When I started digital scrapping a year ago, it was an act of desperation.  I didn’t have any other alternative except to give up on completing an album and buy a gift card to give to my Mother-In-Law.  I hate gift cards.

Lucky for me, I already had a fantastic set of tools at my disposal.  So, what do you do if you don’t have the necessary tools?  Follow these steps to get started and you’ll be creating layouts in no time!

1. Hardware
   First, you really need your own computer.  I’ve heard too many sob stories about deleted folders, unsaved layouts and other accidents to suggest to a digital scrapper that using the family computer is a great way to start.  If it’s your only option, then make sure you discuss with other members of your family what is and is not allowed regarding shutting down the computer, regular maintenance procedures and deletion of files.  If you must share a computer, at least consider the purchase of an External Hard Drive.
2. Graphics Program
   Next, you’ll need a program that allows you to create your layout.  The industry standard is any Photoshop product by Adobe - professional-level Photoshop or consumer-level Photoshop Elements.  The current versions of these programs are Photoshop Creative Suite 3 and Photoshop Elements 6.0. 

   There are other programs out there, so don’t feel as though you’re obligated to buy from Adobe.  Paint Shop Pro has a large following among scrapbookers, as does ScrapbookMax.  There are even free programs available but most require a higher level of computer proficiency, so beware.

3. Internet
   Okay, admittedly, this seems like such a dorky thing to tell you because you’re obviously reading a blog, so you’re online.  But, you could be online at the library or an internet cafe or getting free wireless access that isn’t secure.  The nature of digital scrapping is such that you really join a community when you begin this hobby.  Sure, you could just buy the supplies and do it yourself but one day you’ll want to do something (maybe you saw it in Memory Makers magazine) and you won’t be able to figure out how to do it without help.  You’ll need to join a community with a forum to ask your question and that’ll lead to all kinds of naughty behavior that really can’t wait for your next trip to your internet source. Also, most digital kits are online purchases and you really need a secure connection when paying for things online.

4. Photos
   If you plan to scrapbook in the traditional format that uses photographs, then you’re going to need some photos.  If you just hatched yesterday, that’s probably not a problem because you probably have everything in a digital format. ;)  Most of us, though, may need to convert some of our film to digital format. 

   This is the point where you decide whether buying a scanner and doing it yourself is the best way to go or whether to send the job out to have a professional do it.  Really, the answer to this is, “It depends.”  It depends on how many photos you’re talking about.  If you have only a few photos or negatives you need to scan but would like to use the scanner to add flat memorabilia to your scrapbooks (ticket stubs, maps, brochures, etc.) then this is probably a good, cost-effective way to go. 

   Not that buying a scanner is an either/or idea.  You can buy the scanner and still outsource your image scanning.  Local photo processors can probably do the job for you quickly if you need it right away, but chances are they’ve been sitting around for years so speed isn’t really a big factor.  In that case, there are online resources like ScanCafe that can do the job affordably and well.

5. Supplies
   Scrapbookers are, by nature, collectors.  It starts with the intention of collecting memories and results in the collection of “stuff.”  Stuff like paper, stickers, stamps, pens, punches, pencils, adhesives, buttons, fibers, charms, and so on.  Don’t expect that to change just because you’re going digital.  If you’ve scrapped traditionally, you’re probably already obsessed with the “stuff” and will not be the least bit surprised  when your hard drive begins to overflow.  If you’re new to the sport, you may be in for a bit of a shock.  Everything in paper-crafting has a digital counterpart.  There are papers, elements of all kinds, alphas, actions, filters, and styles.  You can scrap in any style you want - from country to classic or grungy to formal.  For a taste of the best in digital scrapping, visit Shabby Princess for her free downloads.  There aren’t many digi-scrappers who didn’t get their start with her. And check out IkeaGoddess and Amy W. for (almost)daily lists of freebies.

So, there you have it.  How to start scrapping digitally.  I’m not going to tell you how to actually put a page together because that’s wholly dependent on the software you choose - and personal taste.  Honestly, it’s just like paper scrapping - only less messy and more fun (if you really like computers).  You can even take your laptop to a crop and keep on fraternizing with your regular cropping friends.  It’s really fun to pull out nothing but a skinny laptop bag and get started right away without setting up all the old-style tools - and so much easier on your back!  And, cleanup is a breeze!

Tschüss!