Frequently Asked Questions

The Book

How does this book compare to the other books, digital scrapbooking videos and classes available for purchase?
There are several good books, videos, and classes available for purchase from different sources that can help you. This book is comparably priced with them and as you can see by looking at the Table of Contents, it covers much more information. My book is program specific to Photoshop Elements and can be used with Photoshop too. I do not cover other programs like Paint Shop Pro, Scrapbook Max, etc. Having this book on your desk allows you to quickly look up information in the comprehensive index. This is a definite advantage since not all digi-scrapping books come with an index. Finding and playing a video, searching for the right topic, and possibly having to play it several times to understand what you need to do is time consuming. I have very limited time available to digi-scrap. In order to use the time I have to the best advantage, it’s beneficial for me to have a book like this as a reference.   

In another effort to help you save time, I have also listed applicable shortcuts available to use with every tutorial and each tool is always identified by name and its shortcut key. In addition, also included with the book is a FREE DVD filled with more than 1000 digital scrapbook elements by 30 different designers. The backgrounds are 12 x 12 inches and can easily be used by all digi-scrappers, the designs will also appeal to a broad spectrum of digi-scrappers. The DVD also includes an instant Tags file that will save you many hours of work, and money saving coupons from 15 digital scrapbooking online stores.

This book is huge! Do I have to read the whole thing to be able to digi-scrap?
No, not at all. This book is broken into sections so you can use just the section you need. Unlike other digi-scrapping resources on the market today it has a very comprehensive index to help you find what you’re looking for. Did you read about a clipping mask in a magazine and you’re not sure what it is? Look it up in the index and you will find an example complete with step by step instructions. I do highly recommend reading the section on Organization and implementing the things I teach, because it will save you a lot of time in the long run.

I like to work with my book open on my desk, will this book lay flat?
Yes, this book is big and heavy and has no trouble laying flat as you can see by the photos. I do have several customers who have had the book spiral bound at Kinkos for about $7.00.

Your book shows all of the examples using Photoshop Elements 5, do I need to upgrade if I have Photoshop Elements 3?
When an example uses a feature only available in Photoshop Elements 5, I have included a work around for other versions. You do not need to upgrade to use my book. Photoshop Elements 5 is still available for purchase on the internet and is included free with several products like the Wacom Bamboo Fun tablet. You can download a free 30 day trial version of Photoshop Elements 6 at Adobe.com. I also have updates for Photoshop Elements 6 and a Photoshop Elements 7 wish list at http://www.thedigitalscrapbookteacher.com/updates.html

I haven’t started digi-scrapping yet, should I buy Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS3?
I personally would recommend Photoshop Elements for a beginner mainly because of the cost of the program. I’ve been using Photoshop Elements for several years and have found it adequate for my needs. Many of the designers who contributed digi-kits for the DVD included with this book told me that they use Photoshop Elements to digi-scrap and Photoshop to design their products. You can download a trial version of both programs at Adobe.com. If you are considering buying Photoshop be aware that if you are a student you may be eligible for student pricing. Check with your instructor for more information. 

I don’t know how to get started using Photoshop Elements to digi-scrap, do you have any suggestions?
This book starts with step by step directions including how to install the program. My recommendation is that you start with a simple page and complete it. Use your available free time to learn new skills and use the elements included on the DVD instead of surfing the web for freebies. While surfing for freebies can be exciting, it is also addicting and takes up a lot of time and space on your computer for things that you may never use.

I don’t know how to use the tools in Photoshop Elements; can I still use your book?
Yes, all of the tools in Photoshop Elements are explained in detail from a digi-scrappers point of view. The reason I wrote this book is because all the books I’ve read about Photoshop Elements explain how to use the program to edit photos, not make scrapbook pages or cards. That is what makes this book unique.

