Just Tried My First Layout

[MaryJo]

Well I got all my pics and doc. set up just like Ro explained in the ebook. Then I watched the videos and took notes.

Then I went to the program to start my own. Well after a couple of hours with not much luck, I gave up ! I NEVER give up !

I know this isn't rocket science or anything like that, I need more instruction. Tomorrow I will get back at it in the afternoon. This time I'm going to cut ,paste and copy all the important info. ! That should work.

I had fun, even if it was frustrating. Maybe I don't have enough supplies yet. Although I don't think that's it.

 

Any advice out there, I'm all ears !!!!!! MaryJo

[Laurie in PA]

Just keep trying - it will come to you. I haven't been doing this very long and I learn something new every day.

 

If you are having a specific problem, just come to the board and ask - everyone is really helpful.

 

Welcome to Scrap Girls

 

[angelaNussbaum]

Know what i did? I opened pse, and the movie... then i would watch the movie, and she would do one thing. Then i would pause it, go to my page and do the same. It was slow, but by doing it as i went... it helped to understand alot!!!

 

If theres something you just dont get... please ask!! We would love to try and help!!!!

 

angela

[MADscrapper]

MaryJo,

I first started digital scrapbooking almost a year ago. Before that I had PSE4 and tried to teach myself the program with books. I was so lost I gave up for a while. I just couldn't comprehend the whole layers idea. I began searching the internet to see if I could find more info and I came upon Scrapgirls. I joined and purchased Scrapbook Secrets 1 & 2. These tutorials are the ONLY instructions that I found useful even after spending tons of money on books. Ro's tutorials are so simple and I could just feel it all click. Sometimes you have to watch them a few times but she'll have you up and running in no time flat.

 

Keep plugging away and it will "click" for you too.

 

P.S. I love surfing through the various digi sites and I've found that Scrapgirls is by far the best.

 

Mary

[cherise]

Well I got all my pics and doc. set up just like Ro explained in the ebook. Then I watched the videos and took notes.

Then I went to the program to start my own. Well after a couple of hours with not much luck, I gave up ! I NEVER give up !

I know this isn't rocket science or anything like that, I need more instruction. Tomorrow I will get back at it in the afternoon. This time I'm going to cut ,paste and copy all the important info. ! That should work.

I had fun, even if it was frustrating. Maybe I don't have enough supplies yet. Although I don't think that's it.

 

Any advice out there, I'm all ears !!!!!! MaryJo

 

Just start with something simple. Do you have the free biggie kit downloaded? Use the digital page template and just drop in 4 pictures and add a few embellishments from the kit. If there is a specific technique that you need help with, just come here and ask away. Just the other day I had a question about something and I came here and asked. Lori went out of her way to duplicate my problem on her own computer, just so that she could help me. People here are extremely helpful and generous.

 

Keep trying and don't give up!

 

-Cherise

[PBarnes]

Good advice all around. I would say keep it simple. You don't need a lot of supplies. You can start with a plain colored background if you want. But do check out the free Refresh kit if you haven't already. Keep at it. It does get easier.

[trishy]

Mary Jo, don't give up! It can be a little frustrating at first, but don't let it scare you.

 

Great advice from everyone above me, we know you can do it!

[anna]

Welcome to ScrapGirls, Mary Jo! Don't give up! Learning to digiscrap can be frusterating in the beginning, but keep at it. It will click, and soon, you'll be cranking out the pages. If you are having a specific problem (even if it seems like a silly or simple thing), post and someone here will be glad to walk you through it. Remember that we were all new at this at one point, and we've all had questions.

 

Let us know how we can help. One thing that makes answering questions easier is if you include in your post what program you are using (different things are done in different ways, depending on the program).

[MaryJo]

All I can say is WOW !! Thank you all very much . So much good advice. I will be putting it all to good use. I am also a quilter and design my quilts with a program called Electric Quilt. Its sort of the same thing, but different in some aspects.

I will post my results tomorrow and hopefully even a page or two !!!!!! Thanks again, MaryJo

[Toni L.]

I agree with all the ladies. If you have a specific problem, your helps lies within this website. I have only been digi-scrapping for a few months and this website has helped me tremendously. I have a program I never used before, had no idea what I was doing and came here and got help. Like the other ladies said, don't give up and start with something simple. Good luck! Hope to see one of your layouts soon! =0)

[kerryveale]

MaryJo, it sounds like you are designing quilts digitally (which I think sounds kind of difficult). I think you will be able to get the hang of digital scrapbooking... you can do it! Remember, the night is darkest before the dawn! Just don't throw the computer out when you're mad at it!

[schmoo]

Keep at it Mary Jo, it will click. Look forward to seeing your layouts.

