Title graphic made from The Daily Digi member exclusive kit My Life At Home

After spending time carefully placing elements and papers, choosing the perfect photos and drafting heartfelt journaling, your scrapbook page is done.

Now what do you do? You’re ready to give it a final name, create the full-resolution flattened copy, create a saved-for-web version for the scrapbook galleries, back it up and upload it.

Every digi scrapper has their own work flow. I’m going to share mine with you below.

File Naming

When I am scrapping a photo or story-focussed page, I know when I start designing what it is going to be about, so I am able to name the layered file I am working in with its “final” name. Often though, I am doing pages that are product-driven (which is where I have a kit I want to use and I’ll figure out a subject mid-way through the designing process.) For these pages, I name the layered file with a draft title and then change it just before saving my flattened versions. I like to have the same file name for my layered and flattened versions of a layout so that I can group them together easily.

I name my files in this format: YYYY-MM-DD-ShortTitle. The date is the date that the page is about. So, if I’m scrapping something that happened in 2007, then I’ll put that date. (Usually I’m able to find the date from the photo I am using.) If the page is “timeless”, like a page about my thoughts on a certain book or a reflection on a past event where the present thoughts are the more critical aspect to the page, I’ll use today’s date.

I save my files into folders according to when I scrapped them. So all layouts created in 2012 are in my “2012 Layouts” folder. This works for me because I like being able to count the layouts at the end of the year to see how many pages I made. It also keeps the number of files in the folder manageable. I have created hundreds of layouts over the years so keeping them all in one folder would be overwhelming.

Within each annual layout folder, I create a “Printed” folder where I move the files (both layered and jpg) after I’ve uploaded the jpg to the printer’s site and submitted my print order.

Saving Both Layered and Flattened

Once I’m finished scrapbooking a page, I save and retain it in at least two formats: the layered (e.g. PSD, TIFF) and flattened (e.g. JPG).

No matter which format of layered file you prefer, it’s a good idea to save a layered version of your page, at least for a little while, for a few reasons:

• You might find a spelling mistake that needs correction before you print.
• If you forget what font you used and you’ll be able to go back and check.
• You might decide to turn the layout into a template for yourself.
• If you make a silly mistake (like saving your 12×12 layout jpg at 72dpi and discovering it only after you’ve printed a horrible quality image), you’ll want to be able to fix it.

Personally, I don’t bother to delete layered page files ever, even after I’ve printed my pages. Memory is so inexpensive these days that it is a more efficient use of my time to just to add more memory than to make decisions about which files to keep and which to delete.

I create a 12×12 copy of my page in JPG format, which I sharpen slightly. (You can read more about sharpening for printing here.) I print in 8×8 but my preferred printer is able to take a 12×12 image and print 8×8 without any further adjustments on my end. (You can read Steph’s independent review of printers here.)

After saving my full-size image, I then shrink my layout to a 600×600 pixel jpg at 72dpi for use in the galleries. I created a simple action in Photoshop to do this for in one click. I also like to sharpen my gallery-sized image to make it a bit more crisp. (You can read more about sharpening for galleries here.) Here is a comparison for you:

Saved-for-web, not sharpened:

Saved-for-web, sharpened:

Supplies: Autumn Memories by Designs by Anita; Solos Part II by Busy Bee Designs

The difference isn’t too noticeable, but I think it takes a bit of the fuzziness of saving-for-web away.

Backing Up

I use an online back-up company which automatically backs-up my files to a remote location. There are several companies that provide this service. (I recently lost my EHD and most of its files so once I have the restore complete, I’ll come back and post about my experience with restoring.)

If you don’t use an online back-up, then you’ll need to find an alternate solution – whether it’s using an EHD, burning DVDs, etc.

Remember, there is no question about IF your hard drive will fail. The only question is WHEN. Backing-up is so important.

Uploading

Now that my page is done and saved in all its different formats, I upload it to several different locations.

First, I upload the 12×12 jpg to Flickr and include all the credits. I like to do this so that I have all the information together in one spot. I recently heard on The Digi Show about saving all the credit information in the scrapbook page file metadata via Photoshop. I haven’t tried it myself, but I think I might incorporate this into my workflow!

Next, I open up browser tabs for all the galleries where I want to post the page. Then, using copy and paste, I input all the credit information and title for all the galleries. Lastly, I select the photo for each gallery and hit submit.

