Computer Scrapbooking - Easy Ways to Incorporate Your Most Powerful Tools

With the popularity of digital scrapbooking, you might be drawn to the idea of using your computer in scrapbooking, but you aren't sure where to start. Do you need to invest in costly software? Do you need a more powerful processor? Where do you start? And where can you learn more?

Before you rush out and invest hundreds of dollars in complex digital scrapbooking software, here are some easy ways you can use a basic word processing program to create some fun scrapbooking effects and page elements:

1. Create a Journaling Block. Particularly when you have a longer story to tell, typing your journaling into the computer can give a clean, streamlined look to your page. Create a text box (usually under "Insert-->text box" in your menu) on your page, adjust its size, and type away! Print it out on white or cream cardstock, trim to size, and adhere to your page.

2. Journal Right on Your Page. If you scrapbook in the 8-1/2x11" size, you can print your journaling (and even your title) right on the background cardstock. Hint: Plan out your page, figure out where you want your journaling to go, and print a test copy before using your good cardstock!

3. Print a Title. Using a fun font in a large size, print out your title. You can trim a block around the title and use it as-is, or use a craft knife to trim out each letter individually. You can also use fun colors and patterns to fill the letters for added visual interest.

4. Print Your Photos. If you have a good inkjet printer, try resizing and printing your photos. Yes, you can do this right from your word processing program! As you get more experienced, you can even add text to your photos.

5. Create Page Elements. Using the "Dingbats" font on your word processing program, select some cute doodly-type elements, print them in a large size, and color them in to use on your page.

About this Author

Before jumping into digital scrapbooking with both feet, test the water first to see how you like it! For more digital scrapbooking ideas, Lain Ehmann can help! Through her inspiration and ideas, she helps scrapbookers of all levels make their scrapbooking more fun, fast, and fabulous.

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