Exchange ideas for saving money on scrapbooking! Start a discussion by posting a comment, or click EasyEdit to add to this page.

How do you stretch your supplies?
Chipboard shapes are all the rage. Sometimes I will use the chipboard shape as a template instead of using the actual chipboard. I will trace around the chipboard and cut my shape out of cardstock. If I decide I want more dimension I will add a popdot to the back. That way I can use the shape over and over again.

Have a "Stamp Swap Party" with your friends and neighbors. This is really simple and easy to do, and lots of fun to boot. Here is what you do, Invite your friends and neighbors over and ask them to bring the following:

• Bring their stamps (you can ask that people pick their 5 favorite stamps)
• Bring their stamp pads
  
• Bring paper, tags, etc
• Bring stamps that you would like to trade (optional)
  
  • You can then trade a stamp you no longer want to use, or bought and have never used with one that someone else brought
  • I know how difficult it is to part with supplies, that is why this is optional :-)
    
• Embossing powders and heat gun (optional)
• Tip: Try not to have more than 5 people or it gets difficult to manage
• Tip: Make sure everyone has labeled their supplies so nothing gets lost
  

At the party, everyone there can now use any stamp they want and stamp it onto the paper they brought with them. Everyone can stamp the image as many times and in as many colors as they want. You get to go home with lots of new images that you can use on cards, scrapbook pages, decoupage or whatever you'd like.

You can also create a "<<Name>> Stamp Legend". Take a sheet of paper and make an impression of all of the stamps that you have (of course, you will probably need more than one sheet). I recommend using a cardstock weight paper and either putting inside a page protector or punch holes and add it to a binder. Ask everyone to make one copy (photocopy, don't re-stamp) for fellow stampers. Everyone exchanges their "Stamp Legend" sheets. Now if you are looking for a particular stamp or type of stamp you can look at what everyone has and when you find one that you like you can ask your friend if you can borrow it or make a stamping date so you can use the stamp then.


Where are your best sources for discount supplies?

I always check out the local Dollar store!
Check out places like Big Lots where they buy in bulk the overstock items and sell them at a discounted rate
Look for clearance items in stores that sell scrapbooking, cardmaking, or office supplies
Don't buy anything unless you have a discount coupon or it is on sale


Does anyone know a good source for used stamps?
Find a "Stampin Up" representative in your area. Often they will sell their used stamps after they have been retired.

Fellow stampers who want to trade stamps they no longer use