Scrapbooking can be an expensive hobby. From patterned paper, accents, embellishments, and cardstock, it all adds up. Ive been scrapbooking for about 7 years and at first, I went to all the fancy specialty scrapbook stores, where things are more expensive. Over the past several years though, I have found some great ways to save cash.

The most obvious way to save money is to find a place to shop that sells discount scrapbooking supplies. I have found that website stores actually have lower prices then a lot of stores since they have less overhead (costs). The only downside to shopping online is having to wait for your items, but if you don't need them that day, it's a great way to save some money.

Another way to save money is by using 12x12 papers. You get more for the money then buying 8 1/2x11. It also goes a long way. Also, get a wide variety of cardstock colors. You always use cardstock on a layout. Sometimes, thats all I use on a layout. This way, you dont use and therefore you dont need to buy patterned paper. This cuts down costs a lot.

A way to save more is by cutting down on the embellishments. The real focus of pages is supposed to be the pictures anyway. You wont have to spend money on little doodads and youll save time too by not having to make something special. If you just cant go without using embellishments, buy general embellishment materials that can be used on several different layouts instead of buying embellishments for one specific page. For example, get fibers in a package that has several different colors. Tags are another good embellishment that will go on any layout.

Scrapbooking doesnt have to be expensive. Remember that the whole purpose of scrapbooks is the photos and the memories, not how much money you spent!