Transitioning from Paper to Digital Scrapbooks

[bviannie]

I've started several scrapbooks over the years, but would like to switch over to digital scrapbooking (& clear out those endless boxes of supplies!). I'd like to keep the pages that I did complete & just add to the album using digital pages. Could I replace my old pages by scanning/printing them? How would I do that with 12x12 pages as my scanner will not scan that size? Help!

[fotogirl19]

I've started several scrapbooks over the years, but would like to switch over to digital scrapbooking (& clear out those endless boxes of supplies!). I'd like to keep the pages that I did complete & just add to the album using digital pages. Could I replace my old pages by scanning/printing them? How would I do that with 12x12 pages as my scanner will not scan that size? Help!

Most of us reduce the image size to 8x8 which prints nicely on a letter size sheet. Or if you want 12x12, you may want to go to your local copy center to get a nice inkjet print.

[ScrapperFL]

Hi Bviannie,

I do what fotogirl said... I print my LO's in an 8x8 format. Also, because I am a stickler on waste.. lol.. I use the left over space on my photo paper to print out bookmarks, small embellishments, and etc that I have made. Once my 8x8 LO is printed... I then go to my never ending supply of papers and match a bg paper to my LO. Often I will start there and then make my digital papers to coordinate. I matte my 8x8 with coordinating papers... place it on my 12x12 bg paper... and then add a few more embellishments... ribbons.. charms.. tags... journal envelopes.. yarns, clips, etc.. whatever I have that will add a bit of dimension to my pages. (besides, the grandkids love touching all the little embellies!) One thing I have found ... doing my LO digitally has really cut down on the bulk in my books. When friends and family have looked at the books with my digital LO's, they can barely tell where the digital scrapping ends and the paper scrapping begins.

Happy Scrapping!
Linda.. :)

[fotogirl19]

ScrapperFL-
I think that's a great idea! You still have 3 inches at the bottom of the page, plus a great way to use your 12x12 papers. I also set up a lot of my pages letter size and have a regular notebook for these. For example:
http://www.scrappersguide.com/forums/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332&cat=500&ppuser=217
Thanks for the ideas!

[troush]

To scan a 12 x 12 - just place one half (or 2/3rds in this case) on the scanner and scan, then slide it over (or you may have to flip it) and scan the other 2/3rds. Then in elements you can bring in the two halves (flip if necessary), and then use the panorama tool to stitch them together. Make sure you scan at at least 300 dpi if you are going to re-print.

-Trish

[ScrapperFL]

ScrapperFL-
I think that's a great idea! You still have 3 inches at the bottom of the page, plus a great way to use your 12x12 papers. I also set up a lot of my pages letter size and have a regular notebook for these. For example:
http://www.scrappersguide.com/forums/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332&cat=500&ppuser=217
Thanks for the ideas!What a wonderful LO and I love your journaling! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and Jimmie. God bless! *hugs* Linda.. :)

[fotogirl19]

Thank you Linda! I'll be sending the layouts and comments to Jimmie. I think she will really appreciate the support.

[poogie369]

Hi Bviannie,

I do what fotogirl said... I print my LO's in an 8x8 format. Also, because I am a stickler on waste.. lol.. I use the left over space on my photo paper to print out bookmarks, small embellishments, and etc that I have made. Once my 8x8 LO is printed... I then go to my never ending supply of papers and match a bg paper to my LO. Often I will start there and then make my digital papers to coordinate. I matte my 8x8 with coordinating papers... place it on my 12x12 bg paper... and then add a few more embellishments... ribbons.. charms.. tags... journal envelopes.. yarns, clips, etc.. whatever I have that will add a bit of dimension to my pages. (besides, the grandkids love touching all the little embellies!) One thing I have found ... doing my LO digitally has really cut down on the bulk in my books. When friends and family have looked at the books with my digital LO's, they can barely tell where the digital scrapping ends and the paper scrapping begins.

Happy Scrapping!
Linda.. :)

That is such a great idea! My whole family paper scraps but I like digital so much better. Your way enables me to do both satisfying their and my needs when we have scrapbooking day! I won't feel so frustrated! Thanks!!!

[bviannie]

Thanks for the great ideas - everyone's comments are much appreciated!!:D

[slwood3]

If there is a store called Ridgway's near you, they can do large format (12x12) scanning for a reasonable price.

[anitab]

I'm so glad I can come to this forum to gain information before I get too far into the digital scrapbooking process!! Thank you, everyone, for your contributions to this topic!

[createalegacy]

I was always a wannabe traditional scrapper, but did not have the creative talent to really get going :o. But ever since my involvement in a company called Heritage Makers, I've had a great time digital scrapping.

Here is a tip I've learned along the way...As someone mentioned earlier, you can scan & stitch your already scrapped 12x12 pages yourself OR you can find a scrapbook store in your area that has an EPSON Scrapbook Central 12x12 scanner. These are great and depending on your location, you might be able to find it at .50 a page. I've had many clients use them and they love the fact they walk out with a lightweight CD :) . Then, you can just take that CD and upload your 12x12 digital images into a 12x12 hardbound book. They're thinner, lightweight and most importantly save time...so, if someone like Grandma sees a book you've already made, it's no problem to order that 2nd copy or even one for each of your children.

Good luck,
Renae