Do you know someone who enjoys scrapbooking?

Check out our New Year’s Special! Buy the January class package for Storybook Creator Plus, the program we use to create beautiful custom-made photo books, and receive FREE registration for the class package for Memory Manager, a photo organization program that makes it easy to edit, sort and organize ALL your photos. That’s a savings of $60! But WAIT there’s more…

Visit the Facebook or Twitter pages for The Future of Scrapping and share this special with your peeps. For every person you refer who signs up, we’ll put your name in a drawing for a COOL $50 Target gift card. You heard me! 50 extra bucks to buy what you REALLY wanted for Christmas!

This special offer won’t last long! In fact, it ends January 9th. So take advantage of this great offer and share it with your followers. Click here for the brief details.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

MINNEAPOLIS — The Future of Scrapping, Inc., a Minneapolis-based learning organization, announced today the launch of its new company, Tu Storia.

“We’re passionate about helping our clients preserve, share and remember their special moments,” said Pamela Grover, president and co-founder of The Future of Scrapping. “While offering instruction in digital scrapbooking, we realized many people preferred to have custom-made photo books created for them by experts.”

“We help remove the guilt of lost and neglected stories laying in boxes or languishing on computers,” Amy Krauss, co-founder of Tu Storia, shares. “A busy professional mother now has baby books for her children, or a family’s matriarch can now rest easy knowing that the family’s history is preserved and ready to pass along to future generations. We feel fortunate to experience the changed lives of our clients.”

Tu Storia serves the upscale market with concierge-level service for memory preservation, photo organization, and photo display. Their premier product is the custom-made photo book. Visit their brand new website at www.TuStoria.com.

Contact Pamela Grover at (646) 504-4446 or ContactUs@TuStoria.com for more information.

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Founded by Amy Krauss and Pamela Grover, The Future of Scrapping, Inc., is dedicated to instructing and encouraging scrapbookers to bring out the best in their digital creativity. The Future of Scrapping provides hands-on learning opportunities in digital scrapbooking through 1-on-1 training, group classes, and online learning webinars.

I was eagerly anticipating the release of Creative Memories Storybook Creator 4.0 the moment I heard its announcement.  I have loved Storybook Creator 3.0 since I began using it and consider myself a “power user”.  While 3.0 is a fantastic program, it does have some areas which could be improved.  I made the assumption 4.0 would address these shortcomings as well as add additional cool features.  Well, I was wrong.  Once I installed 4.0 I realized it was actually a huge step backwards from version 3.0.

Here are 10 reasons NOT to upgrade to Storybook Creator 4.0:

1. Saving a page takes TWICE as long. I had seen the Creative Memories introduction video and it talked about how page saving was improved in 4.0.  After using the software for over 5 hours and becoming frustrated with page saving, I finally decided to do a side-by-side test.  My test was on the same computer and in the same page of the same project.  I applied a simple text edit to the page by changing the spelling of a word and then saved the page.  The results?  In Storybook Creator 3.0 it took 7 seconds to save the page.  In 4.0 it took 13 seconds.  That’s nearly twice as long!  How can this be considered an improvement?

 

2. It takes nearly TWICE as long to perform basic functions. Using 4.0 seems to require an awful lot of clicking.  There is a never-ending parade of pop-up menus and windows.  Everything is much more complex.  Time for another side-by-side test.  This time I decided to place a simple black square on a page in both 3.0 and 4.0 and I counted my mouse clicks as I did so.  The results?  In Storybook Creator 3.0 it took 8 clicks to make my black square.  In 4.0 it took 14 clicks.  Not quite twice as long, and definitely not an improvement.  To be fair, once I created my black square in 4.0, the software remembered many of my selections so putting black square #2 on my page “only” required 11 clicks.  Dreadful performance for an upgrade!

