create a digital scrapbook

E-scrapbooking has other advantages over the traditional approach, too: If you get distracted, just hit save and return to the task when you have time -- no scissors or craft paper to put away. Or if you are commemorating events that involve many friends or family, you don't have to duplicate your efforts by hand -- merely print extra copies or post your creations online where others can view them. Family reunions, birthdays, weddings, holidays, baby showers and pilgrimages to Disneyland can all be enshrined, but don't limit your scope. When e-scrapbooking, you don't have to fill a whole album, so why not artfully commemorate small, everyday events? Kim Liddiard of Denver, for example, is constructing a page about her son's first day on a bike without training wheels. A glance across many Web-based compendiums reveals pages dedicated to seemingly offhand things: a purchase of a new handbag, a rousing soccer game and even a collection of favorite quotes from Mother Teresa. GET THE E-TOOLS. You'll need photo manipulation software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Corel Paint Shop Pro or Microsoft Digital Image. Apple's iLife suite of photo and movie software has scrapbooking features, as does iRemember. Most of these programs run from about $50 to $100 and can be downloaded and tried for a limited time gratis, allowing you to test each one out. The range of these programs is breathtaking, allowing you to color-correct photos, fill in backgrounds with colors and textures, and render text in fancy fonts. Also, many Web sites offer thematic templates, such as color-coordinated mats and frames. Expect to pay $2 or $3 per template. But take heart: Unlike the paper templates sold at art stores, electronic templates can be reused, says Amanda Behrmann, a founder of the Digital Scrapbook Place ( http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/ ), a resource for scrapbook starters. FIND SOURCE MATERIAL. Photographs are the centerpieces for most scrapbook pages. If you have a digital camera, importing the photos should be a snap. Regular photographs can be scanned -- most electronic stores sell good, basic flatbed scanners for less than $100. Physical artifacts such as ticket stubs, maps, program guides, menus or even war medals can be scanned to complement your digital layout. You can also write your own commentary. What were you feeling at the time? Or pick a song lyric or poem appropriate to the moment. For a tribute page to her grandfather, Johanna Berry of Washington state transcribed stories he recorded on tape and paired them with a photo. Editing is important -- keep the text short so the page won't look cluttered. "Let the pictures do the talking," Thiessen says. Look for the most appropriate font -- some can be downloaded from the Web (try http://www.computerscrapbook.com/index.html ) -- or write the message by hand. INDULGE YOUR CREATIVE WHIMS. With the materials in hand, now comes the fun part -- crafting a page that perfectly accentuates the subject. Put the viewer in the moment, relating the details and the mood of the event. Find colors and textures that complement the subject matter, as well as the colors in photographs. A page about a day trip to Baltimore's Inner Harbor could have crabs scurrying about. Experiment! "The undo button is your friend," Behrmann said. Some software, such as Apple's iLife, can even add music to the presentation, giving a full multimedia feel. When Thiessen documented some family time at the pool, Bobby Darin's "Splish Splash" served as the soundtrack. SHARE THE RESULTS. Save the final creation as an image file, which then can be displayed in a number of ways -- on a Web site, as a slideshow from a DVD or CD, or printed out and pasted in a regular scrapbook. Many CD and DVD burning software programs and online services can turn your scrapbook pages into an album that can be viewed on the computer or with a standard DVD player as a slideshow. For the Web, shrink the page to a height of 500 or 600 pixels, so it will fit in a browser. Load the image onto your own Web site or blog,

