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Post by cath4k on Jul 17, 2017 14:41:23 GMT
I hate the process of digital scrapbooking.
But - I have 50 completed paper albums. Half are 12 x 12 PL and half are 8 1/2 x 11 regular scrapbooking. They take up a lot of space. Worse than that, the plastic pages are getting bent from sitting upright for so many years.
I would really prefer to keep my photos in hardbound books. At this point, I only want to do PL style and document daily life. So I decided to transition this year and bought some digital templates so I could just drop photos in rather than having to size everything, etc. However, I haven't done anything past the first week because I hate the tedious process of sitting at my computer and putting it together. I mean, REALLY hate it.
Any suggestions? The only two thoughts I have had are to hook my laptop up to a TV screen so I don't have to work on such a small screen and maybe give up on trying to "scrapbook" and just drop photos in and not have any additional graphics in the template boxes. But I would still have to do the journaling and I think it would be less appealing without graphics.
I do not want to do this process on my phone, so I am not interested in the BH PL app.
My husband and my children have all made comments about the fact that I haven't been scrapbooking this year because they all LOVE the final product and constantly look at the books (the PL ones that show daily life.)
Thanks in advance for any advice, Cathy
ETA: Forgive my typos in the thread title!
UPDATE:
I thought I would share with you all that I decided to push myself and have been successfully scrapbooking digitally and have found my groove. I did try a larger screen, but it didn't make the text easier to read. It just made the hard-to-read text really big. What did help was...using a mouse. I was trying to do everything on the touch pad and I found that way more tedious than a mouse. Now all the navigating feels so much easier. The second thing I did was narrow my choices. I copied the products I want to use into new folders that are easy to access and threw all of the things that are alike in a single folder. So, for the purposes of my 2017 PL, all the PL cards I am going to pick from are in the same folder, regardless of their original kit. That makes it really easy for me to scan for coordinating cards, etc. I also decided on some elements that will remain the same from spread to spread (ex: same week numbers in black on a white background each week.) That helps it not feel so overwhelming and provides a cohesive look.
Anyway, thanks for your advice. I found what works for me and it is going very well!
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 17, 2017 15:05:56 GMT
I use Photoshop Elements for my digi pages. I found that I prefer it over paper scrapping. I can digi scrap anywhere - craft room, living room while watching TV, or even outside as long as I have my computer with me. I actually like the process because it's so easy to re-size photos and make things fit. There's no mess. And when you buy paper or a kit the use is unlimited. Traditional scrapbooking was costing me a fortune.
Have you tried taking classes on how to use your program. I can recommend the classes at JessicaSprague. It was frustrating for me until I found JS and took a few classes.
If you "REALLY hate it" then maybe it's not for you. (sorry that sounds snarky, it's not intended) I just don't think you can learn to like it.
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Post by cath4k on Jul 17, 2017 16:39:09 GMT
I use Photoshop Elements for my digi pages. I found that I prefer it over paper scrapping. I can digi scrap anywhere - craft room, living room while watching TV, or even outside as long as I have my computer with me. I actually like the process because it's so easy to re-size photos and make things fit. There's no mess. And when you buy paper or a kit the use is unlimited. Traditional scrapbooking was costing me a fortune. Have you tried taking classes on how to use your program. I can recommend the classes at JessicaSprague. It was frustrating for me until I found JS and took a few classes. If you "REALLY hate it" then maybe it's not for you. (sorry that sounds snarky, it's not intended) I just don't think you can learn to like it. Your last sentence is what I am afraid of. I love the idea of it SO much. Everything about it should fit me. But I hate actually doing it. That's why I am looking for tips. I think one of my other issues is that I can't easily "see" what I have in products. I always kept a very small paper product stash, so I was able to see all of it while I worked. I don't know how to "see" all my digital products unless maybe I print out sheets of their images, maybe?
Thanks for responding.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 17, 2017 16:54:38 GMT
cath4k I use Picasa for organizing my digi stash and photos. I know it's an old program and not updated anymore but it works for me as it is. When I buy a kit I immediately tag all the elements (stripes, dots, paper, sticker, outdoor, blue, etc) and the preview page (this is a must!). I can search on the tag "preview" and all the previews of the collections come up and I can easily scroll through and see what I want to use. My tip is to tag the kits when you get them. I didn't at the beginning of my digi journey and as my stash grew I got overwhelmed. I spent a lot of rainy days tagging everything and it was so much better. I recently started using Evernote for my stamps, dies and ink and I think that program would work well too. PSE has an organizer, but personally I didn't find it user friendly.
