Pros and Cons of Scrapbooking Kits

SCRAPBOOKING NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 28

JUNE 2015

The Scrapbooking Newsletter “Pros and Cons of Scrapbook Kits / How to Buy Supplies Online” Issue 28 .

JUNE 2015

Pros and Cons of Scrapbooking Kits by SCRAPBOOK 24/7

Do you want to start a scrapbook? If scrapbooking is a hobby that is new to you, you will start to buy supplies soon. When you do, you will see scrapbook kits available for sale, but are they a good buy? Before familiarizing yourself with the pros and cons of scrapbooking kits, it is important to know that they come in a number of different formats. The most popular scrapbook kit available for sale is that of a beginner’s kit. A beginner’s kit tends to come with a blank scrapbook album, a few stickers, background pages, and a glue stick. Also available for sale are themed scrapbook kits and those sold on television. 1


JUNE 2015

children, school, weddings, and holidays. Inside a themed scrapbook kit, you will find related items. For example, a wedding theme kit may include background pages with wedding bells or wedding dresses. The stickers may include 3-D stickers of a bride and groom. As for the pros and cons of buying a scrapbook kit, the biggest pro to doing so is the money saved. Although not always large in size, you are essentially purchasing a wholesale package. This means that you get more for your money. If you were to total the cost of each individual item, you could find yourself saving $20 or more. The larger the kit, the larger the savings.

In terms of kits for beginners, they are a great starting point. Many first time scrapbookers are overwhelmed when they walk into a craft store, as there are thousands of supplies available for sale. Many do not know what to purchase or even where to start. A beginner’s scrapbooking kit can eliminate that problem. You are provided with everything you need to get started. As previously stated, scrapbook kits can come in themes. Popular themes include the birth of a new baby,

Themed scrapbook kits are nice, as they enable you to buy what you need. With that said, you may not use all supplies. To prevent this from happening, carefully examine all kits. Look at the themed background sheets, stickers, and decorated photo borders. Are they a style you like? Will you use them? If not, it is best to move on. Yes, it will be more expensive buying these items individually, but you will use them.

There are also scrapbook kits sold on television. These kits appear either on a home shopping channel or as a late night infomercial. Yes, many items advertised on these

programs aren’t always a great buy, but you may be surprised with scrapbooking kits. Of course, display caution. Some items sold on television are a great buy, while others are a huge investment. To ensure you get a good deal, when buying a scrapbooking kit from the television, closely examine all products. The host should show them to you. Never buy a scrapbook kit without first seeing samples of its contents. Next, be cautious of huge numbers. A scrapbook kit that has 5,000 products is nice, but small items can be included in the count. For example, sequins or buttons are scrapbook embellishments. Are they individually included in the overall total?

In addition to buying scrapbook kits on television, you can do so in your local craft store. In fact, that is where you are likely to find kits designed for beginners. For many, buying scrapbooking supplies locally is nice, as you are able to see, in-person, what you get. 2


JUNE 2015

How to Buy Scrapbook Supplies Online Do you enjoy scrapbooking? Do you want more scrapbook supplies, but are you tired of the same old selection in your local stores? If so, you should turn to the internet. There are a number of benefits to doing your shopping online. These benefits include a large selection of products, more retailers to choose from, as well as convenience. So, how can you buy scrapbook supplies online?

Online specialty scrapbook stores

Online craft stores

Specialty scrapbook stores are similar to craft stores, but they have a focus on scrapbooking. In terms of largest selection of supplies, this is your best bet. Specialty scrapbook stores sell a wide range of products, including paper products, embellishment, and tools. Since many scrapbook supplies are small in size, you are likely to find great deals on the cost of shipping. This is

Online craft stores can be found with a standard internet search. These are known for their large selection of projects. Not just scrapbook supplies are sold, but anything related to crafts. In a way, this can work to your advantage. For example, special stickers are sold for scrapbooking, but there is no reason why regular stickers won’t work.

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important when shopping online. eBay eBay and other similar online action websites are a unique, yet great way to find scrapbooks supplies. Why? Because of what you can find and the prices. Both new and used items are sold. You can find scrapbook kits, background pages, scissors, and much more. The ability to get a good deal is nice. For example, a seller may have received a die cut stamper as a gift, but did not like it. If they didn’t research the value first, it may be priced to sell.

Craigslist Craigslist.org is rapidly increasing in popularity. There are now pages and communities for city and towns all across the

JUNE 2015

country. Unfortunately, many do not realize the potential that craigslist has. There is so much that you can buy and sell on the website for free. While your best option is looking for ads where scrapbook supplies are listed for sale, you can also post a want ad. This is where you outline what you need. Anyone who has the item or items in question and wants to sell will contact you. Online communities devoted to scrapbooking If you are an avid scrapbooker, you should already belong to one of these communities. There is a wealth of information available online. Online communities for scrapbookers often come in the format of a message board. It is here you may find a buy, sell, or trade section. See what is available. In fact, if you have scrapbook supplies that you don’t need, offer to make a trade. This way you get new supplies, but

without having to spend money.

In addition to using the internet to buy scrapbook supplies, it can be used to find free items as well. The background pages you buy are nothing more than a picture printed on a sheet of paper. Not only can you make your own customized sheets, but you can find free printable scrapbook pages online. As you can see, there are a number of ways that you can find and buy scrapbook supplies online. If you do shop online, make sure you choose an online retailer who has a safe and secure website. Also, watch the cost of shipping. High shipping can significantly increase the cost of your supplies. 4