Hey MomDotters!  I am back this weekend with the second installment of information on digital scrapbooking. 

Last week we talked about choosing software to create your pages in.  I started using Scrapbook Max when I first went digital.  I was not happy with the elements Scrapbook Max came with, the papers and embellishments just weren’t my style, but there are so many online to purchase or download for free that it didn’t matter.  Which brings me to the next question, “Where do I get all the cool graphics to use on my pages?” 

Let’s talk free first, since everyone loves freebies.  Many designers offer freebies on their blogs, many shops offer freebies and there are sites and blogs dedicated just to finding and linking to all the freebies out there for your convenience.  Here are a few “Freebie-Offering” sites I frequent:

• Digital Freebies offers a weekly Friday Freebie 
• Digi Scrap Depot searches for and links to freebies all over the net
• Shabby Princess offers a complete freebie kit every couple months
• Peppermint Creative offers a complete freebie kit every month
• Faith Sisters shop has quite an inspirational selection of freebies
• Two Peas In A Bucket offers freebie kits, but you have to search to the end of the digital kits because they are not in a separate freebie section

Then there are blogs, blogs and more blogs!  Some of these blogs are by people that design their own stuff to sell and give away and others are blogs that gather lists of freebies they have found and sum it all up for you.  Here’s a quick list of some in my favorites:

• Shabby Pumpkin
• Pillow Girl Scraps
• Tripalee Talks
• Tater Scraps
• Creations By Rachael B
• DigiTreats
• Candy’s Treats
• Elisa’s Bits
• Here A Scrap There A Scrap
• Scrapping With IkeaGoddess (a compilation of freebies on the web)
• From The Chicken Coop (totally awesome site listing sales, specials and freebies)

Ooopsss!  Did I say a quick list?!  As you can see, there are so many great sites out there!  Please remember to leave comment love on blogs if you download a freebie!  Also, please remember to list the credits of your layouts when you post them online for public display; listing the source for papers, elements, alphas, etc. is the right thing to do.

Here’s a layout I made recently using all freebies.  Underneath my page you will see an example of how to give credit for all the items used in your layouts.  If you can link back to the download location, that is great for readers who may want to download that freebie as well.

Credits: Background paper from Schoolin at Two Peas In A Bucket, reddish mat from Grunge at KJoi Studios, black mat from For The Boys at Funky Playground (this freebie is no longer available for download), red border from Grunge at KJoi Studios, beaded wires and eyelet from Grunge at KJoi Studios, preschool font is Indian Poker, other font is Pegasus, tag is from School Scribbles by Pineapple Plantation.

Next weekend we will talk about all the amazing shops there are online where you can purchase digital goodies, as well as how to organize all your files so they are easy to access when you are working on a layout.  So, don’t forget to stop by next weekend for more digi scrapping fun!

Happy Scrapping!

Andrea (come visit me to see more of my digital layouts)