While I don’t make digital scrapbook pages, I do love adding digital bits to my paper scrapbook pages. I think of my computer as another tool in my scrapbooking tool box. It helps that this “tool” is fun to use and has limitless applications!

Making hybrid scrapbook pages lets me mix the best of each format. I can find the perfect digital image, recolor and/or resize it, print it, and then add it to my paper page.  Or—I can print a digital background and then add vintage bits and pieces I found at a flea market.

Check out these ideas for leveraging the power of your computer for making hybrid scrapbook pages.

Choose digital elements that can be used over and over again.

Not only can digital elements be reused—they can be re-colored and resized. Flowers, leaves, and butterflies often make their way onto my pages with this method.

I needed leaves to accent “Autumn Hugs” and realized the only paper leaf product I had on hand was a teeny tiny leaf punch.  The digital kit “Feels Like Fall” by Jen Martakis had the perfect leaves. Downloading these digital leaves allows me to resize them, recolor them, print them on various media, and use them over and over.  I could even have changed the shape if I wanted. The title and journaling on the tag were also done using my computer.

Supplies: digital kit by Jen Martakis, May Arts ribbon, Jenni Bowlin patterned paper, buttons, tickets, and stickers.

Add digital journaling and title blocks to your paper pages.

Get the tag or block along with the content of your journaling or title all in one fell swoop – sized to fit perfectly and rendered in a font that supports the page tone and subject. Most of the time I make my own tags using Photoshop Elements shapes or other images off the internet. (See how I printed title and journaling together on a tag on the layout above.)

Use digital products to make the base of your layout.

Once you’ve got the base, embellish it with traditional supplies. This is a great thing to do on vacation since it doesn’t require a ton of supplies. I keep a folder on my computer of digital bases for pages. I upload them in bunches for printing at an outside lab.

The digital base of this layout is an 8” x 10” digital layout printed professionally. I mounted it on die cut paper and added some of my favorite embellishments. The “Sweet” title covers the original digital title that I didn’t like after I saw it printed.

Supplies:  Digital paper and digi stitching by Jen Martakis, diecut paper by Jenni Bowlin Studio, and all other embellishments by Jenni Bowlin Studio.

Layered digital templates provide the layout and (many times) embellishments and title work.

I made “Spring Fever” using a layered template by Katie Pertiet. In addition to a basic layout, this template came with the fun tree, yellowed tape, and title work. I turned the template on its side and moved a few elements around to suit the photos I had. The base for my layout was done so quickly that I had plenty of time and freedom to experiment with making the crepe paper flower embellishments.

Supplies: digital template by Katie Pertiet, digital kraft paper by Jen Martakis, digital patterned paper by Jenni Bowlin Studio, button, pin, and crepe paper by Jenni Bowlin Studio.

Betsy has plenty more layouts and hybrid ideas, and she shares them in one of our 8 hour-long video/audio interviews at Masterful Scrapbook Design this month. It’s a part of the August Smorgasbord issue available for $12.50 today (or $36 on September 1st).

Although Betsy Sammarco has always had a love affair with her computer and used it in some way to enhance her pages, it wasn’t until 2009 that hybrid scrapbooking became part of her regular scrapbooking routine.

Betsy currently designs for Jenni Bowlin Studio and Jen Martakis Designs. Get more ideas and inspiration from her blog, www.justapharmgirl.blogspot.com.

 

1. Use printed tags or journaling spots.

Pre-printed tags or journaling spots don’t have to be just for handwriting – you can also use your computer. See “How to Get Computer-Printed Journaling onto Decorative Tags” for step-by-step directions.

Layout by Paula Gilarde

Another option is to use a digital label or journaling spot where you print your journaling directly onto a digital label and print both. You have even more flexibility with this option because you can control the size of your digital element to fit the size of your journaling. Check out “Using Digital Labels and Jounaling Spots on Paper Layouts” for detailed directions.

