I thought we could start this thread for the newbies to papercrafting. Let's list our ideas on cheap alternatives/substitutes to buying expensive supplies.

Here's some ideas off the top of my head that we've discussed in the past

Instead of buying:

stamps- print images and sentiments from your computer on cardstock

bone folder- use the dull side of a butter knife, popsicle stick

scoring blade- use the pointy edge of a pen cap

a die cutting machine- use stencils to draw your shapes and cut them out of cardstock

copic markers- use BIC Permanent Markers

brad- use a thumbtack, (after it is pushed through you will need to hammer the back down)

paper piercer- use a pushpin, sewing needle or safety pin

paper piercing/cutting mat- use the back one of those $1 store foam stamp sheets

tape runner/glue dots-glue stick or double sided tape

chipboard- take four pieces of a cereal box and cut it in to the shape you want and glue them all together,
use spray adhesive to adhere patterned paper with big flowers or other shape to the cereal box and cut out the flowers/shape





let's brainstorm some other ideas and I'll add them to this list for easy reference.

Thanks ladies!

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If you don't have a die cutting machine use stencils to draw your shapes and cut them out of cardstock.

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Instead of copics- use BIC Permanent Markers

great ideas ladies- keep 'em coming!

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Instead of a brad- use a thumbtack, (after it is pushed through you will need to hammer the back down)

Instead of a paper piercer use a pushpin and eraser (for under the paper).

Use a glue stick instead of the tape runner or glue dots that are more expensive.

Check Dollar Tree often for double sided tape.

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You could also use a sewing needle or safety pin.

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Instead of buying chipboard take four pieces of a cereal box and cut it in to the shape you want and glue them all together. VIOLA.

Another thing I do with this is to use spray adhesive to adhere patterned paper with big flowers or other shape to the cereal box and cut out the flowers/shape for a fun embellishment.

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"If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you." ~Nietzsche

My crafty/scrappy blog: http://paperscissorsthread.blogspot.com/
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