Hello and Welcome to the "THRIFTY SCRAPPER: For Those Who Rebel Against Outrageous Prices!" This is the sixth issue and today's date is January 10, 1999.
Can you believe it's 1999? WOW! I have the feeling it's going to be an exciting year for all of us. And if it's exciting, you know there will be plenty of scrapbooking photo opportunities!
I received an email about the free paper offer that I sent out on December 31st. Believe me, I would have sent the offer out earlier, but I didn't know about until right at the last moment. Anyway, reader Terri wrote: "Hi Leslie, First let me tell you that I love to receive info from you. I spend alot of money on my craft, and use your newsletter and tips to keep that cost down. Keep the freebie stuff coming. I did order the free paper products from Pictorico but I was concerned if they were safe so I e-mailed them and the answer is no. The answer was that there papers are technically not acid-free since the coating has ph of less than 7. Thought that you would like to know this info and share it with others. Happy Scrappin!! Terri"
THANKS Terri for taking the time to write me and to check out an offer. The question (or answer) I had was written in the email I sent back: "Dear Terri, THANKS so much for writing! I'm not sure if I'm right or not, but if I remember correctly, a ph of 7 is basically "neutral" and any less is "less" than neutral so I think it's okay. If the number were higher than 7, then there would be more acids in it. Do you know a chemist? LOL! I'll put your letter and mine in the newsletter and I'm sure we'll find out for sure! Thanks again for taking the time and I'm glad you like the newsletter! Leslie"
So here's the question scrappers - is a ph level of LESS than 7 okay for scrapping? I honestly don't know. I'm sure there is someone out there who will know, please write and I'll put your answer in the next newsletter.
One way to be sure that ANYTHING is acid-free is to get a ph pen. It checks the acid level of anything. It's a little pricey (usually over $4), but I'm hoping to find a supplier of these and offer them with the other supplies I have. Another thing to remember is, you are never going to be able to have a COMPLETELY acid-free album or page. It's a goal that isn't really feasible or practical. More important than the acid-level, is the fact that you are putting into words and pictures a part of your life that will be past on to future generations. Don't get so caught up in the technicalities - the content is MUCH more important.
* * * FREEBIES * * * FREEBIES * * *
On the freebies that I list, some of them I haven't received so I can't give details to what is sent and I haven't been able to check out if something is SAFE for scrapbooks. Forgive me for this! I would, but sometimes that freebies end so quickly, I don't have time and I want to be able to offer them to you. If you find a freebie that would be great for scrapbooking, please write and I'll include it in an upcoming issue.
Reader Chel sent in another paper freebie. I just sent for it so I'm not sure what it consists of or if the paper is acid free. (See link below) Again, this one seems to be aimed at businesses, but one of the questions is "Do you use the paper at home?" So check it out and THANKS Chel!
I found a place that has holiday clip-art to download. The art seems more of a "modern" look as compared to "cutsie." Believe me, I love "cutsie"! But sometimes a different look is wanted. They also had A LOT of different holiday craft ideas. This offer is from Avery (see link below). Click on some of the other buttons for the holiday ideas. I would check out this site soon if interested because it will probably change quick with the end of the holidays.
~ * ~ * ~ ANOTHER QUESTION ~ * ~ * ~
From a recent letter I received, "I have read all the back issues of the Thrifty Scrapper Newsletters and I wish you would discuss the price of Albums and where to purchase them. Do you know of a good album that is not $19.00 or more?"
My suggestions were: "I honestly don't know where to get GOOD albums anywhere for less than $19. My suggestions would be to get cheaper albums and decorate your own but this can be a little tricky, especially if you've never done it before. Some people are satisfied with 8 1/2 x 11 albums that have covers that you can slip pictures into the front, back and side. These can be found at stationery/supply stores. Another idea would be to host a class from Creative Memories or other company like that, usually you can get an album for free or at a reduced rate depending on how many people come to your class. You could also become a consultant for one of these companies and get them for less, but of course there is always a start-up fee that usually far outweighs the savings that might be received."
Does anyone have any ideas for this reader? I'm sure others are interested too. Have you found a site that offers albums at a reasonable price?
One SUPER way to save money on albums and supplies is to get together with a few friends and one person joins a program (such as Creative Memories) and order as a group. This idea is done more than you might expect. One might ask, "Is this ethical?" Well, you're not stealing or cheating the company and you are using their products and buying them at the prices THEY set up. It's just a question you have to ask yourself.
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Once again, we are having a SWAP! For those of you who are new, a swap is where you send in items (the items depend on the swap) to one person. That person basically mixes them all up and sends you back different items. This month, we're having a die-cut swap. Marsha Wise has graciously volunteered to host this. I'm not going to put all of the details in this newsletter because I'm sure not everyone will want to participate. I'll send out an extra THRFITY SCRAPPER with the details and if you're not interested, just delete. There won't be any extra info except for the swap. Next month, a PAGE SWAP is already planned.
L@@K! L@@K! L@@K!
OKIE DOKIE THRIFTY SCRAPPERS! HERE IS THE CONTEST I'VE BEEN PROMISING!!! The first THREE scrappers who email me with "CONTEST" in the subject line will win. You MUST include 2 reasons why you like the Thrifty Scrapper (besides the charming and witty author!) and your name and address. First prize is 50 stickers. Second prize is 25 stickers. Third prize is 15 stickers. EVERYONE who enters will receive 10% OFF their next order, so send in an entry anyway even if you're sure you're not the winner. GOOD LUCK! (The timing will be based on MY emails timer and I'm not responsible for mixed up lines, down times, or lost mail on either side.)
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Don't forget to take advantage of the Thrifty Scrapper Special! 15 stickers with 5 die-cuts for $2 - this offer ends Jan. 15. And the Christmas Special - 10 Christmas stickers and 5 die-cuts for $2 - this offer ends Jan 30. There will be new specials to replace these. Check out the THRIFTY SCRAPPER site for these. And if you need other supplies, email me and I'll send you a list.
I WILL be adding more items to the supply list, it's just a matter of when! I'll let you know.
ONE LAST FAVOR! As of this morning, the Thrifty Scrapper Site is 90 votes away from being the top site on the Warrior List. If 90 of you could go to the Thrifty Scrapper Site and scroll towards the bottom. You'll see a square button that says "Vote for This Site". Click it, then click the next button that comes up, your vote will be counted and WE WILL BE NUMBER ONE!
You Guys Are The GREATEST! Thanks for tuning into this little newsletter and please keep sending in your ideas, questions, and comments. I love to hear from you! And if for any reason you'd like to unsubscribe, email me or email the address at the bottom - but I hope you'll stay! Happy Scrappin' and we'll talk again soon. Yours, Leslie
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