DIY--Is It Less Expensive?

Sometimes, after I quote a price for a potential client, they ask me this question: Wouldn't it be less expensive if I made my own scrapbook? I honestly tell them it depends on what supplies they own and how much they value their time. First, let's talk supplies: How much will it cost to buy the tools and supplies necessary to make an album?
Here's a "Recommended Beginner Supply List" and a price range for each item:

• Paper Trimmer $15-$30
• Scissors $5-$20
• Adhesive & Refills $3-$20
• Cardstock & Pattern Paper $.50-$.89 each
• Journaling Pens $3-$5 each
• Adhesive Remover $4-$10
• Decorating Chalks $13-$20
• Cutting Mat $10-$35
• Font CD $10-$30
• Idea Books $10-$30
• Scrapbook Magazines $5-$25
• Album & Page Protectors $3-$50

These are the basics but most do-it-yourselfers do not just buy basic supplies. They look at the idea books and scrapbooking magazine and want to add 'a little something' to their pages. How much does 'a little something' cost?

• Stickers & Diecuts $1-$5
• Punches $3-$20
• Stamps and Ink $3-$20
• Embellishments (metal, ribbon, etc.) $1-$20
• Special Tools & Upgrades $5-$50
  
• Lettering and Shape Templates $3-$20
• Die Cut Machines $20-$1000
• Metal Dies $3-$20
• Organizational Products $5-$1000's
• Scrapbook Classes $10-$35 each

Lets take a look at this list again. How many of the above products are consumable? How many products would you probably buy more than one? How many products will you use only once? How many products won't get used at all? How many products will you upgrade when the latest, hottest "must have" tool hits the market? Will you be someone who purchases everything on the "Beginner Supply List" and then decides scrapbooking just isn't for you? Will you be someone who loves the shopping and collecting but doesn't really like the cutting and creating? Will preserving your memories fit into your already jam packed schedule? Unfortunately, you won't find out these answers until you purchase the products and begin creating your scrapbook.

So what's the alternative? Hire Creative Pages & Cards to create your scrapbook! We have the paper, the embellishments, the tools, the experience, the knowledge, and the time to create a one-of-a-kind scrapbook for you. You could spend $500 on scrapbook supplies and gamble that you'll love doing it yourself and have time to finish your album or you could invest the same $500 (12X12 album, 28 pages) and get a beautiful, finished scrapbook that you'll cherish for years to come. DIY isn't always cheaper, sometimes it's a gamble. When you want a finished album, Creative Pages & Cards is a safe bet!