getting started?

Heather - posted on 10/19/2010

I use Stampin Up!'s program called My Digital Studio, which is designed for both Mac and Windows. I am a graphic designer and I am also a Stampin Up! Demonstrator. I went digital last year when they launched the program and I'll never go back for my own use. I still teach traditional scrapbooking, but I prefer digital. My Digital Studio, http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/scr... comes fully loaded with stamps sets, paper, emebllishments, punches and so forth. You never run out of anything, and it uses the photos and typefaces on your own computer, which makes life way easier.

If I was doing an old fashioned book, I would choose more muted tones paper, and embellishments, lots of photo corners, tags, metal looking hardware, maybe some distressed paper, and of course vintage style stamp sets. You could find all of that in the software. You might want to get an extra stamp set called Very Vintage-which might be an additional $5, but all in all, you would be fine with the standard software package. You could also google vintage layouts, which might give the book an older feel.

Check out my blog, and if you like, email me and I will send you more pages. They are under the blog under the custom scrapbook tab, and the main page under the scrapbooking label. Also check out the software link, it is a really cool program. If you have any questions, let me know. After I got the program I got certified on it, and I really love creating all sorts of fun things, cards, blog headers, flyer, and so forth. It really is quite a work horse.
Stampin Up also has a facebook style comminuty page for MDS. It is open to Customer and Demonstrators alike, and I have seen some unbelievable work on it! The link to sign up is http://mydigitalstudio.net/
Good luck, and please let me know how I can help! Sounds like a great present!

Thanks, Heather Pilz
hrpilz@gmail.com
StampPaperScissorInk.com
Have fun and take care!
Heather

Amy - posted on 09/16/2010

picnik.com is another good spot

Melody - posted on 09/14/2010

Scrapblog.com is a good online software to check out. For actual software to buy I use Photoshop Elements and I love it! :) Lots of freebies to download all over the internet. And lots of tutorials on how to use the software too!

Megan - posted on 09/09/2010

i was given paintshop pro for my birthday last year and it has its own scrapbook feature. i love it! or you can google for free trials

Kristin - posted on 09/09/2010

Heritage Makers is a wonderful digital storybooking company. They have a free and a paid membership program. The difference with the paid program is unlimited storage of your photos online (password protected) and access to more templates and artwork. But even with the free membership you can create beautiful scrapbooks. One huge difference with Heritage Makers is the ability to use text boxes to tell your whole story, not just a single caption beneath a photo. The books are also great quality! Check them out at www.taketimetoremember.com

Breanna - posted on 09/08/2010

i use shutterfly to store all my photos. it's free and and you can order prints and makes photo books through them also. it's great!

Trish - posted on 09/06/2010

Creative Memories has a program called Storybook Creator Plus. You can create your own pages or choose from pre-designed pages. We just released a new power pallette that is perfect for making heritage albums. It is very easy to use as well. You can contact me if you have further questions.

Trish

Danielle - posted on 09/05/2010

PIcaboo... easy simple, free software, and 1,000s of free backgrounds to choose from.



I have a 17 month old son, and have completed 7 baby books for him already. We love them!



Good luck with what ever software/program you choose. Its always so much fun to return to those old memories!