Friday, March 20, 2009

How to Start Digital Scrapbooking for Beginners

My friend Bonnie K. asked a few beginner questions on Facebook. I've been receiving lots of beginner questions lately so I thought I'd share.

How do I start if I wanted to?

  1. You need a software program that will open PDF's, jpegs, and png files for the most basic tasks. You will be able to print out those files to add to a card or scrapbook page, however you will not be able to do actual scrapbooking. A program example would be Word.
  2. For actual scrapbooking, you need a software program for editing such as Photoshop Elements or ACDSee Photo Editor. Photoshop Elements is around $100-130 and ACDSee PE is about $45. These two programs are perfect for someone who just wants to scrapbook digital or hybrid. A free program that allows you to scrap online with their digital elements is www.scrapblog.com (and they also have premium kits you buy and use only within their system. Photoshop Elements and ACDSEE Photo Editor allow you to use any kit you purchase or find for free).
  3. If you are a professional photographer and/or someone wishing to create a digital scrapbook kit from scratch, then you need the Photoshop Creative Suite which is quite an investment. (I prefer to use what others create, and so I love Photoshop Elements and I also have ACDSee Photo Editor).

To organize your kits, you can use the organizer in Photoshop Elements. I prefer to skip the Organizer in Photoshop Elements myself, because it is slow. I purchased ACDSee Photo Manager 10 (this is separate from ACDSee Photo Editor). ACDSee Photo Manager does not slow down your computer and allows for organization through tagging. I don't know how I scrapped before without ACDSee Photo Manager. I am not sure if it is available for Mac, however if you are on a Mac, then just use the free Organizer that comes with Elements.

How does it all work when you purchase a digi kit?
In your emailed invoice, there will be a link to a download link. You download the kit to your desktop. Scan it with anti-virus software. Then you need to unzip it with unzip software. I unzip it to the desktop, then I move the digital kit to the folder I want to store it. Then, while I have it in front of me, I tag it within my organizer so that I can find it fast and easy when it is time to scrap. (I also send the zipped file to the recycle bin after the folder is moved to where I want to store it. You do not need the zipped file any more.)



How do I use/access these files to make fun pages?
I suggest that you do not download a ton of freebies because soon you will run out of memory on your computer. When that time comes, the best thing is to purchase an external hard drive to store your photos and digital kits on. It is important to back-up your files on a weekly basis in case of a crash. Back-up onto DVD's or a second external hard drive.

It is just like accessing digital photos, they remain in the folder that you assigned them to.


Once you make all these cool layouts using digi elements, then what? how are your pages enjoyed?
  • I have a standard size printer and print my pages at 8"x8" which is a great size album that fits on any size shelf. You could also have them printed full-size 12x12 at shutterfly, polka dot potato or http://www.goodlifephoto.com/
  • You could have them printed in a photo book through a service such as shutterfly
  • You can incorporate them into hybrid pages

Do you make cds for people with all the layouts on them?

No, I do not. I would recommend DVD's or CD's depending how many you want to fit on a disk.


Resources:

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Digital and Hybrid Scrapbooking Call



THEME: Easter.
Send in your layouts and projects featuring Easter.

TECHNIQUE: Faithbooking.
Do you incorporate scripture into your layouts? Do you make reminder cards with Bible verses for different times in your life? We’d love to see them!

ELEMENT: Chickies/Birdies.
Show us the different ways you use chickie & birdies in your layouts and on your hybrid projects. Please include any special tips on how to incorporate them into the layout.

OPEN CALL: Do you have a stunning layout or project of any theme/style that you just want to share? We want to see it!

NEEDED: Remember, we want digital layouts, hybrid layouts, hybrid projects, altered items using digital products, for all categories!
DEADLINE: March 5–those chosen will be featured in the mid-March issue of BSM.

E-MAIL: holley@bellascraps.com

All submissions should be e-mailed to holley@bellascraps.com by deadline above. Photos and layouts should be at least 12?x12? 72dpi or 8?x8? 150dpi JPGs. Include the FULL CREDITS and the following information:
Your Full Name:
E-mail address:
Project/Layout Title:
Credits:
Font(s):

If your submission is chosen to be published you will receive a complimentary issue of BellaScraps Magazine! Submit your work today! (Only a limited number of layouts are chosen. Only those who are published will be notified.)

