Scrapbooking, Quilting, Needlework, Arts & Crafts

5 Ways to Save Money on Paper Crafts

Here are some great ways to save money on paper crafts and paper crafts supplies ...

Isn’t it amazing what an artistic hand can do with a few pieces of paper?  Anything, from beautiful 3D flowers to scrapbooks that preserve the life-stories of families for generations to come, can be designed from such a simple and basic material.  An even more amazing fact is that an art using such basic materials can be downright expensive!  If you’re like me, you’re always open to new ideas of how to save a few bucks.  Let me share a few saving tips with you.

1.  Save - don’t toss

Christmas, birthdays and holidays are a bonanza for the paper crafter.  One of my favorite items to save is cards.  I create gift tags and even small gift boxes from these often-tossed greetings.  Next time you’re gathering a mound of wrapping paper to throw away, take a second look.  Does it have potential?  Save yourself a bundle, and store some of it away.

2.  Ebay

What in the world isn’t available on ebay?  “Wanna be” crafters are a dime a dozen, and often their failure to stick it out becomes a boon to the hard core crafter.  When they get tired of storing supplies they know they’ll never use, you’re in luck.  Keep a sharp eye out for these purging ex-crafters, and be ready to cash in on your good fortune!

3.  Spy those deals in disguise

There’s an old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.”  Well, if you’ve priced photo albums, you know that covers can be pretty darned expensive.  The real value of an album is indeed in the cover.  A great way to cut costs is to buy an inexpensive album, throw away the inside pages, and fill it with your own pages fit into plastic sleeves.  Instead of paying $30.00, you’ll spend maybe $10.00.  Watch for ways to convert less expensive products into the material you need.

4.  Bulk up and swap

We all know that buying in larger quantities usually saves us money.  The next time you go to Sam’s Club and spy a product that you only need one of, go ahead and buy the bulk quality.  Invite your crafty friends over, and swap these items for things they have an abundance of.   Trade your way to a savings.

5.  Get the freebies

One of the greatest expenses for crafters can be patterns.  Those who don’t buy patterns usually purchase crafting magazine for fresh ideas.  Why not get online, and find free patterns?  There are a number of sites that catalogue patterns for your convenience.  When you need a fresh idea, join a forum where others who share your passion are ready and willing to share their ideas. 

Paper crafts are amazing works of art that can bring joy to the creator and a sentimental tear to the eye of the receiver.  Such a beautiful art doesn’t have to empty your wallet.

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