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tericamp
PeaWee
PeaNut 558,203
June 2012
Posts: 5
Layouts: 0
|  Posted: 2/5/2013 11:57:18 AM
I have scrapbooked traditionally for about 20 years. Over the past five years I changed to hybrid scrapbooking mainly because of cost, making a photo collage of my pictures, printing them at home and putting them on paper with embellishments. I work with Photoshop at my job and use PhotoShop Elements for home use. I love it.
I began thinking of ways I could cut back on the need for storage and supplies and began to put thought into "What is my daughter going to do with all these scrapbooks after I'm gone?". At the rate I'm going, she will have to pay for a storage unit for all the scrapbooks I've made. I want her to have documented memories, but not so many it is a burden. I just completed my first digital album (8.5x11) using an online service for 2012. It only took me a couple of weeks, amazing! (I normally am still working on the previous year when the next year beings) It is 48 pages and I'm so very nervous. I haven't even gotten it in the mail yet.
I've searched high and low on the internet for discussions and only found one thread. (Sorry, I don't know where it is now.) The lady stopped scrapbooking all together and just makes cards and such. That breaks my heart. I hope that my digital books will be a treasured family heirloom. I plan to continue to make small mini albums for gifts, cards and home decor (I love to make canvases with my photos for my home for current and favorite pictures).
I am excited about how I can minimalize and focus on other projects like jewelry making and more sewing. Digital scrapbooking has given me a freedom and lifted this burden of never ending scrapbook pages. I feel like I can actually spend quality time with my family instead of looking for that "Kodak moment" for my next layout. Isn't that what life is about anyway? Thank you for letting me ramble on. | |
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scrapsuzy
ScraPEA Suzy the Purr-ple Pea
PeaNut 67,643
February 2003
Posts: 16,150
Layouts: 77
Loc: Peachtree City, GA
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 12:07:15 PM
I totally get where you are coming from! I started paper scrapping in'96, and moved completely to digital in the past couple of years. I usually print my layouts and put them in a traditional scrapbook, because I don't scrap in order. But I've also digi-scrapped a couple of weddings, and baby's first years, and then had them printed in a 12x12 or 8x8 photobook. I also do regular photobooks (portfolio style, simple black backgrounds, no embellishments) for each year (as a gift for my parents and inlaws, but with 2012 also printed them for my kids and myself). I still scrapbook throughout the year, but my scrapping is more event or theme oriented.
With 4 kids, I had often wondered how I was going to split up the books between them. Digi-scrapping is so easy, and so much faster for me, that I have decided to re-do all my CM-style scrapbooks and have them printed as photobooks for each kid (and myself, as I really hate my CM pages). I would never attempt that with traditional scrapping, where one layout can take me a whole day!
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lizj
2Ps Digital Creative Team
PeaNut 242,431
January 2006
Posts: 9,895
Layouts: 539
Loc: Los Angeles
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 12:18:36 PM
It really is liberating, isn't it?! I started out as a traditional scrapper too, and have many lumpy books to show for it. I still do an occasional hybrid lo, or add memorabilia to a digi page, but mainly I just do DUI now. Glad you're enjoying it! Hope your book turns out well. Where did you have it printed? | |
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tericamp1129
PeaWee
PeaNut 579,623
February 2013
Posts: 4
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 1:34:33 PM
Thank you Suzanne and Lizj for your quick reply. I thought I was the only one who felt that way. I'm glad I'm not that obsessed! Yes, that is exactly how I feel, liberated!! But, I feel guilty all at the same time to think that my scrapbooks will somehow not measure up anymore and disappoint. I so love the layered look with all the lovely embellishments.
I do want to go back and "re-do" my traditional scrapbooks but I'm a little down about the daunting task of finding the cd's and loading them on my hard drive. I will work on that soon.
Do you use PSE? I've thought a lot about and started to use the organizer for all my digi kits and pictures, but just not sure if it is worth all the trouble of assigning tags. I don't have any other ideas... do you? (I will go back and read the other posts in the forum. I'm sure there are lots of great ideas there. I am a newbie to your forum. Love the store!)
I look back at my older CM scrapbooks (how I got started back in the day) and I cringe at how ugly they are with the patterned scissors and pictures cropped around the people.
I used Shutterfly.com to create my book. I just picked a large picture page and loaded in my layout. I chose them because my sister has had a few small books printed and they look like very good quality and have a nice guarantee.
Thank you so much for your comments. | |
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lizj
2Ps Digital Creative Team
PeaNut 242,431
January 2006
Posts: 9,895
Layouts: 539
Loc: Los Angeles
| Posted: 2/5/2013 2:47:53 PM
I too considered going back and re-doing some of my early paper efforts digitally, but there are only so many hours in the day and I tend to work on new pages instead. Not necessarily new photos though, so once in a while I do a lo with an older photo that might have been paper scrapped already.
