Hybrid Scrapbooking

Over the years scrapbookers have utilized the computer to aid their scrapbooking creations. We download fonts, type our journaling, print transparencies, and even create complete digital layouts. Many might think that digital and paper scrapbooking can't mix, but it can! The unique term for this partnership is called hybrid scrapbooking--combining traditional and digital elements on a scrapbooking page. Most likely if you are reading this article, you know a little something about your computer. If you view your computer as a scrapbooking tool, the possibilities are endless. Here are some hybrid ideas that are easy to implement:

1. Use computer brushes to customize photos and paper.

If you know how to download fonts, you can download brushes, and you'll find them equally addicting! A brush is like a digital stamp that you can use on your photos or paper in your photo editing programs. The advantage of using these is that you can control the size, color, position, texture and angle. You can layer brushes to create customized embellishments or sayings.

In my layout, "Happiness," the quote on the picture was made using a quote brush by Rhonna Farrer. I opened up my photo in Photoshop Elements, picked the color and size of the brush and "stamped" it on my picture. Then I had my digital picture developed like I normally do.

2. Print out digital paper to use on your pages.

You might be thinking, "But wouldn't printing out digital paper take a lot of ink?" Well, it can depending on how much you print. I like to print smaller pieces of digital patterned paper to complement my layouts. The advantage is that you can print just what you need and reprint if you mess up. You can also change the colors on digital papers in your photo editing software. If you haven't glanced at some digital paper, you will be surprised at the variety that you can get just by a click of the mouse.

In my layout, "RAK," I printed out some flower patterned paper from www.jenwilsondesigns.com "Nostalgia 7" kit. I decided to use it as a larger photo mat and also added some of the paper to a chipboard circle. The quote is a digital quote by Katie Pertiet of www.designerdigitals.com that I printed and adhered to my layout.

3. Print out digital elements and stamps.

Not only are there digital papers available, but also every embellishment you can think of. There are tags, quotes, journaling blocks, hardware, ribbons, frames, stamps, alphabets and more. If you can't find the perfect paper embellishment, you can turn to digital ones. The advantage is that you can customize them to fit your needs exactly.

Get elements here.
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In my layout, "All Natural Beauty," I used a paisley stamp from www.jenwilsondesigns.com "Meaning 3" kit. I was able to rotate and place it exactly where I needed it on my layout. The title was done using a quote brush by Rhonna Farrer.

4. Use digital overlays to customize photos and paper.

A digital overlay is like a traditional transparency. The best part is that with digital, you can control the size and color .There are grunge, shabby chic, quote and pattern overlays that can be printed out on patterned paper and photos.

On the photo of my daughter in the dirt, I used a grunge overlay by Chris Ford. It seemed fitting for a dirt photograph.

These are just a few ways that you can use your computer to enhance your scrapbooking layouts and projects. You can create most of your layout digitally, and add a couple real embellishments. You can create the majority of your layout traditionally, just adding a digital touch or two. Don't forget to try printing your digital papers and elements on different mediums. Try printing on glossy paper, textured cardstock, transparencies, vellum, or fabric to get even more stunning effects. The possibilities are endless.

NOTE: You can also try educational printable E-Books!
 

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