By: Brandie Valenzuela

Recently, a good friend of mine decided to give scrapbooking a try. It wasn't easy to get her started. I had told her how much I would love for her to take up this hobby and I would nag at her about how her photos were being destroyed as they sat in her magnetic albums. She admitted that it did look like fun, but she saw two problems with it: One, that she would never have the time to do it, and two, it looked expensive. I knew the solution to the time issue was to just get her hooked on scrapbooking -- but I had to do something more to prove to her that scrapbooking didn't have to be an expensive hobby. With some thought, I came up ideas of how she could scrapbook, without selling off her prized possessions!

1) Realize that you don't need every new tool (yes, sad, but true). Scrapbooking is constantly growing, and if you try to keep up with every new item, you could go broke! Sit down and come up with a list of items you must have (for example paper, some type of adhesive, etc.) and a list of items that you want to have. Having something concrete to look at might help you to keep focused on whether or not you really need that new product. From time to time, as your budget allows, purchase a item from your "want" list.

2) Share with others. If you have even just one other friend who scraps, you can double your access to scrapbooking tools. For example, if you or your buddy go shopping, she can buy one punch and you can buy a different one. I also enjoy scrapping once a week with my friends and we all get the chance to share each others scissors, markers, templates, light box, etc. 

3) Keep your layouts simple. I know that for some scrappers, keeping their pages simple is not possible, but for others, they prefer it that way. Consider using mostly solid colored papers and cardstock, instead of pattern papers. Avoid using stickers (which can get costly). 

4) Create your own templates. Instead of buying templates, you can create your own on plastic lids. 

5) Put the internet to work for you. If you have internet access, you have a wealth of information available to you for free. For example, there a many websites which have ideas for titles for your pages or even poems, so there is no need for you to purchase books that offer these. There are also many sites online that have fonts you can download for free, and using different fonts is a fun way to add variety to your pages. You can also find a large selection of sites on the web that have layout ideas, so there is no need to buy idea books. 

6) Swap your extras. If you have extra paper that you bought too much of or maybe a large selection of die cuts, consider swapping them with someone who might have something you could use. 

7) Wait for special coupons. Look in your local newspaper for coupons and sales

8) Browse online auction sites. Sometimes you are able to get great deals on scrapbook supplies from auction sites, just be sure to factor in the shipping you will have to pay to have the item sent to you.

9) Keep your eye on clearance areas. Since scrap booking is a constantly evolving hobby, new products come and go all the time. Keep an eye on the clearance aisle at your local scrapbook or craft store, Wal-Mart or other discount store, or even online scrapbook stores. 

10) Look around your home for items that you can use in your albums. Items such as eyelets, wire, mesh, fabric, jute twine, threads, buttons, and ribbon all became a scrapbook trend because someone dared to try it in their album. Look around your home for these items, and other new goodies, to add extra "WOW" to your pages.

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