I do use PSE 11 on my PC. And I am one of the rare people that uses the PSE Organizer and likes it! It is a whole lot of effort to tag elements, true, but it will make it very easy to find things later, so I really encourage you to index your supplies. I also have a Mac, and on my Mac I use ACDSee to index, and for that index I tag only previews, which is a pretty good way to get started without getting too bogged down tagging. HTH and welcome to 2Peas! | |
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scrapsuzy
ScraPEA Suzy the Purr-ple Pea
PeaNut 67,643
February 2003
Posts: 16,150
Layouts: 77
Loc: Peachtree City, GA
| Posted: 2/5/2013 3:13:16 PM
I use PSE 9 (on my Mac) and 10 (on my PC laptop). If I were starting fresh, I would tag stuff, but I never have. When I am looking for something, like say a tab, I will do a search for "tab" and always find one that will work for me.
I print with Shutterfly for my photobooks, too. 
And the main reason I will redo my older layouts is to share them with the kids. I didn't do individual books for them, but they have all expressed interest in my re-doing layouts as a project for them, so I will eventually. It helps that a couple of years ago, I sent all my negatives to ScanCafe and had them scanned/digitized! They are already organized, so that is also a huge help.
Oh, and for all the years that I have completed, I don't have late '91 and early '92 done at all. When I started scrapping, I worked on present day ('96) pics, and backwards til late '92 then went back to '87 and worked forwards (while continuing to work present day). Somehow, I never got around to that 91-92 period, and that covers the time that my 3rd child was born, so I've GOT GOT GOT to get that scrapbooked!
I have a magnet that says "If it's not in the scrapbook, it didn't happen!" so my kids tease their brother that he wasn't actually born, since his birth isn't in the scrapbook. | |
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tericamp1129
PeaWee
PeaNut 579,623
February 2013
Posts: 4
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 3:51:20 PM
I'm so glad that you both use PSE. I thought maybe I was out of touch with the latest. I love it and find it so versatile. I think I will go back and scrap those past years in groups. Maybe a couple of years together at a time. I will also take the time to use the organizer. Question? Why PC and MAC? Thank you so much for this conversation. I've been doing some reading in the forum and find it so helpful. | |
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lizj
2Ps Digital Creative Team
PeaNut 242,431
January 2006
Posts: 9,895
Layouts: 539
Loc: Los Angeles
| Posted: 2/5/2013 4:08:25 PM
Question? Why PC and MAC?
in my case it's because I don't trust PC's. I started out with a PC, had two serious hard drive crashes, and now I am basically just waiting for the most recent desktop PC to die. They all die, those fickle PC's. I kept hearing how Macs were SO different than PCs and how hard to learn - not true. But, when I decided I wanted a laptop so I could scrap on my lunch hour, I initially bought an HP. My dh swears by his HP laptop and it was 2/3 the price of a MacBook. But, thanks to HP having the world's worst customer service, and selling me a laptop that had to be replaced within the first week, I bought a MacBook Pro instead and kissed HP goodbye forever. I love my Mac! It is reliable, easy to use, and Apple has the best customer service.
When my PC dies, and we know it will, I will not be replacing it. The only thing I like the PC for is the PSE Organizer! | |
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tericamp1129
PeaWee
PeaNut 579,623
February 2013
Posts: 4
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 4:27:20 PM
All I've ever known is PC. I just got a new Windows laptop for Christmas because my desk top died. I will keep my fingers crossed. Good to know it is not that difficult to learn. Hopefully I won't have any issues, but... I will definitely look into a MAC for my next. Thank you so much for the information. | |
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stefdesign
PhotoshoPEAholic
PeaNut 307,816
April 2007
Posts: 11,993
Layouts: 861
Loc: So Cal Gal Living in NJ
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 5:38:58 PM
I feel like I can actually spend quality time with my family instead of looking for that "Kodak moment" for my next layout. Isn't that what life is about anyway? Thank you for letting me ramble on.
....well, I don't know if digi scrapping is going to give you any more quality time with your family instead of looking for Kodak moments... I spend an awful lot of time behind the camera, and working on layouts! It truly is addicting! LOL!
I'm also a Mac user, and have never even used a PC. Wouldn't even know how to turn one on! So, I really don't have any basis for comparison, but I love Macs and how smooth and intuitive they are! Also, I use full Photoshop for my layouts, I started using Photoshop professionally long before there was even a PSE, so I just continue to upgrade. I create all of my own elements in my layouts, so I love having a powerful tool that can do anything I can imagine.
