaply (i'd use this for albums, paper trimmer, die cutter machine, stamps, and paper packs such as the slab or stack).

Find an online store that will do free shipping with a high enough purchase (the one I shop at requires only a $25 purchase to get free shipping and the products are always cheaper online than at a chain store like michaels).

Good ole walmart has lots of stuff like the fastenator, trimmers, glue dots, 3-D stickers, and plenty of pretty ribbon. Be careful when buying paper and cardstock there b/c it is very low quality...whisper thin. Always good to spend more for the textured CS. I usually buy black in bulk online.

dollar tree has their own line called mrs. elizabeths....cute rubons and other things I use sometimes.

big lots gets discounted things by Making Memories and other sb companies they sell for a buck each. I got my brown distress ink pad there and it is the best ink pad i've ever bought! usually have the leather frames, charmed plaques, fabric photo corners, etc.


Other than this....just try hitting up LSS going out of business sales, and discounted after-holiday items. SB supplies for holidays...you should have built up a good selection in no time.