3 Shopping Tips to Save BIG and GET MORE!

16 June

Tuesday, 16 June 2009 21:39 Written by Megan Elizabeth 7 Comments

Hey guys, I am SO super excited! Guess what I bought today for a super CHEAPO price? That’s right I got a Xyron 2.5″ Create-A-Sticker. I know, I know, I am a total SUCKER for all of those gadgets and gizmos available at any craft store or what have you. BUT, I can tell you, I try to be smart about it. I will tell you I ended up buying the Xyron tonight at AC Moore, for only $13.00! Can you believe it??? That’s the price of the refills (which I will not buy unless I have a coupon) I was so stinkin’ EXCITED to find it that cheap!!! So awesome!

Here it is! I LOVE IT!
Xyron

I am going to have to post videos not only on how to use it and how great it is, but also how to look out for things and buy things inexpensively or alternatives to some of the equipment out there until you feel you have the funds to purchase it, or for a once in a while use.

If you aren’t a full time scrapbook/card enthusiast like some, you don’t want or NEED to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get some of the great effects that these tools supply. However, if you are a full time all about it kind of scrapper…follow close. I will be posting tips, tricks deals and more to watch out for.

3 Tips to Save More and GET More…

1) Patience Patience Patience! PLEASE, If I can tell you one thing, is learn patience when you are shopping for items that you “just need” or “can’t live without” stop and think. There are ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS deals out there. Did I ever mention that I bought my Cricut Expression bundle for only $199.00? I’ll tell that story some other time, but it’s another example of patience and doing homework that helped a gazillion to saved me hundreds!

2) Get out those coupons! AC Moore, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Joann’s ALL have coupons on a regular basis! AND, more times then not they almost all always meet the competitors prices and take each others coupons, SO, check out the websites and you can almost always print one out on your way out the door to the store!

Here are my top 4:

It’s so easy and can save you an easy 40% on almost every visit

3) If you are really stuck, always look for alternatives, I’ll be the first to tell you they ARE out there and they can be a lot of fun and another way of just simply being creative! I would LOVE to get a cuddlebug for example, but I have found a few really fun ways of getting similar results without buying the $50 equipment. Though I am sure someday I will be getting one, its just not time in my life for it…so…I’m having fun coming up with other ideas for getting some of those same exact looks! (Keep watching for those videos too, you’ll love them I promise!!! )

What Kind of Shopper are You?

I read a great article today that was talking about the different kinds of shoppers/scrappers that are out there… very interesting. I am definitely the kind of shopper that likes to look, see and hold the items in my hand before I shop. So local craft stores or local distributor/demonstrators (Demonstrators like Close To My Heart, Creative Memories and Stampin’ Up) are my kind of ways to shop. I like to carefully examine and touch what I am buying and take it home with me that day if I want it.

There are pros to buying online though, sometimes you can get a much better deal! (But watch out for shipping costs with online orders!) There are so many resources out there and so many great things available! It’s just awesome, but don’t get too overwhelmed! Enjoy and take it one day at a time….you’ll get there. I’m still on the road, so join me and…

Enjoy the Moments!
We’ll catch up again soon!

Comments

(7 Comments -- Leave Your Comment)

Sandy Flake
August 2, 2009 at 9:25 am

Love your blog. I too go in a craft store and want it all. But although I do too much craft shopping I am a frugel shopper. I do most of my shopping online. Of course being 100 miles from M’s and HB is a good reason for that. Most shopping is on ebay with some online craft stores thrown in. I got my Create for $120, An Expression for $195, DS for $31, and most of my carts were between $20 and $30 with an $18.50 exception. I got my Create in April and at this point I have 17 carts. You do not think I am addicted do you? Oh well I sleep good now because my mind is tired from dreaming up cards. Just think what a doctor would have charged to fix a sleeping problem. Lol

Keep the videos coming. I am really looking forward to more on SCAL. I do not have that yet and would love to know more about it. Your tip about Zig two way on the mats should help a lot of crafters. I learned that tip from someone on the cricut card forum and it wouks great.

Keep up the good work. Hugs – Sandy

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Sharon Harrison
October 29, 2009 at 8:17 pm

Under Circut.com there is a chat room that has the topic of using things around the house to save you money. It was very helpful.

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Carole N.
December 14, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Hi Megan! I love reading all your tips and tuts.

I don’t have a Cuttlebug, but I love embossing. In one of my groups I posted how much I wanted one, but hated to buy another craft item to have to store. A member posted that you can use a pasta machine and YIPEEEE!!! I own one. I tried it and it works great after some improvising by removing the base so the folder could feed through. I sent a card for a swap I was in and the hostess said my embossing was so much better then what she gets using her Big Shot. Made me feel so good to know my thrift method works as well or better then some of the high dollar products.

I shop the internet a lot using coupons. I live so far away (4-5 hour drive)from any major craft stores. I bought my Cricut on E-bay. I would love to be able to hold and see things,like you, but that isn’t always an option.

Thanks for all that you share. I love visiting your site.

Big Hugs!

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lisa kingan
December 23, 2009 at 7:10 pm

i am really really bad about wanting everything as well. when i want it i want it now. i have no patience at all. i have found though that ebay is the ticket. usually you can get bundles of stuff. i was wanting a cuddlebug bad. didn’t want pay 50.00 so i kept looking on ebay and found that plus like 12 dies, and a whole bunch other stuff for 59.00 and free shipping. i also just purchased a big bundle from ebay of the cricket, 9 cartridges deep blade, replacement blades and a ton more for 200.00 and free shipping. all brand new and unopened. so just keep ebay in mind

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Deanna
December 30, 2009 at 9:28 am

Megan, you are the BEST! Your tutorials are AWESOME, I love your product reviews, your tips are FABULOUS. . . thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us out here. Isn’t the internet GREAT?!!! You have already saved me a whole bunch of money – and I didn’t have to switch car insurance to do it!!!! Again, thank you SO MUCH! I have learned things from you that I never would have otherwise. I hope you get paid for what you do – you deserve it. By the way, your family is Soooooo cute!

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Sooze
May 22, 2010 at 9:42 pm

I love your website and videos! Just ordered the cricut book from you -much cheaper than printing it myself – thank you thank you! I had enough hobbies, wasn’t going to scrapbook…then last August I had my first grandson….bought an Epic Six – and dies, and embossing folders….started making cards…succumbed and bought a cricut personal size on ebay including spatula and free shipping for $102….I’m in love with it! and bidding for cartridges on ebay….the challenge of the low price adds to the enjoyment! Although I do wonder now if I should have bought the expression…for now, I’m ok. Keep the hints and projects coming.

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megan
August 2, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Thanks so much for the comments Sandy!

I totally agree, I buy everything, but I find the deals!
You can find wonderful deal out there everywhere, never pay full sticker price! So glad you shared all your deals, and I don’t think you’re addicted at all That would mean I’m beyond obsessed! But I haven’t bought any more cartridges since I bought my SCAL What a MONEY saver! They are always running deals too so keep your eyes pealed for them, I’ll be posting as soon as I get more coupons and such!
In all the excitement of my everyday crafting I’ve gotten away from showing some “cheaper/cheater” methods I was originally going to show when I started the site. I used to be VERY creative before I was able to start purchasing some of these awesome tools I now have! I just want everyone out there to know they can be resourceful too! Thanks again for the encouragement Sandy, you’re so sweet!
Take care!

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