Glad you've joined us! Hope to see some of your layouts soon! | |
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sroller
Nursie Pea
PeaNut 243,673
January 2006
Posts: 5,686
Layouts: 968
Loc: Vancouver, WA
| Posted: 2/5/2013 7:05:14 PM
I'm with Stef-LOL. I look for just as many if not more Kodak moments now that I digital scrap. Because it is so much easier and cheaper than paper scrapbooking was for me. I have not decided to redo any of my paper scrapbooks except my heritage album because I wanted to print copies as gifts for family members. Otherwise--the good, bad and the ugly are going to stay as is. There are times that I think about it but the task of scanning photos that are already in photo albums just seems like too much trouble. I also use PSE. | |
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peasacake
PeaNut
PeaNut 385,172
July 2008
Posts: 285
Layouts: 16
Loc: Kansas
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:03:46 PM
Welcome to digi world. There is so much available for everyone with all different styles. I do both paper and digital and I don't think I will go completely digital anytime soon. I love doing project life and an occasional layout here and there. I do have quite a bit of cash invested, although after reading some posts here it isn't as much as others. lol
The digi community is so sweet too. There is even a digi podcast. go to thedigishow.com There is a new episode every week.
I'm not sure what style you like, but some great stores are the-lilypad, scraporchard, thedailydigi and twopeas! There are tons of other stores out there, but these are my personal favs. the daily digi is informative with a new post everyday. For a set amount of money each month you get at least 7 kits plus templates. I think it is around $7.50 I really hope I'm not going to get into trouble for telling you other places. Not sure if there is a rule about it or not.
Let me know if you have other questions. I love doing both. | |
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scrapsuzy
ScraPEA Suzy the Purr-ple Pea
PeaNut 67,643
February 2003
Posts: 16,150
Layouts: 77
Loc: Peachtree City, GA
| Posted: 2/5/2013 9:45:55 PM
I switched to Mac in 2008, after being a PC girl since 1980. I really love my Mac for so many reasons.
BUT... I found that I really wanted to have a laptop, especially as I started digi-scrapping more (I scrap once a week with friends, and every other month go away with those friends to scrap for a few days.) I couldn't afford a Mac laptop, so I got my computer guru son to pick me out something that only needed to be able to surf the web and do a decent job for me with digi-scrapping. I can DEFINITELY tell a visual quality difference between the two, yet it is my laptop that I am mostly scrapping on. My next computer purchase will be a Mac laptop, someday.
When I go back and re-scrap my old layouts, I will organize them different, too. More pictures on a page. Better journaling. Getting started on those is one of my goals for this year. | |
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the_carrottop
Livin' in My Own "Pea-rivate" Idaho
PeaNut 103,985
August 2003
Posts: 5,674
Layouts: 328
Loc: Idaho
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 10:40:05 PM
Hey Teri, welcome to the digital side of the pod! Digital scrapping really does open a lot of possibilities. I love it! I learned how to digital scrap primarily because I was overwhelmed with my responsibilities as a new mom. Paper scrapping was just too hard, too much to get out every time, and I didn't want my four young kids into all my stuff at that time. Digital solved a lot of my problems...once I learned, it was easy to walk away from with no clean up. I could create pages more quickly.
However, as time went on, I learned about cool things I couldn't do with paper scrapping. Using brushes, actions, learning to selectively recolor photos, and more allowed me to create cool pages I never dreamed were possible (at least for me) with paper supplies. Digital scrapbooking has allowed me not just to scrapbook faster, but to become a better and more skilled scrapper.
Yes, I do think paper pages have amazing texture and depth, but it's also fun to try and make my pages look more realistic as I improve my skill. I don't think you should feel guilty about making digital pages...you gain so much even if you feel like you are sacrificing a bit of actual texture.
I also use PSE and love it. It takes a bit of time to learn, but you can definitely have fun with the learning process. There are awesome online tutorials...some of which are here at 2Ps. Some people feel intimidated, or don't want to take the time to learn PSE. I decided from the start to take the time to do something fun for myself, learn a program that would give me lots of creative control, and learn at my own pace. It was time well spent and getting up to speed with the program actually didn't take as long as I thought it would.
OK, so now I've rambled on, too...LOL! I hope what I said makes sense... | |
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jbarksdale
2Ps Digital Creative Team
PeaNut 338,129
September 2007
Posts: 19,565
Layouts: 742
Loc: Kentucky
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 8:18:56 AM
I, too, switched to digital from traditional when I started to feel burdened by scrapbook/album storage. I just don't have the space! I still have my traditional supplies for cards and such. Eventually I'll purge some of those supplies.
