Thursday, May 17, 2007

Digital Scrapbooking Questions

I realize everyone is busy and has tons of stuff to do, but I was wondering if someone could help me out here ... I want to start digital scrapbooking, but have a few questions ... so if you consider yourself a digiscrapbook queen, or you have just enough knowledge to be considered dangerous, please share your two cents on the following questions:

1) I am considering purchasing Adobe Photoshop 5.o to use as my electronic scrapbooking software... does anyone use this, or can anyone suggest anything better?

2) Also, I found copies of Adobe PS 5.0 being sold as "used" on Amazon for about $30 less than the full price -- has anyone ever purchased "used" software from Amazon? And if so, what was your experience with it?

3) Where can I send my 12x12 scrapbook pages to be printed?

That's all, folks! Thanks for your help and advice!

8 comments:

LaShawn said...

I am far from the queen of digiscrapping, but it is my new hobby.

I use Photoshop CS2 and can't imagine using anything else. One of my friends uses Elements 5.0 and loves it.

There are places that will print 12x12 pages, but I have found it easier to do my layouts in 8x10. Two reasons....the first is 8x10 albums are easier to store and you can get them printed just about anywhere (I get mine printed through Walmart on regular photopaper and they are GORGEOUS!). Hope this helps!

Robin said...

I'd never claim to be a digiscrapping queen. I've done some. I use Photoshop Elements 4.0 and it's all I need (and affordable).

I haven't bought used software, so no advice there.

I haven't printed anything, but there are a few places that do 12x12. Some people put multiple layouts together, get them printed as poster size and then cut the individual pages apart. I hope that makes sense.

It's great fun. I love how I can undo my mistakes.

Anonymous said...

I am certainly not a digiqueen, so I apologize in advance!

Photoshop is a great tool, especially for professionals that also dabble in photography, graphics design, etc.

Elements is for the avid scrapbooker or photographer who is primarily a hobbyist. I would certainly suggest just getting Elements if this describes you. Plus many scrapbooking magazines use Elements to describe the instructions for featured layouts.

You can get an older version of Elements for cheaper for now and then upgrade to the latest and greatest once you learn the software and decide it is a must-have. It's fairly reasonable to upgrade any of the Adobe design products.

Finally, printing 12x12 pages. I think I read somewhere that if you scan the page at 91% it turns out really nice on a regular 11x17 print. If you really want a 12x12 image though to put in a binder I'm sure there are places who will do a special print like that, but it will probably cost a little more. You might also want to compare prices on home printers that do 12x12 pages... if you are planning to do a bunch the cost might be worth it.

I have a scrapbooking website at http://www.thescrapbookhub.com where I post about interesting scrapbooking news and lots of how-tos. Check it out if you are interested!

Anonymous said...

You might get some good ideas from going to the Creative Memories site. You can actually create a book of memories all done digitally and they will print it and mail it to your home. They are beautiful and not too expensive considering the end product.

Jada said...

I'm a Creative Memories consultant and just ordered my first digital StoryBook from CM. I had fun doing it and can't wait to get it in the mail! I ordered it last Saturday and it has been shipped! Mine was 30 pages and was around $70 with taxes and shipping. They start out at $39.95 for 20 pages. There are so many cool templates - I can't wait to try out more of them! CM just added some baby ones and there are more new ones coming out in June. You can download the software for free! You just pay for any books you order. Feel free to visit my site: www.mycmsite.com/jadabaker
and try it out!

Anonymous said...

girl, give me a call or email! I'm no queen but I can hook you up with some stuff.

Oh and my house is trashed. I was looking at the floor this morning and well, I just walked out the door leaving it behind again. I'm not sure when it will be clean again (if ever).

Cheryl said...

I love my PSE3! I have tutorials that would also work with PSE5...everything you need to know to get started is on my website....just start with Lesson 1 about programs and lesson 2 about printing!

Everything is free on my website...not selling. :)

http://www.hummiesworld.com

Ask if you have questions.

Connie @ DigiScrapInfo.com said...

There is also ACDSee Photo Editor. It is user friendly & doesn't have a huge learning curve.

We have tutorials for it here:
http://www.digiscrapinfo.com/dsiwiki/ACDSee_Photo_Editor

and our blog has information on digiscrapping:
http://www.digiscrapinfo.com/wordpress/