Layout by Paula Gilarde

2. Use printed journaling strips

One of my favorite methods of adding computer journaling is to cut my text block into strips.  When I type up my journaling to use for strips I always make sure that I leave enough spacing between the lines so that they are legible when I cut them apart. For more great ideas on how to use journaling strips on your page, have a look at “How to Use Journaling Strips to Rock Your Page Design.”

Layout by Paula Gilarde

3. Print directly on the canvas.

If you have a wide-format printer, you can print your journaling directly onto the background canvas as I have done here.

Layout by Paula Gilarde

If you don’t have a wide-format printer, don’t despair! Be just a little strategic about your composition, and you have lots of options for adding printed journaling directly to the canvas.

To add journaling to “Storyland,” I cut my background paper into two pieces horizontally — so that either would fit into a regular printer and printed the journaling. I pieced it back together after printing, covering up the seam with a strip of patterned paper that fit with my design. Bet you can’t see it!

Layout by Paula Gilarde

4. Add text to your photos.

Another method of adding computer journaling that requires a little more advanced planning is to add the journaling directly to your photos.

You could use digital word art  as I did in on “10 Things to Love About Summer,” or you could even type your text directly on your photo before printing it out.

Layout by Paula Gilarde

5. Use a printed journaling block.

Let’s not forget the most basic of method of adding computer journaling — a text block. Simply type your journaling using Word or Photoshop, print it out, and trim to size before adding to a layout. This is especially useful for longer stories.

Layout by Paula Gilarde

I like adding computer-printed journaling to my paper scrapbook pages.

I frequently use strips or journaling blocks, but I also like to use decorative journaling spots and tags.

While it can be a little trickier to add printed journaling, it’s  not impossible. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Measure the journaling space.

This tag from Jillibean Soup is about 2inches wide x 3 inches high.

2. Type your text in Photoshop Elements or in your word processor.

Change leading (or vertical line spacing) in the Photoshop Character Palette as shown here.

Here’s how I did this in Photoshop Elements:

• Create a standard document – 8.5″ x 11″, 300 dpi.
• Turn Grid on (View, Grid).
• Drag out a text box of 2″ x 3″ using the Horizontal Type Tool (T). This is when having the grid turned on is useful.
• Select your preferred font size (I often use 10pt or 11pt for paper pages). Type your journaling into the text box.
• Determine how many lines the  journaling should fill. This is determined by the journaling tag. In this case there are 11 lines.
• Adjust the space between lines (or leading). You may need to play around with this. Select the Character Palette and change leading as I’ve shown in the screenshot shown here. Remember, you can type a number into the box, you are not limited to the numbers in the drop down list.

Figure out where to temporarily adhere your journaling tag for running through the printer.

3. Print a test.

Do a test run on a regular sheet of printer paper to make sure you’ve got your size and spacing correct. Hold the journaling tag over the printed journaling to check. I do this at window so the light shines though. You can also use a light box.

4. Adhere and print to decorative tag.

Finally, adhere your journaling tag on top of your test page using re-positionable adhesive and send it through your printer again. Viola! Now you have perfectly aligned journaling on a pre-printed tag!

Journaling was printed to a paper journaling card using the process above and included on this scrapbook page by Paula Gilarde.

Digital photo masks come in a variety of shapes and sizes and you can use them to get cool effects on your photos. You can then use these altered photos on digital or hybrid/paper layouts.

To get the look on the photo above, I used one of Katie Pertiet’s Blocked Out Photo Mats #1 — it gives the effect of having the words laser-cut from the photo. I made the background blue so the letters would show.

Now I’ll show you how to use these masks on a scrapbook page.

digital photo mask: Blocked Out Photo Mats #5 by Katie Pertiet

1. Create a canvas in Photoshop equal to the size of the photo you want to print

Create a new 4″x6″, 300dpi canvas in Photoshop/Photoshop Elements. You can set your background to whatever color you want to show through your photo mask. Here, I left mine white because I was placing these photos on white cardstock.

