Some supplies just aren't worth the money...Or clever tips to avoid buying expensive crap!

I know that many of us are suckers to get the latest and greatest tools and toys and we wind up spending $$$$ on stuff that either doesn't work or just isn't worth the money.

Two recent products come to mind as being at the forefront of this trend to reinvent the wheel- the Fastenater and Making Memories Tag Maker. The Fastenater is a giant stapler for pretty decorative staples . The tag maker is a press that you can make "custom" metal rimmed tags with. For both of these tools you can by the actual staples/tags separately and use them WITHOUT the tool. The Fastenater people are even coming out with a smaller version for people who didn't want to spend the $24 the first go round.

Folks you don't NEED the tool. Put the package down and step slowly back from the register.

For the Fastenater simply line up where you want to place the staple and push gently don onto your paper, or make a mark with a pencil. Then you can make a small cut with your exacto knife or scissors and push the staple through. Just bend the ends back like you would for a brad.

To make your own matching tags, simply buy the tags and then use a hammer to press the edges in to place. If you are worried about denting the tag you can use a cutting mat or other material between the tag and hammer.

Look, I know how much pressure there is from marketing agencies via online sites, magazines and even the dreaded peer pressure at crops to whip the latest and greatest from your oh so cute tote...But you can resist. It is not futile!

Just think how clever you will look when you have all this extra $$ to spend on the important things like cardstock and ribbon :)