How to Scrapbook on a Budget: Affordable Supplies and DIY Tips

Scrapbooking is a creative and meaningful hobby, but the cost of fancy supplies can add up fast—especially for moms, students, or anyone trying to save. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to build beautiful scrapbook pages. With a few smart strategies, you can create memorable layouts using affordable supplies, DIY alternatives, and what you already have at home.

Here’s how to scrapbook on a budget—without sacrificing style or fun!

How to scrapbook on a budget

🎨 1. Start with the Basics

If you’re just starting out, avoid buying everything at once. Begin with the core essentials:

• A simple scrapbook album or binder
• Cardstock or construction paper (buy in bulk or on sale)
• Scissors or a paper trimmer
• Adhesives – glue stick or tape runner
• Pens or markers for journaling

You can always upgrade later as your needs and style grow.

Read: 10 Must-Have Scrapbooking Tools Every Crafter

🏷️ 2. Shop Smart: Where to Buy Budget Supplies

Discount Stores & Online Deals

• Dollar stores: Great for washi tape, stickers, glue, and even paper pads.
• Thrift shops: Find gently used albums, old books, or vintage ephemera.
• Amazon or Etsy: Watch for budget craft bundles or clearance items.
• Facebook Marketplace: Local crafters often sell unused supplies for less.
• Craft stores (like Michaels or Hobby Lobby): Use weekly coupons or shop seasonal sales.

✂️ 3. DIY Your Embellishments

Why buy expensive stickers and die cuts when you can make your own?

• Use magazine cutouts for images, words, and backgrounds.
• Make your own tags from cereal boxes or cardstock scraps.
• Stamp or stencil designs using household items like bubble wrap or sponge.
• Print free scrapbook elements online (many websites offer downloadable templates or clipart).

You can even use fabric scraps, buttons, or ribbon from old clothes for texture.

📸 4. Print Photos at Home or in Bulk

If you don’t own a photo printer, don’t worry!

• Use online services like Shutterfly, Snapfish, or local photo labs for bulk printing deals.
• Choose wallet-sized prints to fit more photos on a page (and save paper).
• Try black-and-white or sepia tone for a vintage vibe and lower ink cost if printing at home.

♻️ 5. Recycle and Repurpose

Turn everyday materials into creative page accents:

• Junk mail or packaging: Use patterned envelopes, product tags, or barcode strips.
• Old greeting cards: Cut out words, shapes, or use full designs as page elements.
• Paper bags or kraft paper: Makes great neutral backgrounds or journaling spots.
• Gift wrap: Bright, patterned paper for photo mats or borders.

This not only saves money—it makes your scrapbook eco-friendly too!

🧠 6. Plan Before You Glue

Wasted supplies = wasted money. Always:

• Plan your layout first with a rough sketch.
• Arrange photos and papers loosely on the page.
• Only glue once you’re happy with the layout.

This helps avoid mistakes, tears, and redo costs.

🛠️ 7. Keep It Simple and Meaningful

Remember: Scrapbooking isn’t about how fancy the supplies are—it’s about preserving your memories. A simple layout with heartfelt journaling and thoughtful photos is more meaningful than a page overloaded with expensive embellishments.

💡 Bonus Budget Tips:

• Use double-sided tape instead of pricey tape runners.
• Make your own backgrounds using watercolor or sponge painting.
• Host a scrapbook swap night with friends—trade unused supplies!
• Look for free printable templates for page layout inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Scrapbooking on a budget is not only possible—it can be even more rewarding! When you get creative with what you have, you build something personal, unique, and full of heart. Don’t let cost keep you from preserving your family’s memories or expressing your creativity.

Want to get started? Download our Free Scrapbooking Starter Checklist

Browse our favorite Budget-Friendly scrapbooking kits and supplies

1. 📘 Scrapbook Album (12×12″)

• Vienrose 12×12″ 3-Ring Linen-Cover Scrapbook Album: A beautifully designed post-bound binder with 30 plastic sleeves (60 pages), archival, acid-free, and available in several colors. Around $27.99 with high 4.7-star reviews (amazon.com).
• Lanpn 12×12″ Linen-Cover Archival Scrapbook Album: Photo-safe, acid-free sleeves with an elegant linen finish; affordable at about $22.99 and rated 4.6★ (amazon.com).

2. 📄 Cardstock & Patterned Paper

While Amazon doesn’t list a single standout pack here, consider bulk mixed cardstock and paper value packs under “12×12 patterned paper” with acid-free, themed bundles—usually under $15 for 48+ sheets. Mix of solids and designs makes a great versatile starter.

3. 🧷 Adhesives (Tape Runner & Double-Sided Tape)

• XUXU 6‑Pack Double‑Sided Tape Roller: Photo-safe, smooth & clean, with over 4,000 reviews at 4.4★—excellent value (~$9) (amazon.com).
• JOJHDR Double-Sided Tape Runner (6-pack): Wrapper highlights smooth gliding and jam-free use—perfect for everyday scrapbooking (amazon.com).

4. ✂️ Scissors or Paper Trimmer

Amazon doesn’t highlight a top pick in this batch. Popular choices often include Fiskars paper trimmers or precision craft scissors such as EK Tools. These are typically priced between $10–$40.

5. 🖊️ Journaling Pens

• Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens (6-pack): Acid-free, archival-safe, waterproof, and fade-resistant—ideal for long-lasting journaling; stellar 4.6–4.8★ ratings (amazon.com).
• Shuttle Art 18‑Pack Micro-Line Pens: Waterproof multi-color set with additional black sizes; each set around $15–$19 and popular among scrapbookers (amazon.com).

6. 📸 Photos & Memorabilia

Not available via Amazon search results—but desktop printers and photo-print bundles (like at Walgreens or Walmart) offer great deals, especially for digital print orders and personalized items.

7. 🎀 Stickers & Washi Tape (Optional fun!)

No direct packs surfaced here, but there are 500‑piece puffy sticker variety packs, washi tape sets, and themed sticker kits available—all under $10–$15. Search “washi tape set” or “puffy scrapbook stickers” on Amazon for great value.

✅ Summary Table