Stopping by to introduce myself... - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

Kristin1085 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008

Hi there, everyone.

My name is Kristin (as if you can't tell from the username) and I'm a 22 year old student/office manager from CA.

I've been doing traditional scrapbooking for a little less than a year now (I started with my wedding scrapbook!) and have recently decided to try digital scrapbooking as I've always done my scrapbooking at a friend's house and thus have very little of my own materials. I love to learn new things, especially on the computer, and am pretty computer proficient so this seems like a good choice.

I'm a little overwhelmed with all the advice and tutorials on how to get started but can't wait to get home tonight and start downloading some pages to start my 2008 scrapbook-- my goal this year is to scrapbook AT LEAST two pages for every month of the year, as previously I've only scrapbooked my wedding pictures.

One question to all you pros out there-- how do you keep things organized and easy to find?! I'm thinking of having folders for thing such as paper, fonts, embellishments, etc. but do you break it down farther to make things easier to find? IE Pink paper, blue paper, etc... Bows, ribbons, etc.... ?

I'll stop babbling now... but you'll soon learn that I like to talk (and thus type) a lot!!!

Looking forward to getting to know you all,
K.

Diamante · #2 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008

Hey Kristina! Welcome to SBB!! Great to have you!!

As for organizing...I usually organize my folders by designers. There are a couple programs that will also import all your photos, kits and whatnot right into them. Right now there is lots of rave about ACDSee which also will include a preview of your fonts. The other program is a free one called Picasa which I use and does just fine for my needs. But you can search within these programs and also tag your stuff for easier search.

Oh and at first everything is so overwhelming I would suggest just playing to see what you come up with.

HTH's

ETA: If you do download and use one of these programs be sure to leave the original files on your pc.

rde · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008

Welcome to SBB and the fun world of digiscrapping. I like to keep all my kits in the original folder- and in a floder for the site that I got it -easier for keeping track for credit purposes. ACDSee is a powerful organizing program and gaining popularity. There is also a free program Picasa but don't know much about it. There are so many ways to organize. I think some where there is a thread here about how people organize- that might give you some ideas. Good luck with your learning and holler if you have any questions.

Edited- Ha - looks like Diamante beat me to the punch while I was typing.

lavendar · #4 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008

Welcome, Kristin! I organize my files by designer and recommend one of the programs mentioned above once you get so many supplies you can't find what you want easily. Have fun playing around! Glad you're here!

Kristin1085 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008

Of course I stumbled upon the post all about how people organize their images AS SOON as I finished my post! I have amazing timing!!

Thanks for all your warm welcomes! I really just can't get over how much information there is on the web about digital scrapbooking! It's crazy to think about all the info that's out there that you don't know is there until you go looking for it...

One thing I have noticed is that most of the programs mentioned are Windows programs (as I know, the world runs on Windows) but I am a Mac girl through and through-- any other Mac users here that have program recommendations? I've seen a few (Shoebox, iRemember, etc.) but before I shell out any mula I'd like to hear from someone whose used it!

Thanks again,
K.

shelleyrae · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008

There rae a few MC programs out there - and ACDsee is working on developing a MAc version last i heard

Check out the Program> Other thread for some Mac suggesstions

acheese89 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008

Hi Kristin! Good to see you! You will love digi scrapping, especially if you like working on the computer and using a creative mind, which it sounds like you do.

I use ACDSee also, but for now I would just organize your stuff by keeping it in folders. I collect my purchases and downloads at put them into monthly folders. If you decide to try something like ACDSee later, you won't have to worry about creating new folders, you can leave them where they are and put them into categories using the program.

It will all seem overwhelming at first, I'm sure. Just have fun and play and see how you like things. Try some challenges, get to know the community, browse the galleries and get ideas, and enjoy yourself!

Serena Thomas · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008

Hi and Welcome! Getting organized can be tricky and everyone has their own method. I use ACDSee and keep things as they are when I download (I consolidate if there are multiple folders inside) then I tag with Kit name, Designer name, item type (paper, brad, flower, etc) and I can search using those without messing things up. The best advice is to figure out what you think would work best for you. That being said I've redone my mehtod of organizing several times and am finally satisfied (for now).

Scrapping is a great hobby and we are glad to have you here.