Printing

To keep shipping costs to a minimum over the year, I only print once or twice annually, usually when there’s a sale on. No matter which printer you use, if you follow their Facebook page or subscribe to their newsletter, you’ll always be informed in advance of sales so that you have time to upload your photos.

Once I receive the printed layouts, I stack them neatly in a pile on my bookshelf…and then never seem to get around to putting them into my albums!

Okay, so you might not want to take note of that last part!

All In a Few Minutes!

Now that I’ve typed up this long post, I realize I have made a 10 minute process of naming, saving, organizing, backing up and uploading into something that seems much longer! I’ve been following the same basic process for years so it is second nature to me.

Made-For-You Workflow

I think your digi scrapbooking workflow should be as simple or complex as you need it to be to accomplish what you want to do. Maybe you don’t post in the galleries so there’s no need to create a web-size version. Maybe you blog your pages, so that adds to your workflow. It’s a unique process for each scrapbooker.

Now that I’ve shared what I do, please leave a note in the comments if you do something similar or if you have a different workflow. I’m always interested to hear other ways of completing these key scrapbooking tasks.

It’s graduation season right now and I’m excited that my son will be joining the Class of 2012! I know I’m way more excited for him to wear that cap and gown than he is, because not only do I get to celebrate his achievement, I get to scrap it!

Many schools have graduations for younger grades. When my son graduated from Kindergarten at the autism school he attended, we definitely thought it called for a celebration! Graduations for little kids are fun to scrap and themed school designs are a great way to embellish these types of pages. Include the basic details of place and date. It’s also fun to interview the young graduate and record their memories of their school experience.

My own high school graduation layout focuses on how ready I was to be done with high school. I couldn’t wait to get out into the big world of life after graduation! High school graduation is the perfect time to record what the graduate is looking forward to in their life ahead. Do they have college plans? What and where do they want to study? Are they going straight into the workforce? What will they be doing? What will they miss from high school? Who do they plan to keep in touch with?

Instead of using a theme kit, I simply emphasized my high school colors with the ribbon and paper choices. Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to certain kits or themes when scrapping a graduation.

This pretty layout by Trina has a grown-up and elegant feeling to it. I like that she included the details of her school and degree, along with the year of her graduating class. Remember to document the official titles, degrees, and details that go along with a college graduation. You could also journal about post-graduate plans such as jobs and/or more schooling. What new relationships were formed during college that will continue on (friendships, dating, marriage, etc.)

A double graduation is certainly an important occasion to document! I love this page by judet95 with the graduation year blended into the background of the journaling. Include pictures and details about friends or significant others who are graduating at the same time for a fun approach!

LeeAndra’s touching page about her husband’s graduation visit to his Grandmother reminds us to capture the stories beyond the actual ceremony. Who is proud of the graduate? Are there people who inspired or supported the graduate to reach their goal? Who attended the graduation? Who do you wish could have been there?

While it’s not necessary to use theme kits to create graduation pages, it sure is fun to find designs that help illustrate the story you want to tell. I’m excited about my own son’s high school graduation coming up, so I’ve been stalking the stores for special kits that will help me celebrate the occasion. Check out all of these fabulous goodies! (all images are linked)

Whether you have a graduate getting ready to get their diploma, or if you simply have some old graduation photos in your files, today’s a great day to turn them into lasting memories with a digital scrapbook page!

P.S. The title image was created with paper by Amber Clegg and doodles by Kate Hadfield. Fonts are Café Rojo and Harlow Solid Italic.

I am pleased to introduce to you Poccolina Designs and our first designer from Ahhh Scrap! I was really excited when I clicked over to Piccolina’s store for the first time. I quickly purchased some goodies and unzipped as fast as I could. The quality was very, very good and I shot an email off as fast as I could to invite her to contribute to The Digi Files. I love Piccolina’s shabby design aesthetic and how all of her papers, patterns, elements, and colors create a cohesive collection. Let’s take a closer look at “Limerick” that is included in The Digi Files this month:

This is ONE of SEVEN collections you get when you become a member of The Digi Game this month. You also get an interactive Playbook (in PDF and iBooks formats) that has lots of ideas for using the supplies including techniques, tips, and tricks! All of that, including access to exclusive collaborations every four months you are a member, for only $7.50 total per month!

Here are some layouts created using Piccolina Designs’ contribution:

Layout by Kimberly K. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Project Life Templates from Becky Higgins; Tape CLuster, Rhonna Farrer; Fonts: Impact, Hero, Myriad, Governor and Arialic Hollow.

