Questions about Digital Scrapbook

[TerresaTate]

Okay, here's the deal. I think digital scrapbooking and albums are a REALLY great idea. However I have a few basic questions before I invest alot of time and money in products.

1) If I purchase Photoshop Elements, can I scan in and use my own background paper?

2) Can I layer paper? Several layers?

3) Can I upload Templates from DSP and drop my photos in?

4) The MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION: If I can use my own paper, layer paper, use templates is there any "vendor" ie ShutterFly, Kodac, etc. that will print and bind my creations?

5) If the answer to #4 is yes, who are the vendors?

Thank you very much for you time and patience with these questions.

Sincerely,
Terresa

[guitargirl]

Hi Terresa! I had a lot of these same questions when I started. I'll answer the ones I can.

1. You can scan in papers. However, I have read in several places that because of copyright issues, you can only use the paper once, either digitally or in "real life." So if you scan it, you can use it on one page and then not use the real paper. DSP has page kits and background packs that you can use over and over. There's a freebie section where you can download kits and papers (under "The Place" at the top) and the store sells tons of things.

2. You can definitely layer papers in PSE, as many layers as you want.

3. DSP sells pages called Ploppers that are finished pages. All you have to do is add photos. I think there are a few in the freebie section so you can see how they work.

4 and 5. I know there are companies that will print and bind pages, but I'm not exactly sure who they are. I'm sure someone who knows about printing pages will be along soon to answer your questions.

Also, Adobe offers a free 30-day trial for PSE5 so you can try it out before you buy it. (adobe.com) If you have any other questions, please post them. Everyone here is very helpful!

[Samara]

1) If I purchase Photoshop Elements, can I scan in and use my own background paper?

Well, the rules are gray here. Most agree that you can scan and then destroy the paper. Have you considered using digital background paper??

2) Can I layer paper? Several layers?
YEP!!! As many layers as you want!!

3) Can I upload Templates from DSP and drop my photos in?
Yep! Quickclicks, ploppers, etc!!!

4) The MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION: If I can use my own paper, layer paper, use templates is there any "vendor" ie ShutterFly, Kodac, etc. that will print and bind my creations?
There are MANY vendors that will print books for you. There was an article in the latest Digital Scrapbooking Magazine where former designer, Angie Svoboda looked at many of the binding services.

We also have an awesome product available HERE (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=165_34&products_id=4935)that allows you to print and bind from home.

5) If the answer to #4 is yes, who are the vendors?


HOpe that helps!

[TerresaTate]

Thank you about the 30 day trail offer - Amanda with DPS told me yesterday in an eMail. I guess my BIG question still remains - If I create my own page (using my paper/background, my photos, my templates, etc) will there be a vendor who can print and bind my album? I do not want (at this point) to print my own pages. There is a local (30 miles away) scrapbook store that will print my pages for $6 each. I know that several companies will let me put together my album using their products but I am not sure if I can use my products.

Thanks for your help!!!

Terresa

[TerresaTate]

Hi Terresa! I had a lot of these same questions when I started. I'll answer the ones I can.

1. You can scan in papers. However, I have read in several places that because of copyright issues, you can only use the paper once, either digitally or in "real life." So if you scan it, you can use it on one page and then not use the real paper. DSP has page kits and background packs that you can use over and over. There's a freebie section where you can download kits and papers (under "The Place" at the top) and the store sells tons of things.

2. You can definitely layer papers in PSE, as many layers as you want.

3. DSP sells pages called Ploppers that are finished pages. All you have to do is add photos. I think there are a few in the freebie section so you can see how they work.

4 and 5. I know there are companies that will print and bind pages, but I'm not exactly sure who they are. I'm sure someone who knows about printing pages will be along soon to answer your questions.

Also, Adobe offers a free 30-day trial for PSE5 so you can try it out before you buy it. (adobe.com) If you have any other questions, please post them. Everyone here is very helpful!
Thank you for your quick response. I guess my BIG question still remains - If I create my own page (using my paper/background, my photos, my templates, etc) will there be a vendor who can print and bind my album? I do not want (at this point) to print my own pages. There is a local (30 miles away) scrapbook store that will print my pages for $6 each. I know that several companies will let me put together my album using their products but I am not sure if I can use my products.

Again, thanks for your help!!!

Terresa

[Samara]

Yes! Check out that article in Digital Scrapbooking Magazine. It listed many vendors that will print and bind.

http://www.digitalscrapbooking.com/info/featured_articles

[guitargirl]

Several people have recommended www.sbtoshare.com. I'm not sure if they bind the pages into books, but they do print pages. If you go to the top under "The Store" and click "Hardbound Books" DSP has a service that prints and binds pages. I think some of the photo places (Shutterfly, Snapfish, Kodak, etc.) may also do bound books. You'd just have to check their websites to see. I haven't printed any of my pages yet, so I don't know about the quality of any of these.

[TerresaTate]

I will go to Recollections tomorrow and look for the book.

Thank you very very much.

PC is loosing its charge.

Terresa

[Sharon1313]

I have just started using www.sbtoshare.com and have been pleased so far. They are quick and do good job of printing. They don't bind into books, but I prefer to have my pages printed separately so I can put them into archival albums and have the flexibility to move them around.