photoshop cs6 review

As the industry-standard, Photoshop skills are a necessity if you want to be employable in the graphic design field. Priced in the hundreds and with a learning curve to match, it's not for everyone, but the investment can pay off in increased productivity and the ultimate in flexibility. Since Creative Suite 3, Photoshop comes in a Standard version as well as an Extended version with specialized tools and features for the video, engineering, architecture, manufacturing, science, and medical fieldsThe industry standard for professional photo editing, graphic design, and digital imaging.
Offers ultimate flexibility and more non-destructive editing and time-saving tools with each update.
Photoshop CS6 includes a fresh new look, useful new features, and many user-inspired enhancements.
Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine improves speed and performance in many graphics-intensive tools.
New Background Save and Auto-Recovery features will prevent catastrophic data loss and wasted timeThe industry standard for professional photo editing, graphic design, and digital imaging.
Preview, organize, search, and manage image files with the Adobe Bridge File Browser.
Combines tools for painting, drawing, retouching, adding notes, and working with type.
Edit images non-destructively with layer styles, adjustment layers, masks, smart objects, smart filters, and history.
Automate tasks and speed up production with actions, batch processing, history tracking, and scripts.
Adobe Camera Raw offers non-destructive pre-processing of Raw files from most digital cameras, plus JPEG and TIFF files.
Includes powerful tools for graphic design, Web design, video production, and photography.
Extended version offers 3D editing and advanced tools for film & TV, medical, science, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing fields.
Photoshop CS6 adds innovative features and small improvements which will benefit many types of users. Much of the user interface has been cleaned up, sped up, and modernized.
Runs under Mac OS X 10.6.8 or 10.7, Windows XP SP3, or Windows 7 SP1. Requires at least 1GB RAM and OpenGL 2.0-capable graphics hardware. An internet connection and AdobeID is required for activation.For the ultimate in graphics power and flexibility, Photoshop can't be beat. Photoshop offers more non-destructive ways of working than any other photo editor, and Adobe is

organizing your scrapbook

One of the biggest reasons many of us don’t touch our scrapbooks for months is that supplies and photos are scattered all over the place. Having to hunt for a book of stickers or a special pair of scissors takes all the fun out of creating a new page for your scrapbook. Here are few ideas how you can create a scrapbooking organization process.

Group your supplies by theme. Create one general supplies container that has all your essential tools and materials in it. Then sort your stickers, special papers and accessories by category. Depending on what scrapbooks you are working on, you could organize them by particular scrapbook (i.e. wedding scrapbook, child’s scrapbook etc.), or you could organize them by season (Christmas stuff, summer themed supplies etc.) or overall theme or color scheme. 

Get the pictures you are planning to use as well. I usually sort them into separate envelopes, or small boxes for each scrapbook I am working on. If you are organizing your supplies by scrapbook, it’s a good idea to keep your picture box for that scrapbook with the rest of your supplies.

I like to use clear plastic bins to store my scrapbooking supplies, so I can easily see what’s inside. Clear, descriptive labels on the outside of the box help as well. Store the boxes of supplies for scrapbooks you are currently working on close to the area where you like to scrapbook. This will keep you from running back and forth for supplies.

Store any supplies for books that you are not currently working on, or any extra supplies you may have purchased on sale, or for future projects in a dark, dry place. A closet in a spare room makes a great storage place. If you are considering storing your scrapbooking supplies in the basement or attic, make sure the area I like to use clear plastic bins to store my scrapbooking supplies, so I can easily see what’s inside. Clear, descriptive labels on the outside of the box help as well. Store the boxes of supplies for scrapbooks you are currently working on close to the area where you like to scrapbook. This will keep you from running back and forth for supplies.

Store any supplies for books that you are not currently working on, or any extra supplies you may have purchased on sale, or for future projects in a dark, dry place. A closet in a spare room makes a great storage place. If you are considering storing your scrapbooking supplies in the basement or attic, make sure the area is not damp and doesn’t get too hot or cold. You don’t want to unpack your supplies in a few months and find out that everything has been ruined by mold, bleached from being exposed to light, or warped from heat.

Take a little time to set-up a scrapbooking organization process with your scrapbooking supplies. You’ll find you will enjoy scrapbooking even more when everything you need is right at your fingertips. Go out and get some boxes or plastic bins to store your supplies and start organizing your supplies this week.

Vera Raposo has been scrapbooking since her oldest child was 5. With tons of scrapbooking tips and ideas, Vera is now sharing some of her best scrapbooking ideas on her radio 

A Few Programs That Can Be Used to Create Digital Scrapbook Paper

http://www.cafepress.com/toadysplac       eAdobe Fireworks – This is one of my favorite programs to create scrapbook paper in. It is very easy to create the size document you want and then go to town on your paper. You can use many of the tools in this program to come up with many creative scrapbooking paper.

