Crafting and stamping are a lot of fun, and are very satisfying creative outlets, but let’s face it, they can also be expensive! Here is how to craft on a budget and help cut that cost down while still building a stash.
- Set your $$ budget.
- Make a list of what you’d like to have by categories: tools, cardstock, inks, accessories, embellishments, etc.
- Decide if you want to stay in one color family or more than one. Coordinate your purchases by color.
- Prioritize each category into sections: must have, good to have, not needed immediately. I usually put the emphasis on tools, because so many projects rely on basic tools, like a trimmer, to get the best result in your finished project.
- Check around your house to see if you have substitutes for some basic tools, as an example, you might have a pair of scissors that will serve until you can purchase a better pair, or, in a pinch you can sub a pushpin for a paper piercer.
- Look at ways to get more out of your cardstock:
- After cutting your cardstock or designer series paper layers, die cut shapes out of the center of any layers that will be covered by another. Not only will you have some die cuts for a future project, but no one will ever know that you used the center of a layer.
- Tie a bow BEFORE cutting the ribbon, thread, or baker’s twine off the spool. You won’t waste as much!
- If part of a die cut will be covered, let the framelit or thinlit hang off the edge of the cardstock or paper and cut a partial die cut.
- Punch shapes from cardstock scraps.
- Use left over ribbon scraps to create a design on a project.
- To avoid duplicating supplies, keep a list of what you have and as you use it, convert that list into a shopping list.
- Store your cardstock and Designer Series Paper in file drawers or another dark area. Sunlight and heat are paper’s worst enemies!
- If your state has an annual back to school sales tax break, take advantage of it to stock up on adhesives and other items that may be covered.
- Have fun!
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