Layout by Kimberly K. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Project Life Templates from Becky Higgins; Tape CLuster, Rhonna Farrer; Fonts: Impact, Hero, Myriad, Governor and Arialic Hollow.

Layout by Jacki. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Date Stamp by Shabby Princess; Font: DBJenLin.

Layout by Katie. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Building Block template by Traci Stroud; Shadow Styles by Jennifer Barrette; Font: Traveling Typewriter.

Layout by Jenn. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Fonts: The Other Twin (Heather Hess), You Are Loved and Xenophone.

Layout by SharonS, additional supplies: Template: Scrapping With Liz, Font: Traveling Typewriter

A note about this layout: SharonS has sent me layouts for every single Digi File contribution since we started accepting them in January 2010 (that’s about 196 layouts). I’ve learned a lot about Sharon and her family through those layouts. I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to Amy and Sharon on Dr. Amy G’s graduation from dental school!!

You can see more layouts created with this kit on our “Team Inspiration” page.


My real name is Teri. I am a stay at home mama to the Little Lady (4) and the Little Man (2). They keep me busy and happy. My hubby of 6 years is pretty supportive of my digital world, even when it sometime means I spend more time with the computer than him. I love anything crafty. I dabble in sewing, crochet, home decor, photography…..and so on. I probably have too many “hobbies”.

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I am part of Seasonal Swaperoos, a craft swap group. We had a swap going on while I was working on this kit. I wanted to make the butterfly art project (inspired by Ali Edwards) and the pinwheels for my swap partner. I decided to head to the craft store to get some pretty, springy papers for the projects. Then it hit me….I had just created some pretty, springy papers. I have printed my papers in the past for a few hybrid projects and love to see my papers printed out. I went a little overboard on printing papers from Limerick and ended up making myself (as well as my swap partner) a set of pinwheels and the butterfly art. I sometimes forget what a wealth of awesome supplies I have in my digi supplies. That is probably why my paper collection continues to grow even though I have not paper scrapped for 5 years.

I have done paper scrapbooking in the past, but not much because it was always so much work to get everything out and then only get to do a little before it all had to be put back up. My mother bought all of us girls a copy of PSE 4 for Christmas in 2005 because she had discovered this incredible world of digital scrapbooking and thought her girls should join the fun. I did use PSE 4, but only for editing photos. I had a hard time grasping the whole layers concept for scrapbooking. Then I found a first layout tutorial in early 2008 at the Shabby Princess and there has been no going back (although I still collect scrapbooking paper). I love not having to print photos to scrap them and that I can just close my laptop when I need to put up my scrapbooking supplies. I started designing in late 2008 and loved it. Piccolina is an Italian term of endearment meaning “little one” and was for my Little Lady who was born in 2008.

Everything. I am a horticulturist and landscape designer by education and trade so I do get a lot of inspiration from the natural world and those design concepts. But there is so much inspiration everywhere; home decor, clothing, fabric, holiday decor, etc. And the internet makes it so easy to access it and some incredible color palettes.

Computer: My Dell recently died on my (it was truly a sad time for me). I am now on a Lenovo IdeaPad with Windows 7. It has an intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 750GB of hard drive sace. Although I was sad to leave behind my Dell, this Lenovo has a lot more RAM and harddrive space, so I am able to run my programs better.

Program: I started designing with and still do a majority of my designing with PSE 7….really. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I started learning CS2 in 2010 and purchased CS5 last summer. I now use Illustrator for a great deal of my elements and patterns that I create, but then import them into PSE 7 to finish the product. I do use PS5 for strokes, layer styles, and a few actions that I cannot run in PSE 7. I know it is silly to have CS5 and still use PSE 7 for the majority of my finished product, but I am just so dang comfortable in PSE 7 that I am faster using it.
I also use Art Rage for creating glitters and some texture.
I use WinRAR for zipping and unzipping product and AMP Font Viewer for viewing and temporarily installing fonts.

Camera: I have Canon Rebel xsi that I do not pull out and use nearly as often as I should.

Anything Else: I do use a Bamboo tablet occasionally. My Little Lady gets more use out if than I do. I will open up Illustrator and let her go to town.
I also use two separate external hard drives (500GB and 1TB) for back up.

