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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 18, 2016 12:55:20 GMT
How much do you spend on scrapbooking and how does it compare to when you first started scrapbooking?
I first started about 12 years ago. My first year I barely spent anything. I didn't even buy a paper trimmer. I didn't want to "waste" money on a hobby that I wasn't 100% sure I would stick with.
After that first year, oh boy! I bought pretty much whatever I wanted. I still waited to buy a Zipemate (my first die cutter) until it was on super clearance.
I probably easily spent $100 a month for the first few years (after the first bare year).
Now I spend relatively little. I have all my important tools. I don't "need" anything, and only buy things that really speak to me.
I shop clearance almost exclusively. I find things in thrift shops & dollar stores.
Honestly, I wish I had scrapping buddies nearby that I could trade stamped images and die cuts with.
The only thing I spend "big money" on is buying albums when I run out of room. And then I usually only buy them one or two at a time.
So, how do you spend, now compared to then?
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Deleted
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Sept 29, 2024 0:04:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2016 13:24:15 GMT
me too. Maybe $200 a year. I'm a very simple scrapper and use very little embellishments. I only buy paper and glue on sale and with a coupon and maybe an embellishment or 2 on sale or with a coupon. I try to stay out of Hobby Lobby and M's. My biggest expense is albums. I do buy 11x8 3 ring albums at full price and I have trouble finding them. I buy albums on sale, too, and I have a stash for special projects but I use the 11x8 for dgchildrens albums which is most of my scrapping. I will have to up my estimate when I include them, but not sure how much.
I don't have any machines. (I don't need anything else to trouble shoot..I have enough trouble with a computer.)
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Deleted
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Sept 29, 2024 0:04:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2016 13:26:28 GMT
These days, I have all the tools I want. I'm not sure you could tempt me with a stamp or an edge punch or a new die cut. But I am spending more than ever on consumables, because I have a gut feeling this industry will contract, and 10 years from now, the paper selection in particular will be kinda sorry compared to what we see today. So I'm storing up for the lean times, you might say.
And I love the classic designers who are going out of business, so even my DH has put a stamp of approval on hoarding in this situation.
ETA: I haven't paid full price for anything -- tools, consumable supplies -- in more than 10 years now. I'm a big fan of daily deal sites, garage sales, Goodwill and Tuesday Morning, sales and coupons.
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Post by needtime2scrap on May 18, 2016 13:27:14 GMT
I definitely don't spend what I used to! But it's not for lack of trying. It feels like there is less and less that wows me or is available to buy. With very few lss around and the ones that are around seem to be focusing a lot on Tim Holtz stuff and mixed media ( both of which I don't do) there isn't much to buy. I'm not into doodlebug cutesy and I don't do a lot of themey stuff which leaves me with a craft money to spend and not much to buy.
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Post by LisaDV on May 18, 2016 13:42:02 GMT
We just went from 2 incomes down to 1 with a baby, so I didn't spend a lot the first year of scrapbooking. Mostly my pages were cardstock. But, oh boy, did I make up for it. Whenever we do a budget we give ourselves spending money, mine always went for crafting items wkether it was $100 or $200 or in between. Then I'd always end up spending another larger amount at least once per year. Classes or a larger tool (like first large format photo printer). Then I stopped as we were doing a temporary move. At the temp place, in 2012 I joined a kit club, I spent around $30-$75 per month depending upon add-ons, but I didn't seem to buy as much elsewhere. Then we moved again and I didn't buy for a while due to that. I've been going kind of crazy recently. Bought most of Shimelle's line and since it was only ever in bits and pieces I'd fill in the orders with other stuff. I've been trying to put myself in the freezer since mid-April. It hasn't happened yet. I spent $10 last week at the local grocery/hardware store and $6 on an embossing folder from amazon for a card project I'm working on this week.
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Post by Linda on May 18, 2016 13:49:03 GMT
I've never had a big scrapbook budget but most years, I would take a bit from the tax refund and either stock up a bit or buy something bigger (my Qk, my Epix six, my Cricut were all tax refund purchases). The past couple of years, I really haven't done that - there's not been anything I really wanted.
