August 04, 2008

Design a Completely Digital Scrapbook Page Using Photoshop Elements

By Kara Hiltz

PrinTales: Karen Bellamy of Scraps of Mind and Step By Step Digital Scrapbook Shows You How Far the Digital Scrapbooking Rabbit Hole Goes

Most scrapbook enthusiasts now use some sort of digital tool to complete their page layouts, even if it's just editing and printing their own pictures. But you can actually delve much deeper into the digital realm when scrapbooking, as Karen Bellamy from Scraps of Mind demonstrates. She creates entire pages using Photoshop Elements exclusively.

Karen started scrapbooking in 2003, transitioning just one year later into digital scrapbooking. She developed her blog, Scraps of Mind, to discuss all things scrapbooking. When she realized how much she enjoyed teaching others how to scrapbook — and particularly how to use digital methods of scrapbooking — she launched Step By Step Digital Scrapbook to teach newbies her secrets. She refers to her lessons as a "hold-your-hand guide."

Karen Shares Her Secret For Stellar Photo Scans

You may think that a veteran digital scrapbooker like Karen must own a top-of-the-line printer. But you don't need a fancy printer to get good results. Karen uses an HP Business Inkjet 1000, an older model that serves her needs just fine. "I like the quality of the print and I like that each color cartridge has a separate component," says Karen.

Karen prefers digital scrapbooking because of the infinite routes for creativity. If you own both a printer and a scanner, Karen believes you can maximize your results because you can create digital copies of your photo prints to use onscreen.

Karen's best piece of advice for scrapbook enthusiasts who scan photos: Use a resolution of at least 300 dpi when you scan photos for optimal results. And when you print photos, use high-quality paper.

Old Habits Die Hard

Even though Karen spends much of her time in Photoshop Elements, she still likes to combine her digital work with paper crafts. "I enjoy the ease of viewing my layouts on the computer screen and sending them to friends via email, [but] they’re not completely 'real' for me until I've printed them out and I can hold them in my hand," asserts Karen.

She also enjoys the dimension that paper crafts can give her layouts. When she wants a page element to really pop out, Karen attaches the element to foam tape for a more 3-D feel.

Get a Taste of the Digital Matrix

Karen created a layout page for Databazaar Blog solely using Photoshop Elements 5 (see above photo). She began by setting up her page parameters (12 x 12 inches in her example). She also designated 300 dpi RGB Color and creates a transparent background. Then she simply dragged the different photos, art, and other elements she wanted to include onto the page using Photoshop Elements' Move tool.

The real trick lies in Karen's use of layers. Each element (photo, text, etc.) sits on its own layer in Photoshop Elements. Just as the name might suggest, you can move these layers behind one another or in front of one another for different looks. You can also change the shapes and sizes of any item. You can also add effects. "Different styles, such as shadows and bevels ... add a sense of three dimension to your layout," instructs Karen.

When it's time to print your completed layout page, you can save the layout as a PSD file ("which will retain all the layers," clarifies Karen). Then, resize the PSD image to fit your home printer's paper size. You'll want to set up your printer to print in its "Best Quality" mode. Karen also suggests using a glossy or satin finish photo paper for the best results.

Karen shows die-hard paper crafters that there are advantages to peeking down the digital rabbit hole. And with Step By Step Digital Scrapbook, she'll make sure you enjoy your time in wonderland.

About PrinTales
If every picture tells a story, then every printer must contain several bookshelves' worth. In PrinTales, we bring these stories to you by profiling people who use their printers in a creative manner. Think of it as "once upon a time" for the digital generation.

• August 06, 2008 Sagar

  The post was a real good one .. i liked it. . moreover i liked the domain name and the punch line .. where America buys ...

  Keep on doing the good work and best of luck.

  Sagar

• August 15, 2008 Hummie

  Karen's blog is awesome! She is always so full of helpful tips.