Getting ahold of Elements.

Ok, and there are three ways to GET the elements from the Internet to your computer once you've paid for them (or found a freebie).  These ways are dependent on how the websites have been set up.  YOU don't have a choice in the matter, you do what that particular website is configured to do.  This is a head's-up to what may happen:
1. Click on the link that pops up a download box.  If your computer blocks pop-ups, you may have to click on a message that says something like "If your download does not start in 10 seconds please click here."  In the file download box, when asked "Do you want to open or save this file?" choose "save."  You are then given the option of choosing where to save the file.  I would recommend having a folder on your desktop just for downloads so you always know where they are.  Select this folder, then hit "ok."  Once the file is done downloading, the saving box that tells you the percentage of the file downloaded will show "Download is complete" and you can click "Close."  Then un-zip the file and have fun!
2.  For small elements, sometimes clicking on the element will make the full-size, large file to load in your window.  Once it's loaded fully, you right-click on the picture to save it to your desktop.  Weird way to do it, but that's the way some sites have some elements set up.
3.  Purchase a CD and get the files sent to you in the mail (remember mail?  The post office?) in one compact, organized, download-free disk.

There are a few ways to find elements.
1.  Look at my list of ALL the digital scrapbooking stores and start looking around!!!
2.  Keep a list when you're browsing layout galleries of names of designers whose products you tend to like.  Then go to my List of Digi-Designers in Alphabetical order (by first name) and look for that person!  Or just browse around that page, click on the links, and see where they take you!  I will continue to update these links any time a designer e-mails me asking to be on the list.  You can also Google a designer's name and sometimes that gets you there.
3. Check out this directory: Digital Scrapbooking Top 50
4. Visit the Gallery at DigiShopTalk.com
5. A lot of designers will have a links sections of their sites, linking to THEIR favorite digital scrapbooking sites. See if you see something new there.
6. Keep an eye out when you are looking at scrapbooking magazines and see which sites are listed in supply lists for pages that are digital.

Once you choose an element or kit you want you buy, you will probably have to create a user account with the site you're shopping at.  (Use a valid e-mail address, because they may need to contact you about your purchase or use e-mail to finalize the transaction.) You will also probably need Paypal.  If you don't have a Paypal account already, you may want to set one up.  Some sites will let you pay straight with a credit card, but some accept only Paypal.

Once you have paid for a kit, there are different ways sites will get them to you: 
1.  Some sites will take you to a download screen immediately after you have hit "submit" in Paypal. 
2.  Other sites require a waiting period as the transaction clears, and they will then send you an e-mail with further directions. 
3. Sometimes you have to sign in to your user account at the site and go into "My Account" or "My Downloads" to find the download keys. 
4.  Of course, if it is a disk you have bought, you will need to wait to get it in the mail.

Comments

[Donna Jeffrey]

Hi Jen, I found your site and find it quite interesting. I do paper scrapbooking. The digital aspect is intriguing. I have a few questions though.
1. I am assuming I will need to purchase a printer that can print 12x12 papers. I have never seen one, do you have brand names of such?
2. Do I need to purchase certain ink?
3. I was able to use a font and wrote a few sentecnes and put scrapbook paper in the printer and it worked, but I suppose the normal ink in my printer may be an issue for the page I cut out the sentences and added it to, correct?