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How to save money on scrapbooking punches!

Betsi_Goutal by Betsi_Goutal

Find great deals on paper punches!

The rising popularity of scrapbooking has exploded the variety of specialty paper punches available on the market today. From EK Success to Martha Stewart, there are dozens - probably hundreds! - of exciting designs available, not to mention punches that have been retired. Unfortunately, they are quite expensive - often as much as fifteen or twenty dollars, or even more. Especially for novelty paper punches that are so specific in theme that you may not use them that often, that adds up very quickly and often you just can't justify the cost.

However, if you're clever and a bit patient you can fairly quickly amass a large collection of punches like the one shown here. That's my stash of punches... actually it's just most of them! Believe it or not, I only spent $1-$2 on each of them - even the huge, fancy punches. Wanna know how? Read on!

Look for boxed sets or punches that make multiple shapes.

Get your craft punches in bulk and save!

Buying in bulk is a classic money-saving concept, and it applies to paper punches too. You can buy a craft punch set, usually alphabets or a theme, for far less than if you bought them individually. Also, some makers design 3-in-1, 4-in-1, and other multiple-punch models. Check out some great punch sets and multi-punches on Amazon:
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Give an unwanted paper punch a new home...

Buy your scrapbooking punches secondhand and save

It's a common practice for crafters to sell off rarely used tools and supplies on eBay when they're cleaning out their craft room - or if hubby is getting on their case about the amount of money they've spent! Check out these super-cheap gently used punches:
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"But won't used paper punches be worn-out and dull?"

Buying "used" doesn't necessarily mean "used up"


A lot of my friends were skeptical when I showed them my new collection of secondhand punches. They asked, "Do they still punch right?" "Aren't the blades going to be dull?" and I told them two things:

  • I always check the description before buying. Often sellers will mention if the punches have only been used once or twice, or rarely. (This is often the case!) Even if they don't mention it, I find that more often than not they punch quite well.

  • If I get one that isn't punching right, it's often an easy matter to spruce it up. Punching several times through heavy-duty aluminum foil can help sharpen a dull punch, and punching through waxed paper will lubricate it and keep it from sticking. I have heard some people disagree with this advice, and while I agree it's not a miracle-worker I usually find it does the trick.

Now combine those ideas for SUPER savings!

Buy secondhand punches in bulk and save a fortune. I only bought three or four lots and now my collection of punches is enormous... and I spent less than $100.

Here's my BIG secret to a huge stash of punches for relatively little cash. Combine both of the previous concepts (punch sets and used punches) and search eBay for scrapbookers selling off their whole collection of punches. These sellers don't have the time or patience to list them individually, so they are willing to take less money overall to get rid of the whole lot.
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Easy storage solutions for all those punches!

Punches are heavy, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes - how do you store them?

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How can you use your paper punches?

Check out these awesome books for inspiration.

Want some ideas for how to get creative with your new paper punches? Check out these great books filled with tips, tricks, ideas, and loads of eye candy.
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Punch Art Book Reviews

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Ok, that's about it! Tell me what you think.

Please leave any questions, comments, or additional tips on how to save on paper punches here!

  • EclecticNana May 11, 2012 @ 10:27 am | delete
    I LOVE using punches but I will admit I sure need ALOT more! Great lens, I enjoyed reading it
  • chemknitsblog Mar 25, 2011 @ 7:34 am | delete
    All of my punches have been used rarely! Of course, I'm still not ready to part with them in case I "need" them later.
  • GonnaFly Feb 19, 2011 @ 2:06 am | delete
    Nice tips. I don't think that I really need any more punches though. A photo of all my punches probably wouldn't fit on this page! I love this craft :-)
  • mgassistant Dec 12, 2010 @ 1:00 am | delete
    Artsy! :) Cool lens.
  • taliasmith23 Oct 27, 2010 @ 5:05 pm | delete
    its been a while but i love scrapbooking!
  • KimGiancaterino Oct 2, 2010 @ 1:39 pm | delete
    Excellent ideas for saving money. I only have a few hole punches, but will keep your tips in mind next time I'm in the market for one.
  • paperfacets Oct 1, 2010 @ 11:26 am | delete
    This is exactly what I do for brass templates. Embossing is my little embellishment trick. I like the new whole edge punches like MS's and I will some day go to ebay for those. I just spent about three weeks getting a good buy on a Creative Memories album on eBay. Some craft items are very competitive and someone will be there to out bid almost every time.
  • JoyfulPamela Sep 24, 2010 @ 4:38 pm | delete
    Scrapbooking can be so fun! Thanks for the great ideas! : )
  • badmsm Jul 15, 2009 @ 6:31 pm | delete
    Nice resource, I'll be back! 5 Stars & A Squid Angel Blessing!
  • Aquavel Mar 15, 2009 @ 3:10 am | delete
    Great info and presentation! 5*!
  • paperfacets Feb 6, 2009 @ 7:28 pm | delete
    Good advise and info! I'm going shopping!
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Feb 6, 2009 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    Great job; great ideas!

    Brenda
  • bdkz Feb 5, 2009 @ 7:24 am | delete
    Welcome to Squidoo!
  • Betsi_Goutal Feb 4, 2009 @ 3:21 pm | delete
    Thanks so much! I am hoping to add examples soon, but I haven't scanned or uploaded any yet. I plan to get those added in the next week or so - and eventually I'll probably write some how-to lenses. My friends call me the punchin' queen! :)

    Hmm, maybe a quick stroll around Flickr could turn up some other people's examples. I think I have a new "to-do" for this evening!
  • Northernista Feb 3, 2009 @ 5:47 pm | delete
    Nice first lens! I'd like to see some work done with these punches! Maybe even things you've done?
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Betsi_Goutal

Just a neon-haired twenty-something trying to find her path. I am driven to learn and explore, and share my discoveries.

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