At this point - the majority of my scrapbook purchases are adhesive, cardstock, page protectors - I buy PP and stickers/embellishments every now and then either for a specific project or because they are on sale and I love them but I'm pickier now
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Post by paperpilekitten on May 18, 2016 14:14:33 GMT
It took me a few years for this hobby to grow on me, but then I started to build my stash in about 2009. The international shipping back then was very reasonable and I took advantage of the great clearance sales on 2 peas. Only sorry that it took me a good while to discover that they overcharged on the shipping and you had to ask for the surplus shipping money back each time. Shaking my head. I wonder how much money they made off of internationals who didn't know this? Anyhow, I still have loads of Basic Grey brads and Tattered Angels mists from these sales. And Prima flowers... Hmmm, I'm telling myself that I will appreciate those again. One day. They are pretty, but not my current style. During this time I also invested in my beloved Big Shot and craft dies. Then came a few of years of stocking up on cute and/or trendy collections that I chose from CHA sneaks. Full price. As soon as they were released. Those were the days. LOL And do you remember how 2 peas used to put half of one collection in the shop and you put it in your cart, waiting for the rest of the collection and items started to sell out? That was so frustrating! Up until 2013 I used to buy everything scrappy from 2 peas. Then I discovered there are other places to shop. Today my scrap budget is restricted. I have my SC PL sub (this month I got the planner kit, as well) and Cocoa Daisy planner sub. Plus Ali's story stamp (added the Read kit this month). Sometimes I get stamp sets and stuff from SC at reveal and Last Call. So I definitely spend much less now, and the intl shipping rates have hit the roof, so that definitely puts a damper on the shopping. Ugh. SC is pretty much the only place with reasonable shipping for subscribers, which is a big reason for me to keep my kit sub over there. So here I am now with a huge stash that I truly love and, just as @formerlytravelagent, I think that there will be less to choose from in the future. And even higher international shipping rates and taxes/customs. So I don't really feel bad for shopping and hoarding during those years. I will enjoy all those things for years to come. Shopping my stash feels so good!
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Post by gigi333 on May 18, 2016 14:15:35 GMT
I spend every spare penny be got, I'm completely addicted to scrapbook supplies. I have been very lucky this year as I have had a lot of extra income I won't have again, so I've set up my craft room, being international there is pretty much nothing I don't have to get online so shipping is a real killer for me.
In the last year and a half I've built up a lovely craft room and I'm so happy with it
Scrap booking has brought me out of what I'd call a mild depression brought in by grief for the last 5 or 6 years. And I haven't been so happy in years
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Post by scrapcat on May 18, 2016 15:16:47 GMT
I started scrapbooking before I knew there were aisles dedicated to it at Michaels, so at first I didn't spend much. Then once I discovered all the "stuff" I spent a lot! I used to buy all day long when they had the day long QVC shows, and I would go to CKC and spend a boatload. Then I realized I had way too much and my style changed a lot too. I backed off for a long while. Now I just buy what I like and need (adhesive, white cardstock, etc) I go through phases, like I feel like last year I probably spent $100 total, but this year I purged a lot and added some newer things, so I probably spent over that already.
The one thing I could never get my head around is kit clubs and grab bags. The epic studio calico thread is like "what?!" to me. I am very picky choosy where I spend now. I usually keep a running list of things I see/collections I like then when there is a good online sale I try to buy the things I wanted and qualify for free shipping, etc.
I'm much better at waiting for things now, but I think I'm like that with all expenditures, just must be gaining more patience with age!
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 18, 2016 15:47:45 GMT
I spend a lot less on my personal scrapbooking now than I did in the past. Part of that is because there aren't many local places to shop for stuff like their used to be and part of it is because I already have a lot that I could use. My needs have changed drastically since the focus of my business has shifted from primarily retail to primarily design.
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Post by acd on May 18, 2016 15:48:48 GMT
I spend around $100 a month: AE story stamp and kit, SC SB kit, and misc extras at three LSS stores in my area. OK, some months might be closer to $150. I love this hobby.
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Post by grammadee on May 18, 2016 15:55:29 GMT
My answer to how much do I spend on scrappy supplies, is WHATEVER I CAN AFFORD AT THE TIME.
