Tutorial #1
What is digital scrapbooking?
Digital scrapbooking is a method of preserving memories using your computer and your photo editing program to create picture layouts that tell your story. Some of the advantages of being a digital scrapbooker is that we do not have messes to clean up, it's all on the hard drive! Digital scrapbooking saves money because supplies can be used over and over again. You can change the color, or resize your digital scrapbooking supply to suit your layouts. It is so easy to create using your computer, if you don't like what you have created just click on the undo button until you get it just right!
Journaling is an important aspect of digital scrapbooking. It's a record of your family traditions, important moments and memories. There are numerous ways to journal. It can be as simple as date and title, or you can write paragraphs that convey your feelings, attitudes, and emotions. Sometimes, the right words don't always show up when you want them to. So here are a few tips to overcome writer's block and get you started on the journaling process:
1. Ask yourself question: What does this photo mean to me? What attribute did I capture in the subject? What was happening when I took this picture?
2. Using the words of your favorite song or poem is also a great way to express what you are feeling.
3. If you're still stumped for words use a quote! Some people eloquently express themselves better than others, so, why not use that resource. Here's a list of web sites that can help you find the quotes on every topic imaginable!
How to digital scrapbook:
1- Digital Scrapbooking is done using a photo editing program. Some are free like the The GIMP, Irfanview, and Google’s Picasa.The GIMP has tools for manipulating image layers, as well as adding effects and filters. Irfanview photo editing allows you to crop, cut and perform other basic editing tasks. Also, it gives you the option to create slide shows. This software is for windows computer only. Google’s Picasa is for Windows computers too, and it has more of a focus on organizing photos. However, it offers photo-editing tools to cut, crop and paste, which, are functions you will use most when you create layouts. Other examples of photo editing software used for scrapbooking are Adobe Photoshop Elements, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Microsoft Digital Image , and Ulead PhotoImpact. To learn more about these products Consumer Search provides an awesome review.
Tips to remember: Always burn your original photos on a CD in their original format. When you open the original in your photo editing program, immediately make a copy and work on that. If you are creating a layout for print use 200ppi to 300ppi resolution.
Tips on choosing a photo editing program: It is to your advantage to get a photo editing program that supports PNG file formats. This file format is the scrapbook industry standard with embellishments. PNG file formats allows for transparent background, which means you only get the element you want on your page without the background! The GIMP, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Apple’s iPhoto support PNG file format.
2- You have your photo editing software, your digital photos are organized and you are ready to create your first scrapbook page. Now what do you do! First, decide what size you want to create with, 12x12, 8.5x11, or smaller. Do you want a pre-made page that has been laid out for you or do you want to create from scratch! Before you download your first 12x12 kit or pre-made scrapbook page! Choose a group of photos. Start with what is most precious to you! I started scrapbooking 13 years ago with the birth of my first child. Decide on a color scheme by using choosing a color that is being worn by your subject in the photo. Think of what mood, attitude, feeling or message you are trying to convey and go from there.
3- OK, your ready to create your first page. If you download my 8.5x11 pre-made scrapbook page all that is required of you is to cut and paste your photo onto the already decorated page. In my Newsletter #1 I have examples on how to use my 8.5x11 digital pre-made templates. I also show you how you can add embellishments to make it your own. You can also find some great freebies! Most of my pre-made pages have journal tags offering you the opportunity to document your life in your own unique way. As you know, by looking at the previews the first 2 pre-made scrapbook pages have frames and some have titles. The last 2 have only embellishments to give you the oppourtunity to add your own title in whatever lanuage you speak and to use whatever size photo you would like. Also, you could use any page in any category for whatever theme you want to scrapbook. If you are creating from scratch you may want to sketch out your layout, or just start by placing your photos onto your color coordinated page and add embellishments as you go along. If you need more info on creating a layout go to tutorial #1 Step-by-Step Digital Scrapbooking for Beginners.
Tips for better scrapbook pages: Pay attention to lines in your photos. What image in your photo can lead the viewer’s eye to your subject. Also, pay attention to the setting on your camera. Better, clearer pictures make for better scrapbook pages.
4-Once my scrapbook pages are done, what are my options?
Well again, you need to decide if you want to print or not to print. If you decide to print are you going to print at home or have your layouts printed professionaly. If you don’t print your layouts do you want to save it as a slide show to be viewed on your tv or computer. Or just save it on a CD. If you are printing at home, and are interested in obtaining the best results, it is to your advantage to use a high grade photo paper the same brand as your printer. You can use cardstock, however, the image will be less colorful and not as clear as using a high grade photo paper. Here are some of the most popular on-line printing companies,Shutterfly.com, Dotphoto.com, and Kodakgallery.com
Another option is to burn a cd and have them printed locally by a professional copy center such as Kinko’s, Sam’s Club or Costco. If you are interest in saving your layouts on a DVD disc to view as a slide show on your tv. Check out these software:Anvsoft, offer a free trail, Roxio, and ACDSee