Wednesday Sponsor Giveaways : Paper Relics, Shabby Chic Crafts, & Scrap Etc. Events

I like to invest in things I can use over and over again and on lots of projects like stamps and diecuts. Those were the first things I bought and I used them on everything until I built up my stash. =)

Swap materials with your girlfriends that scrap so that you all get something "new" to you.

When matting photos I cut out the center of the mat to use for other things.

My frugal tip is to share supplies with a friend. My best friend and I will split a package of embellishments and even cut a patterned paper in half. Sometimes you only need a little of the pattern to make the impact.

My tip would be to share your embellishments, ec. My sister and I both scrapbook - we are able to buy a larger package of something (which usually winds up being cheaper per item) and then split them.
It also works when we do online ordering - we combine our orders and are often able to get free shipping (most places offer free shipping if you order a certain amount) or at least only pay one shipping cost.
I would be able to go to the Scrap Etc event - I live in North Carolina and could drive! Would love the opportunity for that or any of the other fabulous prizes.

My frugal tip: Use little adhesive, but good adhesive! A good adhesive will go a LOOOONG way!

My frugal tip is to be more organized. If I'm organized I can see what I have and I don't buy duplicates. I've also started buying those little plastic hangers and attaching them inside the doors of my scrapbooking table to hang things like pop dots, metal tags, rulers, etc.
Marcie

I like to use a lot of "found" items on my pages. I use potato and vegetable sacs, orange juice lids, office supplies, and a lot of non-traditional scrap items when I'm creating. It helps when you don't have a lot of cash and want something "new and different" on your pages. Thanks again for the chance to win!

My frugal tip is that I've been repurposing/reusing all kinds of packaging, but especially the packaging from scrapbooking embellishments. The chipboard backing is perfect for making homemade chipboard accents and often times the clear plastic fronts can be used to make acrylic or clear embellishments.

I keep all my scraps in a plastic rolling cart in separate drawers labeled by color. I love just taking a drawer and using the scraps to make a monochromatic layout using all the bits and pieces - punched flowers, sewing bits together to make a frame or journaling square. I love the patchwork look!

I save bits and pieces...I always check my "scraps" first, and many times find just what I need for a layout.
JP

I save every scrap of paper and before I cut up a new sheet, I go through my scrap drawer to see if I have that color paper on hand...
I also am trying to make patterned paper by stamping my cardstock, rather than buying it by-the-sheet...
and I have bought double-sided tape in "bulk" -- I cut it to size rather than buying glue dots or photo squares. It works for everything (photos, paper, ribbon, etc.) and I made sure that it's acid-free.

My frugal tip is to use what you have. I bet most of us have more stuff than we would like to admit. You don't actually NEED the latest stuff - this has been a bit of a revelation to me, although it sounds simple. If I look at the layouts I love the most (mine and others, especially yours, Ali), they are often the simple, clean ones, with just one or two well chosen embellishments.
Or - make your own embellishments! OOAK, and far more meaningful than something pulled out of a packet and just stuck on.

My scrap tip is to just take a few minutes and think about how you can recycle your paper before throwing it away. I have two boys who love to do art. So, when I think that a scrap is now waste I put it in a container for my boys to do creative things with. I love to see their amazing works of art.

My frugal tip is in order to make 2"x3" photos when you've taken a lot of photos on a trip is to make a 4x6" template in photoshop, use the guidelines to divide it in half in each direction, then bring your photos in four at a time and save each one as a .jpg. That way you can get four 2x3 photos printed for the cost of one 4x6.

I would love the Scrap Etc. giveaway - I live in a northern Atlanta suburb! My frugal tip? Have a toddler - you never have the time or energy to scrapbook so you don't spend money on supplies :) Actually I like to get a large print that takes up a lot of the page - you don't need as much embellishment!

I always check out some stores that aren't known for scrapbooking products, but which have a great variety for MUCH less $$ than the usual stores. Try Tuesday Morning, Big Lots and The Dollar Store. I've even found great local deals on Craigslist, usually things another scrapper doesn't use and sometimes you can even swap so it costs nothing! PS-I've been trying to get a friend to go with me to Atlanta and with one free trip it would be so much more affordable and only a 2 hour drive! Count me in for the drawing, thanks :)

take your stash to a deserted island where they don't have stores or internet access!!!
*i will not be able to attend the event*

Blank books are my inspiration:} I was scrapbooking before it was cool...I have my original scrapbook from when I was a little girl...I'm now 48...ancient I know. Anyhow...I always carry a "blank book" with me for instance inspiration...I carry a small thick one now and have had it for over five years...it's filled with album ideas, page ideas, decorating ideas, etc. I think it was originally a sketch book that I bought at Barnes & Noble with a leather red cover. When I complete a project I cover the inspiration page with a photo of the project or a future inspiration with photo corner so I can still "peak" at my old inspirations. I live in Charlotte, NC so I could most definetly attend the Atlanta function the end of April...yeah!! Roberta

With my punches i make always pieces from my scraps, saves me from making them out of new paper, because i always have something suitable in my drawers.