Finding something different to craft with is quite tricky when you're a bit strapped for cash. I think I've come up with quite a good idea though with some toys from yesteryear. I found a 'Picture Plates' toy by Tomy in a charity shop. I had a fashion wheel as a kid and a similar plate type toy which I still have.
The little plates managed to go through my die cutting machine and so gave me an embossed design was after. Now I think I will try as many backgrounds as possible.