Please Recommend Digital Scrapbooking Software. Should I Switch to Digital?

ShabbyPrincess.com

I've used Creative Memories also. Very beautiful, but costly too.

Have fun!

Hi T.,

I recently started as a consultant for Heritage Makers, an online storybooking company. We help people preserve their heritage and memories by helping them create and design their own storybooks through the Heritage Makers software. These storybooks can be passed on through generations and are priceless! I have loved every minute of it so far. The company is only a few years old and still at the ground level, so it's really a great opportunity to get involved now. You upload your pictures and then use our software to create your own custom storybooks using several papers, embellishments, quotes, text, etc. Since the software is online, you have access 24/7! You submit your project and within two weeks, your custom bound storybook is delivered to your door. The software is so simple and easy, you'll be amazed! You can also create your own cards, posters, calendars, playing cards, etc. A new product that we just introduced are the 12x12 scrapbook pages that can be printed and inserted into your own scrapbooks.

There are two types of memberships. Basic is free, you only pay for the cost of the size of your book, card, poster, etc. you create. The Premier membership is $24.95 for the first month and $19.95 each month thereafter. If you think about it, this is so worth it! It's like having access to a scrapbook store 24/7 and using as many papers, embellishments, etc. that you want. It's definitely worth it!

We have also started having Scan Parties where you can bring your old photos and we can scan them for you using a scanner that scans 30 photos per minute! We save them onto a CD or flash drive for you and you can share them with family and friends. It's awesome and saves you the time of having to scan them with the flatbed scanner.

As far as the pros and cons...digital scrapbooking allows you to work on your project, save, and then come back at a later time to work on it. I have three daughters so having to take out all my papers, stickers, embellishments doesn't work for me. By the time I start, they are wanting attention so I have to put everything away. With Heritage Makers software, I can start on a project, save it, and then come back to it later. In addition, your project will always be saved. In case you lose your book, it tears, or it's in a fire, you can always order another copy. Heritage Makers also allows you to order several copies of your project. So if a family member loves your book, you can easily order another copy. With regular scrapbooking, it would take forever to duplicate your work. One con about digital scrapbooking is that you don't get the 3D effect as you do with regular scrapbooking. That is the only downside I have heard, but other than that everyone I have talked to loves the Heritage Makers software. I think you will love it too!

Please visit my website at www.designastorybook.com. I would love to talk to you more about Heritage Makers and maybe you might even want to become a consultant yourself! Please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com or ###-###-#### for more information.

Hey there T.! Fancy seeing you online! LOL

I also use PhotoShop Elements. (I also have the full blown version of PhotoShop, but if you don't know how to use it, well, it can make you pull your hair out!) Elements is pretty easy to use, and I use it for a lot more than digital scrapbooking. To print, I usually upload it to CostCo.com and have them print out several different pages at once, then I just pick it up when I do my shopping.

Should you switch to digital? Well, obviously that will be a choice you'll have to make yourself. As for me, I do a little of both. You know what I do and that I am always on the go. The cut and paste method of scrapping is fun to do with my girls and it lets me make something with my hands. When I do it digitally, it's just me working on the computer, but I can change things instantly. It's also fun to do the digital scrapbooking and then after the page is printed add some additional embellishments. Yeah, there is less clutter with digital as well as less mess (no little pieces of photos everywhere!)

I would suggest trying it. If you choose to buy a software, I do suggest PhotoShop Elements, since again- I use it for other things (and I'm betting once the kids go to school you would be able to use it in your business!)- and it's relatively inexpensive. As I've never used anything else (such as the programs specifically designed for scrapbooking) I can't comment on them, but I'm sure they work well.

Hi T.! Welcome to wonderful world of digital scrapbooking! I LOVE digital scrapbooking!!!! I get to make a layout and print it out three different times- one for my scrapbook, and two for the Granmda's scrapbooks! They love that they to add to their scrapbooks and I do all the work.

