A Case for Digital Scrapbooking

In this age of computers it only seems logical that digital scrapbooking--defined as scrapbook pages(s) created on a computer--would find its place. Many hardcore "traditional" scrapbookers disdain the tought of digital scrapbooking. Others, however, "swear by it." This digital medium has turned "casual" scrappers into "hardcore" scrappers.

For some digital scrapbooking as all of the pros of traditional scrapbooking with few, if any, of the cons...like cost, time and the mess. If your goal is to preserve memories then there is seriouse creditability to this "new age" process.

The outside support for digital scrapbooking is increasing. Most support is in the form of software and storage systems. Shutterfly.com, Kodak, Lasting Impressions, The Shabby Shoppe, and Picaboo, to name a few, have gotten onboard.

Digital scrapbooking allows you a clean, easy way to do something with your photographs. No need to "cut and paste" the traditional scrapbook way. By the way, digital scrapbooking can be far less expensive in the long run. Speed and ease can provide more creative opportunities--you're not limited to using the supplies on hand. Your supplies are always just a click or two away.

Your "learning curve" doesn't have to be great. Most of the software programs have easy to follow instructions. Some digital scrappers layout their pages in Power Point and then upload them to their scrapbook site.

Be aware that computers do "crash" from time to time, and can leave valuable work, effort and digital scrapbook pages and photos "lost in space." We highly recommend using services and programs like Shutterfly.com" --money well spent when you have a significant cache of photographs and digitial scrapbook pages to worry about. Also, make it a practice to back-up your files.

We also recommend making "hard copy" prints of your pages and putting them in books. An additional benefit of having hard copy prints is they allow you to include objects (original certificates, buttons, tickets, etc.) to the page as a more complete archival use for your pages.

Digital scrapbooking is a great way for those with limited time, expertise and money to be able to scrapbook. Digital is a "back to basics" approach to scrapbooking. Traditional scrapbooking has gotten too elaborate and expensive for many who would benefit from the ease of digital scrapbooking. If you're one of those give digital scrapbooking a try.