[April Showers]

I have EQ also, and if you can figure that out, you can figure this out too. Promise.

And Welcome to Scrapgirls!

[Guest jemmia]

dont be disheartened hun, it took me several times watching Ros videos and trying alongside before i could start to find my way about and even then i was slow and not very confident,[not that im much quicker these days either] lol but certainlyh more confident in finding my way about and trying new things

 

welcome and good luck

[GPamela]

Well I got all my pics and doc. set up just like Ro explained in the ebook. Then I watched the videos and took notes.

Then I went to the program to start my own. Well after a couple of hours with not much luck, I gave up ! I NEVER give up !

I know this isn't rocket science or anything like that, I need more instruction. Tomorrow I will get back at it in the afternoon. This time I'm going to cut ,paste and copy all the important info. ! That should work.

I had fun, even if it was frustrating. Maybe I don't have enough supplies yet. Although I don't think that's it.

 

Any advice out there, I'm all ears !!!!!! MaryJo

 

If you never worked with any graphics/photos editing programs start simple.

 

Use one of the simple template layouts to get started.

Donot worry about how fancy it is compared to others.

 

You can design your own layouts later once you know how pse works

and you comfortable working with

layers.

 

Learning something new always takes time especially computer stuff.

When you get frustrated and go do something else for a bit

and then come back to layout the next day.

[AKP81]

I know how you feel. I am totally computer savvy, but I had some issues getting started.

 

I did have a bonus and sort of a cheat because I have a very close friend who is also a Scrap Girl (thanks, Launa!) so I just took my husbands laptop to her house and did a page there. It helped me so much to be able to ask her things and to be able to get advice.

 

Not everyone was as fortunate as me, but everyone here is super helpful and they will keep you encouraged for sure!

 

Keep at it and don't lose heart. Once you finish a page you will be chompin' at the bit to get another one started, at least I was.

[KBT]

Keep on plugging! I too am computer saavy and had a large learning curve with PSE- I am still learning every day! Just open a tutorial and try something out! As everyone has said, I think that is the best way to learn. Other big hints- the layers! Think of them each as a little peice of paper like with paper scrapping- your stickers, even your pen/writing/journaling. Each is a new thing. Then, make sure you click on the layer that you want to change. That was the biggest challenge for me!

 

As Pat said, check out/download the Refresh Kit if you have not already to give you come stuff to play with- then just have fun!

 

Welcome to Scrapgirls!

[jennyrene]

I use a program called Memory Mixer and it is REALLY easy. If all you want to do is put a page together with elements and not do your own, it's great! It has papers and embellishments included. I bought mine at www.qvc.com.

 

Good luck!

[GPamela]

I use a program called Memory Mixer and it is REALLY easy. If all you want to do is put a page together with elements and not do your own, it's great! It has papers and embellishments included. I bought mine at www.qvc.com.

 

Good luck!

 

I used one of those programs for my first few layouts cause it came with everything

 

They easy but have limited templates,papers,elements I found out quickly.

Most will change to PSE because it does more.

[jennyrene]

yeah, it doesn't have very many papers or embellishments included but you can buy them or download freebies and they work just fine..

[Kricket]

MaryJo,

When I first started there were times I wanted to

scream!

Watching the tut and then working on my page, then the tut again

finally got me going.

Don't give up! I've got that quilt program too and I know if you can use it

you will pick this up.

 

Looking forward to your LOs.

 

[MaryJo]

Hi everyone

Well I did what you all said, I stuck with it, went to the refresh and got hold of some templates, and watched Ro's videos, probably 3 to 5 times.

Guess what I got 2 pages done and they are great ! Then my wireless card on my notebook died and my computer has been in the shop for a day now. But, not to worry my computer guy will have it to me tomorrow for Anna's class at 1pm.

As soon as I get it I will post the pages I did.

 

The only problem I can't get yet is how to insert text whether its from PSE or SG's. I start a text box and when I go to add to it nothing happens, no letters show up at all. I will need to watch that video again I must be missing something.

Everyone was right , if I can use EQ5 and 6 I can handle PSE.. It's just that "new" thing I got going on here.

Thank you all so much for all the encouragement and great advice !!!!!!!

Have a great night,,, Talk to you all soon. MaryJo

 

 

 

[PBarnes]

Mary Jo, with the text, make sure the color for the text will show up on the background you are placing it on. Also, make sure that your text layer is on top of anything that might cover it up. If the last layer you had selected is under other things, the text layer will be put just above it so it might be hidden by other layers above it.

 

I never do text boxes. I just place my cursor and start typing. Text boxes can be useful but I just don't use them.