For software, I highly, highly recommmend Adobe Photoshop Elements. It is about $80, but it is so worth it. Also, the absolute best resource I have found so far is http://www.scrapgirls.com. They have awesome digital elements, and they also have great training. I have learned everything I know from that website. I'm still new to it and have a ton to learn, but I'm proud of how far I've come. If you go into the Member Gallery on that website, you can see my album under A. J..

Good luck! If you find any other great resources, please share!

Here's a site that has rated some digital Scrapbooking software--

http://scrapbooking-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ftware

I know a couple people that use different software, but they love it. No cutting, no having to buy knick knacks, and if a page gets torn or well loved, you can print it up again, since you can save it as a computer file. I guess it depends on what you are looking for...sparse photo album or all out scrapbooking kitch. I have yet to decide on a software myself, but my friends are using "Creating Keepsakes" and Fotofusion. I have Adobe Photoshop, so I don't need software that can edit photos...correct red eye, crop photos, etc. Hopefully, this helps.

Don't buy it have your own account for free!! I am a personal Publishing Consultant with Heritage Makers and you won't believe our software, it is so easy to create scrappages!

We have a 12x12 scrapbook page that you can design and have our company print out so you won't have to use your ink, paper or computer. Or system is web based so there is no storage on your hard drive, You can scrapbook any where you go, as long as you have the internet. When the system is upgraded there is no cost to you to upgrade. You have unlimited photo storage and an ever expanding treasury of art, quotes and templates.

We are partnered with Scrap girls so we have access to over 30,000 pieces of their great art with new collections monthly, with so worrying about storing it on your computer.

There is a monthly fee to have access to the art, but it is minimal to the money you would have to spend on software and buying collections from other scrapbook sites.

You can go to my website and see the scrapbook pages and all of the other products we offer. Also you can see all of the collections we have! Just go to products-Studio Membership and then click on view scrap girls art.

www.YourKeepSakeStories.com

You can also create your own basic account now "Create a New Account" located in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Select "Customer Account" and follow the prompts to set up your information and select a password.

At the bottom it will ask you if you want to purchase a Premier Membership. A Premier Membership includes everything that a basic one does but you have unlimited photo storage space and access to Premier Art content to enhance the look and feel of your projects. The cost of a Premier membership is minimal and you can cancel at any time (you can switch back and forth from basic to premier at any time!). If you decide to purchase the Premier Membership you may want to consider the 6-month plan. If you purchase six months at a time you save $19.95 - what a deal!

Both memberships come with full access to our state-of-the-art digital publishing system, online photo albums and archival of your finished projects for as long as you are an account holder. (You do not need Premier to make fantastic projects but everyone who tries it can't live without it!)

If you find you love to digital scrapbook we offer a great opportunity to teach others how to create our products and you can also design templates and make a royalty fee from it!

Let me know if you would like more info`

A. Blom-Thorp
____@____.com

I've been dabbling a tiny bit in the digital scrapbooking just this week, though my heart is definitely in the traditional route :) I didn't want to buy software or anything at first at least, just wanted to get the idea. I found www.scrapbookflair.com (I think that's the site, it's called Scrapbook Flair or something like that at least) that lets you download their software free, and they have tons and tons and tons of backgrounds, embellishments, etc. for free. The entire site is free. Now I don't think they print stuff out for you, that's something you'd have to figure out on your own, but like I said, I more wanted to stick my toes in the water to see how I like it. Good luck!

I thought I would NEVER switch to digital but it is very easy and cheaper too. I still do traditional scrapbooking but digital is FUN too! Creative Memories has a wonderful digital "StoryBook" that is a free download from their site and if you want to get fancy and do more you can upgrade to a HUGE selection of templates (all purchased on line.) The advantage of CM is the huge selection of pages choices and they are a scrapbook company. You can print a bound book or you can actually print pages you make and put into an album... I love the StoryBooks because you can do it all on your computer and then get a book sent to you and it is ALL done! It is easy too, my 5yr old helps me drop and click photos. There are more companies out there but like I said, CM is a scrapbooking company so I think they have a huge advantage. I hope that helps! D.

