I think the "economy situation" has made me more mindful of what I am suggesting you buy for your art materials. For my paper crafts and art journaling, I am trying to use what I have already. I also recycle so much from my home into collage papers -- which I actually prefer because they are less commercial looking. Some of my work is here on my blog.
I am currently working on a grouping of paper crafts for an e-book I am putting together. I have been mixed media paper crafting since I was child. Along the way I have learned so many ways to save time and money! I want to share them so that your art dollar can go farther.
One Juicy Tip: I collect recycled papers like colored envelopes, gift papers, notebook papers etc. to alter. I organize them by color into baggies. When I am ready to alter them I grab a baggie and start stamping on all the yellow papers for example. They dry and go back into the yellow section.
$ Saving Tip: Invest in tools that you will use over and over again. I use a pair of vintage barber scissors to cut small papers with precision. (Very sharp!)
TRY IT: Use recycled papers, pressed leaves, mail papers, foil etc. to create your journaling pages. If you have never tried art journaling, make a trial page. This is a place to record your DIY ideas, design your daily creative practice, inspirations, favorite quotes. Try making your own sacred book filled with innovations that speak to you. This is your time and space for creative play!
