Digital Scrapbooking

I have spent so many years being all 'touch, feely' with all of my paper products and stickers that it was a really tough transition for me over to the digital side.  I really did fight it off like the plague and looked upon those who embraced this hobby as 'not being creative' or 'taking the easy way out' of what I consider to be hard work  (not to mention the man hours involved).  I was very naive, what more can I say?  Still, I wanted nothing to do with it.  Then the inevitable happened.  I came across a photo that I absolutely adored; you know, the perfect pose, perfect smile kind of photo?  Only problem was the lighting and a big fat tree causing a huge shadow on those precious faces.  I knew I was stuck and going digital was the only way out.  Little did I know, that would be the start of an amazing journey of education, self-discovery, and a sense of accomplishment.  I am far from mastering any program or technique but I haven't stopped learning or growing.  Its amazing how good you can feel when you step out and really try something new and then keep at it and keep at it.  

For those of you new to this hobby or frustrated, please don't give up.  I still want to throw my mouse through the computer screen on some days, but I know that the frustration eventually turns into reward.  

I just wanted to send a little encouragement your way.  And share just a little piece of what 'elements' can really do.

Digital Scrapbooking Sites

 

Since I have already shared some of my digital scrapbooking pages with you (this one being my hubby and I), I wanted to give you some site ideas to help jump start your own and get you shopping.  Now that Christmas is over, the pictures are taken/developed, and Valentines Day is just around the corner, these pages/kits/albums would make great gifts for yourself or others.  My choices have been made by looking at quality and detail in design, variety, color, and having a multitude of package options.  Having more options is a must as I don't always want to buy a whole kit when a quick page will do.  Or, if I want to use a new alphabet or learn a new action, I want to be able to do purchase them separately and stretch my money farther. So, here goes:

Scrapbookgraphics

Pickleberry Pop

Designer digitals

The photo above is just a sample of what you can do (for your sweetie or whoever) with just a quick page purchase and two or three added elements.  I know I have stressed this before but, quick pages are the perfect option if you are a newbie tackling this hobby or if you want to finish a project on the fly (or are impatient, like myself).  Have fun.  There is no right or wrong here and its sooo much easier than you may think.

Linked to:

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Blog design giveaway!

I have a friend who is giving away a free custom blog design if you will follow her, tweet, or facebook about the giveaway.  She has been designing blogs for well over a year and has done some adorable work. Here are some examples:

  You can enter the contest here.  Please stop by and support her.  And, good luck!  :)

Shutterfly Christmas Cards

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

I just finished designing our Christmas Card for this year.....and here it be! Our family took a trip to Atlantis this year and I just had to find a way to show off that beautiful dolphin, so this was it! What do ya think?  I'm trying to get on the ball for the holiday season as I am going out of town for Christmas and will need to get them out a little early.

I think I have used shutterfly for over 5 years now and have never been disappointed with their quality or service.  If you are considering printing your own, they have many many designs to choose from, using 1 or more pictures. 

**My opinions are strictly my own. I am not paid for this post, but may be compensated in product. **

Decorating with Digital Scrapbooking

I am a fan of shutterfly.  I am not paid to say that, I just love the convenience of loading all my images into a printing sight and choosing which size to print for future projects.  I just so happen to have had a free code for an 8 x 8 print and I took advantage of it.  The easiest form of decorating your home with your photos is canvas.  It is so easy to get canvas at a good price with coupons.  You can either purchase Modpodge or you can make your own.  Brush the decoupage on the canvas and back of your print.  Stick together and let it sit until it forms a good seal.  You also want to seal the top of it from all of those little handprints.  I put 3 coats on top of mine but do whatever you feel comfortable.  This is my end result:

I really do love my girls!  :)