Have you come across some unique Gallery photo books that feature unusual backgrounds and detailed embellishments? Do you want to know more about those books? Then you’ve come to the right place.
What you’re looking at are Digital Scrapbooks. Digi scrapping is a relatively new art form that is inspiring scrapbookers across the world. Don’t be intimidated by the word, “ART”. Although the results look like masterpieces, you don’t need to be a Rembrandt to create them. All you need is a some instruction and a little inspiration.
If you’d like to learn more about digi scrapping, here is some useful information to get you started.
WHAT IS DIGI SCRAPPING?
Digi scrapping is basically the same thing as paper scrapping…only you create your layouts on your computer using software. The software varies…from the simple to the super complex…and from the inexpensive to the very expensive. Just like you go to your local scrapbooking store to purchase supplies…computer scrappers go to online stores and purchase their digital supplies (papers, eyelets, tags, ribbons and pretty much everything you would see in a “real” store”). We then use our software to place everything where we see fit on the page…and then have the option to either print…or just let it sit on our hard drive or a CD. Source -
shabbyprincess.com
Click
here to view this photo book
HOW DO I MAKE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK PAGES?
First, get more information about the basics of digi scrapping.
Bigpicture scrapbooking,
Designer Digitals’ Getting Started Tutorials (on our “
Celebrations” blog), and the
scrapbook-bytes tutorials are great places to start.
Once you become familiar with what digi scrapping is about and are ready to stick your toe in the water, you can start shopping for your supplies, like papers and eyelets and tags and ribbons.
We have some fantastic freebies on our “
Celebrations” blog. But don’t stop there. Find all the supplies you need at these amazing online digi scrapping stores.
•
Two Peas in a Bucket
•
Designer Digitals
•
Shabby Princess
•
ScrapbookGraphics
•
Scrapbook Bytes
•
Scrapbook Elements
•
Jen Wilson Designs
•
Heather Ann Designs
•
Scrapgirls
Also, if you’d want to own a fantastic looking digital scrapbook, but don’t have the time or inclination to make one,
savannahscrapbooks.com offers expert scrapbooking services. All you need to do is provide the images and your style choice.
HOW DO I TURN MY DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK PAGES INTO A PHOTO BOOK?
If you have created a single scrapbook page or a series of pages, Shutterfly has some great tools that will help you turn them into high quality prints. If you want to print single pages, go to our “
Digital Scrapbook Pages” section for easy to follow instructions and guidelines about printing single-page prints. If you want to turn a series of Digital Scrapbook pages into a photo book, our “
Digital Scrapbook” section is very helpful.
And remember, once you create your digital scrapbook, we welcome you to post it to
Shutterfly Gallery so other Shutterfly members can be inspired by your work.
Do you have any questions or advice about Digital Scrapbooking? If so, let us know by commenting on this article.
Click
here to view this photo book.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I am so in awe by all the digi scrapbooks I have seen. I’d really like to learn or at least give it a whirl. I love looking at everyones projects, their fun fonts and neat embellishments. I may have to try it after I get my other projects done. When I first started doing the photobooks, I felt they were like scrapbooks. I have been to a store where they sell scrapbook supplies and was literally overwhelmed. I wanted to create a book for a friend who had passed away. It’s a lot of work using paper, glue and all the accessories, I can only imagine how much ‘easier’ it is on the computer. PLUS, no mess!
I’ll give it a try and come back here for help which i’m sure i’ll need.
Joanna T
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
June 10th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
What would be a good starter software to use?
June 11th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Ann,
If you’re talking about software to create your digital scrapbook pages, check out this article on Designer Digital. They have some useful information to get you started. Hope this helps.
http://www.designerdigitals.com/ecom/GettingStarted1.php
June 11th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Great article on digital scrapbooking! One way to learn more about digital scrapbooking is to join a forum where you can ask questions. We have one at our site http://scrappersguide.com, (the forum link is at the bottom of the page) and there are other forums out there as well. We also have video tutorials at Scrapper’s Guide that teach how to use Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
It’s a great adventure and slightly addicting!
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:26 am
Thanks Rachel for a great article on Digital Scrapbooking. People from Shutterfly ask me all the time how I go about doing it (DS). It takes a big commitment to get past the learning curve but if like the look and being able to take charge start to finish…then it’s worth it. I would definitely recommend taking a class rather then trying to figure it out oneself. There are many available at various sites. I’m currently taking one at http://www.jessicasprague.com. I love it and besides learning many new techniques, I’m learning many timesaving shortcuts. And now when people ask, I’ll just refer them here to the Digi Scrapping blog.
Oh yes, are you prepared for a life changing hobby, because I promise it will become one.
July 1st, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Very nice projects and wonderful article. Thanks for sharing them with us. I use PhotoMix software it cost a little more but really does an excellant job with collages and other keepsake pages. The best part of digital scrapbooking is that you can see the finished project and make changes as often as you want.
