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...of Creative
Frugality
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Creatively Frugal Memory
Preservation
How do you save money on any aspect of saving memories?
"To keep the costs of scrapbooking
down, I keep it simple. I don't make loud, busy pages crammed with
several different printed papers, embellishments, pictures, etc. The
priorities for me are the title, journaling, and pictures -- not the
decorations. Also, my local store always has things on sale, I shop
in the sale section first. Buy solid color cardstock in bulk
packages, not individually. For lettering, don't buy stickers which
can only be used once and some letters in the pack you will never
use. Use your computer, free hand writing or stencils which can be
used again." ~ Julie
"Each year, for the past 37
years I have picked one or two things to use as ornaments on our
Christmas tree. One year it was a souvenir spoon from a trip to
Georgia; another year I decorated an oyster shell with glitter
and a snowman to remember that my husband oystered for a living.
I've done the same for my children and when they left home had
well over 50 ornaments each to remember special things in their
lives." ~ Anonymous
"I am the mother of seven.
When it comes to scrapbooking, I am frugal to the max. I
find cardstock 8 1/2"x11". I place my cropped
pictures on each side of the page, and slip the finished page into
a slipcover. This has allowed me the ability to do a book
for each of our children- although some are still in the 'your
pictures are still in a bag' stage." ~ Lori
"To comment on the current
topic, I love to look for bargains. I love crafts and scrapbooking
in general. I think this is what I spend more of my money on.
- I use coupons all the time. If I can't use them, I don't get
anything.
- I think that if people have a "creative" gift, use it.
I love to craft and haven't really gotten any acknowledgment about
my work... others have
commented, but then this year, I sent my card and it got picked up
in a national publication. I had won some local contests already,
but the national one was big. I felt like God confirmed my
gifting. After that, I started to apply for teaching jobs and now
I'm able to 'earn' crafts products for teaching. So I got some
money for my card being accepted and
for the contests, I have won products. Great way to get stuff!
- I also found this one website where if you send in a card for
their contest, they will send you a free new, stamp! They are a
nice brand too! I have been entering this contests for the last
two years, every quarter and have quite a connection now.
- I hook up with others who like crafts and get to hear about all
the different sales that are going around.
- I even started my own "good deals list" a few years
ago. Everyone on that list has to enter all the names in their
email list and when anyone hears of a good deal, we let each other
know.
- Key in on people who say they are going to sell their craft
stuff or get rid of it.
- I also started a craft and chat ministry. It's basically a time
where people come and work on their projects. We also have
projects for people
to work on that they can take home with them.
- Go to free make and takes. Some craft stores will have times
where you can get something for coming/making.
- There is this one store that gives out a stamp for coming to
their sale. It's great!
- In lieu of Christmas gifts, I think I'm going to scrapbook a
page for people this year. I love to do it, it's my business and I
think people would
love it!
- Consider using a credit card that will give you things that you
want. For example, I love my Joann's credit card. I used to get
mileage for
flying, but since I don't like to fly, I don't use that card
anymore. Instead, for using my card, I get $10.00 for x amount
that I purchase and
I get to choose some free stuff.
- Some craft websites have swaps. You might want to join them to
get a variety of things to start your project." ~ Amy
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"I am a
consultant for Creative Memories, and am excited to see
this question!
When I was pregnant
with my first child, I went to a show on how important it
was for your family to be able to know where they came
from. I've been scrapbooking for four years and only been
a consultant for one. I couldn't afford to spend a lot, so
this is what I came up with.
1) Buy quality - This is something you want to last
forever (otherwise why put in all the hours of work?).
Even if something is a few cents more, if you don't have
to redo it, you have saved money in the long run (I
learned this the hard way).
2) Investigate - Go to a class, visit your scrapbook
stores. Just remember that in the scrapbooking world there
is no FDA to enforce the suggested guidelines. So
investigate the claims made about a product before you
buy.
3) Share products - Join a crop club where each person
brings the tools they have. Find a consultant who has
crops for cheap and lets you use her supplies. Look to
moms groups in your area; most of these have started for
free to members, and where I live memberships only run $20
a year and sometimes offer scholarships if asked about.
4) Buy only necessities! - You don't have to use stickers
or lots of accessories! The necessities are PICTURES,
pages, protectors, adhesives, and a pen to journal with.
Some of the most beautiful albums I have seen were done
with pictures and journaling. If you do want some
enhancements, use permanent pigmented ink pens. They go A
LOT farther than paper and stickers and can be beautiful!
Host a class or show or find someone who has; they
usually give away cool templates to use with your pens.
5) Whether it's Creative Memories or some one else,
sign up for the consultant kits! You usually get
A LOT for a much smaller price! Besides, most of the stuff
in the kits are non-consumable products, so you won't have
to buy again for a long time (Think Christmas gift?). If
you're wanting a good way to stay home and still
bring in some money for your family, this can be a good
way to go about that too - or at least get your products
at cost.
I'm not trying to be
a salesperson or recruiter in this email. These are just
things I have tried or seen done, that I know work!"
~ Tonya Wildman, Future Unit Leader
"I love to scrapbook! But
it is expensive and I have six children and take zillions of
photos. One of the biggest ways I save money is to
have a list of what I am looking for. For example, every
year my scrapbook will have eight birthdays, camping,
fishing, swimming, hockey, soccer, school activities, Easter,
Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas. If I see a sale on
papers or stickers or stencils relating to one of these
themes, I look at it. There is no use purchasing items
related to activities my family does not participate in. I
have built up quite a good supply of stencils relating to
birthdays and holidays as this saves me quite a bit of money
not having to purchase stickers and die-cuts. I can just
make my own." ~ GG in Alberta
Editor's Note: Thanks to everyone who took the time to share
his or her ideas!
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