Many scrapbooking papers in the stores have a slightly darker area around the edge. We can do this with digital scrapbooking…

1. Copy the paper.

2. Line up the original and the copy (Arrange tab, Align vertically and horizontally).

3. Select the original and darken it just a little bit (Color tab, Brightness & Light) or click on Click & Fill, Color, Colors on this Page, select the darkest one, OK.

4. Select the copy and blur the outside edge (right click, edit image, using an image filter, edge, soften edge, pick a number and adjust if necessary).

5. Select both elements (on the element list on the left side of the screen the darker original should be below the softened copy), arrange, flatten and then add shadows if desired.

By the way, this works with any element that could use a bit of a darker, more defined border. If you want to use this method with text, you will have to flatten it first so it becomes an element. Filter options work on elements only.

These aren’t exactly hand crocheted doilies, but they are cute and will add interest to a page.

These are great journaling boxes or just something to tuck in somewhere to add interest. Right click and save as png files in your User Content folder.

Here is an embellishment and paper to add to your personal collection. Right click to download and save in your User Content file. Save the rivet as a png file and the denim as a jpeg.

Save these sprigs as png files. Hopefully you’ll find a use for them around Christmas time.

Visit Creative Memories’ Facebook page (CM on FB) and click on “Tutorials & Freebies” for tons of tips and inspiration.

I love fonts! Not sure why… maybe it’s because they are free and add so much personality and variety to a page.

If you are concerned about your digital books not being personal enough, then consider spending $50 to have your handwriting made into a font. Handwriting Font

Installing fonts is easier than it use to be (or maybe I just didn’t know about this).

1. Go to a website such as Dafont or search for a free fonts website

2. Select a font

3. Click download

4. Go to your File Manager and open Downloads

5. Double-click on the font file to unzip it

6. Double click on the font file and a box should open which shows a sample of the font

7. Click on Install

Here are several fonts I recently downloaded: Janda Everyday Casual  GeeohHmk Leokadia Deco  The Janda font is very similar to the handwriting of an acquaintance so I sent the link to her. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find one that looks familiar and you can save the $50:).

But wait, there’s more. You can also download shape and design fonts and turn them into beautiful elements. I’ve attached a sample using Damask Dings uppercase A. After flattening it, I added gradient color, texture, dimension and shadow. It only took a minute or two and best of all, it was free.