Most scrapbookers will agree that there's no such thing as too many supplies. And it might be fun to have 10 different types of scissors, a drawer full of rubber stamps, and enough paper to run a small printing press. But can you still create beautiful scrapbooks without a mountain of supplies? Absolutely.
And the same goes for technology: You can accomplish a lot with a few key tools. It's true, there will always be new and exciting supplies to try and buy, but you may want to start off with the basics and then slowly build your collection.
Use this guide to decide what technology tools you'd like to include in your scrapbooking station. You could choose a PC, a digital camera, and a photo printer. Or maybe you'd prefer to add the capabilities of an all-in-one – a machine that prints, copies, scans, and faxes – to the package. In order to create the scrapbooking projects on this site, the most important thing to have (in addition to your PC) is a good printer. But many of our suggestions involve using a digital camera and a scanner too.
PC potential
Think of your computer as the command center of your technology setup. From there you can:
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Add journals and titles to your pages.
As an alternative to writing your journal entries by hand, you can type them on a PC. Plus, you can use an endless variety of fonts for captivating titles and photo captions. Just add a few pictures and your page is nearly done!
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Organize all of your scrapbooking files.
PC is the perfect organization tool. Whether it's journal entries or the pictures you just took at a family reunion, keeping it all in order is a snap with your computer. You can create separate folders for each project, or organize files by subject or type – whatever works for you.
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Edit your images.
Many PCs and digital cameras come with image-editing software, and with a little practice, you can resize photos, fix flaws such as red-eye, change colors, and so much more.
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Access the Internet.
If you haven't already discovered what's available online for scrapbookers, you're in for a treat. Supplies galore, endless ideas, and freebies like fonts and clip art are waiting!
Printer prowess
By putting your printer to work, you open up a whole new world of possibilities for your projects. Not only can you use it to make your own layouts, stickers, backgrounds, borders, lettering, and hang tags, you can also turn it into a do-it-yourself photo lab. And with many of HP's Photosmart printers, there's no PC required! Just put your digital camera's memory card directly into the printer and you're ready to go.
But don't take our word for it. Check out all the print-and-go projects on HP scrapbooking.
Just scan it
Scanning can solve a lot of scrapbooking challenges like "how can I safely use this newspaper article in my scrapbook?" and "what's the best way to capture 3D objects like jewelry or seashells in my scrapbooks?" With this handy tool, you don't have to worry about using your original photos, clippings, or artwork in your scrapbooks because you can scan just about anything onto archival paper and add it to the layout. Keep in mind that many works of art are copyrighted, which means they could be subject to restrictions.
You can also make your own borders and backgrounds using scanned images. Experiment by scanning everyday objects such as your pet's ID tag, a handful of jelly beans, or a baby's favorite toy. A scanner also comes in handy if you're interested in e-mailing your scrapbooks to friends and family or making multiple copies of an album.
Digital photo opportunity
The secret is out. More and more scrapbookers are switching to digital photography, and for plenty of good reasons. With digital, you can snap as many pictures as you want without running out of film, delete what you don't want, print what you like, and make changes to your photos using image-editing software. It's so versatile!
All-in-what?
If you're not familiar with all-in-one printers, you're in for a pleasant surprise. These multi-function machines are especially helpful for people with limited space, or anyone who'd rather use a single product for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Some models have memory card slots that allow you to print photos directly from your digital camera's memory card – without a PC. Plus, they come in a variety of price ranges.
The next step
If you're not quite ready to become the proud owner of all the technological options mentioned above, you can explore other possibilities. Perhaps you and a friend can share the cost of a digital camera and photo printer, or you can take advantage of the technology tools offered for communal use at a scrapbooking/craft store nearby. Call around – you never know what you might find. Once you see what you can do with printers, scanners, and the like, you may not be able to resist getting your own.
Printable version