• Adobe Photoshop – Photoshop is another favorite for creating scrapbook paper. However, you must know how to use Photoshop to create the paper. If you are familiar with Photoshop, then you will have no problem at all. You can simply create a background and add shapes and other things to create your scrapbook paper.

Adobe Illustrator – This program is similar to the above programs. You can basically create the background the size you want it and add shapes and use many other tools to create the scrapbook paper.       

You would probably be surprised at the simplest tools that can be used to create scrapbook paper. These creative options for scrapbooks are normally found right in your program. Some may need to be downloaded and installed, but that is not a major task. Take a look at some of the simple tools that can be used to create digital scrapbook paper.

• Shapes – Most programs like Photoshop, Fireworks, and Illustrator offer basic shapes that can be added to anything. Using these shapes is a great way to create scrapbook paper. You can also blend these shapes into the background to make them look like they are made into it.

• Fonts – Fonts are a really great way to be creative when creating digital scrapbooking paper. You can find fonts that offer angels, Christmas items, Halloween Items, and more. Most all fonts are free to download and install. Then you can simply type letters on your backgrounds and select the font you installed. That will show the different fonts in that section.

• Borders – Many programs offer borders for you to use. Creating a background and then applying a border to the background will create really nice looking scrapbook paper.

• Graphics – Using graphics is another great way to create scrapbook paper. Some programs offer graphics for you to choose from. However, you can also download graphics from the internet and import those to use on your paper.

                                 

scrapbooking

http://www.cafepress.com/toadysplace.488978123

> You can get some free scrapbooking ideas from sketches and all sorts of galleries with existing albums. Sketches are inspirational and if you didn't know where to start, then, that is about to change. While for some scrapbookers this will be enough, for others guidance is necessary all along the way. Both beginners and more experienced scrapbookers are in search of free scrapbooking ideas; while beginners need assistance with the basics, more experienced scrapbookers want to get ideas for unique designs.

People are most often in search of some theme to put into practice. The occasions for which albums are usually created include Christmas, anniversaries, weddings and honeymoons. Yet, free scrapbooking ideas are about a bit more than that. -- google_ad_section_end -->Sometimes, people need help with suggestions for supplies and materials necessary for scrapbooking. The kit of basic accessories represents the subject of most queries and questions you'll come across

Contrary to popular belief, scrapbooking is not just an activity for parents to do with their children. Regardless of your age or knowledge of the craft, anyone can enjoy creating a scrapbook. You can go about scrapbooking two ways. You can choose to scrapbook traditionally by using multicolored papers, photos, markers, glitter, ribbons, glue and other craft supplies or you can utilize your computer. Although newcomers and experienced scrapbookers alike are skeptical about computer scrapbooking, there are plenty of reasons to pick up a scrapbooking program . If you are undecided about purchasing a scrapbook software program, here are some options to help you decide.

FREE TRIAL: Some companies might make you pay to see what their scrapbooking program is all about, other Scrapbook companies will offer scrapbookers a free trial. To download the free trial, simply go to the free trial page, and enter in your name and email address. Unlike other programs, the trial is free for thirty days and you are not obligated to purchase it. Although you may be only seeing a small portion of what program has to offer, it is enough to let you know if you are interested in the program or in computer scrapbooking.

TUTORIALS: Although there are classes to teach you how to scrapbook in a traditional manner, you may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed if you are not doing as well as everyone else. With computer scrapbooking, you can learn and practice the craft in the comfort and privacy of your own home. On the tutorials page, you can learn new techniques or discuss scrapbook software on the community page.

PURPOSE: What is the purpose of your scrapbook? Is it personal or do you plan to share it with family and friends? Would you like your family or friends to have a copy? If so, you may be interested in digital scrapbooking. Unlike traditional scrapbooks, scrapbook software allows you to print copies and give them to loved ones.

