The first thing to consider when using office supplies in your page layouts is the overall topic of your scrapbook. For example, is this the kind of scrapbook that has a very informal theme to it – a way for you to chronicle events shared with family and friends? Or, is this a more formal scrapbook that will be presented to someone as a gift? It's easier to use readily-available office supplies in an informal album than a formal album, like a wedding scrapbook.
Visit your local office supply store or even a large discount store, and shop for the basics first. Does the store carry archival safe pens and paper? Check for essential tools like scissors, adhesives and paper cutters. You often will get a better price at these types of stores than the local scrapbooking store.
Now get creative with possible embellishments. Look for colorful paper clips, brads, simple stickers, and staples. Don't limit yourself to the standard sizes either. Large paper clips and brads can become accents for photos or journaling blocks. Staples and brads can be used in much the same way as adhesives. Use them to attach die cuts to a page or add a larger page element like a decorative tag.
Office supply stores sell a variety of tags as well. In fact, when tags on scrapbooking pages first became popular, I could only find tags in office stores. They are so versatile on your layouts. Tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Look for circle tags, rectangular tags, and square price tags. I especially like to use the tiny price tags that come attached to a piece of string. Tags from office supply stores usually only come in white or beige, but you can overlay cardstock on them to give them more color, or you can paint, ink or chalk them. I use tags in my page titles, journaling blocks, and as a unique page element all its own.
You can find a lot different envelope options when scrapbooking with office supplies. Check the aisles for mailing and shipping materials, as well as the stationary section. A few years ago I learned about bank envelopes. These are small little envelopes that make fun pockets for a short note or photo on your page. They can be a little difficult to find, but I usually found them in the section where cash register tape is sold.
A little imagination can go a long way toward stretching your scrapbooking supply budget. Adding office supplies is just one option. Look around you for more everyday items that can be used in your scrapbooks.
