With prices rising almost daily we have to start crafting on a budget. Stamping is fun and a great creative outlet. It is also important for your wellbeing. But: it can also get expensive.
Here are my top 12 tips for how to craft on a budget and to keep your spending manageable.
1. Set a budget for what you can spend.
2. When the new catalog releases, make a list of what you would like to have and put it into categories such as tools, embellishments, stamps, etc.
3. Coordinate your colors with your purchases.
4. On your list, decide what you really need and what can wait (your 'nice to haves').
5. What tools do you really need? You can often find things around the house that you can use instead such as a push pen instead of a paper piercer. Make your own bow maker with a Styrofoam block that comes in packing and dowel rods.
6. Look for different ways you can save on cardstock such as when cutting a layering piece, cut out the center that will not show when the top layer is applied and set it aside for another project.
7. Tie the bow on your ribbon before cutting to save waste Use small pieces of ribbon and tie in the center to make a mock bow.
8. Save your scraps of cardstock to make tags and cut punch shapes. Many light color strips of cardstock can be used to stamp words on.
9. Save scraps of designer paper to create blocks to build an interesting layer and then add a cutout image of verse.
10. Keep a list of your purchases (in categories such as tools, stamps, dies, etc.) to keep from duplicating your purchases.
11. Before you throw out scraps ask yourself, can I use this for something else? Even plastic containers from the kitchen that would go in the trash can often be used to make into gift holders.
12. Have fun finding ways to save money in other areas of your life (such as coffee purchases or takeout) so you can spend more on your stamping supplies.
What other tips can you think of that I could add to my list? Leave me a comment to let me know.
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