Cardmaking is a very expensive hobby and in a time of economic recession you really have to make your money go a long way. Here are a few tips that will help you save money without having to give up on your hobby.
1- Wallpaper samples
You can get them for free from DIY stores and use them as background papers for your cards, tags or even to punch out shapes.
I store my wallpaper samples in clear plastic envelopes in an A4 ring binder.
2 - Paint cards
These come in a wide range of colours and again you can get them for free from DIY stores and use them on collage projects or to punch out small shapes.
Left: the background paper used on the Christening card is wallpaper
Right: the coloured strip on the green envelope under the cut out bird is a paint card
3 - Fabric samples
Some furniture stores have free samples of their upholstery fabric. Also, some online harberdasheries send out free fabric samples if you ask them. Old clothes too are a good source of fabric.
The card above was made using a free leather sample from Tesco.
4 - Ribbon
You can get small pieces of ribbon to use on your card making projects from blouses (little straps to help hang the blouses), some items that come tied with ribbon, gifts people give you.
5 - Buttons
If you have clothes you no longer wear cut out all the buttons before throwing them away. These make great embellishments for cards.
6 - Old cards
Don't throw them away before checking if there's anything you can use on your own cards. For instance: nice pictures, sentiments, embellishments and even the card itself can be used to punch out shapes.
7 - Sequins / beads
Again you can cut sequins/beads from old clothes, slippers, jewellery you no longer use, etc.
8 - Bubble wrap
If you sell your cards and need to send them by mail you'll need bubble wrap to help protect the card so it doesn't get damaged in transit. One way of getting free bubble wrap is by using the one that comes in any padded envelopes / packets you receive yourself.
9 - Boxes for storage
Whatever it is you make you'll need storage to keep all your supplies organised. Again you don't need to spend money on storage boxes for your craft supplies. Why not use shoe boxes, jars or any boxes / containers you already have at home.
I hope you find these tips useful.