Thanks again for sharing.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
[…] you would like to more information on the art of digital scrapbooking, check out this article, which contains lots of useful information and […]
July 15th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I’ve struggled during the last two years learning Digital Scrapbooking mainly because up until a few weeks ago I had never taken a class. I just hadn’t seen one that I thought would do me much good. Now that I have the Rockin’ with Photoshop class under my belt at http://www.jessicasprague.com I am hooked. And for beginners she has just added a one time video lesson for beginners that’s only $7. The best thing about her classes (and I don’t work for her
) is that any videos that come with the class are yours to keep forever. I just think the site is a great place for those that don’t know where to start.. For those that are further along, she has organizational classes and photography classes and free tutorials that are awesome. My favorite part of her site is the gallery. It’s divided by classes so that you can click on her Up and Running class and see all of the pages that her beginners have done as assignments or lessons. Seeing those pages on the gallery is what got me hooked. I’m sure that there are other classes on DS out there. I just encourage those of you that want to do this to let an expert show you the right way.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:10 am
[…] on how to create your own. If you’re new to digital scrapbooking, take a look at our introductory digital scrapbook article to get you […]
August 1st, 2008 at 8:15 am
Hi, I have been digiscrapping for years and although all the sites mentioned above are good, most of them never seem to change. I have kits from years ago that look like the ones they are offering today. In April 2008 I found this site - http://www.scrapgirls.com and let me tell you - they offer so many different looks and classes, etc. Anything you need. I don’t work for them, but I almost only use their stuff now. And I have a ton of stuff from the past 10 years that just sits in folders, because it does not measure up. Check them out.
http://www.scrapgirls.com
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 am
Another great site that is new and just has a great “atmosphere” is http://www.scraporchard.com. They offer lots of fun challenges and freebies and are always so positive and encouraging. A great place to get any digital scrapbook questions answered!
Niki
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 4th, 2008 at 7:13 am
What great information everyone is giving! Thanks Barbara for all your input - I really enjoy your books - I can’t wait to try some classes out - I am struggling to learn the programs and it didn’t help changing from PSE6 to CS3…still havent figured out how to change everything over. I’m going to check out all the sites people have suggested & see if I can’t “get with the program”
August 4th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Has anyone used Storybook Creator Plus from Creative Memories to create a photo book at Shutterfly? I can save my pages to 300dpi as JPEG files but wondered if the quality would be as good.
Thanks. Lisa
August 5th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Wow… great place for beginners! I will have to forward this on to some of my friends who have been thinking about giving this a whirl. I’ve been using Photoshop for years and years and… let’s not age ourselves… but I have downloaded a few free trials of software to see what they are about and ended up liking Photoshop Elements for beginners. But, I do have a bias opinion because of my graphic background. I think PSE (Adobe Photoshop Elements) is the way to go for beginners and there are a ton of online tutorials to help you out.
Lisa, direct answer for you… however a file is saved with its resolution (300dpi) will work. All software is the same in that regard and the quality for a ‘fly book will be the same! :o)
August 5th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Lisa,
I have never used Storybook creator Plus, but I know that whatever program you use will work great if you can save 300dpi jpgs for upload. I have used photoshop and indesign to create my digital scrapbooks and the quality of shutterfly books are perfect! I used this link to find out the exact size my pages need to be built at: http://www.shutterfly.com/digitalscrapbook/scrapbook-design-specs.jsp
Very helpful and easy to read!
Good luck!
niki
shutterfly gallery guru
August 5th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Hi Lisa, I’m not sure if I will be much help as I haven’t used Creative Memories before, but sounds intriquing. I’m part of the Volunteer Shutterfly Gallery Guru team, and I have done books (12) using the Shutterfly templates and am so pleased with the results. Like Braydensom and Niki said, 300 dpi jpegs for upload will work fine and the end result, is pure perfection. Thats my opinon and I’m sure the other girls would agree as well.
Good luck.
Joanna T
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 5th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Hi Everyone! I’m so excited as Shutterfly keeps getting more and more DS friendly! I’m looking forward to checking out some of the sites that have already been mentioned as great DS sites. I have to add my second favorite (next to Sfly of course) is http://www.scrapbookflair.com/ For all of you looking to get your feet wet trying Digital Scrapbooking without spending a lot of money Scrapbook Flair is a great place to start! Scrapbook Flair offers a FREE Digital Scrapbooking Program which is fully compatible with Shutterfly! Although I’ve since started using PSE to create my books Scrapbook Flair’s program is much more user friendly and a lot less expensive way to start. Once you’ve finished a book I hope you’ll post it in the Shutterfly Gallery for us all to view!
Lisa, I’m pretty sure that you can still use Shutterfly for printing if you’ve created your books in Creative Memories. The Shutterfly templates are fantastic, but I completely understand wanting to create something that’s your own design. I started as a “paper” scrapper and migrated to digital about a year ago. I only print through Shutterfly, their service is unbeatable! They have an excellent customer service department that is truly willing to go the extra mile to preserve customer loyalty. I strongly suggest using the link that Nikki gave above to make sure your pages are the right size, then print away!