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Thursday, November 13, 2008

How to Print a Two-Page Digital Layout

I recently received this question from a reader asking how to print a two-page layout. She designed the layout as a 12" X 24" document. Here are the instructions:

How to Print a Two-Page Layout
Instructions for Photoshop Elements and similar software
Here's how to do this: Make a duplicate by going to File--> Duplicate
1. On the duplicate - Select the crop tool
2. Set the width and height to 12 x 12, 300 dpi
3. Crop from the left side upper corner to the middle
4. Save this as a new document, maybe naming it "Title - Left". Leave the document open.
5. Then click ctrl+z to "undo"
6. Select the crop tool. Crop from the right side upper corner to the middle.
7. Save this as a new document, naming it "Title - Right"
8. Open "Title - Left" and print.
9. Print "Title - Right"

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Monday, November 10, 2008

How to Use Photo Masks

How to Use Photo Masks in Photoshop Elements
by Julie Ann Shahin, Founder
Close-up of photo in layout
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Final Layout. Credits: Nessa Kit by Erica Hite. Photo Masks Canvas by Amanda Sok. All available at Scrapgirls.com
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Here is a simple technique to add texture and interest to your photos. The final result is posted above. For this example I am using {canvas} photo masks by Amanda Sok available at Scrapgirls.

The instructions for using these masks are very simple.
Step 1. Open your photo in PSE.
Step 2. Select the photo mask you wish to use, and open it in PSE.
Step 3. Drag the photo onto the photo mask so that it is the layer above the photo mask.
Step 4. Select ctrl+g to clip it together.
Step 5. To use it in a layout, select Layer--> Merge Visible.
Step 6. Drag the photo onto your layout.

Here are some looks that can be made with Amanda's photo masks.





Please leave feedback if you would like more new content on the EDS Blog!

Julie Ann Shahin, Founder

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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

How to to Use the Embed Action In Photoshop Elements for Digi Scrapbooking

How to to Use the Embed Action In Photoshop Elements for Digi Scrapbooking
by Julie Ann Shahin

This is a tutorial to show you another option for drop shadowing on elements such as buttons, eyelets, and other things that "attach" to a page. I use the "Embed Action (Style)" from Scrapgirls. This tutorial assumes that you have followed the instructions provided from Scrapgirls on how to install the tool in your styles palette.


Here is the layout that I am using this tool on. I want to shadow the denim ribbon eyelets.

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Step 1. In the Styles & Effects palette on the right, chose Styles, then chose the Embed Action. Make sure the layer you want to use the tool on is selected. In this case, I am using the tool on the left denim ribbon with eyelets.

Step 2. Go to Layer --> Layer Style --> Scale Effects. You can see I adjusted the scale to 30
(Click on image to enlarge)
You can compare the Embed style with the regular drop shadow which I used on the right denim ribbon. The left ribbon is a more pronounced shadow, which I prefer in this case.

Note: There are 6 different types of this tool. I try different ones until I get the look that I desire. I do not have a rule about which type to use with certain embellishments.

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In the image below, I have applied the tool to all three ribbons.

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Next, I'm going to use the Embed Tool Style on a staple. This is the staple before.

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Now I've clicked on the tool and the style has been applied to the staple. (You can click on the image to enlarge if you wish).

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As I did in Step 2 above, I've adjusted the scale of the tool until I get the desired effect.

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In my last example, I am going to apply the tool to the epoxy button in the middle of this paper circle. First, I want to duplicate this layer. Second, on the top duplicate layer -I applied the tool to the whole circle as the embellishment .png comes with the button in the middle.


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Next, on the same layer, since I want the style applied only to the button - I erase or cut away the outer circle. You can erase with the eraser tool or you can create a circle with the circle marquee tool around the button. Then, select inverse, then delete that selection.



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You can see I've applied the tool to both buttons below.


It's one of my favorite and most used tools that I use! Thanks for your support of the EDS Blog.
Credits: Falling for Fall by Two Sisters Designs at wearestorytellers.com; Daily Birdie Font by Audrey Neal at wearestorytellers.com; All Stitched Up template by Janet Phillips; Embed
Action 1801 by Scrapgirls

Please leave feedback if you would like more new content on the EDS Blog!

Julie Ann Shahin, Founder

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Saturday, September 13, 2008

Do you want new content on this blog?

