Using your computer for scrapbooking???

[bcarson]

Let me just say first that I am somewhat computer challenged. So please put any explanations in simple terms. I just started scrapbooking after are trip to Disney in May. I feel as though I am missing out on something. I see these pages with perfect lettering and diecuts ect... That I have searched the websites and have not seen these to buy. I am assuming that you all are using your computers. How? I mean I do have the color printer do use just print the clipart off and glue it in your book. I know I would probably have to change the paper to cardstock correct? Please help me I wan't my books to look as nice! I am just

Thanks!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Different people are using the computer in their scrapping in different ways. So don't feel like you need to copy everything.

The main thing to remember is to use acid free paper or cardstock. There has been some debate on the "safety" of inks but in general that is less an issue.

The use of a computer can range from simply printing digital pictures to doing entire 12 x 12 pages (which requires a printer capable of handling sheets that big and those are expensive! I just researched that.)

Personally, I have some software that lets me do journalling and titles in unique fonts and shapes. Although I find I don't use it all that often. More for a title than journalling. For me it is more a matter of laziness (my scraproom is on the main floor and the computer is upstairs) and convenience (I either don't plan ahead before a crop or the kids are on the computer and it is easier to not kick them off in the interest of peace and quiet). Also I don't mind my handwriting.

I do use my computer to scan photos that I need copies of or enlargements that aren't easily made by my LSS (for instance I have a 3 x 5 of my mother taken by a professional but want 5 x 7 for each of my kids' books and my LSS can't make those because of copyright laws). I also will scan newspaper articles I use the print out on acid free rather than the news print in my book - for safety and longevity. On occasion I'll scan and print out other things as well. For instance, I scanned a fabric patch my son received for a Scout trip, blew it up, and then printed it out. Cut the excess paper away and used it in the book.

So that is how I use my computer.

Deb

 

[mrp4352]

Deb is right, different people use their computers differently. I have a Mickey and Friends program that's kind of like print shop and I do most of my layouts on there. Sometimes I use the backround pictures they provide, sometimes I use different fun papers I purchased. It's just a matter of finding what you're comforatble doing...

 

[Stephres]

I use my computer for journaling and titles mostly. Once in a while I will find a coloring page on line and print it out and make a paper piecing out of it.

Journaling is really quick and easy. I type it out, print it on regular paper and then cut my cardstock to size and tape it over what I printed and then run it through the printer again. The people before mentioned the archival quality of printer ink jet and that is probably a valid concern, although I just don't worry about it.

To do titles, I print out my title on regular paper. I then crop it closely and then apply removable adhesive to the back (I use xyron). I then attach it to the card stock and cut the title out. I then remove my layer of paper and I have a cute title. I know some people do it differently: I remember talk about printing the title directly onto the card stock, but mirrored, and then cutting it out with a craft knife. I am not that talented yet.

If you have specific questions about how to do something on the computer, just ask. I have found there is always someone who knows the answer nearby!

 

[scrapperjill]

I do just about all of my journaling on the computer. Using a variety of fonts and MS Word. Instead of printing on regular printer paper...then lining up my cardstock I use text boxes...and type directly in them. That way I can do multiple text boxes on one sheet of cardstock and get the most out of my paper. . I'd REALLY like to try some computer generated layouts...but DH dosn't think they will have quite the same feel/emotions when finished. But I think i'm going to have to give it a whirl anyways....

 

[ksjayhawks]

I use the computer to do journaling and titles, as well as get pictures the sizes that I want for the pages and scan articles from newspapers. I also use it to scan items that are one of a kind--like the photos mentioned earlier. I like the idea of scanning the Boy Scout patches--thanks for that hint! I will use that in my son's scout book.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

The other thing I do is scan and print onto card stock newspaper clippings. In part because some times I will actually need the same clipping for both kids and this way I don't have to track an extra copy of the paper down - but more so for longevity and safety. I can also resize the clipping a bit to fit the page better.

Deb

 

[diznygirl]

I use the computer for lots of things - but mostly for titles when spelling it out with stickers would just be tooo long!

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping that you all help me. I am not a person that scrapbooks but a dad with a lot of digital pictures from our last 2 trips to Disney that I would like put in some 8 1/2 by 11 picture books that I bought on out trip. What I would like to do is find a program with a Disney theme that would allow me to make and print an 8 1/2 x 11 page with Disney background and frames and my pictures. I have this program that is simple to use and does exactly what I am looking for but it doesn't have any Disney themes: http://www.photorecord.com/v1/home.html .

Does anyone know of a program that will do what I want?

 

[Renysmom]

I only scrap digitally now and love the results.. I started by just creating toppers and over the past few years went further and further to where I now own hundreds of sets (there a gobs of free ones on the web) as well as create my own sets and elements.. Not everyone loves this format but for me, I will never go back to paper.

 

[mommie2angels]

bcarson, maybe if you show us a layout that you have seen with the things in it that you have mentioned and like we can help you find out if there were printed from the computer or possibly purchased. I know lots of times I will see layouts I like and ask the person what an item is and more than likely they purchased it as their local scrapbook store. Sometimes the layout has been computer generated. I am so glad that you are getting into scrapbooking you Disney trip!

Mike, I have a Disney 3D program. It's not a scrapbook program but just a program title Disney 3D with lots of graphics I can use on my Disney layouts. Like renysmom said there are lots of free digital scrapbook programs online which would probably help you a lot. Here is a top 50 listing of Digital Scrapbooking websites:
http://www.scrapbookingtop50.com.au/digitaltopsites/in.php?id=6 . I haven't been through them all so I am not sure any of them offer Disney stuff. You can always use the free Disney clipart from the Internet though to add to the papers and things offered on the other sites. Have fun with it!

 

[Renysmom]

Most DS sites are staying away from Disney due to the copywrite issues. What I have begun to do is create my own sets using color palattes from Behr Disney site and also using free sets that have the colors and such I like then I use Disney clipart to disneyize them. There are also lots o disney fonts and dings on the web that I am using.. I've created lots of layouts just dont have the pics yet since I am going for the first time in October. Just trying to get ahead of the game as I plan on taking LOTS of pictures plus it helps the waiting some

 

[mommie2angels]

renysmom, I would love to see some of the pages you have created. Do you have them posted anywhere? What a great idea to help pass the time until your trip!

 

[2bemarried]

What font programs do you all use? I have the standard MS Word fonts, but I'd really like to get some more unique fonts to use.

Also...do you all use special journaling programs?

 

[Timon]

When I started scrapping, I only used it for titles and for my journaling.
Recently, we sold our house and we're kind of in limbo right now since there is a possibility that we may have to move to Ottawa in May so I packed up all my scrapbook stuff and it's staying packed until we move again.

One week after I packed it all up, my friend asked me to make her a wedding scrapbook with all the photos I took at her wedding. So I decided to try digital scrapbooking and made her the album and she loved it.

I also fell in love with digital scrapbooking and plan on doing a lot of it, however I will also go back to regular scrapping when it all gets unpacked

In the meantime, I kinda started a digital SB business, not sure how serious it's going to get as I've only had one customer and need to put a lot more work into it but I have a whole bunch of layouts on there if you want to take a peek. It's http://www.digitalscrapbooks.ca