Scrapbooking- Digital? Or Not? It may be easier than you think!!

I remember my first experience with scrapbooking.  I was overwhelmed by my sisters Creative Memories paper cutters, stickers and background papers.

Beautiful Albums with page protectors and memorabilia pocket holders.  Ooooo ahhhhh.  So, in an attempt to join the scrapbooking lovefest  I bought the stuff and made an album, while purchasing enough product to make 20.  I never made it past #1. (I know it's shameful! How will anyone know our story, will our kids remember their childhood...if they don't, it's all my fault because I failed to chronicle every birthday in a bedazzled photo album that would last through eternity because it was acid and lignen free!!)  AHHHHHH... Wake up from this nightmare Robin ...wake up I say...wake up!!!!!


Scrapbooking has since that time, evolved into DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING as well..now we're talking something that interests me even more and that I actually will do!!  okay..we're on to something.  Hanging with my computer AND simultaneously chronicling our family history. I am a computer geek/nerd/techie whatever we're calling people like me these days so this...rang my bell, got my attention and had me buying Photoshop.  Woo hoo.... I was so excited.     So I get all this software, learn how to use and make some pretty cool photo albums to boot.  I'm pretty proud of myself for taking the more technical route as the paper scraps and stickers were a little too crafty for my nerdy old self.

 Scrapbooking can be as hands-on, as digital, as effortless as you want it to be.  Anything from..cutting and pasting and taping and adding bling bling to..utilizing Photoshop, Paintshop Pro, iPhoto and now... cool sites like:

Pixable

So..with the FACEBOOK craze or nonsense or addiction (again...whatever term you fancy just fill in the blank there!)... Pixable is about the easiest photo album I've ever put together.  Not only could I upload photos to my album from my Facebook account but it also uploaded the Description of the Picture to the album...now I loved that!! 

Pixable also gives you an option to add photos from your computer, flickr, Picasa and Photobucket.  You can choose a quickmix option..in which Pixable will randomly mix all your photos into the album along with corresponding titles and you are ready to print or share with others.  Or if you want more control...you can choose the lay out, add text and arrange the photos however you'd like on the pages.
It's a wonderful timesaver.....

Check it out! Pixable
If you're a MAC person- iphoto is amazingly easy to use for scrapbooks as well..you really don't need anything else..unless you're like me and want to do "just a little more" than what the standard programs offer.

Here are some other digital scrapbooking sites I use or have used in the past.

digitalscrapbookplace
great for getting ideas and for downloading digital items to use in more personalized scrapbooks for the do it yourself digital scrapper.
picaboo
you have a download here..which pixable doesn't require. But the quality of the books are great and they have wonderful customer service!
Creative Memories  offers paper and digital scrapbooking options
godigitalscrapbooking
more for do it yourself digital scrapbookers.
Kodak Gallery
ready made photo albums with some personalization options
Shutterfly

There are TONS of websites that make digital scrapbooking easy and soooo user friendly.   Regardless of whether you consider yourself  "techsavy"  or just an "email checker"...There is a program out there for you...

A note on Scrapbooking Retreats-  Did you know that if you have an opportunity to attend a scrapbooking retreat- all you have to do is load up your laptop and go! That's right..scrapbook retreats now include digital scrapbookers as well! 

I know, in every realm of scrapbooking there are die hard enthusiasts on each end of the spectrum.  My personal thoughts are ...do what fits your personality. If you like cutting with cool scissors and creating layers with photo tape and using stickers, go for it.  If you enjoy creating things in Photoshop, or other programs..get your creative tech on and amaze your family.  If you just simply want to upload photos...and be done...that's okay too.  The great thing is...regardless of your preference...getting the photos into albums is always a fun thing for families...as we sit around at holidays or the grandparents visit and can see what we've been up to all year.   It's worth it..whether you spend 5 min or 5 days creating a page...I'm thinking, you'll be really glad you did it!!

By the way- I do get my "manual" scrap on at times.. I own a fun little machine called a CRICUT  this thing is AMAZING.  Yet..since I do most of our albums via digital..the Cricut at my house, is used for school projects, homemade cards (the KIDS LOVE TO USE IT) and bulletin board projects and number of other things...if you do more "cut n paste" scrapbooking it's well worth the investment!!