PRESEVERATION: Do you want to be able to look at your scrapbooks 5, 10, or even 20 years from now? With a scrapbook software program, you do not have to worry about your scrapbook being damaged or worn out over

Make a Photo Collage From Old Photos

free clipart and graphics

early summer morning collage image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com

Using old picture in a collage gives new meaning to history. A image collage of old photos makes a stunning conversation piece in any home. Make a wall decoration that is meaningful and decorative using old photos and your imagination. Using a collage to depict your ancestors, a long ago  or your child's entire school history is a project that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Select the software to use for the collage. Free downloads are available that have applications to create your collage. Picasa is one of the free sites and  offers a free trial period.

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Using the collage software, choose the size and resolution for your collage. A high resolution of 300 for printing an 8x11 collage is a good choice 

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Scan the old photos into your photo library in the photo program you have chosen. Drag approximately 10 photos into the work area of the collage program. Arrange the photos and their size for a good presentation. To make changes to one of the photos while constructing the collage, right-click on the photo and click on "View and Edit"; the photo will go to the edit page, where you can crop it or adjust the color and lighting. Click "Collage" to return.

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Make your final arrangement for the collage and use the "Preview" option that most collage programs provide. When the collage is the way you want it to be use the "Create Collage"  command. This last action will instruct the program to create your collage as you have designed it.

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Print your collage on  quality photo paper. Use high gloss or semi-gloss photo paper for the best result

Reasons to Try Digital Scrapbooking

Do you love taking photos with your digital camera? Do you ever wonder what to do with all of those photos collecting dust on your hard drive? One thing you can do to show off your favorite photos and memories is to try digital scrapbooking. Digital scrapbooking is much like regular scrapbooking, except you will first design the pages on your computer before printing them.
Here are 5 reasons to give digital scrapbooking a try:
Costs Less: Scrapbooking supplies are expensive. When you switch to digital, your only expenses are what you pay to print them and if you decide to use any special software such as Adobe Photoshop. Best of all, you can use your digital supplies over and over again.
No Mess: You won't need to worry about having paper, glue and glitter all over your kitchen table - everything is done on your computer, meaning there is no mess to clean up when you are done!
Easy to Share: A physical book can be difficult to share with family and friends, especially if you are not able to see them often. When you go digital, you can easily share your pages on popular social networking sites as well as send them by email or upload to galleries online to show off your work.
No Talent Necessary: Even if you are not creative or have an eye for design you can still make amazing looking pages. This is because online there are thousands of free templates ready for you to use where all you need to do is add your photos.
Save on Time: With everything on your computer, you won't need to worry about how long it takes to cut pieces of paper or glue things together - it's just a matter of dragging and dropping your elements to where you want them to be.
Digital scrapbooking is a lot of fun, and once you try it you juust might be surprised at how easy it is and enjoyable to do. Just be warned: it can be addictive!

Simple Free Scrapbooking Sites for Beginners and free clipart graphics

 athe art of digital scrapbooking has exploded, in part because of imagining software like Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop, and the plethora of digital resources, workshops, magazines, web sites, and graphic design techniques that can help anyone put together some eye pleasing visual memories and artifacts.Scrapbooking is an art form of creating a paper-based collage centered around a memorable photo or set of photos. Traditionally, collages are created using an assortment of papers, markers, frames, rub-on letters, stickers, and other embellishment materials. But now in the age of digital software, scrapbooking can be more accessible for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on paper resources.

If you’re looking to boost your skills as a photographer or graphic designer, digital scrapbooking is useful hobby for achieving these goals. The following is a sampling of free scrapbooking sites that provide tutorials and free downloads for those wanting to get started with digital scrapbooking.  here are a few sites too help

Free Digital Scrapbooking.com  2

CottageArts.net  3 

Computer Scrapbook.com

When you’re ready to get deeper into digital scrapbooking, Computer Scrapbook.com offers several dozen absolutely free starter kits. You sign up on the site, and the kits will be delivered from its supply page. The kits include assorted backgrounds, shapes, and other elements.