I became interested in scrapbooking when I saw a memory scrapbook that my best friend had created for her wedding.

Her wedding scrapbook was absolutely gorgeous and after getting a look at it, I started to ask questions. Things like where did she get her supplies? How did she get started scrapbooking? And how could I get started?

I was surprised when she told me she purchased many of her scrapbooking supplies at our local dollar store, and that some scrapbooking supplies she actually printed from websites online.

According to her, the easiest way to get started on your very first memory scrapbook was just to purchase:

a few pages for a small album

some solid and patterned paper

a few pieces of cardstock

acid-free adhesive or glue
 

She also suggested acid-free paper as well, so that your pages don't yellow as they age. Well, needless to say, after all that I was hooked!

So, if you're new to scrapbooking -- as I was a few years ago -- how do you create your first scrapbook page when you're a total beginner?

Here are my own tips...

Let’s face it, as far as hobbies go, scrapbooking isn’t quite as easy on the pocketbook as say gardening.

But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to make beautiful albums and interesting scrapbook layouts.

Here are some tips for stretching your scrapbook dollar...

Crafts like scrapbooking and card making are wonderful hobbies and a creative outlets for many, but they can become very expensive.

The cost of embellishments alone can cramp your style, but here's an idea for the do-it-yourselfer.

Why not use all those fun papers, fabric scraps, and doo-dads to make your own embellishments?

We've all seen them...
The advertisements in scrapbooking and rubber stamping magazines are tempting. The pictures of perfectly organized and spacious work areas make me jealous. They look so inviting and functional (and some are even decorated!).

--> Here are some beeeeautiful stamping and scrapping rooms.

If you have the space and finances for such a room, then I say go for it. If not, then you can still have a nice organized area by thinking about other options.

Since I love to scrapbook, stamp and paint (and do anything else creative), I find myself spending alot of money on supplies.

Scrapbook stores are great for browsing, but I really prefer the larger craft stores. I especially like filling my shopping cart with all the supplies I need to do something new - a craft I've never done before.

I can deal with the cost of paper or a new paint color, but the larger items usually leave me at the checkout line with an upset stomach. My husband will be the first to tell you that I've tried every kind of craft there is, and sometimes (ok, most of the time) it doesn't turn into a "passion" for me (example: watercolor painting).

There are ways to make the dent in your wallet a little easier to deal with....