The VERY first thing you need to decide is where you will do your scrapbooking.  Do you have a separate space you can designate as your work area or is your space limited?

Let's tackle both situations.  First, what if you have very limited space.  How can you scrapbook if you have to put your supplies and unfinished pages away frequently?  The key here is organization.  We will discuss many organization ideas on another page, but always keep this in the back of your mind.  Being able to get your supplies out quickly, and put them away easily means you will have more time to scrapbook, and will spend less time searching for something.

Of course you still need a few key elements in order to work comfortably.  The best suggestion I can offer is to NOT use your kitchen or dining table.  I realize this is very convenient, it's already there, it's big enough, so why not?  Well, that little bit of sticky syrup that was missed in your morning cleanup can cause you an extreme headache when your almost finished page suddenly has a nasty stain, or is stuck to the table.  What happens when the kids are whining for dinner and you just started tacking down your pictures?  You quickly stack everything into a nice neat pile, only to find pages and photos stuck together when you are ready to begin again.

Even when we have limited space there are alternatives.  The most convenient and thrifty solution is a portable table, something that is small enough to put in a corner and leave up for a few hours.  This can be as simple as the handy card table that we bring out for the family holidays.  You can also use several folding tray tables.  Set up 1 for your work surface and 1 or 2 to hold your supplies.  If you don't have a card table or tray table head to your local resale shop!  Be a thrifty and resourceful shopper.  You will save a lot of money and you won't be concerned about getting a little ink from your stamps on a table that might already have a few "love marks" on it.

There are some people that are not comfortable purchasing something pre-owned.   IF that is you, and you have the extra resources to get something new consider a folding desk like the one shown here.  This desk is portable and folds away when you need it out of the way.  It also comes in a lighter finish. 

Another option is a simple folding table like this one.  These folding banquet tables are sturdy, come in a variety of sizes, and won't break your budget.

For those people that have the luxury of designating a separate area in their home just for scrapping you have an unlimited array of choices. 

Here is how I set up my work area...

and how I did it for a thrifty $15!

For my work surface I went to a local Building & Hardware outlet store called HOBO (Home Owners Building Outlet).  I was able to find a 4 foot kitchen counter top.  This great find was only $15.  Now I needed something to set it on.  I already had a very sturdy shelf unit that I found when a retail store was closing.  (These can be a great resource for shelves and racks.)  This particular unit is great because I can put it together so it has only the number of shelves I need.  I was able to make 2 separate units with 3 shelves each. PERFECT! I put one on each side leaving extra room on the sides, set the counter on top and presto, a terrific work surface. 

Always remember to think "outside the box".  Look at everything with a different mindset.  Try to see what an object can be, rather than what it was designed for.  By doing this your possibilities are limitless.

What to do if your work area is highly visible and you need it to be a little fancier

Stackable Storage Cubes!  These are very economical, and are available on-line, and at your local Target retail store.  These will take a little time to put together but the assembly instructions are very well written.  They are of great quality and they look attractive. They are easy to use and the drawers slide in and out easily. The cubes fit together nicely with provided dowels and can be rearranged later without damage. The handles are comfortable and they fit in with most decor.  They come in all a variety of configurations: 3 drawer, 4 drawer, 1 drawer, swing door, paper rack, etc., and they were designed for scrapbookers.
 

Happy "Thrifty" Scrapbooking!

Be sure to visit The Thrifty Scrapbook Store for economical scrapbook products. 

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