You should check out Creative Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software. I really like it. Then again, Creative Memories has so many easy ways (even for moms) of scrapbooking without getting messy and I just feel like I still MADE something, if you know what I mean. The con of Digital Scrapbooking is that I feel less involved with making it and I feel like it doesn't have as much of a personal touch to it. To be honest, I still prefer the old fashioned way and I'm NOT a creative person. I love having "get together" nights where it just a bunch of us girls, getting together to put albums together of our loved ones. Anyway, that's my two-cents.

Hi. I have just started a scrapbook for my baby girl online at www.picaboo.com and it is a great site that lets you pick the different backgrounds and fonts and you have your personal touch and the best part is that they put the finished book together and send it to you. You might want to take a look.

Hi T.,

I am NOT a computer person, and I LOVE all the textures I feel when I do my art projects....right now on the floor next to me are papers, doodads,inks, and beads for a project I'm working on:) But one day I'd like to incorporate digital scrapbooking. A couple of my freinds do it and love it. There stuff looks very professional and neat. If you are a computer person and like to be organized (sounds like you do:) then digital would be really good for you. Since I havn't done it yet I can't give any solid pros and cons about it. I think that just learning about it is a process though and takes time...like anything else. Also, if you don't already have the "tools" like a really good photo printer or alot of software, then that's an initial investment. Anyway, I have a magazine on digital scrapbooking. There are several sites you can visit to check out the software.

www.jasc.com
www.ACDSee.com
www.Adobe.com
www.ArcSoft.com
www.Corel.com
www.Microsoft.com
www.Roxio.com
www.Ulead.com

If you go to Joannes they usually will have a magazine just for digital scrapbooking. The one I have is Memory Makers special issue Magazine.

Have fun and happy scrapping:) ...Also, best of luck when you venture into your passion of helping others get organized.

A.

A friend of mine is hosting a scrapbooking class at Scottsdale Arabian library every 2nd and 3rd Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm. She is a Creative Memories Digital consultant and will be providing free tutorials.

Hello-
I just typed out a LONG answer over half an hour and it disappeared! Oh well.

Short answer. Go to my daughters website - www.mycmsite.com/mrskarawhite

and try the FREE downloads for Memory Manager - WONDERFUL and Storybook - WONDERFUL. You'll get the best digital storage software I've ever even heard of much less had a chance to try and can try it and the digital scrapbooking FREE.

My daughter is also a SAHM w/ 3 small kids as was I until I started teaching when they all went off to school. LOVED the Summer schedule and opportunity to stay involved in their lives and school careers on a daily basis.

Anyway, don't give up on the traditional scrapbooking. With CM and Memory Manager you can do both but in a more organized and time efficient manor. My daughter is an addict and derives great joy from ALL of it as well as taking the pictures of my three beautiful grand kids! She has thousands which is how she recently got into Creative Memories. I'm sure she'd be happy to help with any questions you may have.

Good luck! Enjoy those kids while they are still young. They grow up so fast.

H.

T.-
The easiest and less expensive with quality results is Storybook Creator through Creative Memories. I have done serveral storybooks and printed out single finished pages and I love the results! You can download Storybook Creator for free at this site.

http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/jodipencek/catalog-index?ev...=

You can do books from 8X8, 11 & 8 1/2, 12 x12 and there is a new softcover one that is 7 X 5.

There is an upgrade to the software which is $59.95 which allows you to manipulate photos, add embellishments, rotate photos, change the paper, etc. Both have pre-designed pages that you can EASILY drag and drop photos into. The pages are high quality and you can personalize the cover. They add new digital embellishments/paper monthly so you can increase your inventory without increasing space in your house! It's sooo much fun to put together and so much FASTER then traditional scrapbooking. Although I have to say I don't think I can give that up just yet. There's still something about creating something using your hands! I am having a workshop on Saturday, July 19th (open house 2 - 11pm) that will have a segment on digital software. You are welcome to come.

