So I got that page done for my step-grandma.  Ended up sort of faking my way through it, using Microsoft Digital Image Pro… turns out that’s actually a popular program for digital scrappers. Who knew? Personally I found it a bit frustrating, but then it was that kind of day over all. (Taking a family portrait in the backyard using the tripod and timer, trying to get all six of us to look nice and smile and look at the camera all at the same time… Yi, what an ordeal!) Anyway, I finished the page and got it printed at Costco for like $3. And thanks to a couple of commentors here and my big sister (who does all her scrapbooking on the computer) I even have a few links to pass along…

Two Peas in A Bucket has a ton of information about how to get started Digital Scrapping and also sells kits of digital papers, stickers, borders and all that.

The ScrapArtist seems to have a lot of kits you can buy and also a gallery of ideas. Oh and a big list of Scrap Blogs. (you know, in case you need more blogs to read…)

Sarah recommends FotoFusion digital scrapbooking software. You can download a free trial… wish I found this site on Saturday!

Joy posted a link in the comments for Memento Press … they can print your pages in a book or even take all your photos and do the scrapbooking for you.

Joy also mentioned Adobe Photoshop Elements. I’ve seen this mentioned on a few digital scrapbooking websites. Turns out we actually have a copy, it came with some other software that Hubby bought. You might have it already too, apparently they bundle it with cameras and other things. Or there’s a free trial they have on their website. Thanks Joy for those helpful suggestions!

Another cool looking piece of software is Memory Mixer … it actually has the option to add video and sound if you want to share your stuff online. The site also sells ‘paper’ kits and has forums and such. And of course you can download a free trial version from them too. (I sense a theme!) This one got really good reviews on Amazon.

Digi Chick has a ton of downloadable designs for sale as well as idea galleries and a blog. I could see spending a lot of time on all these different sites just reading and getting ideas. If I had time, that is!

When you finally get around to printing the pages, it’s a bit of a challenge to print in the 12×12 format. Most printers are too small and most photo places don’t do that size. (I had my page printed in 11×14 and then trimmed two inches off). Mpix was recommended by a few sites for scrapbook page printing. They’ll print 12×12 in a number of types of paper and finishes. (they also print a lot of other fun things like trading cards and magazine covers at reasonable prices)

Okay, I think that’s the extent of my knowledge on the topic at this point.  If anyone knows of other good software, websites, or blogs, please post them in the comments!