2. Drag and place masks on your canvas

Drag your photo mask/photo block onto your canvas and resize it as you like. On my layout, I resized each to be 6 inches high.  (I’m going to be printing a 4″x6″ photo that contains TWO of these masks with photos clipped to them.)

3. Drag your photos to the same canvas.

Drag your photos onto the canvas. Be each one sits on the layer above the mask to which you’d like it clipped. Position and resize as desired.

4. Create a clipping mask:

• In Photoshop, select the photo layer and press Ctrl-Alt-G (or go to the layer menu and select “Create Clipping Mask”).
• In Photoshop Elements, select the photo layer and press Ctrl-G.
• On a mac replace Ctrl with Cmd.

5. Repeat, print, trim and mount

Repeat for other photo mat/masks that you are using. Print your photos, trim them, and then use on a scrapbook page.

As memory keepers we recognize that photos only tell part of the story. We fill our own cardboard boxes, knowing that this memorabilia contains the missing pieces in the tale of our lives. My own two children are now in their twenties. I have folders and boxes scattered throughout my house containing art work, report cards, sporting awards, greeting cards, etc. With the aid of my scanner and digital editing software I’ve embarked upon a mission to bring these treasures out of the box and preserve them before time, light, and air take their toll.

My son wrote this story in 1987 as a First Grader. I scanned in the individual pages and used Photoshop to reduce the resulting scans in size. I changed the blending mode of the artwork layer to “Multiply” and then used Photoshop’s clipping mask feature to combine the drawings with digital papers.

Before we know it another back-to-school season will be upon us, bringing with it more and more reams of papers and assorted items. Do you find that you are loath to dispose of anything, but wonder where to store it all? Consider taming the clutter by adding these treasures to your digital layouts and rest assured that future generations will appreciate your efforts. (And you may just gain a little added closet space in the bargain!)

Tips and Tricks for Adding Memorabilia to Your Layouts

1. Consider scanning in a sample of your child’s handwriting and creating a custom brush from the scan. Using your “digital stamp” you can create a custom background for your layout in a variety of colors and sizes. Try the same technique with artwork created by your small artist.
2. For the best results when scanning make sure that you have your scanner set to it’s highest bit readout if the option is available to you. For more in-depth discussion regarding scanners of all makes and models along with tips for successful scans visit http://www.scantips.com/ on the Web.
3. When you scan a drawing on white paper, the paper often has a grey tint. To turn the grey back to white, adjust the levels using your photo editing software. In Photoshop you can click the white (rightmost) eyedropper on the Levels dialog box. Move the cursor onto your image and click on the grey area. The grey will be converted to pure white automatically.
4. The translucent nature of newsprint can cause the text on the opposite side of the paper to “ghost” through when scanned. Lay a piece of black paper on top of the clipping before scanning to avoid this problem.
5. When scanning bulky items which keep the scanner lid from closing tightly, the light seeping in around the edges may create unfavorable results. Prevent this from happening by covering small items with a shoebox lid before scanning. For larger items (such as a book) try covering the entire scanner with a heavy dark cloth or towel.
6. Avoid scratching the scanner bed glass by laying a clear transparency sheet under items such as buttons, pins, etc. that could damage the glass when the cover is closed.
7. Scan items such as artwork, certificates, diplomas, etc. at full size and then reduce them with your photo editing software. You’ll be amazed at how many pages you can consolidate into one layout.
8. If the item is too big and bulky for your scanner (or you don’t own a scanner), take a close up photo to incorporate into your layout.

