Digital Scrapbooking Info Request

[Golden Rose]

I am just venturing into the world of digital scrapbooking... and I must say, it hadn't occurred to me that doing a google search to learn more about the subject would lead me back to my beloved Disboards! (This isn't actually directly Disney related, although I make regular photobooks after all of our vacations and I'm sure I'll use what I learn to capture the memories of our next WDW trip.)

I've created many basic photo books over the years on Shutterfly, Kodak Gallery, and DisneyPhotopass, but I've never tried any of the more complicated scrapbooking options like Creative Memories Storybook Creator. DH and I are early in the process of adopting, and have been told to build a digital scrapbook to leave in the agency's office for birthmothers to look at. I've seen some of the other books that other potential adoptive parents have put together, and they are absolutely gorgeous. What I need to know is, what is the learning curve on some of the programs out there? I really want to focus on the content, not on the process of putting it together, but I hope to create something really beautiful and meaningful.

Also, it looks like Creative Memories wants me to have a consultant, and I don't know anyone who does it. Can I order the products without a consultant? Is there another similar product I should be looking at from a competitor that does a better (or equally good) job for less?

Am I right in understanding that the difference between the free Storybook version and one you pay for is that the one you pay for gets you more flexibility? Flexibility is good, I guess, if it is easy and intuitive, but if it just makes it more complicated, I'm afraid I'll end up frustrated.

It looks like there are a lot of templates and things to download, some free, some you pay for. Free is good... but how is the quality on the free templates vs the ones you pay for. What are you paying for? And does the product come with enough templates to start with that you don't really need to do much downloading of extras?

Sorry to have so many questions. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now.

 

[nicurn]

I can't speak to the cm stuff because I really don't know. I have adobe photoshop elements which I love. as for the free vs pay for stuff, I have never bought a kit or anything because there is so much free digital stuff out there. I have loved everything I have downloaded. the quality is great. Good luck! maggie

 

[JLoane]

First, congrats on your upcoming adoption! I hope the process goes quickly for you!

I've been using CM Storybook Creator Plus (SBC+) for about a month now for digital scrapbooking and LOVE it. You're right that the free version gives you much less flexibility--you must use premade CM templates and, I believe, a limited number of papers. With the version you purchase, the sky is the limit. You can use any of the digital kits you purchase (from CM or elsewhere) or freebies (and there are MANY freebies out there.)

I've found Storybook Creator plus to be very easy to learn. I watched the tutorial once and was ready to go. I don't know all the tips and tricks, but I've been able to create pages that I'm very happy with. And there's a thread here specifically for those of us using SBC+. There a huge wealth of knowledge there with people happy to answer questions!

On the CM website, I believe there is a place to enter your zip and it will show you consultants in your area. To order products, I think you simply select a consultant and can then proceed with your order. Although I'll also add that a consultant can be a great resource for you.

Good luck!!

Regards,

Jen

 

[5Princes]

I use a program from Lasting Impressions called Memory Mixer. Does anyone know how this would compare to SBC?

 

[Lisa]

Yes, you can type in your zip code and several CM consultants will come up in your area. Then you can order directly from her website and have it shipped directly to you. No need to meet the person unless you would like to. Many are familiar with the program and will have the digital Done in Four classes available to demonstrate all the features of the program.

I love CM's Storybook Plus. It is amazing all the options it has. I don't feel it is complicated, just offers an awful lot. Right now I am using the recipe digital kit to type up my recipes. What I really like about it is I can add pictures to the recipe page. So my grandmother's cranberry mold recipe can also have her picture on the layout. Great grandmother's fish chowdah will have her picture on the layout too. CM also offers a lot of digital freebies to download, there are really nice embellishments available in that section.

Good luck with your digital scrapping!