When I first began to scrapbook, materials were relatively inexpensive. Now with paper being up to $1.00 a page and all of the embellishments and stickers climbing in prices as well, what's a scrap-a-holic gotta do? Well, you don't have to break the bank and you don't have to go without. Here are a few ideas to help you find the best deals when scrapbook shopping.  

  1. Dollar Store Deals. I am always on the hunt for a good bargain and you can't go cheaper than the good ol' dollar store. I was estatic when they started adding a scrapbook section. It is usually located near the stationary or school supplies. The line is called Miss Elizabeth's and it's found in every Dollar Tree store.  You can get letter stickers, metal embellishments, punches, shiny, glazed epoxy stickers, and my favorite, packs of 12 x 12 paper. All for $1.00 each! Check it out and see if they have anything up your alley.
  2. Discount Department Stores. There are discount department stores all over now. There's Ross, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, and Tuesday Morning just to name a few. Haunt these places frequently, especially in their photo album sections. At T.J. Maxx, I found a K & Company 12 x 12 scrapbook kit (worth over $50.00 in a scrapbook store) for only $7.00! It's a great place to get a scrapbook at a discounted price. If you have Tuesday Morning in your area, they have a whole discounted scrapbook section!
  3. Wal-Mart. If you're like me, going to Wal Mart is an ordeal best avoided.   But I can't ignore the fact that it's the cheapest place to find a lot of tools I need like roller adhesives, paper cutters, and even some stickers. Look for these in the craft section. The selection varies from store to store, but the price is right on for what they do have.
  4. Coupons! Coupons! Coupons!. Go to your local chain craft store (I go to JoAnn and Michael's) and see if they have monthly or even weekly coupons. Some will offer up to 50% off one item with a coupon. I love to save these and buy that large scrapbook tool I've been needing (large paper cutter, heat gun, xyron machine, etc.). Get friendly with the cashiers and they can give you a heads up when the next big sale on scrapbook items will be. I go nuts at the paper sales!
  5. Mailing Lists. In a small, local scrapbook store, the way they advertise is usually through their mailing list. Be on it! They'll send coupons and will usually tell you about sales before their ad hits the newspaper. I happened to be on a mailing list of a store that pre-announced their going-out-of-business sale. I had a full week to get the best deals at this store before the real mobs hit once the word got out through the newspaper.

 
Now you no longer have the excuse, "scrapbooking is just too expensive!" Go out there and find some bargains and get scrapping. Good luck!  
 
Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room.  

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