How To: Save money on your scrapbooking

The cost of scrapbooking can really add up. You can still create wonderful scrapbooks to artistically document your memories by shopping smart and cutting costs by being resourceful. You can use things you already have around the house.

Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve memories, but it can also be expensive. Follow these steps to save money.

You Will Need

* Coupons
* A computer with internet access
* Wallpaper samples
* Contact paper
* Old clothes
* Glue
* Cardboard
* Scissors
* Magazines
* Double-stick tape
* Plastic containers with lids (optional)

Step 1: Clip coupons

Clip coupons. Many craft stores frequently offer discount coupons, either in circulars or on their websites.

Step 2: Organize a party

Organize a scrapbooking party with friends so you can share supplies and memories.

Step 3: Trade or sell

Trade or sell scrapbooking supplies that you have accumulated but will never use.

Use plastic containers with lids to store and organize your supplies. You'll waste less material if you know where everything is.

Step 4: Repurpose material

Repurpose paper. One of the most expensive scrapbooking item is the paper used for backing, so instead of buying expensive paper, use old wallpaper sample books or decorative contact paper.

Step 5: Use old clothes

Cut pretty fabric from old clothes you'll never wear again and glue scraps to cardboard. Cut the cardboard into flowers or hearts or other shapes and use them for picture matting or decorations.

Step 6: Make stickers

Make your own stickers. Cut pictures from old magazines, apply double sided tape to the back, peel off the backing, and you have a homemade sticker.

Save scraps from backing and cut-outs. Scraps can be used to make matting, borders, die-cuts, and punches.

Step 7: Search internet

Search the internet for free layout ideas, fonts, clipart, and templates. Have fun getting ideas from other scrap b