Who here uses CM's SBC+ for digital scrapping?

[DisneyCruiser2008]

yes yes--- that part.... How do you go about that????

thanks!

It sounds fancier than it is... All I do is (1) duplicate the LO I want to make into a template. (2) click on each paper and element and change it to a shade of gray... (Tools - Color). (3) Then I right click on my pictures and hit "remove photo from frame." (4) Then I save the LO/template for future use. When I want to use it, I import a copy in and save the original for future use. Does that make sense? Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[DisneyCruiser2008]

Okay, I thought I had tried that yesterday but it must have been user error on my part (ie looking for the .page file in the wrong place?). But now it works. So here are the follow up questions:

1. Where do you all share your stuff? (I like to share too.)
2. Would you guys prefer an album style upload/download or single files?

I have created about a half dozen templates so far and I have a few more I intend to create. I do a lot of block layouts (too many crops hanging around Close to my Heart folks).

Let me know where and what you prefer and I will do my best to share very soon.

Thanks!

We have been just posting our templates in this thread... As individual page files... (I zip mine and upload them to 4shared and then post a link.) Sounds like youhave been busy! Block LOs are fabulous!

 

[DisneyCruiser2008]

So I am very new to this digital scrapbooking thing. I have decided
to get the SBC+ software but now I have a few questions. Any help
would be greatly appreciated!

- I have learned that I can get free downloads instead of buying all
the materials. Where do I get them and do they save in a particular
file type? Which download sites are better than others?

- I have been toying with getting Memory Manager as well and was
wondering if this is worth it. Also, I have learned that SBC+ saves
in .png files. Is it possible to save that type of file in MM or do
I have to get a different software program to organize all my digital
scrapping supplies? If so, which is best?

- I have heard of getting free layouts and templates. What are these
and how are they used? Do they just install like other supplies?
Do I just put my photos and journalling in places where someone else
had theirs? Where do I find these?

- How do I safe the templates, downloads and such. Do they save in files with the whole profect or can I separate each item.

- Is it true that instead of getting my books printed on CM, I can
print on Shutterfly? I have done a few Shutterfly albums and am
happy with the quality. How does this work?

I probably have more questions, but will start there!! Any help
would be great. I'm feeling a tad overwelmed but very excited to get
started!

Thanks,
Jen

Welcome, welcome, Jen!!!

Do you have your software yet? Some stuff is easier to understand if you have access to your software and can play around as you are learning. SBC+ is very user friendly. There will be a learning curve, but you can move quickly through it. You can pretty much do anything in SBC+ that you can do in other programs (e.g. Photoshop Elements), with the exception of a few little features that most of us can easily live without.

My advice would be to watch the CM tutorials and then make a couple pages. Seeing your pages come together is very exciting and motivating... And you can add to your bag of tricks from there.

There are free downloads all over the web (plus the free stuff on the CM site)... Some stuff on the web is much better quality than others... There is so much out there, it can actually be overwhelming. If there are specific things you are looking for, we can probably suggest some things. I do buy a fair amount of kits. I have favorite designers and kind of know what I like now... But I grab freebies when they are well made too... Shabby Princess has some pretty free kits... you might like to check them out.. http://www.shabbyprincess.com/downloads.asp... also, this thread on the DIS stays pretty active and often has freebies posted... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310733&page=52 You can use anything in .png or .jpeg format in SBC+... so pretty much everything that is out there... Some templates will come in .psd format (which is a photoshop file)... you can't use those...

You have unlimited options as far as printing goes... I print some of my layouts in storybooks (e.g. my trip albums), and I print some of my LOs as 12x12 page prints and insert them right into my kids' scrapbooks... We can give you some good recommendations for specific sites when you are ready.


I have Memory Manager. I use it for my pictures. I had it way before I got SBC+. I like it, but I hear others say they like other programs as well or better. I don't organize my digi-scrap supplies in MM... I actually just keep them organized in files (by kit and designer name) on my hard drive... I know there are some programs out there that will allow you to tag/label everything (e.g. "green ribbon") so you can call them up later.... I'm not that organized....Here is a thread where some of the ladies talk about the method to their madness as far as organizing goes... lots of different options... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2081537

As far as getting templates, a few of us have posted some on this thread that you are welcomed to grab. SBC+ is completely versatile, so you can use the templates exactly as they are or totally change them... You can delete text boxes and add your own... you can add or take away any pictures or elements.... Once you start playing with the software, that will all make a lot more sense to you.... You can do virtually anything in SBC+. Some people who have not used it are under the impression that there are a lot of limitations.... there are almost none. Throughout this thread we discuss lots of tips and tricks that may come in handy once you get familiar with the software.

To do my LOs, I create a 12x12 Storybook (e.g. 2009 Family Album) with all BLANK pages... then I work from there. I like my pages to be arranged chronologically... but you are not limited as far as where you keep/store your pages... You can duplicate them and add them to other albums... you can save them as .jpegs outside of SBC+ and do whatever you want with them.... No limitations there either.

