Welcome to Digital Scrapbooking Month!

Yes, we've declared the month of August Digital Scrapbooking Month! And trust me, there will be something for everyone here on the site all month long (including freebies and giveways), so check back often!

Now let's talk digi for a moment.

Sometimes I wonder why I don't create more digital scrapbooking pages. I've got the skills, man. I design banners and blinkies for this website when our chief designer (my husband, Travis) is otherwise occupied. I write and edit instructions for how to use Photoshop Elements. I know how to use actions, layers, brushes, drop shadows, the works! I'm familiar with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. And I have my own personal design and software coach living right in my house. So what's the problem?

{CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW}
Here's a digital scrapbooking page I made this weekend—my first digi attempt in a long time! Supplies: Adobe Photoshop + faux polaroid frames (Retro Digital Frames by Ella Publishing Co.) + patterned papers (Crystal Wilkerson's November paper collection) + tree brush (free Woodland Brush set from Brush King) + Cooper Black and Consolas fonts + 12 x 12 page by Angie Lucas

Why I Love Digi

I do find it appealing that you can start a digi page, walk away from it for as long as you want to, and then come back to it, and everything will be exactly as you left it. (Pets, children, tidy husbands, and gusts of wind can never disturb a page in progress.)
As a minimalist who does not like to own, store, collect, dust, and maintain too many "things," the idea of all of my scrapbooking products living on my computer (and not taking up space in my home) is appealing.
With a soon-to-be toddler living in my home, I like the idea of there never being dangerous tools lying about for her to get her hands on.
I love the idea of the only "mess" to clean up is closing down all my software programs, sorting my digital files into folders, and shutting down the machines.
You can instantly create your own perfectly coordinated "letter stickers" at any time with just a font, the color picker tool, and the fx button.
Undo, undo, undo! I LOVE the "undo" command (CTRL+Z). No change you make to a digital paper, product, or page is ever permanent, as long as that undo command is there.
Although the early days of digi (circa 2004) did not really appeal to me, I've since discovered many designers, products, styles, and websites that DO appeal to my sense of style. (Much of what I saw when digital scrapbooking was new seemed to be more about what you COULD do with your computer programs rather than what you SHOULD do. I never saw enough emphasis on story, and I didn't have an appreciation for photos that were altered to the point that the subjects were almost unreconizable as humans. :)

Why I Rarely Create Purely Digital Pages

I'm a tactile person, and I love sorting through my piles of colorful papers and accents, feeling the textures, admiring the finishes.
I enjoy the shopping part of scrapbooking, although I don't do it super often. There's something about physically browsing through a store, absorbing ideas and color schemes, that feeds me creatively.
I enjoy the puzzle-like process of physically fitting different pieces together, matting photos, using glue, arranging and rearranging elements. (But I do NOT enjoy using glue! Too messy.)
I already spend so much time on my computer (as a writer, blogger, and the owner of a website) that my eyes and mind just need a break. I NEED that change of scenery, even if it just means swiveling my chair from my computer screen to my drafting table, where I usually scrapbook. And this is definitely the reason that rules them all and outweighs so many of the benefits of digi, at least right now.

{CLICK THIS BANNER FOR AN OVERVIEW OF ALL THE DIGI HAPPENINGS THIS MONTH!}

I'm sure this month of digi fun will inspire me to try out more of the digital tools that sit dormant on my computer so much of the time, and I DO love a creative challenge! I think, for me, hybrid scrapbooking is my cup of tea at the moment. But since we're all ever-evolving creative individuals, who knows what the future will bring for me?

How about you? Do you digi? If so, why? If not, why not?

Answer this question in the comments below, and you'll be entered to win a free copy of Retro Digital Frames (which includes the cute Polaroid frame you see on my layout example, plus instructions for how to use them)! I'll choose one winner for every 30 comments!

Giveaway winners are
Swiss and Blessedintheus

Oh gosh... I dabble in digi about 3x a year! I have purchased lots of goodies, have PSE6, have taken classes, bought books.. but still.. have not taken the entire plunge! I also love all my 'get messy' crafty supplies.. I love inks, stamps, paper, and cutting things up!! I'm looking forward to this month's challenge! Challenges do get me motivated...

Posted by: AndiSexton on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 12:41

No, I'd never consider myself a digi scrapper. When I do get some digi products, I'll print them out to place on a project. There's just something that makes me happy about putting a project together with my hands. I love some of the effects that people do digitally, and I've even taken a Jessica Sprague freebie class (I just had Paint Shop Pro at the time)... but then we needed a new computer, and when we finally got one, I just never bought/loaded PS Elements like I'd planned. So the learning curve is a factor for my trad'l scrapping too. Curious to see what your posts will be like this month - maybe I'll get that fire lit to learn some digi skills after all. ;)

Posted by: CynthiaB on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 12:56

I have done digi, but I am not a digi scrapper. I like to handle everything and play with it too much. I have always been hybrid though, using the computer for journaling only at first, and now sometimes doing photo collages or printing out elements. Especially with templates, the pages certainly can come together fast in digi, but I actually find it all a bit paralyzing. Weird huh? So many choices, and the infinite ability to undo means I can just keep puttering with it, trying to get everything perfect. So unless I am using a Cathy Z. template, I would prefer to stick with the hands-on approach.

