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!

Summer is Great!

And it's almost over. I've been very busy this summer, getting ready for new jobs at school, having laser eye surgery, visiting with family, planning birthday parties for both girls and of course, paper crafting!

Lately I've been busy creating for Shelley - classes for this fall, and a challenge. My goal is to plan one project a month to teach at Shelley's. If there is enough interest, the class will go ahead. If not, it gets canceled. Either way, I win, since I have to make the sample, and it gets me motivated!

When I plan projects for Shelley's, they tend to be 3D items or mini albums. The other ladies on the design team lean more toward card and scrapbook classes. That said, if you happen to see something on my blog that you like, I can arrange to teach it at Shelley's!

I created this project for Shelley's October website challenge. Four of us were given a similar set of products and challenged to create! I used the Tri-Shutter Album template from Andrea Walford's website (though you can google to find similar ones.) This is also a class that I will be teaching on Saturday, September 18th at 1pm (which explains why I have it ready so early!)
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The album holds 5 pictures, with ample space for quotes or journaling. It looks really complicated, but it's pretty easy to put together. If you take the class, you'll receive a handout with full cutting and assembling instructions.


I'm not going to post all of my classes today... you need to have something to come back for! But I will post October's class - I'd hate for you to miss the sign-up! I am teaching this one at 7:30pm on Thursday, October 7th. Don't miss it!


This cute Friendship Box measures only 5 1/2" tall, but it packs a lot of punch, look:


This box design is by Pam Curtis (I think I found the template on splitcoaststampers.) Of course, you can make it into any kind of box you like... all the quotes and greetings are done by hand, so you can change it any way you like. The little boxes are about 2x2 and are perfect for holding an assortment of small scrapbooking supplies, earrings, candies, chocolate, stationary supplies, etc. It would make a great gift for a grandparent, babysitter, teacher - anyone who is hard to buy for. With masculine papers it could even hold a variety of small fishing lures for dad or grandpa. If you sign up for the class, I will have my quote books handy for your inspiration!

Now, off to ice a cake and get ready for tomorrow's ordeal (I mean birthday party!)