In the beginning, I started with a bang: four albums and the supplies to fill them from Creative Memories. Then I discovered Paper Wishes, and ordered from their paper catalogs. Joined their Personal Shopper club and was happy working with the papers and embellies all matched for me. Stayed in the club for years, even after I seldom used their actual papers or cs. Discovered the sticker aisle at WalMart, and knew I had come HOME!!! What saves my wallet is I live a long way from a WalMart.
My good friend Carla introduced me to the stamping world when she became a CTMH rep. So I committed to joining the girls every month and spending at least $50 each time in her Ten for Ten. Of course I spent more. Because I have to have choices! What if I need a stamp with a bird on it? Or a cow? And think of all the money I will save stamping titles instead of using stickers...
Then a LSS started in a nearby community. Heaven!!! To be honest, at first it scared me: too many choices! But I soon learned to love the chance to feel the product in my hands before I paid for it.
About the same time, an on line store caught my attention, and I started ordering from them, mostly because they had a DT and a Gallery that showed off all the fun stuff you could do with all those pretties... Then when that store closed, I was adopted into another scrappy family, and they had a DT and a Gallery. And then they started taking pre-orders on CHA products. Danger! DANGER!
No more block purchases like that for me. But I have started dabbling in the art journaling supply trend. Have collected lots of paints and media, and am trying to use them more on a regular basis. Even Dyan Reavely says we should use what we have before we buy more: this stuff has a shelf life!
Now that my income is being reduced again--no instructional contracts on the horizon--I need to rein it in again. Thankfully, I have a HUGE stash. All I really NEED to buy is glue. (and maybe particular art supplies if what I have is used up or dried up) Of course I still WANT a lot of new stuff, but I will need to look at new purchases as "will use this right away for project A" as opposed to "Hey, that's COOL! I might be able to play with that SOMETIME!"
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Post by scrappinheather on May 18, 2016 16:31:56 GMT
I spend about $100 to $150. It used to be between $25 and $50 for a long time because I only subbed to scraptastic. But now I sub to freckled fawn (which I will give up when my six months are up), scraptastic, and hip kit. I usually buy the main kit and add on from scraptastic and main kit, embellushmen, patterned paper and cardstock from hip kit. I really only scrapbook from kits because I like things that go together in unique ways and being inspired by designers. Last month I spent a ton because I recently rejoined hip kit and their past kits were 40% off so I bought six months worth of kits and add ons for $300 plus $75 at scrapbook.com on paints and other mixed media.
I need to figure out how to cut my kit habit to only 1 per month. I do have scraptastic ship to me every other month so I save on shipping. I rarely ever buy anything anywhere else except page protectors, albums, and adhesives
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texasjen
Junior Member
Posts: 57
Dec 28, 2015 22:37:49 GMT
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Post by texasjen on May 18, 2016 16:35:35 GMT
I started with a Creative Memories class at a friend's house in high school, back in the 90's. I bought the starter stuff - album, cardstock in primary colors, stickers. Through college and grad school I made occasional purchases at the LSS or big box craft store, but not much, as I was on a student's budget. I had a couple of years after school when I had the money to shop, but didn't much as I was busy with work and moving in to our first house. Then around 2010 I became a SAHM (so loads more photos), and also started paying attention to individual manufacturers and collections. (Right around when Echo Park began - it was spot-on for my style.) And it all went downhill from there!
