How do you do it?

Stacey Chambers · **How do you do it?**

I know that I am slow & behind the times, but I am just now thinking about scrapbooking, now that my kids are almost 6 & 2.
I was at Michael's this afternoon & it was like the kid in the candy store!

So many choices, so many things. I could have spent all day there! How do you keep from going overboard on your spending? I know me & when I start I may have a problem of overspending & I do not want to do that. I know by reading some of the posts that some of you like EmberNevil & blessed_with_6 are avid scrappers. How did you all first start out? What did you all buy first? I went ahead & bought me "Scrapbook Basics" by Michele Gerbrandt to help give me an idea of where to start. I am also going to mention this to my family as ideas for gifts for me for Christmas. Just wondering what you all do.

itstinkerbelle · 07-08-2007, 04:01 PM

You could start out by buying a kit. They have lots of them at Michaels, they come with the scrapbook and paper, embelishments etc.
You will need a paper trimmer, Glue, scissors.maybe some journaling pens, I would not get to crazy buying things untill you know what your style is.You will learn what things YOU really like as you start making pages..
I cant think of much else now but I am sure others will also give you some good ideas too.

abbysmommy · 07-08-2007, 04:52 PM

To start out, decide what size album you think you want and buy a few papers in that size, some matching plain cardstock, good scissors, a paper cutter big enough to cut 12" paper (don't bother with those small ones!), a journaling pen and your choice of adhesive. Those are the bare basics. THEN you can purchase a few embellishments of your choice...and there are TONS of those...brads are good to start out with, some stickers maybe, ribbon...etc. Like itstinkerbelle said, just figure out your style. Then go from there. Check out a book at the library (there are also neat sketches in scrapbooking magazines and online) with some scrapbooking sketches in it, pick one you like and put it all together from there. My suggestion is to not buy an album until you know FOR SURE that you enjoy doing the size pages you started out with...or even that you'll enjoy scrapbooking at all.

Always check for sales...check out some cheap sites online...check the Dollar Tree or any of the small dollar stores around your area...clearance at Wal-Mart and Target...etc. You don't have to spend a fortune, although it's VERY EASY to do!! Some great sites are:

www.dollarscrapbooking.com Coming Soon!
Bargainpack
www.frugalities.com

and others!

Stacey Chambers · 07-08-2007, 05:00 PM

Thank you for the advice. When I was looking at Michael's it was all very overwhelming on what I should buy & where I should start.

jessthenurse · 07-08-2007, 08:29 PM

I also buy a lot of stuff on clearance. It gives you the option to try something for a small amount of money. Both JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby usually have a good bit of clearance. And never, never, never forget to look at Big Lots. You can get quite a bit there for very little money.

Kellyandgirls · 07-08-2007, 08:39 PM

I think the kit is the way to go to get started!! as for the trimmer you can get a inexpensive one to start with!!and some Adhesive!! there are also some classes at scrap stores (I think Micheals even has classes you can take!!

EmberNevill · 07-09-2007, 08:36 AM

SALES! And use coupons for the big stuff. Just budget yourself! Say.. ok.. I have $20 to spend. STICK TO IT!

abbysmommy · 07-09-2007, 12:43 PM

Hobby Lobby has their ProvoCraft paper cutter on sale this week!!

jessthenurse · 07-09-2007, 05:37 PM

Don't forget to join our swaps! It's a good way to get a little bit of everything.

3lynns · 07-09-2007, 08:21 PM

I think that starting with a kit is the best way to go. That way you have the basic supplies needed besides paper trimmer and adhesive. I would also recommend buying a scrapbooking magazine to have a little more insight and visual guides. Any questions let me know! I would love to help whenever I can!