Suggested Memorabilia

• Hospital bracelets, bassinet ID cards, itemized hospital bill
• Label from first jar of baby food
• Piece of wrapping paper (baptism, birthday’s, Christmas, etc.)
• Pair of baby booties
• First tooth your child loses
• First attempts at writing letters and numbers
• Labels and boxes from favorite foods and/or beverages
• Kid’s Meal box from favorite fast food restaurant
• School art and papers, awards, and certificate
• Postcards from places visited
• Favorite family recipes
• Military records
• Newspaper articles
• Ticket Stubs
• Medals and pins
• Emblems of a favorite sport or team
• Team rosters from sports or school organizations
• Party favors from birthdays
• Covers from favorite books
• Stamped fingerprints/footprints
• Greeting cards and letters
• Store receipts showing items purchased and prices
• Fabric scans – security blanket, favorite item of clothing, furniture upholstery
• CD Covers, IPod playlists, DVD cases

We’ve all used a computer to type up our journaling – right? Digital labels or journaling spots can add a lot of interest to your layout without a lot of effort. In my layout I used the Spring tag from Ali Edwards’ Spring Celebrations Element  Pack. I also framed my photos with Katie Pertiet’s Photo Clusters No. 28 before printing and then cut them out with the frame.

Here’s how I did it in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements:

1. I created a new 8.5×11 file in Photoshop – ctrl-N, preset: “letter” (8.5×11).
2. I opened the label .png file in Photoshop and dragged it onto my canvas using the move tool.
3. Using the Horizontal text tool I drew a text box inside the label, and typed my text.
4. I printed my label on photo paper, cut it out and placed on my layout. You could also print it on patterned paper or card stock depending on what effect you are trying to achieve.

This can also be done in MS Word:

1. In Word, open a new document.
2. Select Insert, Picture, From file.  Browse your computer for .png file and click Insert.  You can resize the label or image by dragging the corners.
3. Add you text to the label by adding a text box on top of the image – making sure that you set the fill and line color to be none.
4. Print your label and cut around the edges before adding to your layout.

In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the King says “Begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”  What fascinates me is how different the end is for everyone.

You could give a group of kindergartners the same three colors of paint and a brush and you would get as many different pieces of art as there are stars in the sky.  Seeing the different creations is one of my favorite things about scrapbooking.  It’s what I love most about sketches and scrapbook kits.  Everyone starts at the same point, but the ends are all unique and exciting.

A few weeks ago I mentioned this idea to Amy Kingsford.  She contacted Erin Clayton of ErinInk who immediately jumped on board, agreeing to sponsor this challenge and donating a lovely mini-kit for everyone to play along.   The directions the designers were given were simple:  ”Here’s product, scrap.”

Each of the designers did some very cool things while staying true to their own style.  The neatest aspect of the challenge was seeing product cross the line from digi to paper scrapping.  Without further ado, here are the layouts created by Amy Kingsford, Paula Gilarde, Michelle Houghton and myself.

"I Do" by Amy Kingsford

Amy Kingsford is our resident “MacGyver”, I honestly think she leaves nothing unaltered.  In one of her more subtle alterations she chose to shade the journaling box.  I love how the perfectly laid splashes of color add interest and draw your eye to the center of the layout.  (And framing that bit of brown patterned paper was brilliant!)

"Tradition" by Paula Gilarde

Paula Gilarde has a style that makes me giddy.  I can’t believe how she can use just a few chosen details and wind up with a simply stunning layout.  I love how the tag lies down the side of the food photo with an extra tidbit about the event, it’s perfect.

"Prairie Meadows" by Michelle Houghton

Michelle Houghton is an art teacher.  It was no surprise when I got her layout that there is a touch of doodling on it.  The surprise was that flower; it looks so real.  She told me the secret, she printed it out on photo paper then cut it out, genius!  (Don’t tell her I told you her trade secret though.)

"Follow Your Heart" by Tami Taylor

And lastly, my layout.  As soon as I received the digi kit I knew the flower, frame and cool patterned paper had to be printed on transparency.  Grabbed my scissors; trimmed the flowers, cut the hearts and–bob’s your uncle–slapped the layout together!  The fun ‘mistake’ was when I used glossy accents to glue the flower layers together the ink ran a little and gave the layout this neat yellow center.

