Buying Scrapbooking Paper

Following these tips for buying scrapbooking paper will help you save money AND select the right paper to compliment your layouts!

Tip #1: Buy for Color

Before you go shopping, First, select one or two base colors found in your photos. Then, you determine the possible color scheme relationships available using the color wheel .

Now, once you have chosen your color scheme it's time to buy paper and embellishments that match your color scheme. Which leads us to...For practice using your color wheel, check out

Tip #2: Take your pictures with you.

I know, I know it sounds like quite a hassle. Trust me, if you take your photos, scrapbook color wheel, and other elements you plan on using with you when you shop, you will help guarantee that the paper, stickers, etc that you are buying will create a great layout.

I suggest taking everything in a 12 x 12 paper holder. This will allow you to bring all the items you need in a compact and organized case. I like the Scrapfolio expandable case from Creative Visions.

Scrapfolio Expandable 12x12 Storage Case
From: Creative Visions

Most local scrapbook stores also have a work area that you can use as you shop. Feel free to spread yourself out and take the time to really get a feel for how all the elements of a given layout will work together before you buy. Tip #3: Buy only the paper you need.

In general, you will need 2 sheets of background scrapbooking paper and 1-2 different styles/colors of matting and deco paper for each layout. Make sure you buy enough sheets of the matting and deco paper to mat all the pictures you plan on using for your page, but don't fall into the trap of buying paper you don't know that you'll use. Avoiding impulse buying will help you save tons of money which brings us to...

Tip #4: Watch the P's and Q's

Scrapbooking paper costs scrapbook artists thousands of dollars each year. To help save some money, watch your local scrapbook store for sales and check out their clearance racks for great deals on paper.

For more deals and steals check out:

• Hobby Lobby is a craft and home decor store that offers weekly deals on various areas of the store. Check their weekly ad for the times when scrapbooking paper is 50% off!

• Sign up to get an email from Archiver's to get frequent coupons for cardstock sent right to your inbox.

• Speaking of your inbox, our e-zine Scrappin' Deals sends the latest deals on scrapbooking paper from all around the web to your email address every month!

Back to How to Make a Scrapbook

Back to Home