In the 16 years I have been paper crafting I can not begin to count the number of times I have had other women tell me "I would really love to do that too, but it's just so expensive!". While stamping, and card making can be an incredibly expensive hobby...It doesn't have to be. In an effort to help out my fellow sisters with crafting on their mind, and little pocket books, I am going to tell you how to do it!

First off lets be realistic.... You cannot look at extravagant cards on Pinterest, Facebook, Blogs, or even magazines and say I want to make that first! You can eventually get there by setting a budget and working towards gathering supplies from month to month. That doesn't mean you can't have adorable cards! But this article is for the crafter who really wants to make sweet simple cards to fulfill their create needs without falling too deep down the crafting hole, or the experienced crafter that want to save a buck or two so you can get that pricey stamp you've had your eye on!
Before we talk cardmaking lets talk about those supplies. I am going to suggest a weekly budget of $5.00. Yep that's right, just 5 BUCKS! You can spend $5.00 a week for a month and can acquire a decent stash. Or what the heck, go crazy and blow the whole $20.00 in one day!!!
Some ideas for your card making stash:
Micheals - Cardstock packs (set of 50 sheets) You can get these for watch sales for this because it almost always is on sale once a month for 3 for $10 Which roughly works out to $3.33 a set. Just buy 1 to start if you like.

Studio G - Dollar Stamps and Inks can be found at Micheals, Joannes, and sometimes even Target Dollar Bins. The big name to look for is Studio G. You can also find them on Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, and other crafting sites.

Dollar Tree - Glue Sticks, Washi Tape, Sequins, Buttons, Stickers, and more! Watch your local Dollar Tree or go online because they are starting to carry more and more craft supplies. This will be hit or miss, so when you see it...GET IT! Also don't forget they have paper organizers as well as clear plastic shoeboxes for holding supplies.



Last But not least STICKLES! Let me tell you why your crafting stash needs Stickles. Because for little money it takes the bland and boring to the WOW and SPARKLEY! I have found it in most craft and art stores but I think Scrapbook.com has it for the best price. If you stick to getting Stardust, Crystal, or any other clear color you can put it over anything.

Let's start out with Digital stamps. These can be acquired one or two a month as most are $2-$4 dollars a piece. I you do not want your money to go there, may I suggest Free Coloring Book pages! They are usually adorable and so much fun to color. You can Google Free Coloring book sites as well as look on Pinterest(just make sure to follow the link to make sure its a free image and not a stamp you SHOULD BE paying the artist for). They are easy to resize in Microsoft Word, and best of all FREE!
For my card sample I will be using an adorable coloring book page from FREE-N-FUN HALLOWEEN image from Oriental Trading Company. It's a sweet little owl dressed as a witch, and the site it's from is filled with fun Halloween recipes and ideas.

Here's what I used to make my card (plus a sheet of black and green cardstock for the card base so add .12ยข to the total please) So the card cost a total of $4.16, and YOU HAVE LOTS OF SUPPLIES TO MAKE MORE!!!

I printed out my image on several pieces of cardstock. I used the blue copy as my background, then cut and pasted all the other pieces on top to create my image. Then I glued it to the front of my card and used my dollar stamp for a saying, and last added Dollar Tree glitter tape and Stickles!



Now that you know how to make a card for less there's no more excuses! Get out there an create your own crafting stash. You deserve to have time out to create and do a little something for yourself. Remember . . .
We don't give to others from our own full cup, because that would leave us with none. It's only when we take the time to fill our cups and they runneth over, that we use what spills over for the service of others.
Take time out today, because You're worth it!
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