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Post by Linda on May 18, 2016 16:49:19 GMT
I didn't mention it in my previous post but my single biggest scrapbook expense at the moment? printing photos - I take advantage of Shutterfly and Snapfish coupon codes as much as possible but I also print at my local Walmart for convenience (upload/order/pay online and have DH pick up on his way home from work). I'm easily spending $20/wk at the moment on photo printing (and I'm only printing 4x6s). Of course, I'm playing catchup on printing also which is playing a big role
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Post by pixiegrrl on May 18, 2016 17:00:20 GMT
I too started with Creative Memories in 1992. I went to my first class and was hooked!! Although, just the CM way...no other...lol.. I then found my first scrap store and was in awe...lol... A whole new world opened up to me!! I now have a huge scrap room full of stuff. Back in the day when there was only CM, I probably spent maybe $30-50 a month. But once the scrap stores opened, it probably went to about $200, sometimes $300 a month. The only problem, I couldn't scrap as fast as I bought..lol.. So the collection grew tremendously. My boyfriend has challenged me for a year to only use my stash. Allowing me to purchase adhesive and page refills as needed. So far, I'm almost at 6 months But it's soooo hard!!! lol. It also helps that there are no scrap stores in Calgary, Alberta anymore. Just Michaels. And Michaels Canada is a sad, sad store for scrap supplies. I now just spend about $30 a month on adhesive and page refills. Quite a change
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Post by thracian on May 18, 2016 17:20:26 GMT
I've been scrapbooking for nearly 20 years now. My shopping goes in cycles--there are times when I shop A LOT, times when I get the basics (adhesives, albums), and times when I don't shop at all.
Lately I have been shopping a lot, though everything I've bought has been on sale. Well, almost everything. I subscribe to two clubs, and I also got the Read Story Kit and stamp set. I need to cut back even on the sale stuff. Partly to save money and partly because I am overrun with supplies.
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Post by mikklynn on May 18, 2016 17:33:03 GMT
I average about $100/month. That includes photo printing, albums, and adhesives.
I tend to go in streaks. I'll place several orders for supplies, then buy nothing for months.
It is my only active hobby.
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Post by anniefb on May 18, 2016 18:39:38 GMT
I've been card making for many years and scrapping for about 15. I'm definitely spending less than I did a few years ago when I was building up my collection of stamps and dies etc. I have one sub left - to Ali's Story Kit - and that works out to NZ$33 a month. Other than that, I buy scrapbooking cardstock locally but card making stuff and other supplies mostly come from the US so that means shipping charges ;(
I did just treat myself to a Cameo to replace my aging Cricut, but apart from that I have most of the tools I need. However, I don't eat out a lot or spend huge amounts on clothes, shoes etc so my crafty budget is my main 'treat' to myself and it brings me a lot of pleasure. I have become a lot more selective - not just buying stuff because it's new or exciting, but I do still buy a few stamp sets each year, if I can make room for them. Having the Cameo now I think I'll easily be able to do without dies which is great, and I'm going to spend some time over the next few weeks tracing lots of stamps and seeing what I might be able to dispose of.
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Post by ScrappyGlue on May 18, 2016 19:08:23 GMT
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Post by acd on May 18, 2016 19:38:52 GMT
I never really averaged it out, but last month I went to the LSS and blew $400 on new stuff! WOW! That had to be fun!
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Post by caspad on May 18, 2016 20:29:56 GMT
I'd like to think I spend less than when I first started. But back in 2000, I subscribed to the Club Scrap kit for $30/month (including shipping) Now I get the Kelly Purkey kit for $28.75. So it's about the same!
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Post by streetscrapper on May 18, 2016 20:39:20 GMT
I wish I didn't spend much but if I am to be honest, I'd say that I spend more time shopping for scrapbooking supplies than actually scrapping... and that means that it's quite a bit! I pretty much buy whatever I want, but I am definitely more selective in my purchases now that I have been in the past. I won't usually buy a bigger ticket item without researching it first.
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Post by ScrappyGlue on May 18, 2016 20:47:15 GMT
I never really averaged it out, but last month I went to the LSS and blew $400 on new stuff! WOW! That had to be fun! It was so much fun!
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Post by refugeepea on May 18, 2016 21:37:14 GMT
Since I had my third kid, I hardly take pictures so that's the biggest reason for not buying as much; plus less time.
I started in 1995 and I went crazy making MANY pages that were super simple and unfortunately photos cut in weird shapes. I was happy with scissors, glue sticks, shape templates, and basic card stock for many years with the occasional stickers.
THEN I found Keeping Memories Alive and their wonderful catalogs. Then I found the message boards and I don't think I went too crazy. I did get carried away with paper stacks, but it wasn't terrible. I think I spent on average $20.00 a month for a couple of years. It's mostly been sporadic.
