I got asked today about my favorite sites/resources for learning how to digi scrap so I thought I would post them here in case others out there were wondering. First of all, I went through a stage this past year where I wanted to do something that looked “digital” on each of my pages. Since I did things digitally, I wanted to use those digital tools to their best advantage. I have been on a year-long search for my scrapbooking style, and I think I have finally figured out what it is. The verdict – it has very little to do with being “digital”. I really just consider myself a scrapbooker – period. Yes, I do 90% of it (less everyday) digitally (and always will because there are so many advantages), but honestly, to me scrapbooking is about telling the story and preserving the memories. Making pretty pages is fun, but secondary to what I am doing. I am more interested in the stories I am telling and what the page design can do to further those stories than I am how pretty everything looks. It has taken me a number of months of soul-searching to come to this conclusion, but there it is (all official now that I have blogged about it).

But I digress. None of that takes away from the absolute wonder that is digital scrapbooking. If you aren’t familiar, you complete your pages on the computer using a software program. There are other scrappers out there who are “hybrid” where a portion of their page is done on computer and pieces are added afterwards (this, incidentally, is the direction I find myself moving towards). There are some great advantages to digital scrapbooking. They include:

  • No mess. Everything is on the computer so there is nothing to pull out, put away, or try to keep from toddlers.
  • Less expense. This could be arguable, but I think I am in the right. You can usually get a good software program to start for around $75. You will need to purchase a printer or have your pages printed. Yes, you do need a computer and digital camera or scanner, but most of us have those anyway. Of course, there are supplies to be bought as well, but digital supplies can be reused again and again and again. Also, there are a large number of “freebies” or free supplies on the Internet. (More below.)
  • Flexibility. I never have to worry about having enough of a certain kind of chipboard letter (I just make a new one.) or if my paper or embellishment matches my photos (I just recolor it.) or if I can bear to part with that wonderful paper or item that I purchased to make a page. (I can, because I can use it again.)
  • The Undo button. This is probably the greatest one. I can never mess up a page to the point that I can’t start over without ruining my supplies and photos. This gives the person frozen by perfection the perfect opportunity to scrapbook without having a stroke.
  • Speed. Once you get past the learning curve I think it is faster.

Ok, so what are the cons? If I am going to be honest, there are a few.

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  • The biggest is lack of texture. This is what has me going back to hybrid. Even though my style is turning out to be a “clean” one, I still find myself missing the added texture of ribbons, metals, and chipboard. Many of my digital pages these days include journaling, photos, and “flat” items. I am adding the other things after printing.
  • Learning curve. I have always been a techie, so this is not an issue for me. There are others out there who would struggle with learning the software needed. My advice is to take a class, study up on free tutorials, and practice, practice, practice. Remember: you can’t break it (You might can delete it, but not break it.)
  • Snobbishness. This is getting less and less, but if you are a social scrapper, you may run into this problem if you convert to digital. I scrap with friends using a laptop (Sometimes I even pack up my home computer for longer crops; it fits nicely in a small box.), but there are still those out there who look down on digital scrapbookers. This will continue to change as all the major magazines, many big designers (seen Ali Edward’s stuff lately?), and the conventions are all including and courting the digital crowd. Even the home-party consultants have gotten into the act.

So, if you are thinking of dabbling into the digital craze, here are a few places to get you started. This list is by no means exhaustive (in fact, quite the opposite).

Classes and Free Tutorials

  • Jessica Sprague – No, I have not taken any of her classes, but that is only because her advanced class is not out yet. I will be signing up when it is. I do know that Jessica is an excellent teacher based on her free Photoshop Fridays tutorials. Be sure to check those out too. Her online classes are video based and include some beautiful elements (papers and digital embellishments) for making your first pages. If I were just getting started, this would be the place I would go.
  • Digital Scrapbook Place – I have taken a number of courses from this website. Many of them were Photography/Journaling related, but the first was their Introduction to Digital Scrapbooking Class. One note: Be sure to pick the version of the class that goes with the software you are using. Also, this class deals more with making a page from scratch than using premade elements to create a page. The first pages you complete will be pretty simple. You will learn about your program, though. The site and classes I have taken are all run very professionally, and I learned a great deal. Also check out their free tutorials.
  • There are many, many more free tutorials out there on the web. Just do a little searching.

Software

  • My software of choice is Adobe Photoshop. That is cost prohibitive for most people. A great alternative is Adobe Photoshop Elements. It will probably be more than enough to get the average person started.
  • I use ACDSee Photo Manager to organize my photos and digi scrap supplies (Unfortunately organization is an issue for digi scrappers too). It is just an organizer, though. To make pages, I have heard great things about ACDSee Photo Editor as a lower cost, easier to use alternative to Photoshop products for easy digi scrapping with decent flexibility. If you go this route, note that none of the classes listed above use this program. Some web searching may turn up some classes for Photo Editor, but I am not aware of them.
  • There are tons of other software alternatives out there. One popular one is PaintShop Pro, but a Google search for “digital scrapbooking software” will turn up many options. My personal opinion is to spend a moderate amount of money now ($75-$100) for a decent, powerful program if you think you are interested. A super-cheap, limited program may inhibit your ability to get a true feel for the hobby.

Supplies and Shopping

  • My absolute favorite place to shop these days is Designer Digitals. They have a variety of designers with differing styles and fabulous freebies.
  • Another sites I shop at include Little Dreamer Designs and Jen Wilson Designs.
  • Try out freebies from a variety of designers first. Shopping is all about personal style. Yours will probably be very different from mine. Simply Google “digital scrapbooking freebies”.

Like I said above, these are just my personal preferences and favorites; they don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the resources available out there. If you have any questions, though, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I will get you an answer.

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