Now you try.

The kit is amazingly versatile so don’t be shy.  When you’re done, please share a link here in the comments, I know we’d all love to see what you do with the great kit ErinInk donated.

Click here for the download.

Erin Clayton has been designing digital scrapbooking under the name ErinINK for almost two years now, featuring designs that she calls “clean with a touch of whimsy.” She specializes in digital templates and Project 365, and wonderfully contemporary papers and elements, that are sure to be the perfect addition to all of your digital and hybrid projects. But don’t take our word for it…check out her shop at Memory Scraps to see for yourself! You can also visit her blog for fabulous freebies, hybrid project tutorials, Photoshop how-tos and photography tips.

I love printing digital elements directly to cardstock and patterned papers for my scrapbook pages.

To make the vertical border on “Five Star Attraction,” I opened a photoshop document 12” x 12” and 300 ppi resolution.

I stamped a digital star brush one time, then copied that brush to a new layer and nudged it down below the first (counting how many “nudges” I made). Once I had a series of these on my canvas, I printed it to white cardstock to use at the border between photos and journaling/title blocks. I topped every star with a gold gem.

Using a star dingbat font would be even quicker. Type the alpha character that corresponds to your star and then hit RETURN/ENTER and type another. Adjust the line spacing and then continue on down the page.

Try these stars:

French Revolution Brushes by Sande Krieger

Scribbled & Scripted Shapes by Katie Pertiet

Seeing Stars Dingbat Font

A couple of other digital touches to the paper page are:

• The date stamp at bottom left. I printed this to patterned paper from Katie Pertiet’s Digital Date Stamps, Vol 3.
• The title oval. I created a Photoshop Canvas of 5” x 3” and filled the background with black. I sent my font color to white and foreground color for brushing to white. I repeated the stars from border and used the Felix Titling font for “Five Star.” I printed the rectangle then adhered it to a chipboard oval, trimmed it with a craft knife and sanded around the edges.

She began the page with a Jen Martakis template and American Crafts digital elements from DaisyTrail.com

Before leaving for vacation,  Betsy printed the base of the layout with the borders of diamonds. She also printed digital American Crafts flowers in varying sizes on a sheet of cardstock to take with her.

In the evening “while everyone was chillin’ in front of the TV,” she had fun putting it all together. She cut out the flowers she’d printed, added photos, jeweled brads, glitter buttons, and a Jenni Bowlin embellished butterfly!

Layout by Betsy Sammarco

Storyboard Template by Coffee Shop Actions

Digital Templates are highly versatile and with the number of styles, sizes and places offering them–finding the perfect template is often a snap!  Whether you are interested in making your own Christmas Cards this year or you’d like to design your own personalized stationery, digital templates could offer you a fast, affordable solution.

Christmas Postcard using Layered Template No. 38 by Ali Edwards

• Choose a template that is suited to the project you’re working on and open it in Photoshop, I have chosen “Template #11, from Biograffiti’s Gridlocked No. 1.

• Next click on the “Image Tab” at the top left of the screen and select “Resize.”  Remove the checkmark from the “Constrain Proportions” box and then make sure your resolution is suited for the project you are creating.  (Note: If its something that will be printed out, your resolution should be set at 300. If it’s being published to the web, set it to 72).  Then finally enter the finished measurements for your project and click “OK.”
• Now your template should be resized to suit the project you are working with.  Newer versions of Photoshop are content aware and can change the size of a file without distorting the overall image, however if you are working with an older version of Photoshop then you may want to do some tweaking to make sure you are happy with the final proportions of your project.

Papers and Elements from Emily Powers Moonlight Revelrie and Expectantly Yours Kits

• Next clip the papers/photos of your choice to the template, and add your elements and finishing touches.  In these particular templates from Biograffiti she includes a number key to aid you in your design.  you’ll want to delete that key before saving and printing.
• Now you’re all  ready to print, address and send your invites  in the mail!