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From YourSITE.com For Beginners Adding shadows to your layout elements gives a realistic dimension to mimic hand scrapped pages. It can sometimes be difficult to determine how much shadow is required, it is a matter of personal judgment and taste as much as technique.
The majority of programs used for creating digital scrapbook pages will have a drop shadow tool that applies a shadow to a chosen object. Usually you have some control over color, opacity, spread, and perspective. The individual settings can be manipulated for the desired result. Drop shadow tool options in Photoshop CS2 
Drop shadow tool options in Digital Image Suite 2006  
Another method utilizes gaussian blur and opacity. The object is duplicated, filled with a solid color and then blur applied and opacity altered if needed. a) original image b) duplicate filled with black (position altered for purposes of demonstration) c) gaussian blur applied to solid duplicate d) diagonal gradual fade applied 
In addition there are plug-in programs that are designed to create realistic shadowing effects, some of which are listed below: Perspective Shadow filter found in EyeCandy www.alienskin.com Shadow Filter by Andromeda http://www.andromeda.com/main/shadow.php 3d Shadow by Lokas http://www.pluginz.com/product/11356 Shadow by Almathera http://www.mways.co.uk/prog/plugin.php#
There are two main considerations when applying shadows; direction and distance.
Direction To create a consistent and realistic appearance on a layout, all of the elements on a layout should reflect the idea of a single light source. That is, shadows should fall in one direction. A light shining from the left will create a different shadow placement from a light source overhead. As a general rule shadows tend to be applied to digital objects using “drop right”. This implies that the light source is at the top left corner of the page, and hence highlights will appear on the top left area of elements, and the shadow will be weighted to the bottom right corner. 
However at times you may wish to create an effect or element for your page that requires a different positioning of a light source. As long as your application of shadows, and by extension highlights, is consistent in direction across all of the elements the effect will be realistic and pleasing to the eye.
Distance In the real world, the distance an object has from a surface affects the appearance of a shadow. Relatively flat or small objects that sit on a surface cast a narrow, dark shadow, while bulkier items or those that hang or lift off from the surface have shadows that are less defined, lighter and larger. Manipulating the shadow tools that control opacity, color and blur to reflect these attributes enhances the illusion of dimension and depth. Papers, stitching, brads and other fasteners are some of the elements placed on a page that require only tight, dark shadows. Elements with more physical dimension like bottle caps, buttons and bookplates require a shadow marginally lighter with softened edges. Ribbons pinned across a page have a similar shadow, though generally tapering to allow for natural slack in the middle. Items such as flowers, tied ribbon ends, charms and similar pieces look more realistic with the application of diffuse, light shadow that stretches some distance from the element. Some elements such as tags require a mix of shadowing, dark and tight where the tag top is attached to another item by a brad for example but slightly more diffuse at the base of the tag where it lifts more freely from the page. Other semi opaque elements such as vellum or acrylics or word art may require specific changes to shadow color and variations in density to allow for textures or designs.
The screenshot below shows how shadows change for each element as it is layered and with reference to size. 
Study digital or printed paper layouts that appeal to you and pay particular attention to how the shadows work within the design to portray depth. If you struggle with trusting your own judgment then try placing an object that is of similar size and depth to the digital element you are using on a white piece of paper on a desk and use a light source like a lamp or torch/flashlight to observe the effect. Use the results as a guide.
In most cases, digital designers no longer shadow their elements to provide flexibility for their clients. There are methods to remove shadows if needed, for example if you wish to rotate an element, including making a selection or using an eraser tool. For some composite elements, such as a layered tag, it is necessary for designers to add shadows to parts of the image or with beveled objects, shadows are an inherent part of the element. It is feasible to alter these shadows but it is generally easier to work with them.
Realistic shadows can make a lot of difference to your layouts over all appeal and with practice and confidence in your own judgment your pages will reach a new dimension.
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