[B] Inspired Photography by Julie Boysen

I frequently get questions about digital scrapbooking: how to get started, where to get freebies and kits, and how to make layouts in Photoshop. Since these questions can take weeks to answer, I have compiled a list of resources to make it a bit easier!

GETTING STARTED

Keep it simple!
There are several ways to get started with digital scrapbooking. To start, pick one event or theme to make a book. (ideas: Faithbook, Affirmation, Welcome Baby, Vacation!, Christmas, ABC's, etc.) Don't worry about trying to backtrack and scrapbook the last 47 years worth of pictures, in fact, you may not even want to worry about trying to even do 1 year. Just get started to see what you like and what works for you. I listed several web-based companies in this post to get started, as well as information on getting software to create your own pages.

Learn the language
When I first started I felt like I was lost with all the terminology. I knew what I wanted to do, but I had no idea how to get there, or even how to ask a question! This post from The Daily Digi is fantastic for learning the language. Design House Digital has weighed in with their glossary too. Each post has listed some different terms, so skim through both lists to get a good feel for Digi-scrapping.

FINDING FREEBIES

To utilize most digital scrapbooking kits you have to create your pages using Photoshop, Gimp, or Paint.net, however, Mixbooks has an option to upload your papers, stickers, elements, etc into their program to create your pages. Currently they are the only company I know of that allows you to do that.

Google is an excellent source for finding Digital scrapbook resources. Of course as with anything, be cautious about what you download from the internet.

Here are some others I have found.

Shabby Princess - this is where I started. SP has some wonderful kits for free, as well as beautiful items in her store, great tutorials, and fantastic info on her blog. She is doing the "Project Scrap" challenge, complete with 2 free templates every month, and encouragement to keep going.
Simply Yin - I use almost exclusively templates from Yin. I love getting a lot of pictures on a page, and also adore the fact that Yin designs in 2 page layouts so that my pages flow well throughout my book.
Suddenly Artistic - mostly wordart and inspiration
Simply Tiffany - tutorials, templates
Craft Cave Free Digi Search Engine
oScraps
Simple Inspirations - Allison Kimball
Weeds & Wildflowers
Design House Digital
Everyday Mom Ideas
Shabby Miss Jenn
mscraps
StudioGirls
Digital Scrap Cafe
blogtrainblog.blogspot.com
The Daily Digi
Hand Picked Freebies
Fonts for Peas - Free Scrapbooking fonts
Sugar Frog Fonts - more free fonts
Additional Resource links

These sites do not always have giveaways, but frequently they do, or they are a site to buy kits that you need. Each blog is PACKED with information, so click around to the store, other links within their blogs, to the galleries, etc. to find inspiration, designers you like, tutorials, and of course, FREEBIES!

DISCOVER YOUR STYLE

When I first started digital scrapbooking I saw a lot of "cluster" scrapbooking styles. Although I thought the pages were pretty, I was frustrated that I just couldn't make it work. My style is very driven by the photo, not the design around it, and it took me a while to realize that I really liked a simple clean-line design that focused on the pictures, not the elements. As soon as I figured that out, I started looking for stores and designers that shared my style, and recently I have been much more happy with the end result of my pages.

TUTORIALS

GET INSPIRED!

Check out the Gallery section on each store's page for ideas for your next layouts. These have been tremendously inspirational to me in the past. For a little sneak peak, check out Gallery Standouts.

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Last November I went to a Creative Memories party with my cousin, expecting to learn about Creative Memories new digital products, but instead I learned about Faithbooking, and I was inspired and compelled to share what I learned. Rhonda Anderson, Co-founder of Creative Memories shared some of her personal experience, then passed around some of her own books. I have never felt more encouraged in my journey to scrapbook than I did at that moment.

What is Faithbooking?

Faithbooking is an opportunity to create a testimony in words and pictures of your own personal faith journey.

Amazing things happen when you take the time to record what God has done in your life. Think about the large and small miracles you have witnessed, the hard times and hard decisions you've faced, the people who have helped you along the way. You may not think your story is all that important. But personal stories, told simply and shared honestly from the heart, have the power to change lives.