I have Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 3.0 as well, and I love it. I Found it at Staples for under $15. I do use Photoshop as well, but more for my work with web pages than scrapbooking I like SFD 3 as it is very simple to use, has LOTS of decorations to choose from, and was cheap. I have also used it to make cards, invitations and all sort of other things, and the kids love it too. My 10 yo niece loves to come over and use it.

I cant think of any cons to digital, other than not getting that 3-d look. Pros... Definitely cheaper, easier, much more design choices without having to spend money on thousands of papers and "stuff" and not having to worry if you mess up on your last piece of your favorite paper. Just hit "Edit" "Undo" :-)

Hi T.,

You, like many others, are taking the digital route, and to tell you the truth it is so much easier and the books look so nice. Well, I can help you get started!! I am a Creative Memories consultant and we have gone digital!! We have two pieces of software that are easy to use. One is an organizational tool. You can organize your photos in any way you want in virtual boxes. For example, you can have all birthday photos in one box and have a folder for each of your children with birthday photos in this box. It also has many editing tools like croping, fixing red eye, or evenning out the colors and light. The other software we have is actually FREE!! and it is the one you would use to actually make your book. All you have to do is go to my website at www.mycmsite.com/morazan and download it. It is so easy to use that I even have customers who have worked on their books on their own without my help. It also has some editing tools that you can use. It is as easy as downloading your photos into the program, choosing a page, drag your photo to its place and adding the text. Then you are done!! You upload the book to our photo center and they will send it to you in the mail.

There is also a Storybook Creator Plus (you need to purchase this one) where you can add enhancements, change the color of the pages or enhancements, change the size of the enhancements and many other things that you cannot do with the FREE version.

I can go on and on. So if you are interested, go to my website at www.mycmsite.com/morazan or call me at ###-###-#### and ask me any questions you might have.

Thank you,

M. Morazan

T.

I have the perfect solution for you. My business IS Digital Scrapbooking/Storybooking! But not software, it's even better...completely online. Please watch this 5 minute demonstration (turn on your speakers) and then email me or call me if you'd like to learn more.

http://support.heritagemakers.com/tutorials/overview/Stud...

A. Austin
Director-Heritage Makers
www.rememberyourphotos.com
###-###-####
____@____.com

Hi T.,

I use a digital camera for all of my pictures and its GREAT!! If I don't take a good picture, then I can erase it and take another one.

I use a scrapbooking program called Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 3.0 and its great! The pages are not that elaborate, but they're nice and they turn out nice when they're printed.

I hope that this helps!

I.

Creative Memories has one that you can do online...

I can't recommend a real digital scrapbooking software - I just organize in folders on my desktop. But if you really want to get a lot from digital scrapbooking (which I LOVE to do) try out www.gottapixel.com ! They are a great site with daily freebies to download, and a wonderful group of designers in their designer store!

T.,

Another member saw your post and asked me to contact you. In answer to your question, I recommend a couple of programs, Memory Manager 2.0 & Storybook Creator Plus, through Creative Memories. I use these programs religiously and they are the main reason I became a Creative Memories Consultant. Memory Manager 2.0 is an organizational program for all your digital media, pictures, music, movies, etc. It also allows you to edit photos including cropping, sharpening images, black and white or sepia tone conversion and much more! I've found I can't live without this program now and am using it to restore pictures that range in age up to over 100 years old for our family heritage album that I'm completing digitally!

Storybook Creator Plus is a digital scrapbooking program that is based on your computer. This means you can work on your book anywhere your computer is whether you have internet access or not. This is a bonus for those of us who take a laptop on vacation as by the time we return, we can have our vacation book done and ready for print. Many "programs" are internet based and therefore, only work when you have internet access. Anyway, if you would like more information (ie - how does t work, demonstration, how to order, pricing, etc.), please feel free to contact me. If speaking to a consultant is intimidating, please feel free to visit my website for more information.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,
T. Nowacki
www.mycmsite.com/tiffanynowacki

I am a consultant with Heritage Makers - my website is www.MyPhotobookStory.com. The application is great because it's all online - watch this 5min video to give you an idea of what we are about! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irdqtq7mF6Y

Please contact me at ____@____.com for more information.