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Post by lisacharlotte on Jul 17, 2017 16:55:48 GMT
I like physical because I need to do the tactile cutting and pasting. For me that's the point of doing it. The end result is just gravy. I don't have a ton of albums. But if that was an issue I'd still do physical and scan the finished pages and make a printed book. Then you can toss you albums if you choose, or at least not worry about damage since you'll have a backup.
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Post by anniefb on Jul 17, 2017 17:51:06 GMT
I agree with lisacharlotte - I love the tactile nature of paper scrapping (plus I spend so much time at the computer at work I like at least a bit of a break for my hobbies). I'm going to continue playing with paper and if I run out of room or don't want to put all the layouts in albums, then I plan to scan them and make photo books. For me it's important to enjoy the process because that's how I unwind and destress. |
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 17, 2017 18:01:38 GMT
I like physical because I need to do the tactile cutting and pasting. For me that's the point of doing it. The end result is just gravy. I don't have a ton of albums. But if that was an issue I'd still do physical and scan the finished pages and make a printed book. Then you can toss you albums if you choose, or at least not worry about damage since you'll have a backup.  Digital is just not not as much fun for me. I like playing with papers and tools. I have created a few digital pages and just did not care for it. However, I do want to create a digital album of my mom's life that could be shared, which would help me decide if I hate digital scrapping as much as the OP does. I am seriously thinking of paying the money for a special tripod that will let me photograph my pages. That way they will be digitized, so I can use Costco Photo books, or Blurb, or whatever. It would take up so much less space and be a lot less hassle than scanning and "stitching" the image of my layout in Photoshop. |
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leeny
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Post by leeny on Jul 17, 2017 18:21:27 GMT
I have done a few digital books: a vacation, a surprise birthday party book and some others. I am working on a digital family cookbook so I can make copies easily for family members. I use Panstoria and Forever, the successor to the Creative Memories software. I can use any digital content with it. However, I am solidly a paper scrapper. I need to touch and feel.
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Post by Linda on Jul 17, 2017 19:46:49 GMT
I like physical because I need to do the tactile cutting and pasting. For me that's the point of doing it. The end result is just gravy. I don't have a ton of albums. But if that was an issue I'd still do physical and scan the finished pages and make a printed book. Then you can toss you albums if you choose, or at least not worry about damage since you'll have a backup. I haven't made the jump because the process of cutting and gluing and moving stuff around is what I like about it. I am scanning my albums and eventually hope to transition to printed books instead of the binders -that'll be an expensive process for me though - I have a TON of albums |
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mwilling
Shy Member
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Post by mwilling on Jul 17, 2017 21:12:20 GMT
Sorry, not any help, but I am one who REALLY hates the process of digital. I have made a handful of pages but find the process tedious and so much more difficult picking my elements. I do have tags for kits and such but I still get frustrated. I think the idea of copying your pages & making a digital book is a good option! I could never give up paper totally.
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Post by thracian on Jul 18, 2017 0:05:50 GMT
I like physical because I need to do the tactile cutting and pasting. For me that's the point of doing it. The end result is just gravy. I don't have a ton of albums. But if that was an issue I'd still do physical and scan the finished pages and make a printed book. Then you can toss you albums if you choose, or at least not worry about damage since you'll have a backup. This is exactly what I'd do if I wanted to save space with completed albums. That way you can enjoy the process and save the space. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 18, 2017 1:39:34 GMT
I use Photoshop Elements for my digi pages. I found that I prefer it over paper scrapping. I can digi scrap anywhere - craft room, living room while watching TV, or even outside as long as I have my computer with me. I actually like the process because it's so easy to re-size photos and make things fit. There's no mess. And when you buy paper or a kit the use is unlimited. Traditional scrapbooking was costing me a fortune. Have you tried taking classes on how to use your program. I can recommend the classes at JessicaSprague. It was frustrating for me until I found JS and took a few classes. If you "REALLY hate it" then maybe it's not for you. (sorry that sounds snarky, it's not intended) I just don't think you can learn to like it. Your last sentence is what I am afraid of. I love the idea of it SO much. Everything about it should fit me. But I hate actually doing it. That's why I am looking for tips. I think one of my other issues is that I can't easily "see" what I have in products. I always kept a very small paper product stash, so I was able to see all of it while I worked. I don't know how to "see" all my digital products unless maybe I print out sheets of their images, maybe?
