For novice crafters, the issue of digital scrapbooking and bound albums creates many questions. Once you've designed a layout on your computer, what happens next?
Innovative Photo Displays
Originally, the intent of digital scrapbooking was to provide a convenient way to make innovative photo displays. For example:
- Make a webpage to share digital layouts with friends and family who live far away.
- Make a slideshow of your layouts set to your favorite music.
- Save your layout images to use as a photo screensaver on your computer.
- Print your layout onto transfer paper and make your own photo t-shirts and tote bags. If you're feeling exceptionally creative, you could even use this technique to design a cozy photo quilt.
- Send your images to a professional printing service and have them transferred onto a magnet, mug, mouse pad, or other photo gift.
Options for Digital scrapbooking and Bound Albums
While digital scrapbooking does offer many creative ways to display your photos, it's also nice to have a traditional album to use as a family keepsake. Fortunately, digital scrapbookers have a variety of choices in this area as well.
Do It Yourself
The easiest way to make an album from your digital scrapbook projects is to simply print the pages from your home computer and slip them into a standard scrapbook. Of course, since most crafters don't have access to a 12x12 printer, this technique works best with 8x8 or 6x6 mini books. You'll also need to make sure you're using high quality paper and ink to prevent fading and deterioration.
If you're making a book as a gift for a child, having the pages laminated and spiral bound at your local copy shop is another great option for digital scrapbooking and bound albums. When you're finished, you'll have a unique keepsake that is durable enough to withstand regular handling by rowdy toddlers.
Professional Printing
If you're concerned about archival safety, or simply want to create multiple copies of your scrapbook for friends and family, having your digital layouts transformed into a beautiful hardcover book is easier than ever before. For example:
- Snapfish, a popular provider of online photo developing services, has entered the world of digital scrapbooking by offering custom printed albums. Both hardcover and paperback books are available in three different sizes and several different color options
- Shutterfly makes it easy to print your own digital scrapbook with a custom full-bleed cover. Albums are available in 12x12, 8x8, 8 ½ x 11, and 5x7 sizes. If you don't want to create your layouts from scratch, you can even choose to base your book on one of the site's many themed templates.
- Winkflash is a printing service that offers affordable album options for both beginning and experienced digital scrapbookers.
- My Memories lets crafters order hardcover laminated, linen, or suede albums in a variety of sizes. Books need to be at least 20 pages, but you can add additional layouts if you wish.
- Smile Books is a site that offers a number of different printing services for digital scrapbookers, including templates and customized books. This site is also unique in that you can have them scan digital images of your traditional scrapbook layouts to create an updated version of your album.
Additional Information
If you're interested in learning more about digital scrapbooking and bound albums, check out the following articles:
