2 cards and "The Frugal Crafter"...

i've got a couple cards to share today, nothing earth-shattering, but i wanted to share something "new" (these are from a couple months ago).

Ingredients: CS - stash; PP - ; stamps - Fancy Pants' Simply Stated; ink - Versafine black, Ranger Distress; watercolor pencils; eyelets - MM; ribbon - stash.

Ingredients: CS - stash, Papertrey Ink; PP - MME; stamps - Rhonna Farrer's Swirls V:1, Inka.'s Birds Galore, PI's Mixed Messages; ink - Pallette Hybrid; ribbon - stash; Prismacolor pencils; brads - MM; pop-dots.

...and now for a semi-regular addition to my blog - i'm going to share some economical crafting tips in something i'm calling "The Frugal Crafter". If someone out there has already claimed that title, my apologies - i'm not trying to step on any toes here, just share a few tips i've learned over the years that may help someone who's on a budget, like me, or frankly just anyone who likes to save a little money (don't we all?). Some of my tips will probably be obvious to some of you or may not be a new concept except to those new to crafting, but rather than filter ideas based on that i'm just going to share what i've learned through personal experience, or garnered from fellow crafters, giving credit where credit is due, ofcourse.

In the world of crafting, there's always some new gadget or toy coming out that we feel we must have. Sometimes the tool is almost a necessity, especially depending on what craft you are most drawn to. For example, i couldn't accomplish much without my paper-trimmer. There are times, as in this case, that shelling out more money pays off in the long run. i'm actually still using a middle of the road trimmer i picked up at Michael's, and it serves its purpose, but i will be upgrading when i can. In these cases, there's almost no getting around spending a good chunk of change. However, there are times when a cheaper version of a tool or even a different route altogether can do the same job for less money.

As far as new gadgets go, i like to wait a bit after their release before snatching them up. First of all, a lot of times other companies follow suit with the same sort of tool, so that opens the door to cheaper options. Also, once something's been on the market for awhile, you have a better chance of finding it on sale or clearance. Sales and clearance are essential tools in the frugal crafter's arsenal. i have stretched many a dollar searching out the bargains, online and in stores. Sometimes it takes a bit more time, but it's worth it. i may go to the LCS with a certain thing in mind to buy, but when i get there i always check the sales/clearance. i may put off what i intended to buy (provided i don't really need it for a project right away) and instead load up on sale items. And if i wait, the item i originally wanted to purchase may go on sale in the following weeks. Also, if your LCS has a newsletter or option to sign up for coupon notices, join in! A lot of times you'll get coupons not provided in the weekly sales' ad.

i'll be sharing more tips in furture posts. Feedback is always appreciated, and feel free to share your own tips!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!