 

HTH

[MaryJo]

Mary Jo, with the text, make sure the color for the text will show up on the background you are placing it on. Also, make sure that your text layer is on top of anything that might cover it up. If the last layer you had selected is under other things, the text layer will be put just above it so it might be hidden by other layers above it.

 

I never do text boxes. I just place my cursor and start typing. Text boxes can be useful but I just don't use them.

 

HTH

 

So when just typing on your page, do I still need to make sure the last layer is on top or doesn't it matter?

So, if I want to use the Alphas that come from SG's I just add a layer with them and just move them where I want them, right?

I think its clicking for me !! I'm so excited... I can't wait to get my notebook back.......

[anna]

It always matters what order the layers are in. Your text layer doesn't have to be on the top, but you don't want a layer with something big that will cover the text above it. Because then you won't be able to see the text. So, my text layers usually end up toward the top of the stack of layers. Does that make sense?

 

With alphas, yep-you just add them like any other paper or embellishment. Once they are on the page you can move them around or resize them or whatever.

 

I'm so excited for you! It's great when it finally starts to click!

[anna]

Hey! I just realized that you are going to be in my class tomorrow! Very exciting!

[Shari PV Mom]

Hi MaryJo .... if you just click on a spot to place your curser and just start typing it will make it's own layer. So yes, you do need to make sure that the layer already selected is above where you want your typing to show up. If you type something and find it's not showing you can always move the layer and/or select the text to change the color without having to undo all the typing you just did. This is the way I always did my text when I started. I didn't know you could make a box to type in until quite a while after I started. I only do that if I need my text to fit in a specified space and I want my words to wrap automatically.

 

Think of Alpha's as their own little elements (like a ribbon or a flower.) One trick I recently learned (which is so cool!) is File/Place. This will allow you to browse to the element you want and then it will place it on your LO on it's own layer and the layer will automatically be named the file name of the element. Makes it easier to keep track of the supplies you use so you can give proper credit when you post it. Keep in mind that when you are doing clipping masks and merging the two layers the merged layer takes on the name of the bottom layer only. I use clipping masks a lot so I always make sure to keep my supply list in MS OneNote as well. (Or I used to just keep a notebook next to my computer but I tend to lose them or dd writes on them so I started using OneNote. I love it because I can paste a copy of the finished LO on the page for easy reference.)

 

Anyway ... I hope I didn't just overwhelm you with too much info! I tend to go on and on sometimes! PM me if I need to clarify anything I said for you! LOL

 

Oh ... by the way (just in case I might have missed and introduction ...)

[Becca]

Mary Jo,

 

Keep at it. It takes time to get used to it. Especially when you have an idea in mind, and can't seem to create it on the page just so. Don't give up...it DOES come eventually. Just keep playing!

[MaryJo]

Hey! I just realized that you are going to be in my class tomorrow! Very exciting!

 

 

I had a good time at class today, even though my laptop is still in the shop, I'm using my hubby's but none of my stuff is on here. Its okay, I need to baby my sore mouth for awhile......

 

Thanks for the help, everything is being written down so i can refer to my notes when working. That comes from being a nurse I think !!!!

[MaryJo]

Hi MaryJo .... if you just click on a spot to place your curser and just start typing it will make it's own layer. So yes, you do need to make sure that the layer already selected is above where you want your typing to show up. If you type something and find it's not showing you can always move the layer and/or select the text to change the color without having to undo all the typing you just did. This is the way I always did my text when I started. I didn't know you could make a box to type in until quite a while after I started. I only do that if I need my text to fit in a specified space and I want my words to wrap automatically.

 

Think of Alpha's as their own little elements (like a ribbon or a flower.) One trick I recently learned (which is so cool!) is File/Place. This will allow you to browse to the element you want and then it will place it on your LO on it's own layer and the layer will automatically be named the file name of the element. Makes it easier to keep track of the supplies you use so you can give proper credit when you post it. Keep in mind that when you are doing clipping masks and merging the two layers the merged layer takes on the name of the bottom layer only. I use clipping masks a lot so I always make sure to keep my supply list in MS OneNote as well. (Or I used to just keep a notebook next to my computer but I tend to lose them or dd writes on them so I started using OneNote. I love it because I can paste a copy of the finished LO on the page for easy reference.)

 

Anyway ... I hope I didn't just overwhelm you with too much info! I tend to go on and on sometimes! PM me if I need to clarify anything I said for you! LOL

 

Oh ... by the way (just in case I might have missed and introduction ...)

Thanks for the info. I will take any assistance at all. Iam not afraid to ask for help !!! At least that's what I've tried to teach my kids.. I figure theres no such thing as a dumb question !!!!!!! Thanks again for the input.