Posted by: JenRay on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 14:08

I have taken some free webinars about digi scrapbooking but I have only completed a couple of very simple layouts. I have so much of the real scrapbook stuff that I am scared of getting overwhelmed with digi and then not touch any of it (I have a hard time getting any of it completed right now).

Posted by: medialady on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 14:13

I do digi!! I started it after my son was born - an easy way to scrapbook without having a mess to clean up, little fingers grabbing stuff and can do it anywhere in the house on my laptop (since my scrapbook room/office is next door to his room, it's nice to avoid making noise while he's sleeping). I also don't have to wait to print photos to make a page. I totally love it! I've become almost exclusively a digi scrapper - although I still LOVE to dabble in paper. I just find I do more general paper crafting and card making with my paper supplies!

Posted by: heatherlvo on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 15:48

I'm primarily a digi scrapper because of the ease and because that's where my roots are - before digi scrapping, I'd been dabbling in PSP for years.

Posted by: tape on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 16:11

When I started scrapbooking, I was exclusively a physical scrapper, for lack of a better word. I love colour, texture, shape etc. As I began to journal on my pages more seriously, I realized the great potential of typing my journaling online in PSE 3 and adding photos and embellishments with it. Now I am more and more leaning toward digi in terms of cropping and printing my photos in groupings, collages and clusters. I then add the rest of the elements on the physical page. I get the best of both worlds. I can easily do pages entirely digitally...I have read many tutorials and classes for PSE 8, but I can't give up the wonderful products and paper available to me. In two or three years we will be moving and perhaps I will give away all my supplies at that time, and enter a new phase of entirely digi scrapping!

Posted by: justasiam on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 16:17

I'm an almost exclusively digiscrapper. My big reasons (besides some that you mentioned): Easy to take to crops. (SOOOO easy.) Easy to share online. Also - I love the flexibility in photo sizes - I don't have the step of printing photos before I make the page. That said, I'm actually wanting to get back into paper scrapping more, of late. Time to clear the scrap area...

Posted by: falwyn on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 19:56

I took up digi in 2008 and spent nearly 2 years doing nothing but digi projects. I have since confined my digi work to my Year in Review album (huge project) and a small number of digi gift items. My digi skills also come in handy for altering photos and creating elements for mini albums, cards, and traditional paper layouts. I really enjoy working with paper and all the great tools and accessories we have available. I'm fortunate to have a studio room so I'm always set up to papercraft. When I go on retreat weekends I usually work on my digi album. I can travel light and enjoy my weekend without alot of packing and unpacking. Lookin foward to August at Ella!

margvp

Posted by: margvp on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 20:41

I still love the tactile nature of traditional scrapbooking. I love the feel of paper and products in my hands. I'm opening myself up to digital, but don't think I'll ever be a complete convert...

Posted by: goldnuggt on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 02:55

I have created about 3 digital LOs. I think I would enjoy it if I learnt how to do it properly. At the moment it is too difficult and it irritates me and takes the fun away from it! I think I will stick with hybrid for now. It is a lot easier to do and then I get my 'fix' of hands-on craftiness. Just wanted to say that your journalling made me cry! It is so sweet and it is photo/story connections like this that keep me scrapbooking! Thanks for the chance to win. Allie

Posted by: Duckienz on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 04:18

I have only done a hand ful of digi pages. It was fun, but not what I want to do all the time. I like hands on. I may do more sometime, but for now I will keep to traditional scrapbooking. Thanks for a chance to win.

Posted by: jeannett_mcgee on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 05:32

I love digi - because it is so versatile - reuse, repurpose, redo - easily. No mess with little or big ones around. CTRL Z is my friend. I feel that there are not so many "rules" with digi. Love it, love it, love it. thanks for the opportunity.

Posted by: sts2000 on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 05:38

I gave digi a try about a year ago-took some classes- and while I turn to pse for journaling, printing some elements, working with photos, I love the hands on stuff too much to give it up. But, I'm happy I took those classes and aquired some pse skills. I couldn't scrap without it anymore.

http://peopleofthescrapbook.blogspot.com/

Posted by: alizadeutsch on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 06:43

I would say I'm primarily a paper scrapper, but I've dabbled in hybrid scrapping. I think I don't do it more often because it's an unknown. But I definitely want to keep learning more. Thanks for the chance to win.

Posted by: Sara Benzkofer on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 06:59

Ha, easy question! I ONLY do digi... in fact, I know that I would never ever have started scrapping if it wasn´t for digi. I was never very good at hands on projects and here I really like the fact that things will always get straight if I want them to be :-). Some scraprooms I have seen online are totally overwhelming to me. All the stuff!! Not for me... Having gained some experience over the years, the possibility to customize things has proven a great resource. Another BIG benefit is that it now is very easy to get multiple copies of the same photobook for family or friends. I use my skills to make cards, Xmas, my mom´s 80th birtday etc. What can I say? I just LOVE digi!!

