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

I can't go to Atlanta but I'd love any of the other giveaways! My frugal tip is to punch shapes from scraps and make your own embellishments or just go through the scrap box first before cutting into a big sheet.

I have a drawer in my scraproom specifically for scrap paper. I don't keep anything smaller than 2 inches square - but those are perfect for cards. My dd (10 years old) loves to get in my scrap room and make cards from the scrap drawer.
I have also made myself a promise to use what I have before I buy more. I have been doing that and have created lots of layouts and mini books.

My frugal tips are simple ones. If I am looking for a piece of cardstock I go to the scraps first. Every time, no exceptions. I always try to use those first. I also make my own custom page protectors to store my clear stamps in. I buy a box of 8 & 1/2 X 11 ones from Costco and then sew smaller compartments with my sewing machine. Then I cut a slit in the ones that are down low with my sharp little scissors. I never have to buy a custom storage system for them. I also make a big effort to look at every product that I have and say to myself how can I alter this? How can I make this into something else? Can I make that white and then color it to whatever color I want? I do this before purchasing too. Working in a scrapbook store it's tempting to buy all the newest things, but I don't have that much $, so I make sure I'll make it run a marathon before I splurge.

My frugal scrapbooking tip is after I finish a project (I make many, many mini albums over the course of a year) I package the scraps to be used to make card sets. It's fast and easy, because all the decisions are already done for you and is a great way to use up scraps.

Not really sure if this a tip but JOURNALING. I always forget and think that I will come back and I never do.....SO don't forget to JOURNAL.
THANKS~

I didn't know you could be frugal with scrapping! :) haha! My advice....have fun and enjoy it...it's a hobby!!!
Michelle
Humble, TX

Even though I would love too there is no way I could attend the event all the way from Australia. I do however love those return address labels.
My tip would be journalling, this is a fairly new thing for me as I find it difficult but when I look back at where I have done it, the picture becomes much clearer to me.
Also back up those photos and layouts. All mine are saved to a portable hard drive.
Thanks for another great chance at a give away Ali

Hi Ali. I posted about the Cricut mats and forgot to note that I could not make it to Atlanta as much as I would love to. Another tip I have, though, is to keep things in sight. I try to organize so that I can see what I have on hand. This keeps me from buying things twice and also helps to stoke my creativity. Being organized is my best tool.

I love using saucers, plates, even lampshades to cut larger circles than I'm able to using my CM cutting system. It's kind of like a scavenger hunt to find the perfect "template" for whatever I'm working on.

I find myself saving almost every bit of paper/card stock that comes my way, meaning clothing tags, junk mail titles, and you wouldn't believe the cute pages i have made from actual stuff i have picked up off the ground. It's predistressed!! the edges already look so perfect. I have even found & used smashed bottlecaps this way.

I save all my scraps no matter the size. Out of those scraps I make binder identifiers for all of the articles I save from magazines and downloads. That way I can find layouts, ideas and patterns easier and have more scrapbook time.
Have a great day.
Donnelly

I save my old paper and let my g'son make paper airplanes out of the colorful paper. He is really into doing that right now! I would be interested in going on the trip to Atlanta and I am sure my husband and g'son would be thrilled to go along with me!

Ali,
I am writing on behalf of my wonderful twin sister Kelly. She never gets to play with me in our scrappy world and I would love to win her a spot to come and play. I am currently registered but I want her to be able to join me and she can't afford it at this time.
Kathy

Use what you have!

I like to use the cardboard from empty cereal boxes and cover them with pretty scrapbook paper to make journal covers, tags or a banner/garland.

I'd love to get to the Scrap etc event and would fly there if I was lucky enough to win. Sometimes I'll scrap on both sides of a page to get the most out of my paper.

Wow, nice giveaways!
I've got a few frugal scrapbooking tips but there's one that's a particular favorite. When I buy some cute die cuts (& lordy, are they sometimes very pricey), I photocopy them in color onto a thicker bond. That way, I have 2-3 copies of them that I cut up with my micro scissors and use on other layouts or layer with other embellies. I've done this, too, with felt borders (just experimenting) and they actually turned out very pretty. Just have to have patience doing some cutting but it's no big deal to me. I can stretch my scrapping budget this way.

When I'm taking photos, I try to include details that might not make it into a layout as full-size pics, but rather are used as accents/embellishments (less to buy that way). Signs, decor, textures and patterns are some favorites.

My frugal tip is using paint sample strips/cards and die cutting out of them or using them for cool colorful squares on a layout. They are free! Can't beat that!

I was just wondering if I am the only one who can't see Ali's Wednesday Giveaway's graphic at the head of the post every week?