Welcome to Digi!! | |
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tericamp1129
PeaWee
PeaNut 579,623
February 2013
Posts: 4
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/6/2013 10:50:28 AM
Wow! Thank you for all the great information. I am so thrilled to find those like-minded. I feel quite alone most times because I cannot find anyone around me who scrapbooks, or even takes pictures! I live in a rural area, work full time and spend a lot of time trying to cook healthy meals for my family. That doesn't leave me with much time for my hobby. That is why I was so amazed at how much time and money I saved doing the photo book.
I will be checking out those digi podcasts for sure and those stores. I love Two Peas, so no loss there. I am always coming here. I've thought many times about the PL, but I always come back to storage and cost.
I hope with this new world I will have more time to learn to be a skilled digi scrapper with PSE. Thank you again! | |
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katharinegodbey
PeaWee
PeaNut 540,419
January 2012
Posts: 2
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 11:21:06 AM
So glad you started this thread! I have been a avid and sometimes professional crafter for over 30 years. I got involved in scrapbooking when products first starting coming out on the market. Then due to several moves, lack of crafting space, and a tight budget, I put my love of scrap booking aside, while always drooling over all the products that were in the craft stores and online lol.
I am wanting this year to the year I tackle the big project of getting our photos organized ( we have prints, negatives, and digital copies, even some old 110 negatives) then begin creating scrapbooks again.
But I am undecided rather to go with digital or non-digital. I love the ideas of using digital since it allows you do a lot thing you can't with non-digital, plus you can use the graphics multiple times.
For those of you that have switched, how do you compare the costs of having pages or books printed to when you used to make them with materials? Do you like the printed pages as much as the non-digital style pages or do you miss the dimensional feel of the non-digital?
I have many books I want to create and have so many ideas in the mind but I want to choose one method and run with it. | |
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fruitysuet
2Ps Digital Creative Team
PeaNut 151,913
June 2004
Posts: 7,970
Layouts: 1,006
Loc: Derbyshire, England
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 12:01:00 PM
I love digital too. Shamefully though I still have a room full of traditional supplies (and a pile of half finished pages on my desk).
I never thought I would love digital scrapbooking so wholeheartedly. I love that I don't have a messy desk. I love that I can scrap on the laptop in the comfort of the lounge with my family, rather than alone in my cold scrap room. I love that I don't have to hesitate over cutting a piece of paper because if it is wrong I can just press ctrlZ. The same with sticking things down.
Of course it can still get expensive, if you are a hoarder and shopper that isn't likely to change by doing digital instead of using paper. However you never run out of a piece of paper or a vowel in an alpha set.
I haven't actually got around to printing any pages out yet so I'm afraid I can't help at all with those questions. I know that there are often sales and coupons available in the US (but not so often in the UK where I am) that helps.
I think comparison wise, it depends on your style of scrapping. Definitely if you are a throw it all on type of scrapper like I tend towards it's certainly cheaper digitally.
Also if you want to create multiple albums of the same event then I can't imagine even trying to do that using paper (I would get bored to start with!). | |
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lizj
2Ps Digital Creative Team
PeaNut 242,431
January 2006
Posts: 9,895
Layouts: 539
Loc: Los Angeles
| Posted: 2/6/2013 12:14:02 PM
For those of you that have switched, how do you compare the costs of having pages or books printed to when you used to make them with materials? Do you like the printed pages as much as the non-digital style pages or do you miss the dimensional feel of the non-digital?
It's definitely less expensive to use digital elements and print digital lo's than to create from IRL supplies. Plus you can re-use digital supplies, re-size, re-color, etc. I was surprised to find that I prefer digital pages for the very fact that they are not bulky. You can fit many more pages in an album as a result, and the embellishments don't damage nearby pages the way IRL supplies sometimes can.
And by the way, there is no rule against keeping your real supplies and mixing them in. I happen to have a dedicated scrap space so I still have my real supplies too. It's all good! | |
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sroller
Nursie Pea
PeaNut 243,673
January 2006
Posts: 5,686
Layouts: 968
Loc: Vancouver, WA
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:03:15 PM
I always use Shutterfly to do photobooks. I don't have a color printer plus I LOVE the photobooks. And I love that they aren't bulky. I have five or six years worth of digital albums that take up less space than one year of my paper albums so it is great storage-wise too. Plus with my little 8x8 albums, I can carry them around and even travel to family with them much more easily. Tried it once with my paper albums on a plane trip and my albums totally fell apart and were so heavy to carry around anyway. | |
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Beatrice
2Ps Digital Creative Team
PeaNut 5,096
June 2000
Posts: 733
Layouts: 94
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 8:51:15 PM
Hi Teri- Welcome to digi. Can't wait to see your layouts. I love digi too- don't want to repeat what the others have said. | |
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