Thanks for responding.
I use Scraproom Software to organize my digital photos and digital scrapping elements and it has editing tools as well. You could very easily do Project Life type layouts with it. Everything is easily imported and can be tagged to be searchable. It's worth checking out, I really like it. @blaynewhite is the developer and owner, she could give you more detailed information on it. Scraproom Software |
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Post by refugeepea on Jul 18, 2017 5:13:50 GMT
I tried to do digital scrapping. I bought PhotoShop Elements. I watched numerous tutorials. It took me just as long to make a page but I didn't have to clean up. I gave up and tried to find a bunch of pre-made digital pages where I insert a photo. Too many of those had a tiny slot and lots of white space.
The one thing I didn't like (remember, tech stupid) was never getting elements (embellishments) to look realistic. It would look okay on screen, but not once it was printed. I also had a difficult time tagging every little digital thing and finding a program that worked. I felt like I wasted so much time. I have contemplated doing it again and doing it PL style and not bothering with all that extra stuff. I would stick to paper, photos, templates, and journal cards. I would not attempt things like shadows, elements, and lots of layering.
I would still do physical pages for other albums, but the family album would be digital pages, PL style.
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Post by JaneB on Jul 18, 2017 6:31:23 GMT
I'm of no help because well, I love digital  However, I haven't done anything past the first week because I hate the tedious process of sitting at my computer and putting it together. I mean, REALLY hate it. If you hate it that much I'm not sure anything will help you. I'm not sure anyone or anything will be able to change your mind that pulling photos onto a page, giving them a bit of a polish and adding a few words is not tedious, but as much of a joy as someone who picks up card, paper and glue. If you and your family love the finished product but you dislike the process of getting there, perhaps consider getting someone else to do the bit you hate? I remember Scrap 4 Hire used to be a thing, not sure if it still is. Maybe you need someone who loves to make digital pages to help you out? |
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Post by elegantsufficiency on Jul 18, 2017 9:45:19 GMT
Like so many others, I need the therapy of scissors, paper and glue and find the process of making is more important than the product. I have worked digitally but don't enjoy it as much and the results just don't feel like my own original work. I think that's what ultimately stops me from embracing it further. So, I do the "odd" page (in both senses of the word!) but generally speaking, I'm a cut and stick kind of person. If it's no fun, I know that I just won't do it. The evidence is in two unfinished (digital) "Learn Something New Every Day" projects vs four or five completed LSNED cut'n'stick books. So sorry, cath4k , I can't offer hope nor suggestions either  |
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 18, 2017 12:49:57 GMT
I do both traditional paper and digital. I love both for their own strengths, but I could never totally give up paper. I have however given up paper for a year or two because of life - small kids, dungeon scrap space, etc. Digi saved me then. I wasn't against digital, but I wasn't all like - oh digital is the best either. The following is based on me, as I know me. Do you know your software program well? If not, I'd take a class. I learned the very limited basics in the Jessica Sprague classes. They were awesome for getting pages completed and the just do this without a lot of in depth knowledge. I took these classes when I just couldn't use my paper in 2008. Then I picked up things here and there through the years. Yesterday I learned how to make washi tape and other shadows more realistic. If I don't know something and am struggling to work it, I'll be less apt to do it, so some classes were essential to me. You said However, I haven't done anything past the first week because I hate the tedious process of sitting at my computer and putting it together. You had to sit at your computer and get your photos for your paper project life app ready to print, correct? Do that. If you go back to paper, you're still going to need that task completed. I really dislike editing photos, and although in my current system, I don't edit the ones I'm doing digitally, I do note the photos on a log and if it's an event I'm doing, I copy the photos to a folder specifically for that event. I even choose which papers and kits could go just like I do with my printed photos that way when I'm ready to scrap, I'm ready. Maybe don't try to do all or nothing. Do paper pages, but every once in a while throw in some digital pages. I keep regular albums (only have a few photo books) so I print my digi pages and put them in with my paper pages. They are way thinner and I can get a lot more digital pages in a regular album than I could paper ones. With my new class knowledge and the photo & kit selection done, I would try to create just a couple of weeks worth of layouts digitally and see how I felt then. If you really hate it, then it's not for you. We're suppose to enjoy this hobby, not dread it. There is always the above suggestion of copying traditional pages into a book which would save space if that's your main goal. Regardless of what you decide, Good Luck. |
