Digital Scrapbooking

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I'm getting lots of email requests about this so I've decided to do a blog post so I can just refer back to it instead of re-typing it every single time!

In order to begin digital scrapbooking, you will first need a computer, lots of hard drive space, computer software, digital pictures, and digital kits. Scrapping on the computer is essentially the same as paper scrapping except you are moving pictures, flowers, papers around on the computer and then printing the final version as opposed to using glue or tape on a real piece of paper. There's no mess, you can hit the "undo" button as many times as you need to, and you can make as many changes as you want without ruining a picture with a pair of scissors.

First, the software. I think most people use Photoshop Elements. The current version is 7.0 and you can purchase it here. I think you could also browse eBay for older versions if you'd like. You can download a free, 30-day trial of Photoshop Elements on the Adobe website here.

Once you have the software, you will also need some digital kits to work with. Here is a list of sites that have some freebies to get you started.

www.shabbyprincess.com
www.twopeasinabucket.com
www.ikeagoddess.blogspot.com

Once you've got the software, digital kits, and pictures, here are several tutorials that will help you put a page together.

Creating your first PSE layout
Lots of tutorials at 2Peas
Digiscrapping tutorials
Scrapbook Elements tutorials
The Daily Digi

When it comes to using digital kits, the freebies are nice for a while, but you will develop your own style and probably want to branch out. I'm just going to warn you - it's addicting, and you just can't beat the instant gratification of buying a kit, downloading it and using it all within the comfort of your own home (in about 5 minutes time!). Here are some of my favorite stores in no particular order (there are tons more out there, but this should get you started):

www.the-lilypad.com
www.theshabbyshoppe.com
www.shabbypickledesigns.com
www.sweetshoppedesigns.com
www.ginamillerdesigns.com
www.kaymillerdesigns.com
www.shabbymissjenndesigns.com
www.oscraps.com

I print my scrapbook pages in 8x8 size at ScrapbookPictures and them place them in a photo album. These American Craft albums are my favorites. I use 2 per year and generally scrap about 500 pages per year (I know - it's a bit insane!).

My friend Chris has also written up some good scrapping posts with more details.

DigiScrap 101
Digital Kits Explained
Recommended Reading
When Your Page is Done
Photography Department

Hope all of this helps. If you have more specific questions, please feel free to email me at camdensmommy @ gmail dot com.

Comments

Karen said…
I get this question all the time, too. I think I'll just link people to you. This is great! I think I'm going to try those albums, too. I've been using post bound and don't like them AT ALL. Neither does Rob, who has to mess with them once I get too frustrated. ;-)
6:21 AM
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