Computer Scrapbooking Techniques

heart2heartdesigns posted:


Creating a beautiful digital scrapbooking layout is easy! There are only 3 elements needed to create a basic layout a piece of background paper, at least one photo, and some journaling.  



We could stop here but we’re not going to…. Next we’ll add some word art.

 

Then, last but not least, let’s add a flourish.



Now you have a finished digital scrapbook layout ready to print, post in an online gallery, or send by email.

Just like with traditional scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking layouts can be clean and simple or they can include everything but the kitchen sink (without getting bulky). Whatever style suits your personality is possible with digital scrapbooking. The wonderful thing about creating scrapbook layouts digitally is that either style is possible with the same photograph.

Digital Scrapbook Design Elements: 



Alphabets

Background Paper

Custom Shapes

Digital Stamps and Brushes

Embellishments

Fonts, Fonts, Fonts!

Frames

Journaling Spots

Overlays

Quick Pages

Tags

Templates

Text Trails & Shapes

Word Art

and much more…



 

You’ll need a photo editing program to create digital scrapbook layouts.

Which software should I use?

A quick Internet search for scrapbooking and software will provide you with a long list of software programs. Our designers use Adobe® Photoshop and recommend Adobe® Photoshop Elements as an excellent choice. The software you choose will be based on several considerations: 

Computer operating system requirements – make sure your system will run the software you select! Some software can require up to 700MB of hard disk space and require an up-to-date operating system like Windows XP, Windows Vista or Mac OS X. Computer knowledge – some programs have a steeper learning curve than others. If you have limited computer experience, you might want a program that will “hold your hand” through basic editing tasks. The best programs have two levels to accommodate both beginner and advanced users. Style of scrapbooking – if you see yourself designing your own embellishments then you might want to consider purchasing a software program with high flexibility. But don’t panic, there are PLENTY of digital goodies in our store for those of you who just want to get to it! Templates – You may just want to get on with putting your layouts together. Most of the software programs will come with some templates. The more popular ones will also have additional templates available through third party vendors like those in our online store. Tutorials – Again, the more popular software programs will have more tutorials available. Heart2Heart Designs supports Photoshop Elements with instructional written and video tutorials. Flexibility – It’s all about the tools. The more features the program has the more flexible it will be. But don’t ignore the learning curve! File Format Support – Be sure the program supports a wide range of graphic file formats. At the very least it should allow you to import and export JPEG and PNG files. Web Integration – Many of the new programs let you save your work in a web compatible format. Making them easy to post online or email to friends and family. Price – this isn’t always the first consideration! Do some research so you only have to purchase the software once. Until, of course, the next upgrade is available.

 

You can download the layered PSD file used in this article here.

Michele Cardello posted:


Creative scrapbooking has taken the world by storm. It’s relaxing, fun, social… and, let’s face it, incredibly addictive! After all, what scrapbooker doesn’t smile with pride when she or he finishes a decorative project?

If you have the talent to create eye-catching, creative scrapbooks, you can actually turn your hobby into a lucrative creative scrapbooking career. In this three-part series, we’ll show you some of the secrets to running a home-based creative scrapbooking company that regularly adds extra coins to your coffers!

Why Creative Scrapbooking?

People from all walks of life have photos and mementoes cluttering their homes. They’d love to organize and arrange them, but don’t have the time (or, in some cases, the ability.) That’s where you, as a professional scrapbooker, can step in!

Through creative scrapbooking, you can create delightful, entertaining, and touching memory books that will be certain to have a very long shelf life. Imagine… your scrapbook creations could someday become precious family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation!

What Types of Scrapbooks Sell?

Creative scrapbooking is an incredibly versatile field because you have virtually no boundaries. Graduation scrapbooks, family tree scrapbooks, baby scrapbooks, wedding scrapbooks, and achievement scrapbooks are only a few of the countless styles of creative scrapbooking inventions you can market.

Use your imagination; anything that’s relatively flat can go into a scrapbook, so the sky’s the limit.

Can Scrapbooking Really Be Profitable?

Creative scrapbooking, as with any legitimate business, won’t make you rich overnight. But if you’re determined and plan your creative scrapbooking operation pragmatically, you can absolutely make money from this burgeoning industry.

