dude, I feel you :/ I usually go to my local art store when there are crazy sales. Thats how I got a nice box of blank cards to decorate
Those are a problem too :/ it's it's nice to get nice quality paper too. I usually go for stock of scrapbook papers in the scrapbook isle and wait until they are on sale or a I have a coupon. It actually works out pretty reasonably then
And what? you got some crazy talent
and I am just as afraid of my digital art skills o.o