Digital Scrapbooking Help

What is Digital Scrapbooking?
I would define paper scrapbooking as the process of combining photos with complementary cardstock, decorations, a title, and a story to create a page that accomplishes the designer's purpose. That purpose could be anything from documenting an event, to telling a story. Digital scrapbooking is exactly the same thing, except instead of using actual physical products, such as cardstock, the entire page is "built" on the computer, usually using photo editing software, and then printed. I have learned tons since beginning my digital scrapbooking journey--this information is provided to help you on yours.

Software I use
I started with Adobe Photoshop Elements. It took a little effort to learn, but once I understood how the tools worked, I was amazed by the things that could be accomplished with this consumer-level software. I eventually upgraded to Adobe Photoshop CS2 (the professional version of Elements), but if the truth was known, I still use Elements for the majority of my personal scrapbooking. I typically only use CS2 when I'm designing new products. I have heard of people using other programs, but I believe Elements is a great one to start with. For most people, it is more than they will ever need.

Other Products I Recommend
Are you having trouble learning Adobe Photoshop Elements? When I started, I had a terrible time because Elements "thinks" in a completely different way than any other "desktop publishing" software I had used. Let me recommend the resources at Scrapper's Guide, especially their "Volume 1 Digital Scrapbook Basics" training CD. Honestly, I was ready to give up on Elements until I watched this video. At the Scrapper's Guide website you will find other valuable resources, not only for Elements, but for Photoshop CS2 as well.

Another product I highly recommend is "One-Click Wow!" by Jack Davis for Adobe users. This additional book and software includes hundreds of instant, "one-click" effects, patterns, textures, and brushes.

How do I install the brush set that came with my product?
To install the brush set, copy it to the Brushes folder in your version of Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop. In Windows the usual path is: C Drive > Program Files > Adobe > Your version of Photoshop or Elements > Presets > Brushes. On a Mac the usual path is: Applications > Your version of Photoshop or Elements > Presets > Brushes.