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Post by scrappyem on Jul 18, 2017 13:30:47 GMT
I'm a hybrid scrapper (mostly PL) and this year I've been doing more and more digital pages. I get so much more done that way. I was inspired by Youtube Larkin Design www.youtube.com/channel/UCKF0hfwZiFzkUj23PRymsjQ and it has made a huge difference in my process. I still add some physical products & I do have a wide format printer at home. I just started Design your life 2.0 with Cathy Zielske www.czclasses.com and that is making me love digital at the moment. I really surprised. I'm thinking of trying an all digital project for my sister and see how it goes. Good luck! |
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Post by refugeepea on Jul 18, 2017 14:34:04 GMT
I'm a hybrid scrapper (mostly PL) and this year I've been doing more and more digital pages. I get so much more done that way. I was inspired by Youtube Larkin Design www.youtube.com/channel/UCKF0hfwZiFzkUj23PRymsjQ and it has made a huge difference in my process. I love her style! It's mostly digital but she still adds fun embellishments and alphas. |
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Post by cath4k on Jul 18, 2017 15:12:00 GMT
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I have pretty much burnt out on paper scrapping, so I am not doing that at all either. For so many reasons I feel I really need to go digital, at least for now. I do know how to work PSE pretty well and I am still keeping up with setting up my PL folders and choosing and editing my photos so they are ready to go. I am listening to you all. It is helping me think through how I want to do this. Thanks!
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Post by Scrapper100 on Jul 18, 2017 17:28:16 GMT
I did a lot of digital layouts when my son was little and thought about switching over but after a while I missed real paper, ink and scissors. I need to do Ali's hybrid class and start using digital on my regular pages. I like that you can change colors of embellishments or cards for use. I'm finding that lately I'm not always a fan of the colors that things come in.
I wish there was s good digital program out there that let you just drop photos in and add journalling and titles and maybe a bit of embellishing. I to would love photobooks. They just seem easier. CTMH had a great program for years but they just didn't update it. I want something like that and then be able to take the jpgs to have them printed into a book like you would but then I'm back to the I miss my products. Lol. Good luck finding the perfect fit.
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Post by scrappyem on Jul 18, 2017 22:30:07 GMT
I'm a hybrid scrapper (mostly PL) and this year I've been doing more and more digital pages. I get so much more done that way. I was inspired by Youtube Larkin Design www.youtube.com/channel/UCKF0hfwZiFzkUj23PRymsjQ and it has made a huge difference in my process. I love her style! It's mostly digital but she still adds fun embellishments and alphas. Me too! |
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imsirius
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Post by imsirius on Jul 23, 2017 14:23:49 GMT
I exclusively digital now and love it. I do more pages now than I ever did paper scrapping.
I was on tons of Cts and published while I paper scrapped. I gave it up for a few years because it got too much..too much stuff, too much hauling everything, too much drama etc.
When I decided to get back into it, I tried digital and immediately I was hooked. I can scrap anywhere. Cottage, boat, backyard, and all I need is my laptop. It is awesome.
I use photoshop and it's very easy to organize. I keep full kits together and then I open the kit in another window and drag to photoshop. Easy Peasy.
I love being able to use elements and papers over and over. Don't like the colour? Change it. The possibilities are endless with digital.
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Post by cath4k on Jul 25, 2017 2:00:35 GMT
Updated in the original post. |
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Chinagirl828
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Melbourne, Australia
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Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 25, 2017 7:04:47 GMT
I'm glad to see you've found something that is working for you.
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