With sbtoshare.com you upload your page to them and they print it and mail it back. I had mine back in about 4 days. The larger pages (12x12 for example) run $1.50-$2 plus shipping.

Hope that helps. Digital scrapping is a lot of fun. Good luck!

[TerresaTate]

Okay, I could not stand it - I went upstairs to get my powercord for my laptop. Thanks for your response! I will be calling them tomorrow. Are the pages like handling a large photograph or a nicely printed heavy printers paper.

I should probably just ask them to send me a $6 example/sample. Did you get one?

Again thanks for your help. I look forward to starting a few layouts using Photoshop Elements.

Sincerely,
Terresa

[Amber Gray]

Terresa - when you say make your own papers - are you referring to digitally creating your own stuff? Or taking existing papers that you bought from paper scrapbooking stores?

And i would do the samples from sbtoshare - you will get 3 samples, 2 of them are a little lighter and one is more like a cardstock - but you can compare.

[Sharon1313]

Yes, I got the samples... I uploaded one of my pages and they printed it on two different types of heavy stock, one glossy and one matte; and then sent two small paper samples of a lighter stock, one glossy and one matte. They don't use photo paper but instead use a printer's stock. They talk about it on their website that their printing will last as long as or longer than photographic stock.

The heavier stock costs a little more (hence the range from $1.50 to $2).

I'm picky having worked in publishing and I thought their printing was excellent... colors were right on and clarity at 200dpi was very good.

[TerresaTate]

Terresa - when you say make your own papers - are you referring to digitally creating your own stuff? Or taking existing papers that you bought from paper scrapbooking stores?

And i would do the samples from sbtoshare - you will get 3 samples, 2 of them are a little lighter and one is more like a cardstock - but you can compare.


Amber,

When I said my own papers I was referring to store bought paper. My best examples for Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. I would like to make/bind scrapbooks for the children's parents. However, I cannot due to time and money make each child their own personal scrapbook. However having 7 or 8 printed at one time is obviously less expensive for me.

I am purchasing the samples you mentioned today.

Thanks,
Terresa

[TerresaTate]

Yes, I got the samples... I uploaded one of my pages and they printed it on two different types of heavy stock, one glossy and one matte; and then sent two small paper samples of a lighter stock, one glossy and one matte. They don't use photo paper but instead use a printer's stock. They talk about it on their website that their printing will last as long as or longer than photographic stock.

The heavier stock costs a little more (hence the range from $1.50 to $2).

I'm picky having worked in publishing and I thought their printing was excellent... colors were right on and clarity at 200dpi was very good.
Sharon,

Thank you. Glad to know you have worked in publishing. I worked for Taylor Publishing (school annuals) right out of high school, but that was forever ago.

I look forward to exploring the world of digital scrapbooking.

Warm Regards,

Terresa

[Amanda]

You are getting into a sticky situation scanning papers and then having multiple copies printed. You wouldn't be able to do this with a paper scrapbook and it gets pretty unethical do it with producing multiple copies. Its best to go with all digital products that are made to be used over and over. But doesn't help with the purchases you've already made.

[lbjiowa]

For a few links to sites that offer printing and esp hardbound books you could try this list. (http://groups.google.com/group/digital-scrapbook-friends/web/photobooks---coffeetable-books) There are LOTS of vendors now offering hardbound books and the prices are all over the place. If, for example, you sign up with PhotoWorks they quite frequently have great offers for 30% off or free shipping etc on the hardbound books.

You WILL want to decide where you want your books printed as the vendors all have different specifications (such as page sizes and binding options etc) that will drive decisions you'll be making about your layouts...it will save you work and heartache if you can make this decision first.

To do your homework...just try a web search on 'hardbound photo book' or 'hardbound scrapbook' etc... you'll get lots of hits and lots of options... Any of the well known companies will be trustworthy.

Often, it is actually cheaper to have your pages printed and put into a hardbound book (per page printing cost + scrapbook + protective sleeve vs the cost of the hardbound book) ... I was pretty amazed when I did my round of research on all this!

Have fun! And THANKS for your contributions to the Scouting community...I was a GS all through school...right through Senior High and LOVED IT! It truly had a significant impact on my life. Both DH and I have since been involved off and on in scouting programs as we were raising our children. Kudos to you!

[TerresaTate]

Ladies (and any Guys who dare),

I talked with Jody(Texas Rep) at K & Company today about Girl Scout and Cub Scout paper and scanning their products. As long as I am making a book for me (and only me), I can scan the paper, use templates, add text, etc. and have it printed and bound per there technical/"legal" department (someone other than customer service). I asked if I need to get it in writing and she said no. She did warn me not to send my finished "products" to lots of people via eMail. I do wish they had a gallery form for people to share ideas - maybe in the future.

Yeah! I have spent hundreds of dollars of their products to scrap 3 years of Girl Scouts and 3 years of Cub Scouts. I look so forward to many more years in the scouting programs!!! I would like someday to have a Gold Award for my daughter and Eagle Scout for my son.

Thanks for EVERYONE'S input. I have found printing vendors, digital scrapbooking sources, Photoshop help - everyone has been DELIGHTFUL! I know some of you warned me about the legal side/copy right materials - thank you for your comments.

Just sharing my findings,

Terresa :yahoo:

[Samara]

Super Terresa!!!

Make sure that you contact EACH company you plan on using as the language will vary slightly between companies.