Keyboard shortcuts!! I love them for working in design programs and find myself hitting Ctrl+J in other programs such as Xcel and being frustrated that it will not copy for me.
I use these the most often: (these are PC since that is what I use)
CTRL+ j = copies the layer
CTRL + g = groups with previous
CTRL + e = Merge down
CTRL + d = deselect
CTRL + z = undo
Shift + CTRL + U= remove color
CRTL + s =save
Shift + CTRL + s= save as
CTRL + n = open new blank file

I know that starting with keyboards shortcuts can be difficult at times, but I always recommend just starting with one. Pick a function that you use often (like copying a layer) and work on using that shortcut. Once you have mastered that one, move to another one. They really are huge time savers.

I love the colors of this kit and the theme. Last fall I was in a thankful state of mind. I was almost overwhelmed at times with gratitude for all the blessings in my life. Live in Thanksgiving is kind of a tribute to that. I went with some traditional fall colors but also added in some blue to make it unique. I enjoyed making this kit and I have loved the layouts I have made using this kit. The kit is a perfect compliment to the layouts of the things I am thankful for.

Cottage Comforts was inspired by a Pottery Barn bedding ad. The palette is taken from the items in the add (the bedding, the night table, a lamp shade, the bed frame). I wanted a kit that was inviting and warm. I think that is why it is popular.

Here are some of my favorite products by Piccolina Designs:

Here are some more inspirational layouts using Piccolina Designs’ products. All of the layouts are linked to the originals with credits.

Take 30% off any purchase in Piccolina Designs’ shop for the month of May. Use coupon code TDD30offPD at checkout.

Go have a look in Piccolina Designs’ store! We will randomly select a winner from the comments to win $10.00 in product from her store! (Comments must be posted before midnight EST to qualify)!

Layout by Teri (Piccolina Designs)

Layout by Ariana

Layout by Penny

Layout by Christine Schultz

Layout by Angie

Layout by Angie

Layout by Teri (Piccolina Designs)

Layout by Krsital

Banner by Karen

Layout by Kristal

Layout by Kimberly K. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Project Life Templates from Becky Higgins; Tape CLuster, Rhonna Farrer; Fonts: Impact, Hero, Myriad, Governor and Arialic Hollow.

Layout by Kimberly K. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Project Life Templates from Becky Higgins; Tape CLuster, Rhonna Farrer; Fonts: Impact, Hero, Myriad, Governor and Arialic Hollow.

Layout by Jacki. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Date Stamp by Shabby Princess; Font: DBJenLin.

Layout by Katie. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Building Block template by Traci Stroud; Shadow Styles by Jennifer Barrette; Font: Traveling Typewriter.

Layout by Jenn. Supplies: Limerick by Piccolina Designs; Fonts: The Other Twin (Heather Hess), You Are Loved and Xenophone.

Layout by SharonS, additional supplies: Template: Scrapping With Liz, Font: Traveling Typewriter

Happy Mother’s Day to our readers!! Thanks for stopping in today! We will see you back tomorrow with our regular content!

Title graphic supplies: The Daily Digi member exclusive kit My Life At Home; font is Courier

In the April 2012 edition of The Digi Files, designer Krystal Hartley included a kit with an awesome wooden paper, which I used on one of my layouts:

I hadn’t experimented with wooden paper backgrounds very much before but I love the look when I see pages featuring them in the galleries. Realistic wooden backgrounds are a great complement to digital elements and the faux-wood doodled backgrounds are a fun choice for lively layouts.

I found some stunning examples in the galleries of these wooden papers in action:

Enjoy by editorialdragon

The paint splattered on the wood and the sort of haphazard cluster of papers and elements make this page look casual and almost accidental, even though it is artfully arranged.

Ahh by mrs_jb

Doodled wooden paper backgrounds are a fresh and fun take on the wooden page trend. I love how the wood lines add a sense of movement and fun to this adorable page.

Sweet Sadie by celeste

It looks like celeste could have placed her notebook (with the cute dog photo) and set it on the ground and taken a photo of it. This page has such a great realistic feel to it.

Puddle Jumper by ashleywb

I love how the wooden background here is so subtle, allowing the papers and words to be the stars.

Spent Many Happy Hours by chocochoco

The wooden paper background is here, but it is mostly covered. It makes the perfect neutral background for this elaborately layered design. Stunning!

Life Is Like a Rodeo by editorialdragon

Isn’t this one cool? I love how the industrial staples really look like they could be going into the wood below.

All of the layouts above are linked to their credits.

There are many, many kits available in digi stores that have one or two wooden paper backgrounds included. Here are a few products that are focused on these papers:

I hope that you found some inspiration for using wooden paper backgrounds! Is this a trend that you’ve tried? We’d love if you’d share a link to your pages as additional inspiration for readers. This is such a fun trend!