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Read this!
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Archives List

Actions Tutorials




Artistic Photo Tutorials and Ideas

Blend Mode Tutorials


Brush Tutorials for Digital Scrapbooking




Calendar Ideas

Cards


Color


Create Your Own Elements - Tutorials and Ideas








Creating With Kids


Designing with Fonts


Gift Ideas







Home Decor Tutorials and Ideas- Updated September 13,2008


Hybrid Scrapbooking Tutorials and Ideas - Updated September 13,2008









Invitation Ideas and Tutorials


Journaling



Mini Albums


Photo Editing





Photography Tips

Printing- Updated September 13,2008

Scanner Tips



Shortcuts

Sketch and Layered Template Tutorials and Ideas- Updated September 13,2008





Software- Updated September 13,2008Two-Page Layout Tutorials and Ideas

Word Art Tutorials




Using Transparencies

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You Can Save This Blog

Dear Fans of the EDS Blog,

Would you like to help save this blog? You need to take action and enroll the help of your friends as well.

See the "Followers" List to the right? I need to know there is sufficient interest in this blog in order for me to keep it alive. I need you to add yourself to the followers list. I need you to read this post and give me feedback.

Why?

In case you haven't noticed, I took the blog offline in mid-June. Before that, daily posting that you all enjoyed since October 2006 stopped in November 2007. I felt there was a lack of support for the blog (lack of support / lack of interest because no one communicated with us that they liked our blog posts), not to mention that I was over-committed in too many projects. I received many emails while the blog was offline, asking for permission to read the blog. I turned people away saying the blog was "closed for maintenance."

At one point, I considered transferring the rights to a scrapbook manufacturer.

At one point, I considered transferring the rights to one of the scrapbook magazines.

At one point, I considered a way to make the blog into an online magazine of its own.

It's never been about the money. I have this on blogger because blogger is free. I never asked anyone for money in order to advertise on this site, and the only reason I took on advertisers was a way to compensate the generous & talented ladies who helped me run the blog. I no longer wish to have advertisers of any kind.

I just couldn't keep on giving out free information while no one was leaving any feedback for us on whether the tutorials were useful, any feedback on if they found our newsletters informative, any feedback for any of the hardwork we have been doing.

If you want to save this blog, then you have to interact with us. I can't read your minds people. If you want to save this blog, I need you to take a moment when you read a tutorial to give it a rating

  • 4 stars for outstanding
  • 3 stars for average
  • 2 stars for anything below average (explain)

That's it. Follow us and interact with us by leaving feedback and/or ratings. You do that and this blog will stick around. We might undergo some changes here and there but until you tell us you want us, this blog might end up gone forever.

Thanks!
I look forward to hearing from you all.
Julie Ann Shahin

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Multi photo layout TREND

Creating a multi photo hybrid lay out!
by Maggie Lamarre

Multi photos are very trendy, specifically the inchies...Somerset Magazine has a call out for inchies. They are another way to let your imagination go wild...

Creating a grid lay out is very easy using graphic software, instead of a punch. It is more versatile and offers more possibility..

Let's begin!

Open your graphic software and open a document the size of the finish you want in my case mine is 6.5x6
Turn on the grid to the desire width you need

Use the rectangle marquee flood fill the square and repeat for each..





















open all the pics you want to fill in then use the move tool holding down the shift key drag onto the document, use the deform tool to resize to fit the grid..






















Fill the remaining grid then add brushes to the edges then journaling
Voila You are ready to print and start the hybrid process...





















Edge with chalk, then adhere to the patern paper,
add ric rac, to the bottom of the grid..
















Add the title and add flowers and other embellishments and you are done..
I created the title in a funky way to reflect how my daughter sees herself :)
Play around with the embellishments until you are happy.
















I added miniature brads to the center of the flowers to the left..
Then reinforce the shine word by using stickles on the edges..
















The whole process took 12 mtes from printing the grid... to creating the lo, easy uh?

Here's the finish lo


















Have fun, create your ART..
Maggie


Credit
Cherry Arte, thickers from Acbaileyltd.com
Ric rac, brads Making memories
digital brush Cottage arts.com
Stickles Ranger
Prima Flowers
Bling Ck
Butterfly from my stash :)
FRED from my scrappingbuddy.com
PS we are giving away a FRED here

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Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Printing Mediums

One of the questions I get asked most about hybrid scrapbooking is “what do you print the digital part onto?” The answer is: Anything, and everything! There really are so many options, that is the great thing about hybrid.

