Going Digital?

Before going further with this post, I have to say that I will never give up my paper scrapbooking. There is something very satisfying in the feel of the paper and the embellishments. That said, I have been experimenting a little with digital.
Because I use a laptop, digital is very portable for me. I can take my scrapbooking anywhere and have access to all of my papers and tools at the click of a button. I think what I like best about it though, is that I can experiment with colour and placement, interchange mats, add and remove ribbons - all without wasting! If I really like what I create when playing around, I can always duplicate it in paper (and sometimes I do just that.) I can also do hybrid pages, where I start with a digital layout, print it and then add traditional scrapbooking elements to it for a dimensional feel.

The following layouts are done using a digital kit purchased from DCWV's digital site 300dpi.com. My photos are not the best quality, but I loved the sheer abandon of the spontaneous dance!

Of course, there are also many sites where you can download free kits, and some are VERY good. These pages were done with a kit from computerscrapbook.com, but I also really like the free kits from Shabby Princess.

When digi-scrapping, I use Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio software. Why MDS? I was a SU Demo for 4 1/2 years. I got into digital with MDS, and actually, it's a pretty decent program. Easier to pick up and use that Adobe Photoshop (though not as versatile), and it allows you to use any and all of your digital products, regardless of where you get them. For me, it's the quick & easy of digital scrapping. It allows me to print using my own printer, but if I want 12x12, I have the option of printing with Stampin' Up! or exporting to any service I like. Am I endorsing the MDS? Not really. Any digital program out there has it's good and bad points. The thing is to get going and start using it, even if it's just for brainstorming!