Digiscrap: Welcome, Intro, and Disclaimers

I decided to start this blog because so many people ask: I’m interested in digital scrapbooking, WHERE DO I START?

("Digital Scrapbooking" is also called "Computer Generated Scrapbooking.")

I like definitive, solid answers. I don’t want people to HAVE to buy a book, a tutorial CD, or a website membership to jump in. I want some starting info to be out there, FOR FREE, for those who are curious about digital scrapbooking and want to learn how to start. I have a huge compilation of resources, both here and at jenstrange.com -- everything you will need to know about digi-scrapping. I know it's a lot of information, but be patient and take your time to look around and figure it all out!

I will focus on Photoshop in this blog, because it’s what I have and what I use. It’s a very universal program and I think is most widely used. (I have Photoshop 7.0, but I don’t do anything complicated in it, so people with Elements or 3.0 or whatever should be ok.) In Photoshop there are about 3 (or 10) ways to do any one task. Different people have different preferences for steps to take, and most of what I’ve figured out is by playing around and experimenting (asking “what if I did this?” and seeing where that takes me.) I’m not a Photoshop expert by ANY means, but I want to share the joy of digi-scrappin’ and what I’ve learned so far.

Here are some links to "friends of this site," some wonderful sponsors who are totally worth checking out!!!

. . .

Scrappin' Stuff

You need to know:

Everything I write here is my work and theoretically subject to copyright (so be nice.) If you would like to use or quote from any of my entries as content for your site, please contact me at jenstrange AT gmail DOT com. Bear in mind, though, I AM influenced by what I see and read in other places -- after being absurdly immersed in scrapbooking sub-culture (though magazines, idea books, message boards, scrapbooking websites, etc) it's only natural that I have absorbed a lot of knowledge. As it's floating around in my head, I'm sure to copy SOMEONE when I try to put it into words for you to read. I will try very hard to not infringe on anyone else's copyright. Everything here is my personal interpretation of scrapbooking and should not be taken as absolute truth. Ok, you have a nice day now. ~ Graphics for banner downloaded and used with permission from Shabby Princess. Visit her today!

Sources:

Books I have read or used for reference in researching specific subjects while writing this blog:
--> Adobe PhotoShop 7.0 Classroom in a Book , the official training workbook from Adobe Systems, Inc., 2003
--> The Photoshop WOW! Book, Linnea Dayton & Jack Davis, 1993
--> Designer Photoshop, 2nd edition, Rob Day, 1995
--> Adobe Photoshop 5.0 for Photographers, Martin Evening, 1998
(You'll notice a lot of these books are from the 90's. Hey, I'm limited by my college's library! ;o) These books are pretty out of date in some ways, but very helpful in others -- and they're free to use, so that's what I'm goin' with!)

Comments

Hi Jen, nice site, and I look forward to seeing all of it come to fruition.

Posted by: Michelle@Scrapability | August 16, 2005 at 11:16 AM

Thank you Jen for a great site! Looking forward to spending alot of time here and directing newbies here too..Great Job...nanaz

Posted by: zalaine Dille | August 17, 2005 at 11:05 AM

WOW- you did an AMAZING job Jen!!! Great blog! Soooooooooo much info that will help a lot of people!

Posted by: Kate | August 17, 2005 at 05:11 PM

hey jen... GREAT site!!!! Good job.. I will be here often :)

Posted by: jasbeanie | August 17, 2005 at 10:45 PM

what a great idea! thanks so much for putting together the designer list!!

Posted by: katie | August 17, 2005 at 10:59 PM

WOW! Awesome site, Jen! :o)

Posted by: Candy | August 18, 2005 at 07:52 AM

Great site Jen! Thanks so much for starting this!

Posted by: mrs2a50 | August 18, 2005 at 08:40 AM

WOW!!! What a great resource for all scrappers! Absolutely outstanding job!!!

Posted by: Sue | August 18, 2005 at 11:36 AM

What a great resource for digi scrappers and those wanting to get into it! :)

Posted by: Heather | August 18, 2005 at 12:20 PM

CONGRATS on the shout out from SP!!! I know how thrilled that had to have made you! I commented to her about you! ;0)

Posted by: Kelly | August 18, 2005 at 10:15 PM

Thanks for starting this up. A wonderful idea, I can't wait to go through everything!

Posted by: Lindsay | August 18, 2005 at 10:48 PM

congrats again Jen - really looking forward to learning from you through this fantastic resource you've created. thankyou!

Posted by: Anita Stergiou { PeaNutta } | August 19, 2005 at 04:13 AM

Wow ! What a job ! Thanks for that ! :-)

Posted by: Monique | August 19, 2005 at 09:04 AM

Jen,

I may be tempted to pass myself off as 'Jen's sister' some times instead of 'Mike and Chris's Mom'! This rocks. Now let's see if you can teach this old dog some tricks.

Love Ya'
Sheri

Posted by: Sheri | August 19, 2005 at 07:38 PM

Wow Jen!

What an amazing resource you have here! Thank you so much! :) I will definately be visiting often!!

~ Dani

Posted by: Dani Mogstad (dmogs) | August 19, 2005 at 08:24 PM

I'm looking forward to checking out your blog. I use PSP 8.0 but I'm sure I can adapt. Thanks for putting together such a great resource.

Posted by: Kym | August 20, 2005 at 05:57 PM

This looks like it's going to be a valuable resource for digi scrappers at all levels! I look forward to watching this resource grow!

Posted by: Emily | August 22, 2005 at 02:14 AM

What a WONDERFUL site this is! I just started to digi-scrap (only done 2 LO!) and what a great thing you are doing with this website for us newbies! It is so overwhelming when you start something new...then along comes someone like you who so graciously shares her info for the greater good!! thanks Jen!

Posted by: Theresa | August 25, 2005 at 11:30 AM

Great job, Jen. I am so proud to call you my friend. Although I have absolutely no talent in scrapping, digital or otherwise, I'll be visiting your site often, hoping something will "pop" out at me to get me to attempt to do it.

Good luck on your digital scrapping endeavors!

Posted by: Sandi p. | August 29, 2005 at 09:40 PM

Great site! Where do you find the time? Do you sleep? ;)

Jenni

Posted by: jenni | August 29, 2005 at 10:04 PM

Beautiful & well done. I *love* the LO with the Margaret Atwood quote.

Posted by: felicity | August 30, 2005 at 10:12 AM

Hi again. I've been here about 5x today...

Posted by: felicity | August 30, 2005 at 03:16 PM

Thanks for making this look sooooooooooooo easy!!! :) LOL I love your site!!! :)

Posted by: Shabby Miss Jenn | August 31, 2005 at 12:32 PM

Awesome! You're doing an amazing job!! Great resources. Thanks for all your hard work.