Lastly, I know that Sfly is working hard to make their site as DS friendly as the sites mentioned above… If you have an idea that could make it better please don’t hesitate to mention it this forum or suggest it to a Shutterfly Gallery Guru (Sfly volunteers) directly.
Have a super day,
JennaMcLucas
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 5th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Lisa,
I think everyone has covered the suggestions for you for the recommendations for the uploads, I could not personally helped you because I have not used Creative Memories, but I had to add a comment about Shutterfly. Once I found this site I loved it. I have made about 15 albums now and am in the process of two right now. They do an impeccable job and can’t say enough about the quality of the books. Thanks for getting us all talking, this is a great place to come and chat and get ideas and suggestions. Keep sending ideas and questions.
Tammy M.
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 10th, 2008 at 4:20 am
Am new. Am making a 12 X 12 photo book. Could someone tell me how to spread one photo across two pages? I cannot find this option but have seen it done in some of your books. Please help. Please email answer to my email jrose15@nc.rr.com as I am in process of making book right now. Thanks!
August 10th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
This is such a helpful article. I have talked with someone who has used Creative Memories software to create their pages. She then uploads them to Shutterfly and has them printed into a photo book. She is not yet familiar with the other digital scrapbooking software. I have never personally used the software, but she assures me it is a very user friendly program. It is a bit limited to what effects and techniques you can use. However, this is a great starter program from what I have been told. I hope this is a little helpful.
August 10th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I forgot to add my signature….LOL
Cheryl_Whitesel
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 11th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Hey Joan… I will email you with how I do one photo/two page spread. I used it in my book. A Summertime Swimming Adventure.
Ann Abbott
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am
The two pg/one pic is an easy concept. You use the single photo layout page and pick the right and left version of the same shape layout and make them meet in the middle. So the place you drop the photo is right in the middle of both pages. Then take the photo and put the same one on each page. The hard part is to pick a place in each photo to cut or crop in half….and then match up each side. That is hard and you can run into proportion issues.(which could be cool too). If you have a panoramic setting on your camera it might be easier to do the whole process. (I havent tried that setting yet) .
Ann Abbott
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 25th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Can anyone tell me about a video tutorial on PSE 6 for beginning digi scrapbooking (very beginner!). Free or pay, I dont care, I just need help!!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Joan: you may want to check out photoshopelementsuser.com; this site has tons of tutorials (both video and written) for general Photoshop Elements knowledge as well as digital scrapbooking info. You should also take a look at jessicasprague.com; she offers online courses for digital scrapbooking that are extremely easy to follow and very helpful. In addition, most digital scrapbook supply shops offer various tutorials, chats and helpful forums where you can browse others’ questions and post your own. I particulary like the tutorials offered by Cassie Jones at DesignerDigitals.com.
Hope this helps!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Hi Ann - can you send me the same two page summer swim you sent the other Joan? Thanks.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Rachael - It is so knid of you to respond. You were terrifically helpful! I am going to do the Jessica Sprague tutorials, and had just signed up for a subscription to elementsuser mag. Also, I am looking at the Cassie Jones tutorials.
Thanks so much!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Joan…I’m so glad it helped! Good luck in your digi-scrap endeavors…it is a very rewarding (and addicting) hobby. I absolutely love it!
August 27th, 2008 at 9:01 am
[…] by JeannieM26 displays gorgeous floral photos within digitally scrapbooked pages (click here for more information on digital scrapbooking) along with various quotes by flower lovers. What I […]
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:17 am
This may sound a little silly but’s it’s one reason why I scrap digitally. This Labor Day weekend I worked on a book for my mom …a collection of old photographs and memories. Anyway I’ve got a photo of my grandmother when she was 16 dressed to the hilt with bonnet, long dress, etc. I searched my kits and digital scrapbook resources for what seemed to be hours, looking for the right frame. Then I found it…a beautiful but worn old carboard embossed frame. You would have thought I had gone antique shopping and had found a real treasure. I was just as excited. So then I gently placed this picture in the frame, added and drop shadow, and was in digital scrapbooking heaven the rest of the day!
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:34 am
I just tried the 1st (Up & Running) in the series of Jessica Sprague Tutorials (as Barbara recommended) I really enjoyed it and learned lots of neat tricks and so many time saving tools - I can’t wait for the next one to come up! Thanks so much Barb for your information - you definitely put me on the right track.
September 3rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
This a wonderful article, full of great digital scrapping ideas and supplies. It is perfect for anyone who is new to digital scrapbooking … and for those who have been at it for a while. Thank you for the great input. This is a resource that is going to help so many photo bookers out there, gathering from the comments and questions posted under photo books in the Shutterfly Gallery. This is a huge inspiration!
Claire
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
September 5th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I have been digi-scrapbooking for a few years and have visited many sites. Scrapgirls is the best! Their products are the most beautifully designed, the members contributing to the message boards are so friendly and helpful, and they offer easy to follow video tutorials specific to your software of choice as well as occasional online classes on topics such as layout design and journaling. I use PSE5 mostly, but Lumapix Fotofusion is awesome too.