If you doubt the power of storytelling, open your Bible. In Joshua 4, God tells the children of Israel to set up stones as a signpost for future generations of how He dried up the river to give them safe passage. In Exodus 16:32, He instructs them to put manna in a quart jar and carry it with them as a reminder of His faithfulness in providing for their needs.

We are commanded by the Lord to remember the significant events of our lives, and yet we forget the details so easily. That's why we need to write them down. As an old proverb reminds us, the palest ink is better than the best memory.

Journaling is often a challenging part of scrapbooking. Rhonda created a book called 10 Questions to help you get started on your book. Here are her questions for Faithbooking for your children and creating a book of affirmations. (You can find out more about Rhonda and Faithbooking here.)

This may feel overwhelming as you look down the page, but I encourage you to just get started! Plan to take 10-15 minutes and journal your answers to 1 page per day. You will be amazed at how easy it is to do and how quickly you complete all your journaling for the book. An amazing side effect is how it helps reshape your day as a mommy when you are taking a few minutes to focus on the wonderful attributes of your child. In no time at all you will be able to put your book together and your child will cherish it for the rest of their life.

Questions to help create a God Made You Special Faithbook for your children

Page 1 – “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14

Write a statement about how special your child is to you and to the Lord. This scripture verse can serve as a guideline.

Example: I praise and thank the Lord for you, Ravi. You are a masterpiece that God brought into this world. Your life is a miracle and each day when I look at you, I marvel at how unique and special you are. Our lives are blessed because the Lord gave us the gift of YOU!

Optional: Write a few details about the child’s birth and how the Lord protected his/her arrival into the world.

Page 2 – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6

Write about the talents and giftings you see growing in your child. Are they showing leadership, perhaps they are musical or artistic, organized, good at serving and helping, etc.

Example: Sylas, you are such a good helper. Grandpa and I are so impressed with your willingness to serve others and do hard jobs. One day, you helped us pull weeds, pick carrots and beets - then you cleaned all the mud from the vegetables. Next you swept the patio and asked for more jobs. You also do so well helping your mother with your baby brother Ravi. She really appreciates that you listen and obey. We are so proud of you!

Optional: There will be many stories of how the Lord’s gifts and talents are growing in your children. Make as many comments as possible in this category. Our son Joel makes friends easily; our daughter Julia is neat and organized. Janetta has a gift for listening and giving wise advice; Jacob is disciplined and has the heart of a servant.

Page 3 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Write the details of how your child accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. If the child is too young to have made that decision yet, write about the child’s prayers and comments he/she has made about Jesus.

Example: Julia receives Christ at age six! While reading at the kitchen counter on April 10th, 1993, our book was about three children praying to receive Jesus into their heart. You turned to us and said, “I want to pray right now to ask Jesus into my heart – can I do that.” We were so excited that I cried tears of joy. You then prayed and asked Jesus to come into your heart and be with you forever. The angels in heaven rejoiced that night as your name was written in the Lambs book of life. Dad and I are filled with joy to know that we will share our life on earth with you AND we will spend eternity together. Praise the Lord!

Example: Even though you are only two years old Laila, you are already demonstrating your love for the Lord. Several times a day you say, “God made me special.” You will also frequently say, “Jesus is with me.”

Optional: Write YOUR own testimony to include for your child. It is important for them to see the circumstances of your salvation. Psalm 145:4 says, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts.”

Page 4 – “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in your ways;” Psalm 91:11

Write a story about how the Lord has protected your child through an illness, accident or other challenging events.

Example: The Lord is so faithful to protect you, Sylas. I remember the day you fell into our swimming pool and the Lord alerted Grandma Rhonda so she could find you within seconds of you falling. We thank the Lord for rescuing you from drowning that day. The Lord has a special plan for your life and we thank Him for keeping you safe.

Optional: Write about the time the Lord protected you and your family. This will increase the faith of your child and encourage you as well.

Page 5 – “And so we celebrated because the Lord had indeed worked miracles for us.” Psalm 126:3

Write a story about an accomplishment of your child’s that you have celebrated. Depending on their age this could be finishing a grade of school (including pre-school), learning a special game or activity, excelling at a sport, music recital, learning verses at Awana, etc.

Example: We are so proud of you Laila. You have memorized two scripture verses! You are a girl after God’s own heart and He loves you so much and we do to! And you can sing Jesus Loves Me by heart! That is sooooooo good!

