How To Digital Scrapbook The Easy Way

If you're interested in doing digital scrapbooking but never done it before, you're probably asking "how do other people do it? What software do they use?" Well, many people use a graphic editing software like Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Paint Shop Pro. However, that takes quite a while to learn. But once you master it, you can create cool looking effects. If you want something simpler and fast, there are several softwares especially for scrapbooking such as Digital Scrapbook Artist, MemoryMixer, FotoFusion, ScrapbookFlair, PhotoMix, Easy Made Memories, Scrapbook MAX!, Photo Collage Studio, Scrap Ease and Polaroid My Memories Suite. Some come with a price, some are free.

Which is the best scrapbooking software? Well, they each come with different features. I can't say I've used them all. The one I've used is Polaroid My Memories Suite and I'm quite satisfied with it. Even if you don't read the manual, you will be able to figure it out quickly. Even as a beginner, you can jump right in and start creating scrapbook pages. It is really easy to use. For my full review, click here: MY MEMORIES SUITE SOFTWARE FOR SCRAPBOOKING

Here is a digital scrapbook page I designed using Polaroid My Memories Suite. It was so easy to do. I used a ready-made template and just plopped my photo into the frame. Then I added my own journaling. I also added an embellishment that I had on my computer that didn't come with the software.

Creating a digital scrapbook page is really simple. Unlike traditionally scrapbooking, you don't have to worry if you make a mistake. Below are the basic steps you would take:

• Choose a theme: about baby, Christmas, birthday, family


• Decide how many photos you want to use.


• Think of a layout for the page. In other words, where do you want to place the photos and your journaling.


• Give it a title. A word or a phrase that tells what the page is about. Sometimes people use quotes or sayings. For ideas, look at what's written on greeting cards.


• Choose a background.


• Add words and journaling.


• Crop the photos, add a mat or shape it to your liking.


• Select embellishments, tags, ribbons, borders etc.... to dress up the page.


• Move things around until you are satisfied with the look.

Most scrapbook softwares have ready-made templates that you can use. You can also look what other people have done for inspiration. Ploppers are great. Everything is already done for you. The page is already designed. All you have to do is plop your photographs in place.

If you have a software for scrapbooking, it would already include background papers, embellishments and other decorative stuff. For example, My Memories Suite comes with over 20 templates, over 1500 background papers and over 1300 embellishments.

If you want more, they also have an online store where you can purchase scrapbook kits. A kit would have papers, embellishments, tags, frames and other stuff that match a certain theme. If you don't want to buy, there are online stores that give away freebies. These freebies are great but it will take you time when you scrapbook to mix and match what you have. With a scrapbook kit, you don't have to scramble around on your computer looking for things that compliment each other. You just use whatever comes with the kit to design a well-matched page.

If you want to know where to get freebies, here is a quick list:
1. Shabby Princess. They have beautiful scrapbook kits.
2. Scrapgirls. You have to sign up for their newsletter first.
3. Little Dreamers Designs. You have to register yourself first.
4. Digital Freebies. There's a new freebie every Friday.
5. Digiscrapdepot. A compilation of freebies from various designers

In this digital age, you can do a lot more with your photos then just print them out to display in a photo album or photo frame. Here are some fun projects you can do with a digital scrapbook:
- Make a photobook
- Make a slideshow
- Add music, video or narration and burn it into a CD or DVD
- Make calendars
- Greeting cards
- Share online on your blog, facebook, Flickr etc....