The Paper Predicament! Buy the pack…or buy the sheet?

One thing seems to be true for all crafters -- we love to shop! For scrapbookers, it's so hard to pass by the cardstock and paper options. Textured, smooth, handmade, embossed - the choices are dizzying. It's easy to get caught in the shopping frenzy only to decide later that you really didn't need ten sheets of paper with a stylized reindeer motif.

So when should you purchase paper by the pack? I think that depends on a few factors.

1. Do you have an immediate need for this paper?
2. Do you have a good storage solution for extra paper?
3. Is this paper that you can see yourself using on multiple layouts?
4. Does the bulk cost contribute to a significant overall savings in the long run?

Cardstock
As for myself I've come up with a list of cardstock colors that I use frequently. I have adequate storage to keep excess paper until it's used. Also, I've noticed that for some colors of cardstock it is much cheaper to purchase them in bulk than it is to buy them by the sheet. These colors are: Cream/Ivory, White, Black, Chocolate Brown, Navy Blue, and Dark Scarlet Red. I purchase these in bulk packs of 25 (or 50 sheets if possible) since I use them so often.

One of the wonderful things about Bazzill cardstock is the monochromatic paper packs. Each pack comes with five sheets of three, four or five different hues in a specific color. It's enough for multiple layouts without being excessive, and it gives you lots of options for creative, monochromatic layouts.

For unique colors, or those that won't be used frequently, I suggest purchasing cardstock by the sheet in order to save money, and cut down on the amount of excess paper you have to store. Bring your photos to the scrapbook store with you, or keep them by the computer when shopping online to inspire your color palette choices. As a rule I will purchase four sheets of a color that I want to use on a specific layout. This gives me enough for accents, photo mats, background sheets, and the occasional boo-boo.

Vellum
The only other paper I suggest purchasing in bulk is medium-weight vellum. I keep both 12" x 12" and 8.5" x 11" sized sheets on hand for embossing, printing journaling, and other craft uses. Bulk purchases online or with a coupon at a retail store will save you money in the long run.

Patterned Paper
As for patterned paper, I suggest restraint in this area. Many of us who've been scrapping for some time have to admit that they've fallen into the "I love this paper and must have ten sheets!" trap only to find nine (if not all ten) of those sheets still in their supply stash years later. I've even gone so far as to buy multiple sheets of adorable pink striped paper only to find that I have that exact same paper in my stash already!

Financially it makes more sense to purchase paper as you'll use it. Keeping a small supply of basics like stripes, dots, or holiday-specific themed paper is a great idea if you have the space to keep it organized and properly stored. Keeping hundreds of sheets you'll likely never use is a waste of space and money, not to mention it's aggravating to sort through when you are looking for one specific pattern.

Since most people like to have a unique look on each layout it doesn't make sense to purchase bulk packs of patterned papers. My one caveat to this rule is in regards to purchasing patterned paper in bulk for invitations, party favors, or a gift album that will have the same pattern throughout for continuity. In those instances it makes more sense to see if your local retailer can get the paper in bulk. Most patterned paper is sold in bulk sets of twenty-five or fifty sheets.

If by chance you do find a pattern that you simply adore I suggest that you find a friend or two to split a pack with. If you split the cost you'll see a significant savings, and get multiple sheets of a beloved print.

If you find that you have indeed over-purchased certain colors or patterns you could contact a group of scrapbooking friends and arrange a paper swap. If everyone brings the papers they won't use you can trade for ones that are more your style. This is a wonderful way to get those papers back into circulation and used up. At the end of the evening you can take whatever papers are not wanted by anyone at the swap and donate them to your local school, church group, shelter, or any number of other non-profit organizations that would make good use of it.

By being sensible in our purchase of cardstocks and patterned paper we leave ourselves more money to spend on those fun embellishments we all love so much. After all, isn't it a love of shopping for scrapbook supplies that got us into this paper predicament to begin with?