Do you want to create beautiful, professional looking pages in your scrapbook without spending a fortune? Here are some easy tips on how you can save money and still make a lovely scrapbook.

If you like to cross stitch or have a scrap of fabric with some embroidery on it, why not add it to a scrapbook? Cross stitch a small design on aida cloth or fabric and attach it to a page. You can attach it by gluing the fabric or stitching it to the page. Beads or small frames are a good way to highlight the fabric, while hiding any glue that you can see through the fabric.

Make your own embellishments. Embellishments can be expensive and quickly add up. An easy way to make an embellishment is to tear up some paper or cardstock and mix it with water. There is no proper water to paper ratio, just keep in mind that the more paper you use, the thicker the end result will be. Once the paper and water have been mixed, then squeeze out any excess water from the mixture and press it into a candy or soap mold. Allow the molds to dry overnight. You can use the finished product as is or paint it a different colour.

Keep buttons from both new and old clothes to use as embellishments. Often new outfits come with an extra button in case one falls off. Once that new outfit isn't new anymore and is donated to a charity, add the button to your stash of scrapbooking supplies. For old outfits that are too torn or stained to donate to a charity, simply cut off the buttons from the outfit. If you need to, wash the buttons to remove any grim and then they are ready to use.

Create your own pockets with leftover scraps of fabric. Not only will this save you money, but you can add texture and colour to the page with the fabric. Pockets are used to safely protect fragile items or items that are too difficult to attach to a page in your scrapbook. Simply cut the fabric to size, leaving a bit of extra at the top to create a pocket flap. Sew the edges together, leaving the top open. Create a buttonhole in the flap and attach a button to the front of the pocket. This way, you can close the flap and whatever is in the pocket won't fall out.

Create your own borders and photo frames. Save scraps of ribbon, fabric, threads, beads and any other odds and ends you have. Be creative when making a border or frame. It doesn't have to be perfect or have everything match. Forget any rules you might have heard and do your own thing. Having something homemade adds interest and an individual touch to the page.