Hope this helps some.... Feel free to ask more questions as you have them.

 

[djaj]

Thanks so much for the help. I have been looking at all the info out there and have also done all of CM's new webinars. I am ready! The info on this thread is top notch! Nothing is better than advice from someone who has already done it! I'm sure that I will have more questions, but thanks for the info you've given me so far.

 

[quiltymom]

The big thing is to just start making pages. That's the only way you'll learn. You'll try some things that you may or may not like, but the key is that you're doing it. My big tip is to participate in the digi-challenges here on the scrapping board. THAT's how I learned. You see what others are doing and try to replicate it. And ask questions about how something is done. You may not be thrilled with everything you do, but then that's okay.

Personally, I love to scraplift other's pages.

 

[augusta]

I too am new to this software (couple of months) but am learning with the help of this thread and trial and error. My question is about changing the size of the page. I've read, do the page in 12x12 and then you can print 8x8. How do I do that? My printer won't do it or I don't know how. I have been able to save the page and then use Picassa to do a 8x10 or 4x6. What do I have to do? I'm loving this program and this helpful thread. Mary

 

[DisneyCruiser2008]

Hi ladies ... I am hosting the template challenge over at ScrapMatters this week... Check it out and join in if you'd like.

Here's the template... ready to go for SBC+.

CREDITS

http://www.4shared.com/file/87741967/d06e5ff9/Tues_Temp_2-17.html

 

[djaj]

What is a template challenge? How does it work?

 

[djaj]

OK, another question....

I have my software and am in the process of playing with it a bit. I also got MM. I have loaded the CM packages into SBC+, no problem. But I've tried to download a couple free ones, just to make sure I can and I don't think I am doing this right. I've been told that I can save the png files in MM. How do I do that during the download. I'd like to save them in MM then I could tag them. And then if I can do this how do I get them on my pages?

If I can't do this in MM, what do I save these downloads in and again, how do I get them on my page?

Thanks again for all the help. Jen

 

[cruisecrzy]

Hey all I have not been around much. We are remodeling our house so we have been busy moving stuff and just trying to find a place to sit. But that means I will have more than cruise pictures to work on. We are also trying to get ready for our cruise in April.

But I wanted to pop in and share these with any who have not seen it. There are some Digital Classes for CM users. Look below at the info.

Digital Inspirations – Tips and Techniques
Digital Inspiration - Tips and Techniques is a new, ongoing series of web classes that give more in-depth training on using StoryBook Creator Plus and Memory Manager Software. With the help of a digi-pro, you'll be adding lots of new looks to your digital StoryBook and projects!
In this class: Enhancing your Photos, Getting more from your digital artwork by changing hues, Text, Word Art, Word Merge and Word Fill. And, as always, a few more fun tips will be included, as well! Choose from one of the eight time slots listed below. NOTE: TIME IS LISTED IN PACIFIC TIME - PLEASE ADJUST FOR YOUR TIME ZONE.

Mon, Feb 16, 2009 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/171635034

Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/373376185

Wed, Feb 18, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/228742685

Thu, Feb 19, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/661007092

Mon, Feb 23, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/399583176

Tue, Feb 24, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/796091903

Wed, Feb 25, 2009 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/920084973

Thu, Feb 26, 2009 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/229044362

Digital Inspirations – Baby and Toddler

We know you care about the memories you're making with your little one. Let us help you get your photos out of your hard drive, off memory cards, and into your life. You'll get ideas, inspiration, and even a few fun design tips during our time together!! Digital Inspiration is a new, ongoing series of themed web classes that offer you a chance to see beautiful, "real-lfe" StoryBooks and other digi projects. You'll be amazed and encouraged by how simple it is to create beautiful, stitch bound-books of your very own!! Choose from one of the eight time slots listed below. NOTE: TIME IS LISTED IN PACIFIC TIME - PLEASE ADJUST FOR YOUR TIME ZONE.



Mon, Mar 2, 2009 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/616333702

Tue, Mar 3, 2009 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/683161548

Wed, Mar 4, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/187861482

Thu, Mar 5, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/253464320

Mon, Mar 9, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/868660601

Tue, Mar 10, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM PDT - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/848015319

Wed, Mar 11, 2009 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PDT - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/777749374

Thu, Mar 12, 2009 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PDT - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/465715675

 

[DisneyCruiser2008]

I too am new to this software (couple of months) but am learning with the help of this thread and trial and error. My question is about changing the size of the page. I've read, do the page in 12x12 and then you can print 8x8. How do I do that? My printer won't do it or I don't know how. I have been able to save the page and then use Picassa to do a 8x10 or 4x6. What do I have to do? I'm loving this program and this helpful thread. Mary

Hmmm... That's a good question... I print my pages through a photo company, so I just order them in the size I want... I am not sure how to resize on a home printer.. I guess it would depend on your printer and printing software... Can anyone else help???

