5 Super Saver Ideas

Let me start by saying that I LOVE my local scrapbook store and try to give them business whenever I can. That being said, I also know in this economy finding ways to save money (and still be able to buy scrap supplies!) is key. So I put together a few tips for how I save money for many of my scrapbook supplies. I hope these ideas help you too!

1. Go online to your favorite store and sign up for their email list. Once you do this, they will email you their weekly specials and coupons that you can then print out as many as you want. AC Moore, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels all send out 40%-50% discount off one regular priced item typically once a week. The good news is they take competitor coupons. So if the AC Moore coupon is for 50%, I will use that one first at Joanns and Michaels, since their coupon is typically only 40%.

2. Look for scrapbook supplies in places that you might not normally think of. I have found some great deals on scrapbook supplies at Big Lots, Marshalls, Ross, and Tuesday Morning, all of which are not traditionally "crafty stores". Here are some of my great deals:

Jenni Bowlin paper pack with 36- 12x12 paper pages, 2 die cut paper pages, 1 sheet alpha monogram letters, 6 journaling cards, 2 bingo cards, 2 chipboard stars (2 sizes), and 1 tab sticker sheet all for $2.99 at Tuesday Morning.



K*1 memories paper pack with 18 sheets of 12x12 paper included two die cut pages, and 4 sheets of shimmer paper all for $2.99 at Tuesday Morning.


Martha Stewart punches for under $5 at Marshalls.


3. Look for discount photo printing options. I use my home printer often, but the cost per print ends up being very high as you are paying for the convenience. If I know I have lots of photos to print I use the Ritz special of 6 cents per print on Tuesdays and Wednesday only (I believe it is 15 cents per print on all other days). This is for the 3 x 5 print (not 4 x 6), but I actually like the size for layouts as it allows the use of more photos. You can also get them printed with a white mat and not have to mat yourself, if that is your preferred look.

4. Sometimes I find a product I really like online that my stores may not carry, but many times the shipping costs for just one or two smaller items can be outrageous. I have found that if I give my local scrapbook store the information on the item they will order it specially for me. The cost generally ends up being the same as online (or very close) but with no outrageous shipping, so the total cost ends up being less expensive.

5. Following with the ever popular dollar value menu.....retail stores have begun offering something similar. Michaels and Joanns now each have sections where all the items are just $1. I have found them to be hit or miss, and not all the item are necessarily scrapbook related, but I have founds some great finds included (should be including) bags of buttons, shaped chipboard albums, stamps, chipboard letter/words, and ribbon.

I am always looking for ways to save, so if you have any ways to save, please share. Would love to hear from you!