Scrapbooking: Safe Photo Storage

To scrapbook or not to scrapbook? That is the question.

How do you currently store your photos? Are you happy with this method? Let's look at some photo-storage options:

   1. Do you put them in an old-style non-scrapbook album? These old-style albums contain lots of photo-damaging chemicals, such as acid (which deteriorates the quality and clarity of the image), lignen, (which can send your photos yellow/brown) and PVC (which lets off a chemical gas which can damage them). It is clear that it is wise, then, to go with the modern idea of scrapbook albums, as most are acid-free and lignen-free. Scrapbook pages which are buffered are even better, because buffering keeps them acid-free and lignen-free.
   2. Do you store your photos in a box in the attic or somewhere else? This is probably not the most desirable option, as you run the risk of them getting lost or damaged, although it is definitely better than housing them in non-scrapbook albums. Take note, though, you would want to make sure your storage box is dark, weather-proof and waterproof. You don't want mould creeping in, do you?
   3. Do you leave them in the packets they come in and have them scattered all over the house? Again, the packets are less damaging than old-style non-scrapbook albums, but there are still disadvantages with this method, too. One of the most obvious is that you may not be able to find the photos you want when you want them. I've been in that situation (before I knew about scrapbooking) and I must say it's no fun trying to find what you want. Of course, if you need to evacuate your house for a fire or other natural disaster, you can say goodbye to most of your photos, as you'll never get them all in time. Scrapbook albums can be grabbed in a couple of seconds and taken to safety much more easily than packets everywhere.
   4. Do you throw your hands up in the air and say "I'll never be able to get these photos organised!?" I can honestly say I've tried that and guess what - it doesn't work! Of course, this theory doesn't work with anything!
   5. Do you ask a scrapbooking friend to organise a scrapbook album for you? This could be a good option if they remember or have the time to spend on it! But let's face it - they probably don't have enough time to work on their own scrapbook albums! That is exactly what all my scrapbooking friends and customers would say to me!
   6. Do you create your own scrapbook album, when you get time, which may or may not ever happen? Even if you do eventually find the time to have a go, will you remember all the details by the time you get to make it? Most of us are busy these days and finding time for ourselves is very difficult.

So, which option will you choose? I firmly believe that you will find time to do anything if it's important enough to you! May I encourage you to make the time, as you never know what is around the corner. Tomorrow may never come. Seize the day - make your scrapbook albums today! They don't have to be creative if you don't want them to be - just DONE!

Timmy have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for scrapbooking supplies and great passion and knowledge for scrapbooking  and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here scrapbookingtools.org

Creating a Digital Scrapbook Page in 7 Easy Steps

The steps to create a digital scrapbook page are not very different from creating a paper layout. Its just a case of knowing how to use your photo-editing software and then applying the same layout design elements. There are similarities between different programs, but which ever you use, this article will help you discover the key steps to creating your own Digital Scrapbook Pages.

Of course, we do recommend you read the instructions of your particular program or, if you are like me, get someone else to read them and then tell you how it works.

Step 1: Open a Blank Canvas

Here's how to open a blank canvas in Photoshop:

    * Open your photo-editing software
    * Open a new blank canvas (file, new, blank file)
    * Decide the size & resolution to adopt for your page (aim for 250-300 dpi for a good result when your page is printed)
    * Choose RGB color mode, unless you want a monochrome grayscale finish
    * Set background color to transparent (I find the checkered background you see is very good for aligning photos and embellishments)

You now have a canvas and are ready to start computer scrapbooking...

In PhotoShop, each part of your design will be placed on a separate layer and you can adjust how far forward an item is by moving it up and down the layers.

Step 2: Select the photo(s)

Decide how many photographs you wish to use, and what size they will be. You can change your mind later, which is all part of the fun and ease of digital scrapbooking.

Just as in paper scrapping, look at the colors in the photographs and choose a color on which to base the layouts color scheme. If the colors in the photos clash, if your photo is very busy, if there are too many colors, or no main color, consider making some or all photos black and white. This will reduce the busy-ness and set you free to choose your favorite color scheme.

If your photograph is not already a digital image, you have two options to get it onto your computer: scan the photo, or take a photograph of the photo with a digital camera.

Step 3: Create the background

Having determined the canvas size and the photo(s) to use, you will want to select your paper background. There are many free products available online for you to download and use. This is a great way to start, for if you decide digital scrapping is not for you, you will not have wasted any money.

You may find your photo-editing software already has images you can use as backgrounds. Alternately, you can create your own simple backgrounds with textures and other effects.

Another popular option is to use a photograph as your background, enlarged to fit the page, and edited with perhaps a little fading or other effects.

Step 4: Make Your Photograph(s) Stand Out

The eye finds it easier to distinguish the photograph if it stands out from the background which is why we usually use a photo mat in paper scrapbooking. This separation can be created with a simple rectangle, a little larger than your photo, which is placed on the layer behind the photograph. Adding a tiny amount of shadow to this layer will give depth to your layout and prevent the whole thing looking flat.

Step 5: Add Titles and Text

Some digital designers create alphabets to coordinate with their design collections. Although these can be resized, it is better to use them for titles and not journaling, which is easier with the text editor.

Step 6: Add Embellishments

Another alternative for titles is to use some of the ready-made phrases you sometimes find in digital scrapbook collections, just as you'd use in paper scrapbooking. These might be called embellishments or word art.

And then you have all the swirls, flowers, brads, journaling blocks, etc., you'd find in your local scrapbook store.

Its the choice of embellishments that helps distinguish different styles and personalizes your layout.

Step 7: Apply some finishing touches

As mentioned already, adding shadows creates depth and makes your layout look so real you will expect to pick up the buttons and ribbons scattered across it. However there are other effects which can be used to great effect, too.

For example you can add a bevel to a shape, emboss it, and add various textures. Some of these come with your program, and you can buy others like pearl, chipboard, distressing effects, borders, metallic, fabric, and many more.

In writing these steps to create a digital scrapbook page, some directions are based on PhotoShop Elements. Your digital scrapbooking program may be different and you should check the program instructions for specific details of how to use it.


Glaidel have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for scrapbooking supplies and great passion and knowledge for scrapbooking and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here scrapbookingtools.org