 

[DisneyCruiser2008]

What is a template challenge? How does it work?

I saw you over at SM... so I guess you figured this out. For a template challenge, everyone downloads the same template and then submits a LO using it....It's fun... sometimes there are some additional rules too.. it just depends on the challenge.

 

[DisneyCruiser2008]

OK, another question....

I have my software and am in the process of playing with it a bit. I also got MM. I have loaded the CM packages into SBC+, no problem. But I've tried to download a couple free ones, just to make sure I can and I don't think I am doing this right. I've been told that I can save the png files in MM. How do I do that during the download. I'd like to save them in MM then I could tag them. And then if I can do this how do I get them on my pages?

If I can't do this in MM, what do I save these downloads in and again, how do I get them on my page?

Thanks again for all the help. Jen

Did you get these questions answered? I don't use MM for my kits, so I am not sure how that would work. My thing with MM is that it does not communicate well with SBC+ right now... so you have to export everything to a file outseld MM before you can bring it into SBC+ ... drives me nuts. CM says they are working on that.... Maybe you have figured out a good sytem though? If so, share with us.

 

[cruisecrzy]

Hmmm... That's a good question... I print my pages through a photo company, so I just order them in the size I want... I am not sure how to resize on a home printer.. I guess it would depend on your printer and printing software... Can anyone else help???

It does not look like the original question stayed. It was make a 12x12 and print another size.

The easiest is to make the 12x12 and save the .jpeg. You can either open them and resize or you can choose to make a new book 8x8 and then import the .jpegs I think it was as the background, but I cannot remember. Anyway you put the saved .jpeg into the new 8x8 page and it resizes it.

I am fairly sure I have directions in my CM folder, but my computer crashed. I have all my files backed up, but I am not connected to that drive right now. I will try to look tomorrow and see if I have anything

 

[quiltymom]

OK, another question....

I have my software and am in the process of playing with it a bit. I also got MM. I have loaded the CM packages into SBC+, no problem. But I've tried to download a couple free ones, just to make sure I can and I don't think I am doing this right. I've been told that I can save the png files in MM. How do I do that during the download. I'd like to save them in MM then I could tag them. And then if I can do this how do I get them on my pages?

If I can't do this in MM, what do I save these downloads in and again, how do I get them on my page?

Thanks again for all the help. Jen

I'm just a bit curious so I can better answer your question for you - why are you planning to save them on MM? You don't save the files in MM because you don't need to. There really isn't any benefit that I can see to having them in MM.

 

[quiltymom]

Okay, Ladies. I was just at my CM Regional Convention and I have a bit of news for you. They have quite a few new digital (& paper!) kits coming out soon that are very nice. The first will be the new Discover Baby Boy & Delight Baby Girl themes & accessories. Other goodies to be introduced will be the Wishes & Dreams, benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation, and the Discover & Delight kits (different than the baby kits).

But I know a few of you had asked about upgrades to MM & SBC+. First, on March 1 there will be a MM 3.0 upgrade available. This is an upgrade, not an update, so there will be a fee. I you currently own MM 2.0, during March & April the upgrade will be available for $9.95. After this it will be $15.00. But it you don't own MM 2.0 and want to purchase 3.0, the price will be the normal $39.95 price and you won't have to worry about the upgrade. (I hope I didn't confuse too many people!)

The biggest news is that MM 3.0 will sync up with SBC+! You will also be able to more easily do selective coloring and copying/cloning from one photo to another. There are other things, but my brain is on overload and I can't remember what they are!

I also asked about the potential of SBC+ having text path and tearing tool features. They said that they were still in the development stages of it and it wouldn't be available until at least next year - no firm dates. They are also still working on SBC+ for Macs, but that won't be soon, either.

I hope that this is helpful to you!

 

[labdogs42]

Cool info. Will there be an upgrade that we have to pay for for SBC+, too? Or just MM?

 

[quiltymom]

There's no upgrade currently planned yet for SBC+. Just MM.

 

[augusta]

Hmmm... That's a good question... I print my pages through a photo company, so I just order them in the size I want... I am not sure how to resize on a home printer.. I guess it would depend on your printer and printing software... Can anyone else help???

When you use Creative Memories to print can you resize or do you have to print the size used in Storybook?

 

[augusta]

It does not look like the original question stayed. It was make a 12x12 and print another size.

The easiest is to make the 12x12 and save the .jpeg. You can either open them and resize or you can choose to make a new book 8x8 and then import the .jpegs I think it was as the background, but I cannot remember. Anyway you put the saved .jpeg into the new 8x8 page and it resizes it.

My question is how do I resize when I open them? Whe I try to import into SBC+ I get the red X that says wrong size.