Articles : Tutorials - Hybrid

Ease on Over to the Dark Side (Summer Crop Class)

Start With a Hybrid Layout

Have you looked at all the digi designs in the shop and wished you could use them in your scrapping?  Do you see the cool things that the digi gals create and wish you knew how?  Then, this class is the place to start!  By the end of the class, you will know how to start using those digi items in your paper scrapping.  Then, if you are still intrigued, you can try some basic digi tutorials to get you fully on your way.  You can do exactly what I do here, or you can choose your own digi items and create your own layout design, using the steps I provide.

Step 1:  Download the digi item you want.  For this class, I will be using the free kit by Jeannelle Paige. 

You can download it here: http://www.acherryontop.com/digital/company/jeanelle_paige_designs/9003474  Just click at the top right where it says free.  Then, click on download.  When the box comes up and asks you if you want to open or save, choose save, and then select the folder you want to save it in. 

Step 2:  Unzip the file.  Most computers already have this software on them.  Just go to the folder where you saved the file and click on it.  You should get a box asking you where you want to unzip or extract the files.  It will default to a folder, but you can select Browse and then choose any folder where you want it to be.  I have a Digital Scrapbooking folder that I set up for this.

Step 3:  Print the items you want to use.  Open up Microsoft Word (or your own digital editing program, if you know how to use it).  Go to File>Page Setup (top left), and change your page margins to .25, so you can maximize your paper.  (When the box comes up that says the margins are too small, click Ignore. ) Choose to Insert>Picture>From File from the tabs along the top.  Then, navigate to the folder where you saved your unzipped files, and select a jpeg to place on your page.  To resize it, you can right-click on it and select Format Picture.  Click on the tab that says Size and type in the size you want.  While you are formatting the picture, select Layout.  Click on the box that says In Front of Text. Next, click on the box that says Advanced. Then uncheck the box that says Move object with Text.  Click Okay and return to your page, where the selection boxes around your image should be hollow, now.  This allows you to drag and position it wherever you want on the page.  I begin positioning at the bottom right because the automatic placement is top left and it is hard to get to your pictures formatted when they are overlapping.  Here are some examples of what I chose to place on my pages and print.

Hint:  You will not want to print items that involve alot of intricate cutting, unless you want to spend time on intricate cutting!

Step 4:  Print your page(s) that you have arranged, best setting, using a good quality smooth, white cardstock or thicker paper.  I recommend matte finish if you use photo paper.

Step 5:  Select the photos you want to use.  They can be pre-printed or ones that you print yourself now.

Step 6:  Cut out all of your images, using scissors and/or an exacto knife. 

Step 7:  Gather other scrappy materials that you think will go with your printed images, including a piece of base cardstock.

Step 8:  Cut a slit in each paper flower and attach a brad for the center (or use the brad later to attach your flower to the page).

Step 9:  Layout your design, deciding where you want to place your items and your photos.

Step 10:  Use adhesive to attach your items and add journaling/detail with markers, pens, or computer printed journaling.

Voila!  You are on your way to using all those beautiful, digital designs you see!

About the author ...
Laura (Art_Teacher) has been an ACOT member since July of 2003, a digi CT member since May of 2008, and she has been scrapping for 10 years and digi-scrapping for two. While she really likes the versatility and organization of digi scrapping, she just loves to "fondle" her supplies, so she will always be "bi-scraptual!" She is married and has one spoiled Golden doodle named Paisley. When she isn't scrapping, she enjoys making ceramic pottery, reading, playing and listening to music, and watching way too much t.v.!

Submitted by Art_Teacher