Learn Digital Scrapbooking pros and cons, free downloads, tutorials, printing options
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Find out the good and the bad, where to get free digital scrapbooking kits, see my favorite tutorials and read about where to have your layouts printed.
Scroll down to find free digital scrapbook software!
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Pros and Cons – I'm still a bit new to the digital scene as well but I think I can give you a good opinion because of that. I have scrapbooked for years and have a degree in interior design and I just plain love design! Can you feel the enthusiasm? You can read about my digital journey over at
my blog
Even though I like what I've seen so far, I don't think I'll be giving up the real thing any time soon. So here's what I like about digital scrapping so far:
Pros – The supplies are reusable! When you download elements, you can use them over and over again. I also like that I can import my photos into my software and don't have to have them printed before I start a layout (the old style way). I didn't have to decide what size I wanted the photos. I could shrink or expand them to any size! It gave me some extra creativity with the layout. You can also recolor your elements to match whatever other element you are using. So, if your digital embellishment doesn't coordinate with your digital paper, just change it! That is super cool! You don't have to go searching all you favorite stores for something to go with your layout it progress. I also like that you can browse all the online digital stores any time for exactly what you need and get it instantly downloaded! There are lots of free digital downloads and free digital kits out there too! How cool is that?! I love it!
Cons – However, there where a few things I didn't like so much. I like some of the super creative ideas that I've used over the years for my traditional scrapbook layouts. I like to add mini accordion albums to my pages and paperbag pocket techniques for slipping in souvenirs and such. I also like to just quickly add other stuff...kid's drawings...you name it. I guess you could probably just leave a space on your digital layout and add the accordion album or paperbag or pocket later?! I think you'd call that hybrid scrapbooking. So, it might not be a con after all. I still have some experimenting to do. Join me over at
my blog
and follow along as I learn more.
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Resources #1 -
ScrapGirls.com
- If you want a very simple overview of digital, you can find an e-book over at scrapgirls.com. I went there first when I started this page. The e-book is called 15 things you NEED to know to become a GREAT digital scrapbooker. It gives a really good overview and includes topics like what kind of software to use, computer needs and organizing your digital files. They also have a free sample digital kit you can download and 3 simple video tutorials. For all of these resources, visit their site and scroll down to Ready to Get Started? I like the tutorials over at TwoPeas better.
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Resources #2 –
TwoPeasinaBucket.com
- I LOVE this site. I learned SO much from the Digi 101 class. You can find it by clicking on the Education tab. In fact, I created my first digital scrapbooking layout after watching the January class tutorials. I did have to do a little poking around on my own but most of what I needed was in those 3 videos. You'll LOVE them too! They also have many FREE digital scrapbook kits. Here's a video on where to find them.
And here's the simple 2 page layout I created in 2-3 hours over a couple of evenings:
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Find Tutorials on YouTube: Type in Digital Scrapbooking Tutorials in YouTube and you'll find hundreds. I'll share my favorites on
my blog
as I go along this learning journey. Don't get overwhelmed! Just take it one step at a time.
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Free Digital Scrapbooking Kits and Downloads -
TwoPeasinaBucket.com
- To find the free kits, go to the shopping tab on the top nav bar and then click on the digital kits link on the left nav bar. Finally, on the drop down menu, click Price Low to High and you'll find all the FREE kits. They are very high quality!
DesignerDigitals.com
- Enter free into the search box and then choose the first result. You'll then see a link to digital freebies. You have to register for their forum.
The Lily Pad.com
- Click on Free Samples on the bottom left nav bar.
PeppermintCreative.com
- Go to peppermintcreative.com and click on the FREE tab on the top nav bar. I really like this site. I had a question and emailed them one evening and had a response first thing the next morning!
ScrapGirls.com
- You can get freebies with each newsletter edition. So, sign up! I did!
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Where to Print Your Finished Layouts – I found
this forum
discussion very helpful. After reading their reviews, I chose SbtoShare.com. I ordered my sample package late one evening and when I got up the next morning, I already had a ship notification! : )
Learn Digital Scrapbooking – Free Software! - I have not used this software, but it was mentioned in the class that I took over at TwoPeas. It is apparently a lot like Photoshop Elements and will work with the Digi 101 class at TwoPeas.
Go to GIMP.org.