Is this book written for PCs or Macs?
This book is written using a PC but can be adapted for use on a Mac. All of the screenshots shown in the book are from the Windows version of Photoshop Elements. The many shortcuts I listed are easily adaptable as explained in the book. The Mac version of Photoshop Elements does not have the Organizer, you will need to use iPhoto or another organizational system. Tips for setting up the Organizer can be used when setting up iPhoto.

My girlfriend wants to borrow my book should I let her?
No way! You’ll never get it back! Tell her to buy her own, or better yet be a great friend and buy her one for her birthday or Christmas present. Buy 2 books and save money by purchasing our Best Friend Special - click here.

I’ve looked at computer program books in stores and they’re written for computer techies which I’m not. Is this book written for techies?
No, this book is definitely not written for techies. All of the examples in the book are explained in plain English. Nowhere will you find an explanation like “rasterize the vector layer” and wonder what it means.

Every time I’ve tried to digi-scrap I make so many mistakes I get frustrated and quit. How can this book help me?
Each tutorial is written in step by step, simple to understand terms along with screen shots showing the different steps. Also listed are some of the common mistakes that might be made and how to avoid them. In addition, there are five pages in the book devoted to common errors you may make and how to fix them along with other help resources for you to use.

Do you show any shortcuts in this book?
There are three full pages of shortcuts listed in table form in this book. A handy shortcut card is also included with each book at no extra charge. In addition, each tool is always identified with its shortcut key and shortcuts are always listed when applicable in the instructions. Because shortcuts speed up your digi-scrapping so much, I felt it was important to include them at every opportunity. Just by following the instructions in this book you’ll learn them quickly. Make it a game to learn a shortcut a week and you’ll speed up your digi-scrapping considerably.

I’m not completely sold on digi-scrapping yet. I like to use all of the cool traditional embellishments. Can I still do that?
I love to use traditional supplies on my traditional pages and cards as well.  This is what the term hybrid means-using digital & traditional methods together. This book shows you how to add traditional supplies to your digital projects.

I buy scrapbooking magazines and see the cool digital scrapbook pages but they never have instructions or they’re written for a different computer program. Do you have detailed instructions in this book?
Yes, this is one of the biggest reasons this book was written. You are not alone in your frustration.

Do you have a lot of pictures of digital scrapbook pages in this book?
I have pictures of scrapbook pages and cards in my book, but not a lot for two reasons. First, there are many magazines available for purchase that are filled with scrapbook pages that you can use for examples. I felt it was more important to show you how to get the results the magazines show. This is not an idea book but a reference/how to guide. Second, I do not own commercial licenses for the scrapbook kits I own. If I did not communicate with the designer about the use of their kits in the book I did not show them in the book.
 
I’m not very good on the internet but I want to be able to get all the free stuff. Does your book show how to download and unzip freebies?
Yes, this book shows how to download, unzip, and organize freebies and dig-scrapping elements you purchase. In the beginning, try to spend more time learning how to digi-scrap instead of searching for freebies. This book has many kits contributed by many talented designers for you to use when learning. The more time you are able to spend learning and practicing digi-scrapping skills the faster you’ll get, and the happier you’ll be.

How can this book cover digital scrapbooking & card-making?
If you think about it postcards, posters, and flat cards are nothing more than a scrapbook page in a different size. A folded card is really nothing more than a folded scrapbook page. The skills needed to complete these types of projects are the same and are covered in this book.

How long does it take to get really good at digi-scrapping?
It doesn’t take very long to get good at digi-scrapping when you have a good source of information like this book. Start with a basic project and practice. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish quickly.
 
Are you going to sell this book as a pdf download?
No, I have no plans to sell this book as a pdf download. I know that some of you need this book at this very moment because you are stuck on a project, and believe me you have my sympathy because I’ve been there a lot of times. We ship right away and you’ll have your book in a few days, as long as you don’t choose the media mail shipping option. To get full use of this book you need it sitting on your desk where you can read it and follow along. You wouldn’t be able to do this with a pdf version unless you printed it out, and with 384 pages it would cost you a fortune and would take forever to print.

