Old Fashioned Scrapbooker going Digital!

[linda lou]

I am interested in digital scrapbooking. I have been a "paper" scrapbooker for years but I am interested in learning more about creating scrapbook pages by computer. It seems like "real" scrapbook pages are getting bulkier and bulkier -with metal tags, fibers, buttons etc. I like all the embellishments but hate the bulkiness and weight it adds to my scrapbooks. Digital scrapbooking seems to give you that "look" without the added bulk (and mess.....!). I am certainly not computer savvy. Any idea where to start? I do not have a digital camera but have all my photos put on cd. What supplies do I need to get started?? Any printers that have reasonably priced ink? Mine is really old and the ink is fortune! What about a scanner and software??? Something that is easy for a non-techie person. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

[jamie]

Let's see ... I can tell you what I use and how I got started but I'm sure you'll get lots of different opinions!

First of all, you've definately come to the right place to start! We have sooo many great tutorials and I find that's the best way to learn your way around. Do you have a specific program yet? The main ones are Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop Elements and Digital Image Pro. Underneath the beginner's section (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/tutorials.shtml) they have a guide to creating your first digital page. Try that and see how it goes!

The only thing you need to get started is any graphics program and photos. Open up the program and play around a bit. Download some freebies (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/index.php) and play with those. I don't know about all printers, but I have a Canon photo printer and Canon ink seems to be least expensive. I also have a Canon scanner that I bought at Best Buy for around 60.00. Its not the greatest though, you can get good ones for about 100-150 I believe. I'm not a scanner person though, maybe someone else could tell you better.

The only other suggestio I have is to be patient and keep practicing! Its intimidating at first, but its very worth it and so much fun! We'll always be here to answer any questions you have!

[Lauren]

Really if you have your photos on cd all you need to start with is a graphics programme - there are many to choose from - you may have one on your computer already - Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro, Microsoft digital image pro are all great programmes for scrapbooking. Of course many people use photoshop but it is entirely not necessary to spend that sort of money to get started. -
Once you have a programme you need to learn the basics of how to use it. - The tutorials here in our University section have tutorials on how to make your first page in a variety of different programmes - It is a learning curve for those who arent computer savvy but its worth the effort - and if you are like me you will find that you are addicted to it that you learn very quickly .

You are like me - like the bulky look without the bulk - Im a bulky scrapper - having all sorts of things on my pages from metal plates to page pebbles - to even wagon wheels!!!!- the joy of digital is you can include things you would never include on a paper page - !!

[Angie]

Wagon wheels---- LOL come to think of it, I have used several wagon wheels on my layouts. I never have paper scrapped so I don't know about bulk. But I do love the look of my digital pages. I just want to reach out and touch them. I love the look of the textures I can create on my background papers. But watch out, this is very addicting :)

[Emma]

For a printer, using the Pros is always cheaper, especially since you don't already have one. The cost of printer, paper, and ink comes to more per print than using Sam's Club or similar, plus the pro prints are more archival. If you're in the US, then it's super cheap, even the larger sizes.

For software, probably the absolute easiest is Hewlet Packard Creative Assitant or LumaPix FotoFusion. These create very simple pages, you can't make your own elements, but you can use those you download (just open them in the program and copy/paste them onto your layout just like photos).

To "graduate" the next easiest is MS DIP, has some element creation ability. Then Adobe Photoshop Elements and Jasc Paint Shop Pro are next in versatility and price.

I teach Intro to Scrapping with Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, or Paint Shop Pro if you'd like to take a class with one of those programs.

So grab a program (FotoFusion, Photoshop Elements and Paint Shop Pro all have free trials, not so of MS DIP), download some freebies, and get started! When you're ready to print, come back and get some recommendations of stores or web sites.

Welcome to DSP!

[Margie]

welcome! be sure to read the digital scrapping 101 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/Scrapping101/basics.shtml) article! it gives the basics of everything digital! :)

[Amber]

Welcome to digital scrapping! I dont have anything to add from what the others have already said but wanted you to know that we are so happy to have you at DSP and feel free and ask questions if you have them!