Digital scrapbooking is more and more popular as crafters find themselves looking for a frugal way to preserve their family's precious memories. While cardstock, patterned paper, stickers and other traditional scrapbook supplies can only be used once, their digital counterparts can be used to create an endless number of layouts. Many people start learning about digital scrapbooking by downloading free kits and page elements from their favorite websites. If you have something in mind for a specific project, however, you may want to learn how to make your own digital scrapbooking kits using image-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop Elements.
Step 1
Open a new document that is a 2x2 inch square. Use the drawing tools in your program to create a simple design. Stripes, circles, squares, hearts and flowers are popular choices for scrapbooking paper, but feel free to experiment.
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Step 2
Save your file. If you're using Adobe Photoshop Elements, it should be a .PSD image.
Step 3
Go to "Edit," then click on "Define Pattern." This will add your custom design to the program options.
Step 4
Open a 12x12 inch document. Go to "Edit," then click on "Fill." Select your custom pattern from the list to create your own unique patterned paper to use as the basis of your digital scrapbooking kit.
Step 5
Make coordinating papers for your kit by repeating Steps 1 through 4, but change the color of each design. A monochromatic scheme, using various shades of the same color, gives your project a subtle and sophisticated appearance. You can try using color schemes found in your favorite fabrics or interior design books if you want a more adventurous look for your project.
Step 6
Experiment with filters to add extra interest to your digital patterned papers. For example, you can create textured paper or paper with a smudged watercolor effect.
Step 7
Create photo mats for your digital scrapbook kit by using the Layer Styles palette options to make squares with beveled edges and drop shadows. The eyedropper tool can be used to help you pick a coordinating color for these accents.
Warning
While most free graphics you find online are fine for use in personal digital scrapbooking kits, you generally can't make a kit with free graphics and try to resell it on your personal website. Always pay careful attention to copyright law and a designer's terms of use when downloading graphics for your digital scrapbooking projects.
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