Bruce the Chef

By: John Savage

Isn’t it amazing what an artistic hand can do with a few pieces of paper?

Anything, from beautiful 3D flowers to scrapbooks that preserve
the life-stories of families for generations to come, can be designed
from such a simple and basic material. An even more amazing fact is
that an art using such basic materials can be downright expensive! If
you’re like me, you’re always open to new ideas of how to save a few
bucks.

Let me share a few dollar saving tips with you.

1. Save - don’t toss
Christmas, birthdays and holidays are a bonanza for the paper crafter.
One of my favorite items to save is cards. I create gift tags and even
small gift boxes from these often-tossed greetings. Next time you’re
gathering a mound of wrapping paper to throw away, take a second look.
Does it have potential? Save yourself a bundle, and store some of it
away.

2. Ebay
What in the world isn’t available on ebay? "Wanna be" crafters are a
dime a dozen, and often their failure to stick it out becomes a boon to
the hard core crafter. When they get tired of storing supplies they
know they’ll never use, you’re in luck. Keep a sharp eye out for these
purging ex-crafters, and be ready to cash in on your good fortune!

3. Spy those deals in disguise
There’s an old saying, "Never judge a book by its cover." Well, if
you’ve priced photo albums, you know that covers can be pretty darned
expensive. The real value of an album is indeed in the cover. A great
way to cut costs is to buy an inexpensive album, throw away the inside
pages, and fill it with your own pages fit into plastic sleeves.
Instead of paying $30.00, you’ll spend maybe $10.00. Watch for ways to
convert less expensive products into the material you need.

4. Bulk up and swap
We all know that buying in larger quantities usually saves us money.
The next time you go to Sam’s Club and spy a product that you only need
one of, go ahead and buy the bulk quantity. Invite your crafty friends
over, and swap these items for things they have an abundance of. Trade
your way to a savings.

5. Get the freebies
One of the greatest expenses for crafters can be patterns. Those who
don’t buy patterns usually purchase crafting magazines for fresh ideas.
Why not get online, and find free patterns? There are a number of sites
that catalogue patterns for your convenience. When you need a fresh
idea, join a forum where others who share your passion are ready and
willing to share their ideas.

Paper crafts are amazing works of art that can bring joy to the creator
and a sentimental tear to the eye of the receiver. Such a beautiful art
doesn’t have to empty your wallet.

Take a look at my blog to see what I mean.

About the Author:

john savage has an unbounded enthusiasm for the world of arts and crafts.

Click Here to visit my blog and discover how to make easy craft projects.

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