Digital Scrapbooking for Paper Scrapbookers

I am a paper girl living in a digital world.

While I am a paper-and-glue scrapbooker, I love all the amazing products coming out of the digital scrapbooking world! Digital patterned papers, embellishments and elements are only a mouse click away. By utilizing my computer’s word processing and photo editing software, I can:

• Print patterned paper
• Add photo corners or text to a photo before printing the image
• Create flat images of three-dimensional objects such as buckles, ribbon, and buttons
• Simulate techniques such as sewing, painting, or sanding without actually damaging or altering any photographs
• Colorize digital tags, tabs, and ribbons to perfectly match my photos

Acquiring Digital Files - A simple web search will uncover hundreds of websites featuring digital designs. Find a digital product you love, and follow the site’s downloading instructions. Most digital files are compressed, or “zipped,” so you will need WinZip installed on your computer to open them. You can download a free trial of WinZip. If you prefer to create your own digital embellishments, you can scan traditional scrapbooking supplies such as snaps, buttons, or bows, or interesting household objects such as silverware, screws, flower petals, or game pieces. Save these scanned images with your downloaded digital kits.

We recommend ComputerScrapbook.com for free and cheap digital scrapbooking graphics.

Keeping Track of Digital Files - As soon as I download or create a digital product I add it to my “catalog” so that I can keep track of what I have. I simply copy the thumbnail (usually provided to show all contents in a download, as well as the artist’s name) and paste it into a word processing document. I add the filename and the directory it’s found in, and print. This sheet goes in a binder, which stays in my scrapbooking area. Then I can easily match cardstock colors, and decide which items I want to print, without searching through dozens of computer files.

You can also try Google's Picasa Photo Software (free). You can use it to organize your digital graphics as well as your digital photos.

Printing Digital Files - With my word processing document’s margins set to 0.5 inches on each side I can print 8” x 8” backgrounds perfectly. Most digital papers are created as 12” x 12”size, but your word processing program should automatically resize it to 8” x 8” when opened. I can also print 8 ½” x 11” “Quick Pages” with a crisp white border. Smooth cardstock and matte photo papers are generally the best for printing digital scrapbooking images. Add photos and slip the completed layout into a page protector.

Note: You can also try printable scrapbooking suppies.

Using Digital Elements on a Paper Layout - This quick and easy 8” x 8” paper layout was created using a digital patterned paper and traditional scrapbooking supplies.

1. Using the instructions above, print digital patterned paper.


2. Using a paper trimmer, trim patterned paper to 7.5” x 7.5”


3. Trim background cardstock to 8” x 8” using decorative scissors.


4. Mount patterned paper to background cardstock.


5. Stamp frame onto white cardstock. Let dry, then cut out.


6. Trim photo to fit inside frame and adhere.


7. Attach photo to patterned paper.


8. Remove woven label from backing, and adhere to layout.

As you can see, the digital world is ripe with products applicable for our traditional scrapbooks. All you need is a computer, printer, an internet connection, and your imagination!

*Digital patterned paper is from “Pink Chocolate” kit by Nancie Rowe Janitz. Woven patch is from Making Memories.

NOTE: Try Lumapix FotoFusion digital scrapbooking software. It's our recommended choice for digital scrapbooking and hybrid scrapbooking too! 

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