Best of all, creative scrapbooking is a low overhead industry. You’ll need to start with a modest amount of scrapbooking supplies, but you can build your stock over time thanks to fast shipping and wholesale prices offered at Internet scrapbooking supply stores.

How Can I Start Professionally Scrapbooking?

Obviously, the first step to starting a creative scrapbooking company (even one with a single employee, aka “you”) is to develop a business plan. This document should include an overview, financial information (including income and expense projections, marketing ideas, local competition statistics, and realistic growth rates.

Though you may not be able to find exact data to work into your creative scrapbooking business plan, try to be as complete as possible. The more information you include, the better your chances of success.

Do I Need Any Formal Training?

Though there are no credentials needed to call yourself a creative scrapbooking pro, you may want to take a few community courses on scrapbooking design. Doing so will keep you “in the know” as far as the latest products and trends are concerned; it will also provide you with fresh ideas to propose when working with clientele.

What Do I Need in Terms of Stock?

One of the most essential items you’ll need to start a creative scrapbooking venture is scrapbooking paraphernalia. Chances are, you already have some supplies around your home, but if they aren’t organized, it’s time do so.

Invest in some bins (dollar stores have a plethora of options) and label them according to scrapbooking supplies, such as stickers, papers, backgrounds, adhesives, albums, markers, scrapbooking magazines (for inspiration), and borders. This way, you’ll always know exactly how much of each scrapbooking necessity you have and can order more before you run out.

Do I Need to Rent a Space for My Scrapbooking Business?

Though it would certainly be wonderful to have an “offsite” locale for your creative scrapbooking enterprise, it’s more likely that you’ll need to make due with your current digs.

Anything from a corner of your family room to a renovated closet can serve as your creative scrapbooking “headquarters”. Just make certain that you have enough space and light to work your magic and store your scrapbooking supplies!

What Will I Tell My Family?

If you’re worried about “breaking” the news to your family that you’re setting off on an entrepreneurial scrapbooking journey, you’re not alone. Many first-time business owners are reticent to reveal their plans to loved ones for fear that their significant others will not be supportive.

With that said, it’s critical to the long-term success of your creative scrapbooking business that you have the “buy in” of your kin. So take a deep breath, muster up all your courage, and boldly state, “I’m going to become a professional scrapbooker! And when the money starts coming in, the first dinner out is on me!”

The Next Step

Are you eager to start your creative scrapbooking adventure? In our next article, we’ll explore how to set your prices and market and advertise your home-based scrapbooking services…

Jasmine N posted:


I love miniature. I was fascinated by my friend’s mini book scrapbooking. I love her design so much; I wish I could do as hers! I started to source around all the different resources and finally I found some interesting ways to create mini book scrapbooking.

Tips #1 A5 size note book.

You can purchase any design of A5 size note book, either plain or trendy design. Then convert it into your scrapbook by adding some stickers as your embellishment, write some comments and the final step is adding your candid photo on it.

Tips #2 Scribbling or sketching on drawing paper as your layout design.

If you love scribbling or sketching, you can convert your scribblers or sketches into mini scrapbooking. This is done by cutting all the scribbling into smaller pieces, either in A5 or smaller, add some embellishment on each piece, then finally add your own photos. Last step is combine all the pieces together, punch two holes at the left border and tie with colorful ribbon to make a compilation of small scrapbook.

Tips #3 4R photo empty albums.

If you have a lot of empty 4R photo albums, reuse them by converting them into small scrapbook. Repeat the same steps of pasting stickers, embellishment and slot in your photo into the albums. This is the most economical and environmental friendly method to create your scrapbooking!

Tips #4 Greeting cards.

Greeting cards can be your source too! You can create a simple scrapbook by simply adding your candid photo onto the trendy design greeting cards. Perhaps you may need to add one or two words about the photo. Then you are done! Although some greeting cards in odd shapes, just take it as a credit to your scrapbook design, because it makes your scrapbooking more fun!

Tips #5 Trendy designed envelop.

You can convert a trendy designed envelop into scrapbooking. This can be done by adding some embellishment on every sides of the envelop, write some theme words and punch one or two holes at one side of the envelop, tie with ribbon or colorful felt. Finally paste your candid photo, or if you like you can draw your own illustration instead of putting your photos.

Hope any one of above tips give you an idea to create your mini book scrapbooking!