 

3. EVERYTHING placed on a page defaults to having the aspect ratio unlocked. Normally, when I work on a project I simply drag and drop photos and elements onto my page.  Then I resize these to my tastes by dragging the little corner handles.  When the aspect ratio is defaulted to “unlocked” everything begins to look askew or stretched as I resize.  Now, when working in 4.0 I need to drag everything I think I might need onto the page and do a “select all” to set all items to a “locked” aspect ratio.  Yuck!

 

4. The program operates less efficiently on your computer. In the Creative Memories YouTube video it talked about the improved tabbed workspace.  While this is a nice feature, it isn’t much different from 3.0.  In 3.0 I could access other open projects via the home button.  I am using Windows 7 and with 4.0 there are actually new instances of the software being opened for each project!  So the tabs aren’t really doing anything other than switching between open windows.  This is an inefficient way of managing system resources.

 

5. The pages view in the right side well is less efficient. With 4.0, an image of my project’s cover is continually floating at the top of the view.  This is locked here so as I scroll through my pages I can always see the cover.  First of all, I don’t need to see my cover that often.  I know what it looks like, and I often don’t design it until the project is nearly complete.  Second of all, having the cover up there all the time reduces the number of pages I can see at one time.  Definitely a step in the wrong direction!

 

6. “Shadow” and “Glow” buttons are no longer functional. What I mean is these commands are no longer buttons – they only function as drop-down menus.  With 3.0 I can set my shadow or glow and then the button is set to that preference.  To apply a shadow or glow I simply click on the button.  In 4.0 the “button” only produces a drop-down menu requiring me to make a selection from all the shadows and glows available.  More clicks.

 

7. The backgrounds of all the pages in my project default to being “locked”. In 3.0, once I found the perfect paper to use as a page background, I could use the drop-down menu to “set as background” and the paper would automatically fill my page.  In 4.0, if I do this I get an error message saying the background is locked and I must first unlock the background before I can complete the command.  So again an extra click has been added to my workflow.  I must always unlock the page background before starting.  Why would I want my background locked in the first place?

 

8. A few buttons are a bit too stylish. Creative Memories was right on when they decided to give a fresher look to the colors and appearance of the software.  Many of the buttons now have a nice blue and green look that is indeed nice.  However, on the “Arrange” ribbon some of these buttons have become just a bit too stylized.  It is harder to see at a glance which button is which because all of the arrange buttons are so similar.  Trying to see where the tiny dotted line is on the button is slightly difficult.  I have to either look carefully or rely more heavily on tool tips.  Not a huge deal, but still not an improvement for an upgrade.

 

9. The right side well no longer shows a two page layout, two photos, or two content pieces. The good news is the side well has two choices for viewing.  You can expand it out to view four items side-by-side, or if you want more workspace you can collapse it down to show just a single item.  The bad news in 4.0 is you can no longer have the standard two page layout view that is the default in 3.0.  While it is nice to have these two new options, I don’t understand why they could not have offered all 3 views as options.

 

10. The color-coordinating feature isn’t for everyone. A new feature in 4.0 is the color-coordinating feature.  This allows you to change the look of your entire page easily.  You can select a photo or element to coordinate and voila! Instant beauty!  However, there are limits to the functionality of this feature.  It works really well with pre-designed pages or other layouts that rely entirely on content.  However, if you have any elements on a page you have created yourself, it will not color-coordinate these items.  An example would be if you put a solid color mat around your photos – the mat color will not change with the color-coordination tool.  This seemed a bit limiting to me and I was disappointed it didn’t transform any page.

So there you have it.  You can tell I’m not happy with the 4.0 upgrade.  I don’t see any of the features as justifying the price of an upgrade.  If anything, the “upgrade” seems like a step backwards for Creative Memories.  So I would advise any users of 3.0 not to upgrade.

However, I still believe the Storybook Creator product is an excellent product and I would encourage any folks new to digi-scrapping to buy the software.  If you haven’t used 3.0 in the past, 4.0 will still be an easy-to-use software program for digi-scrapping.  But, if you are a 3.0 user, I suspect you will be disappointed in the upgrade.

Have you upgraded?  Did you experience the same disappointments as I did?  Perhaps you really enjoy the new features of 4.0?  Either way, we would love to hear from you.  Make a comment here to join in the dialog.