Obviously the choices for the beginner hybrid scrapbooker are probably going to be limited so I thought what better than a side by side comparison! The papers that almost every scrapbooker has in their supplies are: cardstock (smooth or textured) and photo paper (glossy or matte). Each one of these can be used for hybrid scrapbooking, and each gives the project a different look and finish.

  • Cardstock: I use plain white cardstock a lot for hybrid. First it’s inexpensive and second I have a lot of it. Textured or smooth depends on my project.
  • Photo Paper: I print my photo’s at home so I always have photo paper on hand. Photo paper comes in lots of finishes, matt and glossy being the two most popular.
My choice for deciding which paper to print on depends a lot on the project in question. I decided to make a hybrid card, and print it out onto different papers to compare the difference.


I printed the digital portion onto smooth cardstock, matte photo paper and glossy photo paper. The cardstock (left) gave a dull flat color and finish to the card. The glossy photo paper (right) gave the most vibrant color and detail, but in lights gave off a glare and sometimes made it difficult to see (and photograph). Falling in the middle is the matte photo paper, which really did fall between both. The colors were stronger than the cardstock, but the detail wasn’t as good as the glossy photo paper, but there was no light glare.

In this scan you can see the difference between the card on the left (cardstock) and right (glossy photo paper). The difference is much more pronounced in real life.


I’ll still continue to use all three papers, deciding which finish I‘d prefer with each project. I like the variety. Even though the cardstock gave a flat finish with duller colors, for some projects that works great, especially on grungy or heavily distressed papers. Each paper has pro’s and cons, each one is worth trying, and each one has a place in my hybrid scrapbooking!

Credits: Digital papers: Kitchen Curtains, Meredith Fenwick, Digital stitching: Robin Blankenship; Flower: Yellow Sprite, Prima; Gem: center kisses, Prima; Photoshop CS3

Of course this is just about papers, not taking into account transparencies, vellums and specialty printing mediums, that's a whole other tutorial ;)

Have fun with Hybrid!

Hugs

Di

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Sunday, June 01, 2008

From Digital Template to Paper!

Sketches, Digital Templates Revisited
By Maggie Lamarre

Chances are since you have started scrapbooking, you have use a sketch, or visited a sketch blog. Sketches and templates reduce your scrapping time and if Mojo is gone it's a good way to keep going well still preserving your cherished memories :)

Did you know you can use a digital template or sketch or quickpage with your paper scrapbooking as well..?

We are going to explore how to take a digital quickpage and turn it into a hybrid lay out...

Supplies use

Digital template from Sausan Designs
Cosmo Cricket Paper
Prima Flowers
Silk Flowers
Ranger Stickle
Brads Joann etc...
CS Bazzill , rhinestones from the Shakerbox
Martha Stewart punch
Katie Pertiet Word ARt
MlamarreDesigns butterflies and stamps numbers
Basic Grey Magnet
F.R.E.D TABLE from my scrappingbuddy.com We are giving a Fred away during the month of June see here

First the quickpages came in 5 different versions and colours, there were 2 I like the best but I wanted to incorporate into my lo.

Let's begin!
Open the quickpage in your graphic software then determine the size you want the finish printed page to adhere to cardstock..





















I resize the Qpage to 8x10.5, then I cut the bottom 3 inches from the bottom see below...























to add the other portion of the qpage I cut 3 inches from 2 other qpages..






















Added to the quickpage duplicate the layer and reduce the opacity to 50%
changed the blend mode to multiply,
then duplicate the layer again then change the blend mode to soft light.














Added the second layer duplicate change the blend mode to burn then reduce the opacity to 40% then added the stitches to bind them, last step added my journaling..















Added the word art and reduce the opacity, then added the butterflies and created the dates..

I printed the lo on glossy paper...

Ink the edges
Then cut the cs to 9x11 used the Martha Stewart punch to emboss the border
















I scored the cs on the left 1/2 an inch to be able to lift it..
















I use the cropadile to punch the holes for the brads, if u don't have one use a push pin :)

Next I added the flowers to the right and and free hand form a swirl with the rhinestones















I added more pic to the back of the cs and added more journaling..

Voila you are done!

Here's the finish lo


















Here are more versions of Digital templates....
I created this sketch you can download here





















This one I created using the digital memories kit from Acbaileyltd.com






















Here's another version by Sally Kellers






















Please let us know if you have any questions or comments, we would luv to hear from you :)

Have fun, create your ART!

Maggie

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