by Amy Freidhof

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: September 27, 2011

6 Ways to be a Scrapmiser:

1. Focus on photos/journaling. The fancy layouts that you see in the latest scrapbooking magazines filled with expensive embellishments and using the latest tools, can be very appealing. However, the real focus of your scrapbooking should be your photos and the story that goes with them. Choose simple layouts that show off your photos and do lots of journaling to tell your story. This leaves little space and/or need for a lot of frilly embellishments.

2. Consider changing your layout size to match your photo size. A lot of croppers use a 12x12 layout. The results are large and sometimes stunning. However, often to make an impact and make your pages appear balanced; it requires enlarging photos above the standard 4X6 size. This can quickly increase the cost of your page. Also a larger page size requires more paper and more embellishments to keep it balanced. Experiment with other paper sizes. An 8 x 11 size works really well with standard 4x6 prints and you'll save yourself the cost of enlarging your photos. 8x8 is also a good size if you wish to use only one photo on a page or a series of smaller photos. Of course you can make a 12x12 page less expensive by simply using multiple 4x6 photos instead of one or two enlarged ones.

3. Be a bargain shopper. Dollar stores are a great source for scrapbooking supplies. Most scrapbooking stores will also have a clearance or dollar section where you can pick up some great supplies for limited money. Resist the urge to buy things simply because they're the latest thing or because they're cute or trendy. Think about whether or not you're really going to use the item and what value it will really add to you layout. Get together with other croppers and see if you can swap supplies. We all have things we know we'll never use, why not trade them to someone who will use them in return for something you want.

4. Use memorabilia as embellishments. Sometimes the best embellishments are items that relate directly to the story you're telling. Use the map from the Zoo as the background paper for your zoo photo layout. Incorporate tickets, brochures, postcards and other items from your trips and events into your layouts instead of purchased embellishments. They have much more meaning, will make your pages more personal, and best of all they're usually free.

5. Make full use of your home computer. If you have a computer at home it can be a great scrapbooking resource. The Internet provides unlimited free font choices for you to download. Why spend money on fancy titles or die cut letters when you can simply type something into your computer, choose a funky font, make it large and print it out. Clip art can also be used very effectively on your pages and there are literally hundreds of free clip art resources on the Internet.

6. Make your own stencils. Stencils can be a great scrapbooking tool for creating letters and shapes. Have an empty sheet of alphabet stickers? Peel off the rest of the sheet that surrounded the letters and turn it into a stencil. Dust the adhesive side with talcum powder so that it won't stick to your paper. Then use paint, ink or chalk to place stenciled letters onto your page. Experiment with other sticker backgrounds to create your own cool patterned paper from inexpensive cardstock.

The most important thing to remember is to be creative and to have fun.

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