New here - jumping in with both feet and need a recommendation

[momtutu]

Hi all!! I am VERY new to digital scrapbooking. I have done paper scrapbooking for years but, like probably 95% of people, have fallen waaaaayyyy behind. And now I have hundreds and hundreds of pictures on my computer that I'm afraid will never be printed.

I tend to jump in with both feet and go right into something way over my head. I've bought a few kits from here already and have done 3 very simple layouts so far.

Here's my question...Are there any good books you can recommend to help me navigate better around the digital scrapbook world? I use Elements 3 and have a great book for it but it's not geared toward scrapbooking. I've done lots of searches and watched and read several tutorials but I really like having a reference right in front of me which saves me time from browsing the internet for what I need. There are several books out there but my local bookstores don't carry them in stock so I have no idea which one would suit my needs the best.

Looking forward to getting to know you all. Thanks for any info you can give me!

[meems]

Welcome! You might want to check out www.scrappersguide.com; she also sends out a weekly email with a tip.

I just learned by looking for online tutorials, asking questions and trial and error.

If you have questions, feel free to ask. We'd love to help!

[Paula]

Hi and welcome!! When I was learning, I went to Digital Scrapbook Place and took some tutorials.

[ColleenSwerb]

I'm another one who just kinda jumped in with both feet. Just play with your program and see what it can do. You'll never stop learning your program! Lol!

[AddictedScrapper]

Welcome!!! There are some great free tutorials online, Jessica Sprague has some really wonderful ones here:
Free Tutorials (http://jessicasprague.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=8&Itemid=92)

I've learned SO MUCH from her classes and tutorials.

[mrs_jb]

Welcome to SSD!

Sorry I'm not a lot of help for resources, but i'm sure the wonderful ladies here will have great tips for you! OH and Misty has wonderful tuts....http://mistycatodesigns.blogspot.com/2007/05/index-of-tutorials.html

[ZaCola3]

Welcome to SSD!
I use PSP so I can't really help you out much with your program!
It's wonderful to have you here.

[my3hens]

Welcome sweetheart!! I totally second Misty's tuts! Shes amazing and so smart!!

[ditzyscrap]

Welcome to SSD! I don't have any recommendations on learning PSE...I just played until I understood stuff, lol (this was when digi was first beginning, lol...there weren't tutorials and stuff).

[Nikki Epperson]

Welcome. I'm just learning as I go too :)

[momtutu]

that was fast!!! Thanks so much!

I've got a million questions - they seem so stupid but Photoshop Elements is driving me nutty with all these layers!!

I know you can switch your layers all around so that some are on top of others but initially, do you have to put your background layer whether it be a paper or using the paintbucket to drop color in and do texture before putting in the pictures?

It seems I'm having trouble changing my paper layer or color layer (like trying to add texture or change the hue/saturation) after I've added a few pictures and elements in. I'd hate to ditch everything and start over but maybe I need to?

[momtutu]

Oh, I should mention that when I say I jump in with both feet....I'm a perfectionist and feel like I should be able to DO IT ALL within a week! Thanks for the tutorial links!

[HeatherKS]

Welcome and hello! I'm new to digiscrapping too so I don't have any additional words of advice but the links they've given for tuts are great. :)

Good luck!

[juliemarie]

I don't have any suggestions for learning PSE, but wanted to say welcome :)

[**Holly**]

Welcome!!! I am not much help either!!

[kscwgirl]

Welcome to SSD!!!!

[Becca Bonneville]

Welcome!! You will LOVE it here!

[EveRecinella]

Welcome to Sweet Shoppe Designs!!

[Megan Turnidge]

Welcome to the digi side! Bwahahah! Yeah, digi girls are waaaay more awesome than those paper gals! :p

When I started digital, I didn't use tutorials... I just played and played.... and played some more until I figured things out on my own. I've been at this over a year and I'm still learning new things... but I feel more like a pro now. ;) I have PSE 5, so I'm not sure what's different between PSE 3 and 5, but if you need help, just ask! I have a few tutorials on my blog, but you may need to learn some more of the basics before you'll need mine.

[Megan Turnidge]

that was fast!!! Thanks so much!

I've got a million questions - they seem so stupid but Photoshop Elements is driving me nutty with all these layers!!

I know you can switch your layers all around so that some are on top of others but initially, do you have to put your background layer whether it be a paper or using the paintbucket to drop color in and do texture before putting in the pictures?

It seems I'm having trouble changing my paper layer or color layer (like trying to add texture or change the hue/saturation) after I've added a few pictures and elements in. I'd hate to ditch everything and start over but maybe I need to?

You can add your 12x12 digital papers under your pics. If you want to recolor the background paper while it is on your layout, select that layer and hit CTRL+U and the Hue/Saturation window will pop up. Well, at least in Elements 5 that shortcut works... not sure about your version.

[Brooke W]

Welcome to SSD!

[newfiemountiewife]

Welcome!!!

[momtutu]

I looked through some of those tutorials you all have put up. I may do that basic one that's 4 weeks long and self paced. That may really get me going.

My problem is that I should be making simple pages right now just to get started and get familiar but I want to leap right in and do more extravagant works! Then I get overwhelmed and beaten down by it and back off a little. I need to just remember to go slowly.

Thanks for the welcomes! I'll try to post more on other threads but I won't be of much help to anyone for a while I'm sure.