Printing on colored paper

[MJamieson]

How do you get clear pictures when you place the photos on colored papers?
Are there 12x12 sheets of photo-quality paper? If you use regular paper from scrapbooking stores, won't the quality of the photos be comprimised even if the paper is white?
Am I missing something here?

[Margie]

i'm not sure what you mean by clear pictures? most print on white photo paper, and yes there's 12x12 paper available. and by regular paper do you mean cardstock? yes, your photos won't be as sharp. some print backgrounds only on cardstock then paste on developed photos afterwards. i've not printed on color papers, except for the occasional tan or light brown, when there wasn't much white in the photos to notice. did that help any? :confused:

[MJamieson]

i'm not sure what you mean by clear pictures? most print on white photo paper, and yes there's 12x12 paper available. and by regular paper do you mean cardstock? yes, your photos won't be as sharp. some print backgrounds only on cardstock then paste on developed photos afterwards. i've not printed on color papers, except for the occasional tan or light brown, when there wasn't much white in the photos to notice. did that help any? :confused:

Maybe I'm the one that's confused: when you create a digital scrapbook page, you place photos with mats, frames, embellishments, etc. around/behind the photos; then you print the finished product out on paper.
If the paper isn't photo quality - if it's "scrapbook paper"/ colored paper, etc., then won't the photos, mats, frames, embellishments, etc. all be altered somewhat? Or, are all finished digital scrapbook pages printed on photo paper? And, where can you get 12x12 photo paper?
I hope I haven't confused you more. I've made some photo collage pages using MS Picture It! before - I scanned in my photos, arranged them, used mats, etc. and then printed out the page on 8.5x11 photo quality paper. I would like to do the same thing using 12x12 pages with my photos and using
"scrapbook quality" papers - some of which are very nice. I'm beginning to think I will not be able to do that............
Do you print out you digital photos then paste or glue them onto scrapbook pages and add the embellishments later?
Sorry for the many questions, but I'm not sure how to make a digital scrapbook all on the computer.
Thanks for any help!
Martha Jamieson
Solana Beach, CA

[Margie]

this article might help answer a lot of your questions: Digital Scrapping 101 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/Scrapping101/basics.shtml). most of us do everything on the computer yes, then some of us print, some don't. if you print on cardstock, especially colored cardstock, yes the images will be altered. but sometimes it's not too much, other times it's cool to alter them. and many just print on photo paper. just do a search for 12x12 photo paper, a lot of stores carry it.
check out the university section for lots more info on digital scrapping. it's done however you want, so do it all digital and print, or don't print, or do some and print and glue, up to you! hth. :)

[Emma]

You're talking about several different things, actually.

Some people just print their digital photos and then treat them as a regular paper scrapbook page, adding paper and other embellishments for a totally handscrapped page.

Others use a partial paper/partial digital approach. They print out the digital photos and other digital decorative papers elements, then glue those onto store-bought or handmade paper backgrounds and add other traditional elements.

Most of us here do 100% digital. NO paper products. We purchase or make all the papers, charms, and other embellishments and elements completely on the computer! We then print out the entire layout on white photo paper.

There's no need to use colored paper, because all the colors, papers, etc are PRINTED on. If you want to go fully digital but still use store-bought papers, use your scanner. But with so many great digitial papers and elements for purchase, you won't have to bother with scanning if you don't want. You can buy or make enough to keep you busy scrapping for a liftetime without any paper products if you choose.

You can print on a home printer using photo paper. Go to your local office supply store and be amazed at the selection and variety of different papers available in different finishes, sizes, and textures.
Or you can save the completed layout back onto your photo card to print at a photo developer just like any digital photo.

I don't even print my layouts, I make them into slide shows and just watch them on the TV. I'd like to start printing out a "brag book" size like 4x6 to let my kids have for their bookcase and diaper bag. But the full-size is completely digital from start to view!

Lots of options. You can do anything you want from all paper to all digital with any combination in between!

Welcome to DSP! Cruise around and check out everything to see just what's possible. Look in the Gallery for inspiration and ideas, and look at the Quick Classes to learn how to make things. Or shop in the store to purchase digital elements.

Here's one you might enjoy: creating your first digital page
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/quickclasses/beginner.shtml
and DSU 101 for digital newbies
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/Scrapping101/basics.shtml

So wander, look, read, ask, it's all here from beginners to advanced! Keep posting with questions, we're here to help you!