Optional: The celebration could include anytime your family has had a victory. Perhaps you received a windfall blessing or an extraordinary answer to prayer.

Page 6 – “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2

Write about your child’s experience with music. Do they love to sing? Do they play an instrument yet? What are some of their favorite praise songs? We can both affirm our children through words of a song AND teach them the importance of giving praise to the Lord throughout their life.

Example: Sylas - When I was praying for your mother before your birth, I felt the Lord saying to me that you would be a mighty man of praise and worship. Shortly after your birth I heard of a new singing group called, Something like Silas. Wow, praising the Lord will be an important part of your life.

Optional: Write the words of a favorite song that express how you feel about your child. Bill Gaither’s song, I am a Promise has very meaningful words to share with your kids.

Page 7 - “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”

I Peter 3:21

Write about your child’s dedication. If the child is older and has made the decision to be baptized, write the details of the experience and your thoughts towards the child.

Example: What a joyous day it was Joel, when you told us that you wanted to be baptized so everyone would know that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. You were so excited as you waited for the evening church service. At eight years old, you were one of the younger ones being baptized. When the microphone was in your hand, you proudly declared you loved Jesus. Your first response when emerging from the tank was, “Mom - that water wanted me to swim in it.” Indeed, the water was warm and inviting for a young man who loved to swim. I’m sure the Lord got a chuckle from that comment.

Optional: Write the details of your baptism (both parents).

Page 8 –“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Write – Grandparents, siblings, relatives, teachers, friends will have encouraging words to say about your child. Words of affirmation from a variety of others, is another way to show your child how much the Lord loves them.

Example: Jacob – we are so proud of you. We received an amazing letter from one of the nurses who is assisting you during your hospital stay. This is what she said about you. “As Jacob’s parents, I want you to know what a special son you have. Even though he is stuck in traction and experiencing great discomfort, he has the best attitude. All of us nurses compete for the right to be on call for his room. He shares his faith in such a gentle and effective way. You must be so proud to have a 12-year old son like Jacob."

Optional: You may include cards, letters, reports or anything that has affirming words to your child.

Page 9 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Write about the fruits of the spirit and character qualities maturing in your child. Are they responsible, friendly, honest, loyal, etc.

Example: Joel, we see the fruit of faithfulness growing in your life. Every day you have attended 6:00am swim practice with consistency and a great attitude. You have been so faithful to receive instruction and advice with graciousness. You are giving honor to the Lord with your demonstration of faithfulness.

Page 10 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Write about a favorite scripture verse that your child has memorized or that speaks about your child. Do you have a verse that is special to you regarding this child? Write the verse and why it is meaningful.

Example: Proverbs 25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. While reading my Bible on September 3, 1985 I read that verse. Instantly the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Your baby arriving from India is good news from a distant land.” We had been patiently waiting for seven weeks for news of your arrival, Janetta. Later that day, we received a phone call from the adoption agency saying that you would arrive tomorrow! Yes, indeed – we received good news from a distant land!

Tips to keep in mind:

1) Do not feel obligated to use every question – select the ones that are most meaningful to you

2) Find pictures (perhaps only one) that go with the questions. Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact picture for the occasion…

3) Do not worry about writing complete sentences or paragraphs. Bullet journaling a few statements is very acceptable.

4) Also do not worry about spelling or grammar. To feel intimidation about your writing skill is succumbing to a lie from Satan who does not want you or your child to succeed.

5) You may hand write or type this book. Remember, your hand writing is an important part of history, so do not be shy about the “look” of your handwriting.

6) Creativity is not the goal so don’t be concerned about the appearance of your finished work. The most important component is your heartfelt words! Kids only want to know, “What did you say about me?” Stickers and paper are not what they value.

7) www.faithbooking.com is a website with a free concordance and TEN more questions to help you create an Adult Faithbook. Our FAITH will be increased when we look back and see the Lord’s faithfulness. Our stories will help our kids trust Him in the future.

8) If you are already an album maker you can weave some of these questions into your “regular “ photo albums.

9) Free Software at www.creativememories.com – the select digital center

10) Please feel free to email me at: randerson@creativememories.com with any questions. – Group workshops are an option.

