When you stitch a 12" x 12" layout, you might lose some details at the top and bottom of the page. That is because most scanners will only scan an image up to 11.7". If you have a page that has lots of edge details, scan the page in quadrants. Using the center and the corners of the page as reference points, scan the page in four sections and let the software stitch the image. If you need to fine-tune the image, use the corners and center point again as your references.
Scanning tips for 3-D pages
Lumpy, dimensional pages are another challenge. The most effective way to scan these pages is to leave the lid of the scanner open. (With some scanners, you can remove the lid altogether.) Place a dark cloth over the scanner bed to block outside light, and then scan as usual. You also can place a large box over the entire scanner. If one side of your page is lumpy and the other is flat, use a small eraser or a deck of cards to position the flat section slightly above the scanner bed. If you accidentally position the flat portion of the layout closer to the scanner glass than the lumpy portion, the colors can vary. This makes it more difficult to stitch the page.
While tags, ribbon, and fibers are commonly used in scrapping, scanning them can be a problem. When you shift the layout on the scanner bed, the fibers can shift on the page, causing them to appear in a different position or as a duplicate image. When you stitch that image, those fibers will appear fuzzy or shift the entire image so that the fibers are the only portions of the image that are lining up. To avoid this problem, first place a 12" x 12" page protector on the scanner bed. Place the page on the clear protector and scan the first part of the image. When you are ready to scan the next portion, simply shift the page protector. All of your moveable elements will stay put against the sheet protector as you continue to scan.
Practice makes perfect
Like any new computer technique, scanning and stitching images might take a little practice. Just remember to use the tools built into the program, and let your scanner help you. Your scanner’s preview function will allow you to see the placement of the page (and any loose items) on the scanner bed. After previewing, you can rearrange the page or elements for a better final scan. Many stitching programs also allow you to zoom in for a detailed view of the image. Remember, if your final image is not up to par, simply rescan it.
The process of stitching a series of images into one complete picture opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the creative scrapbooker. How about that gorgeous poster-sized painting your preschooler created for Mother’s Day? Scan it, stitch it, and size it down to create a background page for a layout about your special relationship. Or what about grandma’s feed sack quilt? Consider scanning the pattern in sections, piecing it together, and printing it as a matte for a photo of grandma on her 80th birthday. No longer are you limited by the size of your scanner bed. With a few simple clicks of a mouse, you can take a 24" x 24" collage and reduce it to 8" x 8" for a mini album, or save it on a disk. Scan your memorabilia and use the images in a multitude of ways – from Web page backgrounds to holiday cards. Think big and boost your creativity!
Printable version