I agree with too much STUFF on the pages defeats the purpose of scrapping. To me it is to

have fun
preserve your pictures
preserve memories

I use many things when I scrap but there are not tons of things on each page

as far as "fun" ,,I think each person is going to have thier own level of fun,,,for some it is thier main hobby and some just quick work to get it done...I feel what ever works for you

creative memories is great but yes big bucks,,,I am very happy to have two stores in my area that are scrapbook stores. Archivers and Memorybook Lane..yes they have tons of my money and my DDs

look back in past posts for web sites I posted,,,can't think of them now,but boy are they great ones

the stores by me you can go there and use all of thier stuff ,,save you money by not have to buy the block cutters etc.,,of course you are so convieniently right there to spend more money on paper and stickers eyelets and albums

its amazing how many products are out there ,,I think we have to keep our mind on the pictures too and not get lost in the frill

have fun