Amy's Digital Scrapbooking Blog

About 12 years or so ago I joined in the scrapbooking revolution. I loved it, but sometime after we had started having kids (now 10 years ago), I realized how cumbersome it is to store and find space for all those scrapbooking supplies. For years I tried to work on scrapbooking the old fashioned way when I could get a few hours, but I spent about 1/2 the time finding the supplies and putting them away.

Then about 2-3 years ago I began to learn about scrapbooking on the computer. At first I thought it would be "second rate" and a compromise to traditional paper scrapbooking, but then I discovered how realistic so many digitally made scrapbooking elements are. It's just amazing to me what you can do with a computer program. Also since I began exclusively using digital cameras (circa 2001-2002), digitally scrapping my digital pictures just really made a lot of sense. I can still print out my finished pages, plus I can easily post them online to show others. Also now I've gotten into the fun of online scrapbooking challenges. I've joined the "Creative Team" of designer Alma Townsend and I have just started my own challenge I host on her website.

Several different people have since asked me about how to get started in this, so I decided to post some great links that helped me get started. If your interested, check out the introductory e-book available at the Scrapgirls website. It's a great way to learn more. Also, several of the links on the right of this blog under "Great Digital Scrapbooking Websites" have FREE digital scrapbooking kits you can download. Of course there are many digital kits that you can purchase as well, but I would suggest starting with the free ones- there's some great ones out there!

As far as scrapbooking software goes, there are many different options. Most of the major ones offer free trial periods so you can check them out. I personally use Corel Paint Shop Pro x2. You can trial it for free here: http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1184951547051
If you need additional software help, scrapgirls.com offers downloadable video tutorials that are very helpful. These are not free, but I eventually opted to buy one of these.

Good luck to you. If you're anything like me, you'll find this hobby rewarding and enjoyable.