Instructions

• Step 1: Collect photos Go online and collect photographs with interesting textures to use as backgrounds. Clothing, carpets, metals, and woods all have great textures.
• Step 2: Start a new document Open a photo editing program and start a new document the size you want your scrapbook page to be. Typically digital scrapbooks are 12 by 12 inches with a resolution of 300 dpi.
• Step 3: Set the background Make the textured photograph the background layer in the new document.
• Step 4: Add a gradient layer Add a new layer and select the gradient tool. Choose the colors you want to use for the gradient and fill the new layer.
• Step 5: Blend the layers Adjust the blending mode of the layer to change how it affects the background layer.
• TIP: Sample colors from other backgrounds using the eyedropper tool.
• Step 6: Continue to add layers Continue to add layers with gradients, solid colors, and brushed colors. Adjust the blending modes until you get an image you want for your background paper.
• Step 7: Create shapes Use the selection and the eraser tools to cut out different patterns and shapes. Create rectangles, circles, and other custom shapes.
• TIP: Drop a shadow on the shapes to make them pop out from the background.
• Step 8: Adjust hue and saturation Adjust the hue and saturation of the layers until the embellishments and background are a perfect fit for your digital scrapbook albums.
• FACT: Published in 1769, James Granger's Biographical History of England included blank pages at the end for the readers to attach their own pictures.

You Will Need

• Internet access
• Photographs
• Photo editing software