My husband says that ever since I bought this book I don’t need his help anymore. He was never very patient when he helped me anyway. Is this normal?
Yes, it’s normal that husbands are usually not too patient when helping their wives on the computer! And yes, it’s a great feeling when you can instantly look in the index of this book and get the help you need right away without stopping to call someone or search for an online tutorial. I’ve had many people email me and tell me how great it feels to be able to install their own program and finally understand how their computer works.

Is this book available in scrapbook stores?
Yes it is available in scrapbook stores. Click here to find a store near you that stocks it. If your store doesn’t stock our products, please tell them about us.

I would like to offer this book for sale in my scrapbook or internet store. How do I do this?
Click here for information.

I would like to earn commission selling your products through a link on my website or blog. Do you offer an affiliate program?
Yes we do offer an affiliate program, click here for information.

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DVD

Is the DVD included with the book or do I need to buy it separately?
The DVD is included with the book; there is no additional charge for it. We also sell the Organizer Catalog Backup that has all of the images pre-tagged for you. This will save you about 10 hours of time tagging the items yourself (Windows version only).

What’s on the DVD?
More than 1,000 pieces of digi-scrapping elements, templates, and actions from more than 30 different designers and 15 coupons are on the DVD. The digital scrapbook paper on the DVD is 12 x 12 and will appeal to a broad spectrum of digi-scrappers. Also included is an instant Tags file which can be used in your Organizer.

If I purchase and restore your Organizer Catalog Backup do I need to copy the book DVD on to my computer too?
You do not need to copy the Scrapbook_Supplies folder from the book DVD on to your computer if you have restored the Organizer Catalog Backup. The other folders on the book DVD can be copied to your hard drive.

Where are the coupons?
The coupons can be easily found in the individual digi-scrapping store’s folder on the DVD.

What’s the big deal about the Tags file?
When you first open the Organizer in Photoshop Elements (Windows version only) there are no tags that are specific to digi-scrapping. You can make a tag for different colors, types of elements, designers, and themes like holidays, etc. This takes a lot of time, especially to make them look nice so they can be easily used. Installing the Tags file takes less than a minute and saves you many hours of work. Once you install the Tag file, you will have 314 tags, categories and sub-categories instantly available to tag your digi-scrapping supplies. If you don’t think you’ll ever use one of them, you can easily delete it. When you tag your digi-scrapping supplies, you are able to find the exact element you need in seconds. For more information regarding organizing and tagging your photos and digital scrapbooking supplies please click here.

Will the DVD work on a Mac computer?
Yes, the DVD will work on a Mac, but the screenshots in the book will look different than the screenshots on a Mac. Adobe did not provide the Organizer feature with the Mac version of Photoshop Elements. Our Organizer Catalog and tags file will not work with the Mac version of Photoshop Elements.

Can I copy the DVD and give it to my friend?
No, everything on the DVD is copyright protected. When you buy your friend a book for her birthday or Christmas present she’ll have her own DVD anyway!

Can I copy the DVD onto my computer?
Yes, you can copy the DVD onto your computer and save the DVD as your back-up.

Does your book show examples using all of the digi-kits on the DVD?
Unfortunately no, I wasn’t able to use all the digi-kits on the DVD in my examples because of time and space constraints.  I used the digi-kits I received first for my examples. Because of the short period of time I gave the designers to submit their digi-kits, most of the book was written before I received their digi-kits. 

There are empty files on my DVD, what's wrong?
The empty folders on the book DVD are an example of an organizational system as explained on page 4 of the book. You can copy these empty folders onto your hard drive or make your own.

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Tips Card

I love the tips card that was included with my book. I teach digital scrapbooking. Can I get some for my students?
Email me the information and I’ll see what I can do!

