When Politics Hits the Craft Table: How the Trump Tariffs Are Affecting Scrapbookers Like Us
Lately, my inbox has been filling up with a new kind of message from some of my favorite crafting companies—emails not announcing new products or seasonal sales, but rather breaking the news about price increases. Several vendors I’ve relied on for years have written to share that due to newly reinstated or expanded tariffs on goods imported from China, their costs have risen sharply—and unfortunately, those increases are being passed on to us, the customers.
These are not isolated emails. It’s becoming a trend. And the cause is clear: the Trump tariffs.
As scrapbookers, we’re used to thinking creatively and stretching our supplies, but even the most frugal among us are starting to feel the squeeze. Simple embellishments and tools have jumped in price seemingly overnight. And when you consider that so much of our hobby depends on imported paper, metal dies, vinyl, adhesives, plastic sleeves, and even cutting machines—this is no small issue.
What Are the Trump Tariffs?
Let’s break it down. Introduced near the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, the tariffs were part of a broader trade war with China, intended to encourage American manufacturing and punish what were seen as unfair trade practices. Tariffs are essentially taxes placed on imported goods. And while the intention might have been economic protectionism, the practical result is that companies importing goods—like crafting manufacturers and suppliers—now have to pay more to bring in the same items.
Recently Trump levied tariffs of 145%. While a 90-day adjustment period has temporarily placed that rate at 30%, the crafting industry is already feeling the pressure of what may come next. And while it’s still early, some companies are preemptively adjusting their prices to prepare for further instability. That means higher costs for crafting tools, scrapbooking albums, die cuts, pens, inks, machines—basically everything that makes our hobby possible.
In short, we’re not just paying for paper anymore—we’re paying for politics.
How Does This Affect the Scrapbooking Community?
The effects are already trickling down:
- Price Increases on Tools and Machines: Major tools like the Cricut and Silhouette, which contain electronic parts often made in Asia, are either going up in price or being bundled differently to mask the increase.
- Shortages and Delays: Some companies are trimming their product lines or simplifying their collections. Limited runs, reduced variety, and longer wait times are all becoming more common.
- Shifts in Quality: In some cases, manufacturers are switching suppliers or materials to keep costs down, which can affect the quality we’ve come to expect.
- Impact on Small Businesses: Independent shops and Etsy sellers who rely on wholesale or imported supplies are being hit hard. Their margins are thin to begin with, and this could push some of them out of business entirely.
And here’s the kicker—it’s not just new innovative products. Even staple items like refill pages, page protectors, and adhesives are seeing jumps in price. This isn’t about luxury tools anymore—it’s about the basics.
So What Can We Do?
Even if we can’t control international trade policy, we can get creative—because that’s what we do best. Here are a few ideas to help soften the blow and keep crafting without breaking the bank:
1. Shop Your Stash.
Take a fresh look at what you already have. Challenge yourself to use scraps, repurpose older embellishments, or mix-and-match collections in new ways. It’s a great time to do a “stash dive.”
2. Swap With Friends.
Start a local or online swap group. Trade paper, tools, or embellishments you’re not using. It’s a win-win—you declutter and get something new in return.
3. Buy Used.
Check out Facebook Marketplace, Buy/Sell/Trade craft groups, or even eBay. Many people are downsizing their collections or leaving the hobby, and you can often score supplies at a fraction of the price.
4. Support Domestic Brands.
While some U.S.-based companies still import components, others manufacture domestically. Supporting them helps keep our dollars local and may be less subject to tariff fluctuation.
5. Go Digital.
Digital scrapbooking elements or print-at-home embellishments are typically cheaper and not subject to the same import fees. You’ll need a printer, but once you’re set up, the savings can be significant.
6. Look for Open Stock Paper.
Instead of buying expensive themed packs, purchase individual sheets or solids that are versatile across many layouts.
7. Join Rewards Programs.
Sign up for loyalty programs, follow brands on social media, and subscribe to newsletters. Many companies offer exclusive discounts or early-bird sales to their followers.
8. Make Your Own Embellishments.
Pull out your punches, stamps, and scissors. Handmade embellishments may take a bit more time but are often more meaningful—and way cheaper.
Final Thoughts
It’s disheartening to feel the weight of global politics impacting our quiet moments of crafting joy. But it’s also a reminder of how interconnected our world is. As scrapbookers, we chronicle life—the good, the hard, and the unexpected. And this moment, frustrating as it is, is part of the story.
Let’s keep telling it.
And let’s keep crafting—wisely, creatively, and together.
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Have you noticed the impact of tariffs in your crafting purchases? How are you adjusting your habits? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me in your next “stash buster” page!
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