From the comfort of your own home; You get the recording too!  Click on a class title to learn more and register today!

Digital Scrapbooking Basics Classes:

• DIGI101: What Is Digi-Scrapping? (Monday, August 8 )
• DIGI201: Digi-Scrapping for Absolute Beginners (Monday, August 15)
• DIGI301: Intro to Free Version of StoryBook Creator (Monday, August 22)

Memory Manager Classes:

• MM101: Intro to Memory Manager (Monday, September 12)
• MM102: Intro to Memory Manager II (Monday, September 19)

Storybook Creator Plus Classes:

• SBC+101: Intro to StoryBook Creator Plus (Monday, September 26)
• SBC+102: Intro to StoryBook Creator Plus II (Monday, October 3)
• SBC+201: Expanding Your Content (Monday, October 10)
• SBC+202: Feeling the Groove (Monday, October 17)

Packages are available to bundle and SAVE!  Check out our Online Learning page for more information!

Hopefully you’ve heard the exciting announcement about our new series of online webinars teaching digital scrapbooking. Perhaps you may be wondering what you can expect from these webinars? Here’s a quick overview of what it’s like to attend our webinars and how a class in digital scrapbooking can be beneficial.

First, you don’t need to download any software. You simply click on the link we provide and you are in the webinar. It’s that simple! This eliminates any potential technology barriers to your webinar so you can fully concentrate on the class content.

Once you enter the webinar “room” you will be able to view the slideshow we use to drive the basic outline of the class. You will also be able to see a full-screen view of me walking you through the steps in the software live! You can ask questions at any time as you watch the demonstration in the software.

Next, every one of our classes offers a big focus on hands-on participation. You will learn about a feature or technique and will immediately have the opportunity to practice what you just learned. Not only does this help you remember the class content, it allows you to ask questions you discover as you are working. And how cool is it that you will get some digi-scrapping or photo organizing done during these sessions!

Once your webinar is concluded, you will receive a link to view a recording of your class. This isn’t a static, pre-recorded version – this is the actual class you attended. You will be able to access this record for as long as you would like and there are no limits on the number of times you can view it! If you find yourself working on a project and can’t remember a particular technique, you can re-watch that section of the webinar to refresh your memory, no matter how long ago you took the class!

Last but certainly not least, taking one of our digital scrapbooking classes will give you confidence in your digital scrapbooking ability. You will learn not only how to use the Creative Memories’ programs but you will learn how to use them well. Through our classes you will easily see how the flow of digital scrapbooking can work for you and you will even leave with completed pages. Confidence in digital scrapbooking techniques will allow your creativity to soar!

Click here to view a schedule of upcoming webinars. Now that you know how easy it is, you’re ready to get started. Let us help you bring out the best in your digital creativity!

We are now offering a full selection of digital scrapbooking classes that you can take online in the comfort of your own home!

These interactive online classes, called webinars, will be an hour long and cover the use of two programs developed by Creative Memories called StoryBook Creator Plus and Memory Manager. Classes will also cover the basics of digital scrapbooking and feature instruction in the free version of StoryBook Creator. See our Online Learning Schedule for the list of classes.

With over a decade of training experience and an unquenchable passion for digital scrapbooking, co-founder Amy Krauss has led the way in providing easy-to-understand computer learning and giving no-nonsense technology recommendations. ”After several years as a digital scrapbooker, I finally found a way to combine my training expertise with my favorite hobby,” she explained. “After starting The Future of Scrapping with Pamela Grover in 2009 and offering hands-on instruction to individuals and groups, it’s time to go worldwide!”

The Future of Scrapping, Inc. utilizes an Internet-based meeting space, Adobe Connect, to offer an interactive and fun learning experience. This tool makes it easy for anyone with a high-speed internet connection and a computer to learn about digital scrapbooking in the comfort of their own home.

Amy Krauss and Pamela Grover are NOT consultants for Creative Memories. They simply love the easy-to-use software programs by Creative Memories that can unleash unlimited creative potential.

