The Idea Book Dilemma

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

05 Jun 2008 08:52 AM

It almost seems that every time I open the pages of some of my favorite scrapbooking magazines, or visit my favorite scrapbooking spots on the Internet, I am hearing about a new must-have idea book. If I purchased them all, not only could I own my own bookstore but I would never be able to purchase anything else. So how do you know if an idea book is worth it, and how do you get the best deal? Read on.

How do you know it is worth it? You ask. Simple and easy, but very necessary - ask around. See what other scrapbookers think. Ask on message boards or read reviews of the idea book in a variety of locations. This will help you get a good grasp of what most people think. Another good idea is to see if you can get your hands on a copy - that could be at the local library or even perhaps the actual bookstore. Flip through the book and see if the layouts or techniques described capture your attention and leave you wanting to read more. This is a pretty good bet that you might actually use the book enough to purchase it.

So you have decided that the book is definitely worth owning, now how do you go about getting the best deal?

Buy it used, from wherever you can find it for the least amount. Some used bookstores carry them, and it is worth it to check it out. Another option is to purchase it from online sites that have used books for sale by vendors. Just be sure you are dealing with someone who has good feedback or ratings so you don't wind up purchasing a book and not getting it. Be sure you are covered in the case it would be lost in shipping and watch those shipping and handling charges because often that is where they get you.

If all else fails, take turns with a friend purchasing idea books and share them with each other. My friend and I do that for some of the idea books, and it has worked really well.

Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Don't Waste Your Money on Scrapbooking Magazines

Where Are All The Scrapbook Magazines?

Scrapbook Magazines Everywhere

Scrapbook Trends Magazine

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Sunday6 (38) 27 Jun 2008 12:32 PM

May I make the suggestion that if possible try looking to see if your library has a particular book. In the UK we are able to log into library catalogues online and reserve books for delivery to our most local library for pick up. This means the range of books is huge. The service is usually free depending on your area, but it's a great way to decide whether you would like to buy the book, by loaning it for 3 weeks (or more) first!

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 06 Aug 2008 08:37 AM

I almost always look at the library first. Our library doesn't always get all of the books in, but they are happy to order something for you. I'm the kind of girl who usually uses up all of her renewals on certain books. Those are the ones I wind up buying and by the time I get to buying them I can find them for relatively cheap at amazon.

(oh and be sure to check out garage sales too - I got a rather new book I'd been wanting from my amazon wish list by stumbling upon it at a garage sale!) I only paid .50 for it too!