Posted by: Petra from NL on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 08:12

I digitally scrapped for over 3 years ... but paper called me back (well, paint ... markers .... etc). I still do use my computer a LOT though so I guess I am hybrid ... I mean, I can't give up any 'stamp' I want at a fraction of a stamp's cost! (ie digital brushes ... LOVE those!)

Posted by: ScrapMel on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 08:16

I agree with the part about loving the feel of paper scraping! I have a huge stash and still love shopping for more. It seems like I would be wasting money to switch to digi, I have to use the stash! I have done a few digi and it is fun and someday I will do more, maybe do combo pages.

Posted by: scrapperk on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 09:04

I am a partial digi-scrapper. I have begun dabbling in digi over the past year for certain projects and have a small collection of digi products; however,approximately 75% of my projects/scrapbooks remain traditional paper. I like both digi and traditional in their own way, depending on what I'm specifically looking to create. Thanks for the chance to win these cool frames (a nice reminder of my childhood). Happy Digi-scrapping month!

Posted by: thekkrew on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 09:13

I love digital scrapbooking! I started out as a traditional scrapbooker about 15 years ago, cutting pictures and letters out of magazines before scrapbook stores came along. I finally decided to learn to digi scrap b/c I already had the software to edit photos. I never looked back. I literally got rid of all my paper, stickers and other embellishments. I digi scrap and then print them into a book at Shutterfly.

Posted by: rodg4bucks on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 11:10

Digi, digi, digi! I love everything about it. Being able to print out multiple copies has got to be one of my favorite aspects. I can make a layout once and print in multiple sizes and make a book or album for myself, grandmas, even my kids. Scrapbooking efficiency!

"Memories are like sand castles - only by putting them in a safe place can you prevent them from washing away." Author Unknown

Posted by: Rosemary Morrison on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 11:26

I'm mostly a paper scrapper but also do a few digi pages. Right now we have our house for sale so I can't pull out my papper supplies very oftten so I'm working on my digi skills. I've only done very simple pages using templates. I keep trying to learn a little more each time.

Posted by: lspetch on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 12:33

I've done a couple digi pages and enjoy it but find it sort of frustrating. I can't seem to organize my digi supplies in a usable way and I don't really know how to use PSE well enough so I spend too much time in the help section or on youtube! lol

Posted by: alwayscharlie on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 12:37

I do digi and I love it because I am able to create more pages in a shorter amount of time than if I do paper scrapping.

Posted by: lawyerlyn on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 13:23

I probably do about 75% of my scrapping digitally. I find it's so much faster. I do love traditional, though, for the same reasons Angie mentioned: the tactile, puzzle quality & simply looking & shopping, which is inspirational. Since I got my laptop & wireless printer, I am much more productive on the computer. I seem to agonize over traditional scrapping way too much. I do a LOT of hybrid.

Posted by: prairyk on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 13:23

I have recently become more of a hybrid scrapper. For many years every layout I made was all digital and I started years ago with paper. Now with the 365 project I am doing more hybrid. I love both digital and paper. I don't see giving up doing either.

Posted by: elderscrapper on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 13:30

Digi all the way since 2006! I love the no mess, the so easy to pack up & take my projects with me, the ease of sharing pages & books with freinds & family. I print an annual book of all my layouts- the pricer is way more effective than paper scrapping; & I enjoy our layouts on a digital photofrmae in our family room until I print the annual book each February. I love that I can print multiple books of special events that is cost effective for everyone in our extended family. Last year we had a 90th birthday BBQ for my grandmother in which the entire extended family was there (that is a rare event!) I took everyone's camera cards, copied them to my laptop & made a book of the entire day with all the best photos from everyone. The book was a huge success.

Posted by: krystlleo on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 13:35

I love to digi scrap! But every now and then I want to go back to my roots and paper scrap.

Posted by: jilldear on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 14:06

I'm totally digi. I tried and tried to do paper and always messed up one way or the other...and this was in the days before all the plentiful sketches were available. I'd have only one piece of that perfect paper and mis-cut it or glue a photo down and decide it needed to be moved...total disaster. I LOVE that my digi paper...the one that's perfect for my layout...can be "mis-cut" and replaced without getting up and driving to the store...LOVE CTRL+Z!!! I LOVE that I can "tweak" any digi paper and embellishment to get just the right color. I love that I can journal over and over until I like what I've got and get it "to paper" without spelling errors. I get my real paper fix with card making and other paper crafts. I do love getting inky, too.

Posted by: texasbarb on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 14:52

I digi about half the time. Certain projects just say digi to me. Especially ones that have lots of journaling. I also love that I can scrap while watching TV with the fam. But I can't give up my paper! I love to cut and arrange and hold product in my hands. So a lot of the time I do hybrid. Best of both worlds for me!

Posted by: bradfordm on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 16:55

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Welcome to Digital Scrapbooking Month!