Tightening purse strings needn't curtail your stamping and crafting plans. Here are some tips to help your stamping budget stretch further!
- Pick Stamps Without Sentiments
Instead of picking rubber stamps with sentiments included as part of the design such as a stamp that contains the words 'Happy Christmas' that can be only be used once a year, pick stamps that can be used for many different occasions. - Make Embellishments from Scraps
Keep small scraps of paper, cardstock, fabric and other attractive materials to use for embellishments. Punch shapes out of patterned paper, for instance, to add to cards and other projects. - Look for Secondhand and Used Supplies
Many keen stampers will occasionally have a stash clear out, selling off items of craft materials such as stamps and papers. This can be a good way to extend your supplies without breaking the bank. Keep a look on eBay for bargains. See Buying Rubber Stamps on eBay for more ideas. - Buy Seasonal Supplies At the End of a Season
Craft stores often sell off their seasonal lines at the end of a season to clear space for new stock. This can be a good opportunity to stock up with products for next year. - Vary the Look of Stamps with Color
A single stamp can be used in a variety of ways. Change the color of ink for a completely different look. Even apparently seasonal stamps, such a snowflake, can look completely different when stamped in unusual colors. - Print Text
Printing text is a useful way to add sentiments and to a rubber stamping project without having to buy new stamps. See How to Print Text for Rubber Stamping Projects for more information. - Swaps
Swap supplies with groups of friends or fellow stampers, or buy large packs of supplies for splitting. This can work out very cost effective.