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Post by myboysnme on May 18, 2016 22:24:04 GMT
I probably spend about the same but differently. I have no more LSS in my state but I go to conventions. I am going to 3 this year and will spend about $200 on stuff at each one.
I also spend money on albums, page protectors and adhesive. When I had an LSS I would buy small amounts, now ordering online I order more to take advantage of shipping.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 19, 2016 3:20:00 GMT
It feels like there is less and less that wows me I feel that way too. I also feel like everything looks the same. One manufacturer will make a line with flamingos as their main design, and then six other companies all have flamingos on their paper and embellishments. I need more variety. The one thing I could never get my head around is kit clubs and grab bags. Me too! I need to know, down to the last enamel dot, exactly what my money is paying for. I have no room for disappointment in my budget.
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Deleted
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Sept 29, 2024 0:04:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2016 7:19:23 GMT
krissykat- I think that is so cool you spent that much at your LSS. I love to have those moments. I don't spend a lot on scrapbooking. Every one thinks scrapbooking is such an expensive hobby and out of all my hobbies it's the one I spend the least on. I make the majority of my items. I am a simple scrapper. I am more into journaling my pages than decorating. I buy things on clearance or at the dollar stores. It takes me forever to fill up a book so I don't spend a lot on books either. Most of my books are simple. I have noticed I am making my own books now to fit my style. I will buy nice tools. It saves me so much money in the long run. I bought my Cricut Explore when I found a good sale. I did splurge on the Fuse because that is the one thing I wanted so bad when I saw it at CHA. I waited almost two years to get it so I would know if it was worth it or not. I probably spend $200 a year on scrapbooking including tools. My Cricut Explore was the exception in my budget. I do keep going over and over about a kit club. Driving my DH nuts about it too. He wants me to get one. I know when I use to sub I enjoyed it and kept me in the loop for trends. I do tend to be a trendy crafter. I just like to save money at it.
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 19, 2016 14:01:57 GMT
I feel that way too. I also feel like everything looks the same. One manufacturer will make a line with flamingos as their main design, and then six other companies all have flamingos on their paper and embellishments. I need more variety. Me too! I need to know, down to the last enamel dot, exactly what my money is paying for. I have no room for disappointment in my budget. For me it's not the expense or disappointment, it's that I don't want to spend money on something I'll never use. There are some things I haven't ever used and probably never will (wood veneers, flair pins, mists and stuff like that). I've discovered, quite painfully this past couple weeks getting ready for a scrappy garage sale, that even though I don't *use* stuff like that I have a hard time getting *rid* of it! So it sits there unloved, languishing forever in a box or drawer, until I get tired of moving it around. I have the hardest time deciding just what to do with stuff like that and how to get rid of it, so the best thing to do is never to bring it into the house in the first place! LOL. What I ended up doing was putting it all in a box, handing it to my friend and said, "Here. Sort this stuff into grab bags that make some kind of sense!" And she didn't have to agonize over what to do with each stupid thing either. Between that stuff and a big box of unloved patterned paper, she made up something like 15 nice big grab bags of themed stuff! Woo hoo!
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Post by pelirroja on May 19, 2016 16:10:21 GMT
There's only one LSS left in our state so I spend next to nothing on scrapping. I have a huge stash from when I used to spend and a few years ago I undertook a huge organization of all the supplies, papers, stickers, and such. I've been scrapping long enough to know my style so it helps me to resist jumping on the bandwagon of stuff I'll just need to purge later. I've been scrapbooking since 1997.
So far this year, the only thing I have bought is adhesive and I've spent maybe $20 at Tuesday Morning on Bazzill cardstock and a few AC ephemera packs. I make most of my embellishments by hand (no electronic cutter, just a handheld xacto knife) and I find myself repurposing costume jewelry charms, fibers and paper piecing to make OOAK decorations and embellies.
It could just be because my kids are older so I don't have a lot of scrapping to do lately. Just a stage, I suppose. But I do find myself happier with less than I used to have and my pages aren't so overloaded with stuff that I felt obligated to use since I paid good money for it.
Looking back, the height of my spending probably was from 2005 to 2007.
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