| The steps to create a digital scrapbook page are not | | | | if you decide digital scrapping is not for you, you will not |
| very different from creating a paper layout. Its just a | | | | have wasted any money. |
| case of knowing how to use your photo-editing | | | | You may find your photo-editing software already has |
| software and then applying the same layout design | | | | images you can use as backgrounds. Alternately, you |
| elements. There are similarities between different | | | | can create your own simple backgrounds with |
| programs, but which ever you use, this article will help | | | | textures and other effects. |
| you discover the key steps to creating your own | | | | Another popular option is to use a photograph as your |
| Digital Scrapbook Pages. | | | | background, enlarged to fit the page, and edited with |
| Of course, we do recommend you read the | | | | perhaps a little fading or other effects. |
| instructions of your particular program or, if you are like | | | | Step 4: Make Your Photograph(s) Stand Out |
| me, get someone else to read them and then tell you | | | | The eye finds it easier to distinguish the photograph if it |
| how it works. | | | | stands out from the background which is why we |
| Step 1: Open a Blank Canvas | | | | usually use a photo mat in paper scrapbooking. This |
| Here's how to open a blank canvas in Photoshop: | | | | separation can be created with a simple rectangle, a |
| - Open your photo-editing software | | | | little larger than your photo, which is placed on the layer |
| - Open a new blank canvas (file, new, blank file) | | | | behind the photograph. Adding a tiny amount of |
| - Decide the size & resolution to adopt for your page | | | | shadow to this layer will give depth to your layout and |
| (aim for 250-300 dpi for a good result when your page | | | | prevent the whole thing looking flat. |
| is printed) | | | | Step 5: Add Titles and Text |
| - Choose RGB color mode, unless you want a | | | | Some digital designers create alphabets to coordinate |
| monochrome grayscale finish | | | | with their design collections. Although these can be |
| - Set background color to transparent (I find the | | | | resized, it is better to use them for titles and not |
| checkered background you see is very good for | | | | journaling, which is easier with the text editor. |
| aligning photos and embellishments) | | | | Step 6: Add Embellishments |
| You now have a canvas and are ready to start | | | | Another alternative for titles is to use some of the |
| computer scrapbooking... | | | | ready-made phrases you sometimes find in digital |
| In PhotoShop, each part of your design will be placed | | | | scrapbook collections, just as you'd use in paper |
| on a separate layer and you can adjust how far | | | | scrapbooking. These might be called embellishments or |
| forward an item is by moving it up and down the | | | | word art. |
| layers. | | | | And then you have all the swirls, flowers, brads, |
| Step 2: Select the photo(s) | | | | journaling blocks, etc., you'd find in your local scrapbook |
| Decide how many photographs you wish to use, and | | | | store. |
| what size they will be. You can change your mind later, | | | | Its the choice of embellishments that helps distinguish |
| which is all part of the fun and ease of digital | | | | different styles and personalizes your layout. |
| scrapbooking. | | | | Step 7: Apply some finishing touches |
| Just as in paper scrapping, look at the colors in the | | | | As mentioned already, adding shadows creates depth |
| photographs and choose a color on which to base the | | | | and makes your layout look so real you will expect to |
| layouts color scheme. If the colors in the photos clash, | | | | pick up the buttons and ribbons scattered across it. |
| if your photo is very busy, if there are too many colors, | | | | However there are other effects which can be used |
| or no main color, consider making some or all photos | | | | to great effect, too. |
| black and white. This will reduce the busy-ness and set | | | | For example you can add a bevel to a shape, emboss |
| you free to choose your favorite color scheme. | | | | it, and add various textures. Some of these come with |
| If your photograph is not already a digital image, you | | | | your program, and you can buy others like pearl, |
| have two options to get it onto your computer: scan | | | | chipboard, distressing effects, borders, metallic, fabric, |
| the photo, or take a photograph of the photo with a | | | | and many more. |
| digital camera. | | | | In writing these steps to create a digital scrapbook |
| Step 3: Create the background | | | | page, some directions are based on PhotoShop |
| Having determined the canvas size and the photo(s) to | | | | Elements. Your digital scrapbooking program may be |
| use, you will want to select your paper background. | | | | different and you should check the program |
| There are many free products available online for you | | | | instructions for specific details of how to use it. |
| to download and use. This is a great way to start, for | | | | |