11) Try Planned Neglect to get this book done (skip doing dishes, beds, makeup, Facebook, emails, laundry, cooking, etc) Focus most of your daily time on the book (or carve out an hour a few times a week and you’ll be amazed at how much you can complete)!

Scripture verses that demonstrate the importance of sharing faith stories with the next generation:

Ps 145:4 NIV “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts.”

Deuteronomy 4:9 CEV “You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well.”

Psalm 22:30-31 LB “Future generations will also serve Him. Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn. They will hear about everything He has done.”

I Chronicles 16:23-24 LB “Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deed among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He has does.”

Psalm 78:4 NIV “..we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”

Isaiah 38:19b LB “Each generation can make known your faithfulness to the next.”

Joel 1:3 NIV “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”

Psalm 102:18 NLV “Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a nation yet to be created will praise the Lord.”

Psalm 107:43 NLV “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.”

Exodus 16:32 NIV - Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.' " (A book is easier to carry around than a jar of manna). J

Joshua 4:4-7 ⁴ So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, ⁵ and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, ⁶ to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' ⁷ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." (They had stones to remind them of the Lord’s faithfulness – we can use the book we create).

Happy Scraping!

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If you have been following my blog for a while you know that I am on a mission to live what I love. To no longer be driven by fear, and to be intentional about creating the spaces around me, and to go for it when it comes to my dreams. Two-thousand-Eleven is about positive change for me. I'm not gonna lie- 2010 was rough. I am ready for a fresh start and a happy year.

So, to start it out well, I've just completed my first "I'm-gonna-get-around-to-that-someday" project.

For a long time I have loved the beautiful silhouettes that Holly Mathis has of her kiddos on her interior design site. There is something so special about the way a silhouette brings out special elements and features of a little body that are sometimes missed in pictures. It shows the little double chin; the rooster tail; the curve of the cute little nose. However, even though I would say I am a creative person, I am NO artist.

Fortunately for me there is a little thing called Photoshop.

LOVE. PHOTOSHOP.

To try it out for yourself, start by taking some pictures of your child in front of a light background. I took T's pictures in front of our window, but a solid colored wall should work too. Make sure the flash is OFF for your pictures.

Here is the original picture I started off with.

As you can see, it isn't a completely solid background, so I am going to change it to black and white.

To change your photo to black and white go to Image>Adjustments>Hue/Saturation or Ctrl+U .

When the dialog bar comes up, slide the Saturation bar all the way to the left.

Next, add some contrast to the picture to make it easier to select your shape. To do that go to Image>Adjustments>Curves or Ctrl+M . (note: Ctrl + L in Photoshop Elements. You cannot get to curves from the Image menu. You will have a slider bar rather than a graph like below.)

Photoshop Elements example. To change to black and white click on the icon (top arrow) and select Hue/Saturation from the drop down menu. Then, to add contrast, in the levels dialog box use the little arrows and move them toward the center in each direction.

When your final product has a clear definition around it, you are ready to start selecting the image. I chose to select the background first.

Use the wand tool (w) to click on an area. Then to add more to your selection, hold the shift key down while you click the areas to select. If you accidentally select more than you planned, hold down the Alt key and click to unselect. You may also need to use the lasso (l) tool to complete the selection, but your end result should look something like the above picture.

Next go to Select>Inverse so that just your subject is selected instead of the background.

Next, click on the bucket tool, create a new layer (make a new layer by going to Layer>New>Layer) then fill the selected area with black "paint" by clicking in the selected area.

To change the color of "paint" click on the small box (the lower arrow is pointing to) and select the color you want. I wanted black of course.

After you make your new layer and fill it with black paint, your picture will looking something like this.

Now, we are going to take that black layer and put it on a fresh canvas.

Create a new file by going to File>New. Next select the size you want. For this project I made my canvas as an 8x10 with a print resolution of 300 (very important if you want it to print well).

You should have a new blank canvas that comes up. Next select the black silhouette layer (layer is blue on my screen when selected) and drag and drop the layer on the new canvas.

To make sure your picture is clean in the selection, add a layer of white below your silhouette, zoom in and use the eraser tool to clean up any edges.

Next, save all your hard work. Make sure to save a copy in photoshop (.psd) as well as in JPG format (.jpg) in case you need to make any edits in to the file.