Hi everyone,
A friend of mine showed me her scrapbooks this past spring and I saw how cute they were and I was in awe of how she themed her books with the stickers, seasons, occasions etc.. Then I went to Walmart and I bought me a scrapbooking stater set for $19.97 and I must admit I went a bit crazy buying the sticker sets that day which totaled more than the scrapbook set! It is cheaper at first to buy the starter set because you get the book and the page inserts, some ideas that are already in there and also some starter cardstock and tags and mini sticks. I bought my next 2 scrapbooks the same way so I could have matching books and traded the card stock with another friend for sheets that I didnt have. Then as it got more expensive I discovered Dollatr Tree has themed cardstock paper sets and I often go there to buy my paper for different occasions and since things move quickly in and out of that store there is something new each week, scissors with unique cutting patterns, beautiful stick sets, doubles sided tape, mini dot sticks, and even a plastic cardstock paper carrier with a handle all for a dollar each! I also went to Big Lots and they have some stickers with sayings etc.. they have minimal stuff compared to dollar tree. I actually found some sticker sets and paper at the Dollar Tree that were actually cuter (like the ones I got for my son's upcoming wedding) that were cuter than Hobby Lobby and Michael's. It all depends on what your looking for but its all trial and error. I have stuff to do everything from baby pages to carnivals to first bike ride, forst haircut, first time driver to college and school stickers and paper too for every occassion. My favorite pages are my daughter's Graduation and my son's trip to the UK because I found a sticker pack of just a passport that opens that really made the page I did for his trip stand out. After you get all the basics, I would have to suggest the Dollar Tree before you go to the more expensive stores. I even have 3 pages dedicated to my dog's with plastic dog bone designed mini picture frames and dog bowls, bones etc..thats what makes scrapbooking so addictive for me, the no limit to what yo wantto do to make your memories last in a fun way. I am now on book number 3 and now that I have everything now I collected, I bought just another scrapbook of the same size at Big Lots for $5.00 which included the plastic page inserts, the hardbound cover just does not match the other 3 which is fine with me for $5.00!
Carol

I also wanted to add that I bought a Sterilite brand clear box, shoebox size for $1.00 at Family Dollar. I got 1 for all of my stickers and for also my mini cardboard tags (like the hard cardboard name tags) I use a re-useable lunchmeat container that was meant to be re-used after your done with the lunchmeat.

At the Dollar Tree I bought a cleaning supply caddy and arranged my packets of pictures in the order of which page I was going to work on next. And I bought a desktop 4 slotted organizer to hold all of my gel pens, markers, and scissors. Dollar Tree also has 4X6 high gloss picture paper with 20 sheets for $1.00 which, compared to the name brand YOu save a whole lot of money printing your digital pictures!

My daughter introduced me to Scapbooking and I went nuts. Having twins also and all three are
girls! So you can imagine the money I have put in so for 29 years of pictures, etc/ I always check the Big Lots ads for scrapbooking material. I go to Hankcock Materials, Hallmark,
and of course, the Dollar stores! I really enjoy remembering all the wonderful memories!

quote:

Originally posted by Justnoww:
I don't want to spent so much in making these scrapbooks. I don't really know how to start one and need help. Does anyone here know how to start a scrapbook without spending so much money?

When i started scrapbooking i did not have the money to get alot of supplies all i had was a lot of pictures. So all i did was buy a regular album, not a scrapbook, and i added my pics and improvised with leftover wrapping paper, magazine pages and colored pencils. the space is slightly limited because it is not a 12x12 book but I got very creative and got alot of compliments on my pages. You don't need a lot of money to begin just creativity. you learn as you go and buy what you need when you need it.

Go to www.yahoo.com and do a group search for you local recyle groups.
Join you local group and ask if anyone has extra, or too much of the scrapbook supplies that you need. All of us that scrapbook on a weekly basis always have too much of something, or something new is out and we have to downsize all the time.

Putting your book together with what you have is GREAT!!, just remember wrapping paper is not acid free and if you look back at older pictures, (well I'm older so I can look at some from the 60's) they will turn yellow and green if acid free is not used. I ALWAYS shop the clearance isles at my local stores, even Wal-Mart has a clearance place for scrapbook supplies.

Also, find a Stampin Up' dealer, they always get rid of the "retired" stuff every quarter at about half price. Memory-works is always a great place to shop on-line as well. I just signed up to sell for this group, just so I can get a 20% discount on the most beautiful papers and supplies I've ever seen!!

Last but now least, let your creativity flow, you are making a historical book for the future.
Have fun, and I hope you find a good group to join!!!

Rachel

Rachel,
Can you please post the site for the memory works one. I noticed a dash in between and need to know if it is .com or .net with a dash etc...
Thanks.
Carol

http://www.memory-works.com/admin/

This is the site web address.

You can find a local rep by entering your zip code, or even sign up from that same site.
Just in case you want to order my zip is 35758, and my name is Rachel.
You can pay with PayPal, and I'm setting up a web page tonight....I'm so excited.
Be sure and check out the MW Warehouse Sale on the lower left side of the page....it changes daily.
Hope you find something you like.
This site is for those that want to "support your habit". It's also full of ideas for wonderful pages.
HAVE FUN!!!

Cool Thanks Rachel!

quote:

Originally posted by eternalrose3:
Cool Thanks Rachel!

Hey if you like the site and decide to join, PLEASE us my ID # MW206651, that is the only time I would get any sort of signing credit.
After that it's just fun shopping for all!!!
Have fun!!! I know you will love everything there.
Rachel

I am a dedicated cropper (scrapbooker) of 8 years. I have collected so much stuff, but I have done it at a fraction of the cost.

Make sure everything you use is archival safe (acid free, lignen free, etc.) This is the only way to ensure your work will pay off for generations to come.

Another great thing to do is look at the scrapbooking magazine websites. You will find SO MUCH INFO there. You may also be lucky to find some "swaps." A swap is where people get tired of a product (stamps, paper sets, punches, etc.) they have, and they want to get rid of it. They will either swap something with you, or will sell it to you at a VERY CHEAP price. I have used many swaps and have had very good results.

I just had to share this with you. My Great-Nephew smiled at me on Christmas Eve, he was just so happy at that moment. Don't you just love being able to capture your life and documenting for others?

OK, how can I get a photo to show here???
HELP??

Believe it or not, watch local yard sales. I have picked up some great supplies at garage sales for little prices. Not everyone has their stuff priced cheap but if you look around there are bargains to be had.

I have been getting supplies at the Dollar Tree or Target dollar section if you have those stores by you. I am having trouble of not knowing where to begin.

check out web-sites for ideas.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/

http://www.papercraftsmag.com/gallery/

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/default.asp

http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/

http://www.bhg.com/bhg/family/

These are a few of my favorite sites to visit, be prepared, you will have ideas out the ying-yang and will be spell bound to do nothing but do scrapbooking the rest of the day....LOL

You may may have to copy and paste, because I don't know how this will show up on the page....have fun!!!
Rachel