Webinars begin Monday, May 9th and continue almost every Monday through August 1st on various topics. Visit the Online Learning Schedule for the list of classes. Purchase them either individually for $29.99 or through a package deal for a series of classes. Once registered, you will receive Webinar access instructions, an outline for the class, a link to pre-test your computer and any prerequisites for the course.

Contact Pamela Grover or Amy Krauss at (952) 463-5421 or Learn@FutureofScrapping.com for more information about classes and/or registration.

With everything that we have going on in our lives, it’s not always easy to make time for scrapbooking. And when we make the time, it can be difficult to stay on course. Here are 5 ways that can help you stay motivated with your scrapbooking projects.

1) Just Start

Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can get done. You might surprise yourself! You might find that you’re having too much fun to stop and so you continue scrapping past 15 minutes. You might also gain an understanding of how much time it will take to complete the project based on what you’ve done and be able to schedule it into your life easier. It seems that when I assign an estimated amount of time to a project, I am more apt to do it.

2) Start with the End in Mind

Create a vision for what you want to accomplish. Visualize the steps to making it happen. See the end result in your mind. As Stephen Covey says in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.” If you have a larger project like creating scrapbooks for your children and presenting them on their graduation day, break the project down into smaller projects before you begin.

3) Set a Timeline

Along the same lines as visualizing the process, it’s important to set milestones. When I set a date to complete something, I will adjust my priorities accordingly. And don’t just set a completion date but set dates for completing various stages of the project.

4) Tell Someone

It’s one thing to commit to doing something when I’m the only one that knows about it. Tell someone else about my plans and not only do I feel more accountable but I feel more committed to seeing my plans through. Their support of my project and occasional query can be motivating. Plan to share your project with them upon completion. This could feel really good!

5) Get Motivation From Others

When I find myself losing momentum, it’s fun to look at what others have done. Look through galleries on scrapbooking websites, page through scrapbooking magazines, and/or look through your older scrapbooks. Subscribe to Scrap Magic, an e-newsletter for scrapbookers where you’ll receive monthly inspiration and other scrapbooking resources. Gaining inspiration by looking at new ideas helps me to pick up again and move on.

Considering how precious your time is and how important scrapbooking is to you, it’s important to find ways to stay motivated in your scrapbooking. And remember… You can do it!

How do you stay motivated in your scrapbooking? When you share your ideas here, you’ll be offering motivation to fellow scrapbookers like yourself.

Do you have photos languishing in older albums? Are the photos fading or discolored? Here are some tips for converting and restoring those old photos. By digitizing your photos, you will be better able to enjoy them in storybooks, digital photo frames, or gifts. By heeding these tips you will ensure minimal frustration while maximizing your results.

Are you going to be doing the scanning yourself? If you have a lot of photos, I recommend purchasing a scanner specifically designed for scanning snapshots. A tool like this will be much faster than your flatbed scanner and will do a better job of removing dust. I recommend the Pandigital personal scanners that cost around $100.

Would you prefer to have someone else do the scanning? I recommend ScanDigital. They accept a wide variety of media. They can digitize everything from snapshots to 12×12 scrapbook pages to slides. You simply ship your photos to them and they will keep you updated on the conversion process. When they are done, they ship your originals back to you with a CD of your digitized images.

Do your relatives have some precious photos they aren’t willing to part with even for digitizing? Try visiting them with your camera on a cloudy day. By setting the photos near a window and turning off your flash, you should be able to get good results by photographing them. Here are some further tips for best results.

• Try to avoid photographing anything while still in a clear plastic cover or a glass-fronted frame.
• Take the photo with a 3 – 4 foot distance between you and the photo. Putting the photo on the floor and bending at the waist will provide the correct distance. The floor in front of a sliding glass window works particularly well.
• Make certain you hold your camera on the same plane as the photo. Don’t shoot at an angle.