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Store

In your store you list a Catalog of the items already included on the DVD that comes with the book for free. Why would I want to buy this?
The Catalog listed for sale in the store includes all of the supplies on the DVD that comes with your book with the tags applied. For example a piece of red, white, and blue, stars and striped scrapbook paper would have seven tags applied to it (Red, White, Blue, Stars, Stripes, Paper, & the Designer’s Name & Kit Tag). You are purchasing the time it took me to tag the items for you since you already own the DVD. You must purchase the book to purchase this item for copyright reasons. For more information regarding organizing and tagging your photos and digital scrapbooking supplies please click here.

Why would I want to use templates to make my scrapbook pages?
Templates are a great way to speed up your digi-scrapping. With a template the design is already done for you and is perfectly aligned. You save time by not having to search for a design of your own, make it, and line it up perfectly.   

Why are your templates so inexpensive, I usually pay about $2 each for them and yours are 40¢ a piece when you purchase a CD?
I admit it, our templates are a bargain! Not only are they a great price but we include each template in a PSD file (layered file) and in a PNG or JPEG file (single layer). Each PSD file (layered file) includes an instruction layer right in the file that can be turned on and off when you need it (something I’ve not seen before). Our layered templates also number the shape on the template and the layer with the same number so they’re easier to use. Our templates hold several photos because we have found by experience that most scappers want to use more than one photo on a page.

I didn’t think I could use text paths in Photoshop Elements?
Text paths can only be created in Photoshop but can be used in Photoshop Elements to write your text in shapes like circles, squares, hearts, etc. We sell text paths because they can add a special touch to your digital scrapbook pages and cards.

Why would a teacher sell a Digital Scrapbooking & Card-Making Menu?
The menu is a fun, sturdy way to display information about using Photoshop Elements to digi-scrap. The information is printed on plastic and folded just like a restaurant menu. Keep it by your side and pull it out when you have a question.

Do you ever plan on offering your templates as a downloadable item?
This may be a possibility in the future, check back with us periodically to see.  One good thing about purchasing your templates on a CD is that you already have them backed up.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit & debit cards, PayPal, and checks. If you would like to pay by check you can do this through PayPal or by mailing a check to our office. Please do not mail cash, if you want to pay by cash, you can do this at our office in Fountain Valley, CA. We do not have any of your credit card information stored. Be aware that if you pay by a check with PayPal there is a waiting period required by PayPal.

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Classes

Do you ever teach classes outside Southern California?
I have on occasion taught in other locations. If you have an interest in setting up classes, email me.

Are you a “real” teacher?
Yes, and no! I am a teacher qualified to teach at community colleges and other locations. I do not hold a teaching credential from the State of California that would qualify me to teach in a public school.

How can I set up a class, demonstration, or book signing?
Email me all of your information; be sure to also list several possible dates for your event.

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Organization

I have my digital scrapbook supplies stored all over my computer. Can this book help me?
Yes, there is an entire section devoted to organization in this book. The organizational skills you learn in this book will also help you when doing other work on your computer. For more information regarding organizing and tagging your photos and digital scrapbooking supplies please click here.

Do I need to buy an additional program to organize my digital scrapbook supplies?
Personally, I don’t think so. The Windows version of Photoshop Elements includes the Organizer. Currently I have more than 22,000 items in my Organizer and it works great. When my elements are tagged, I can quickly find an item in a few seconds. Why spend money on another organizational program when you can spend it on more digi-kits!

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Future Projects

This book is great and covers so much; do you have any plans to write another book?
Anything is possible. If you have an idea for another book, a tutorial you’d like me to write, or a product you’d like me to offer, please email me and let me know.

I would like to contribute a product for a future project. How do I do that?
Great! Email me and let me know about your site and what you’d like to contribute, and we can discuss it.

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Digi-Chick & Book Cover

I love your digi-chick on your website and book cover! Can you tell me where to get my own?
I love them too! Clara Wallace at MatterofScrap.com is the designer for both the digi-chick and book cover and did a great job. To order your own digi-chick click here.

© 2007 Patty Debowski. All rights reserved.
Photoshop & Photoshop Elements are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.