I have never done computer scrapbooking before, but my DH is trying to convince me to do it. He says that it will be more space saving and economical, but I am not sure if I can get the same looks with embellies and paper etc. as I would with a "normal" scrapbook. Plus, what do I do with all my "normal" scrapbooking stuff?
What kind of cool techniques available to hands on scrapbooking can you do with computer scrapbooking? Are there places out there that offer paper and embellies pics, and if so, where are they and how much does it cost? Is is more economical to use computer scrapbooking (my DHs idea would be to just have CDs rather that the books. He says that by the time we are 80 I will have over 300 books at the rate I am going and we just don't have the space)
How hard is it to learn the programs?

I would appreciate any feedback or input you have. Thank you ahead of time.

Shawnery

You don't ask much! Teasing. Welcome to SBB - glad you found us. All of your questions are good ones!

Well there are those of us who do both kinds of scrapping. I, myself, tend to use my real scrap supplies for craft projects, like altered projects, etc. I also have plans to embellish my digital albums with real scrap supplies - I just love to alter things, but I haven't had the time to actually do that. Many of us do print out our digital pages, but there are those of us who leave it digital, passing out cd's for christmas cards, etc. I see no reason why you can't keep your scrap library on cd - but you will want to take extra special care of the discs and keep backups etc. Data does eventually degrade on a cd - I have heard different stories, but for sure it doesn't last "forever" - just something to keep your eye on as you make this choice.

Printing your los (layouts) can be as expensive as you like. Some of us print them at home with regular printers on photo paper, sizing them down to 8x8 and clipping the extra paper off. Some have fancy 12x12 printers, and some send them out to be printed. When you figure the cost of printing your layouts, you'll find it can run about the same or more at home, by the time you pay for the ink, etc. Someone will, I hope, chime in here and list a few sources for printing - I haven't yet had much experience with that.

Computer scrapping is good because you have the BACKSPACE! LOL. That is my favorite part. If I don't like what I have created, I can undo it without wasting a bunch of purchased materials. My other favorite thing about it is there's no mess to clean up before you can start your next project!

Purchasing digital scrapping kits is more economical from the standpoint that you can use the digital kits over and over. You will find some great choices in Scrapbook Bytes own store. There are many many sites out there also selling awesome kits and backgrounds and other elements. Also, some folks make their own backgrounds - as you become familiar with your graphics program, you may want to look into that, as well.

As far as cool techniques, I'd say hands down that these are only limited by your imagination and your abilities to use your graphics program. You will enjoy learning about brushes and blend modes and extracting and all sorts of things that can enhance your pages. Just take a look through the gallery and you'll be amazed at all of the wonderful digital talent out there.

Oh and I also meant to say that there are many freebies out there for you to whet your whistle, as it were. If you follow the downloads link at the top of this page, you will be taken to our download section to get started.

Enjoy!

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Dianne Rigdon

Wow, these papers are so cute. And 6.95 (what I noticed many of the packages cost) is A LOT less money than if I bought all those supplies from my LSS (Local Scrapbook Store). Hmm, maybe this could work! I spoke with my DH about it and he said that DVDs were going to take over CDs soon so if this is something that I would like to continue doing after I try it out for a while, we might be able to buy a DVD burner, then I can look at the photos on our TV.
I kind of like the idea of having books though. How much does it cost usually to print out a page? My printer is not very good quality so I would have to get a better one if I did that, or send it out to print, depending on the cost and availability of that.
I like to know all I can about what I might be getting into, so thanks for all your input.

Shawnery

Page kits are really cheap at between $4-7 usually, and you can reuse and alter all the stuff. Definitely cheaper!
Pro printing is usually cheaper than printing at home, though ink and printers and paper have gotten awfully cheap. I just save my layouts onto my photo card, pop it in at Sam's Club, and have archival prints while I shop 12x12 is cheaper to do at home, even after buying all the new equipment needed. Though even those are getting really cheap at some places now. Uploading to an online photo printer is easy: just create a large, high quality jpg copy of your layout and email it. They'll mail them to you.

Your regular supplies will still come in handy. YOu can do all sorts of digital/paper hybrid pages: no reason to limit yourself. Do in digital what you like, and do in paper what you like. There are strengths and weaknesses to each form. And don't forget invitations, cards, and other paper crafts like posters for church activities and computer crafts. I let my kids make art with my stuff now too that my oldest is capable. Not the expensive stuff, though!

Have fun, it's addicting!

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Emma the Pal
GALLERY Web Page

You have gotten lots of good answers already, so let me just say
"Welcome to SBB"

Another plus to digi scrapping is being able to use things over and over, and not having to worry about having supplies out with little ones around.

Shawnery........hmmmmmm, is that your real name? If so, it is nice and very different!

I am also new at this digital scrapbooking, but the more I get into it, the more I like it. Just be sure to take advantage of this site, as you will learn a lot and everyone is very helpful. I registered at this site back in 2003, but I guess you could say I was just "lurking". I became a member this past December and I am TOTALLY ADDICTED!

As for printing the layouts, I already owned an Epson 1280, that prints 12 x 12 and I just printed out a 12 x 12 layout on it for the 1st time this past Saturday and I just loved it!!! In fact I printed out 3 different layouts, all on the Epson SB paper and I was honestly astounded! Here is a link to my Gallery:

http://www.scrapbookbytes.com/galler...500&ppuser=974

I printed out the "Furbaby LO", "Take Time to Smell the Flowers" and "Aftermath of Hurricane Frances".

If I can be of any help..........just let me know and welcome aboard!

Pam

Thank you all for your advice. Emma, if you print your layouts elsewhere, what size do you print them in?
Pam, yes that's my real name! I should just come on as my real name instead of creating a screen name, it is unusual enough, but I always forget it is unusual since I hear it every day Your LOs are great!
I am really excited to get started, I just have to learn how to use photoshop and of course I need to get my taxes back so I can buy my digital camera.
Thanks for the responses and welcomes.

Shawnery

I just do mine in 4x6 size for a portable book for the kids. I scrap in whatever size the layout ends up being because I do the slide shows rather than albums.

Shawnery...sounds like a username for Sean Connery... Cool name!

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Emma the Pal
GALLERY Web Page