Flickr photo: mimi.bowling

Are your photos in old “magnetic” photo albums? You know the kind – with the sticky pages and the thin plastic covering. When working with these photos, it is very important not to forcibly remove them from the album pages. Trying to peel off well-stuck photos will result in badly curled and damaged photos. That old glue means business! Instead, take these steps:  

• Disassemble the book. This might involve using a wire cutter to cut spiral bindings.
• Remove just the clear plastic covering from each page.
• Scan the entire page and crop each photo in your favorite photo editing software.

Once your photos have been digitized, learn how to use the color and contrast features of your photo editing software to correct the colors of faded photos. Learning how to use the clone tool will also help you remove dust, scratches and tears in the photo. Remember to save your corrections as a new image! Always save the original digitized image in its original form.

For additional information on proper care of your old photos, visit the National Archives website on preserving family archives:  http://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/

Using the tips I’ve just shared with you for digitizing old photos, you’ll be sure to preserve those snapshots and enjoy those memories for years to come!

We’re excited to announce that we’re “Business of the Month” for March at M&I’s West Bloomington location. A special thanks to Zack Schwartz, personal banker, who offered us the opportunity to set up a display in their lobby. We are promoting both The Future of Scrapping and I Hate Scrapping.

Zack Schwartz of M&I and Pamela Grover

As a longtime customer of M&I, I was thrilled to receive this invitation. M&I has continued to impress me with their community involvement and responsive customer service. It’s been nice to deal with the professional bankers at M&I when I have a question. They’ve always treated me with respect. And even when I’ve called the 800# for assistance, the customer service reps are friendly and handle my questions efficiently. I appreciate the bankers of the West Bloomington branch like Zack and Martha.

We’d also like to thank Laurie Grover, Creative Memories consultant and Digital Dream Team member, for borrowing us the tabletop display. We appreciate our partnership with Laurie!

If you’re in the area of Hwy 169 and Anderson Lakes Parkway and it’s still March, please stop by and sign up for the drawing for a $100 gift certificate. M&I and The Future of Scrapping welcome you!

I love taking photographs! And if you’re like me, you don’t go anywhere special without your camera. I’m always looking for that perfect shot. I thought I’d share some tips that I’ve learned along the way that have helped me to create that “perfect” shot.

Minimize the Use of Flash

There are definitely times where one needs to use flash. But the more you can avoid it, the better quality photo you will get. With my digital SLR, I have a setting “P” for “Program AE” that doesn’t use the flash and automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed to compensate for this. And chances are that if you’ve bought a decent point-and-shoot in the past few years, you shouldn’t have a problem with this either. I love how natural light can maintain the integrity of the moment.

Get Up Close and Personal

Not often thought about, getting closer to your subject is an easy way to take a better shot. When the subject is too small in the photo, it’s easy to be distracted by the other elements of the photo.

By zooming in or taking a step closer, you can fill the frame with your subject and create more interest.

Use the Rule of Thirds

Use this rule of thumb to create a more unique shot. Essentially, it works like this. Divide the image into three sections. Placing your subject off-center creates an interesting, dynamic image. Imagine your photograph divided into three horizontal and vertical sections. To compose a well-balanced, off-center shot, place your subject near the intersections of the imaginary grid lines. This will produce a nicely balanced easy-on-the-eye picture.

Edit Your Photos

OK… I admit it. I’ve become somewhat of a photo snob in that I absolutely must edit my photos before printing them in a book or other creation. My editing program of choice is Creative Memories’ Memory Manager. Without getting too technical, I can use the “Auto Contrast” and “Auto Color” to adjust the picture quality. Here is an example of a Before and After using Memory Manager. Oh, and it just so happens that Memory Manager is on sale this month through Creative Memories. If you need a CM consultant, check our roster of Digital Dream Team members. They can tell you more about the product and help you get started.

Having just purchased my digital SLR in December, I’m planning to take some photography classes through National Camera Exchange. I look forward to learning more about taking better pictures and sharing more tips with you. Until then, feel free to share your favorite tips with us by posting them to our blog. We’d love to hear from you!