I was worried that I wouldn’t find anything new in digiland this week after the big iNSD events of last weekend, but the designers made me happy with all their great new releases!

Have you ever searched and searched for the perfect kit to scrap a photo with, but you just can’t find that particular theme? mle Card now offers a special custom drawing service in which she will draw you 1 unique element and 3 drawn coordinating filler elements to help you scrap that photo . Available for 20% off now through 5/17. Please read product details carefully.

Standing in Sunlight by Tracey Monette of Clever Monkey Graphics is filled with sunny colors, everyday quotations, flowers,  and more. Without a specific theme, this kit will help you scrap many, many stories.

This pack contains a set of 12 random Word Art bits that can be used on your layouts or hybrid projects.  Wordart Bits No.1 from Karen Lewis is available now @ 20% off.

Liz has 5 NEW State Template sets available in her store. If you aren’t familiar with them they are a super fun way to scrap vacations or places where you’ve lived. She has a lot more State Templates in her store too, make sure you check them out.

Fayette Terlouw has shared the coupon code FD30-TDD for Daily Digi readers to save 30% on all products in her shop at PBP!

Heather T. has a brand new pack of beautifully swirly stitching at MScraps.

Jenn Labre has a beautiful new kit out today. Flora is on sale for 20% off all weekend!

Are you getting ready for a graduation? This kit from WM squared is the perfect way to document this exciting time!

Mye De Leon is finally bringing this beauty in her stores! Get it at 30% off for 1 week along with its coordinating packs at Gotta Pixel!

Flergs has a fun new collection out!

New mini kit from SuzyQ Scraps celebrating YOU — because you deserve it!

Studio Basic has a freebie on her facebook page!

Studio Rosey Posey’s Follow Your Heart also has a great Mother’s Day Add-on Pack!

Peppermint Creative has a project that is PERFECT FOR MOTHER’S DAY! Turn an ordinary deck of cards into a custom gift! Just add your own text, print, cut, assemble. Includes PSD & TIF format as well as blank JPG/PNG files and print-ready fill-in-the-blank PDFs. Options for everyone! Also included: inserts have been pre-assembled for you on a layered 8.5×11″ document to make the job easier.

and speaking of Mother’s Day… how about giving (or receiving) the gift of an Annual Daily Digi membership? It’s the gift that keeps on giving (A LOT) all year long!

Hope you have a digi filled weekend!

P.S. SharonS is the random winner from the comments on Vicki Stegall’s feature from Monday. She won $10 in product from Vicki!

P.S.S SharonS was the random winner from the comments on Amy Jaz’s feature yesterday. She also won $10 in product from Amy!

P.S.S.S SharonS better go buy a lotto ticket…this has never happened before!

I first discovered Amy Jaz Designs when Amy uploaded some layouts to our Flickr group using her own products. Her credits were linked up to her blog, where I started following her. I was so happy to hear she had a guest spot at The Lily Pad and thrilled when I found out she would be staying! I love Amy’s clean, whimsical style!  Let’s take a closer look at “All Around Town” that is included in The Digi Files this month:

This is ONE of SEVEN collections you get when you become a member of The Digi Game this month. You also get an interactive Playbook (in PDF and iBooks formats) that has lots of ideas for using the supplies including techniques, tips, and tricks! All of that, including access to exclusive collaborations every four months you are a member, for only $7.50 total per month!

Here are some layouts created using Amy Jaz Designs’s contribution:

Layout by Jacki. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Grungy Month Brush by Michelle Coleman; Fonts: Typewriter.

Layout by Katie. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Scrapping with Liz background template;
Fonts: Traveling Typewriter.

Layout by Anne. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Alpha by Heather Rossellini (recolored by me); Font: District Thin.

Layout by Heddy. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Family Circle template by Amy Martin.

Layout by Karen. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Template by Emily Merritt.

You can see more layouts created with this kit on our “Team Inspiration” page.


My name is Amy Jazwinski, and I live in Arizona with my loving hubby, and two beautiful daughters.

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This layout was inspired by a favorite picture of my oldest daughter from one of our recent trips to Disneyland. I am a very clean, simple style designer, and that reflects in my layouts as well. I like to focus in on one photo, and focus on the emotion that the creates.

I began digital scrapbooking in back in 2008 when my first daughter was born, and I was looking for a way to document photos of her and all her milestones, but did not want to spend a zillion dollars on paper scrapbooking products. I found a tutorial online on digital scrapbooking, and was hooked instantaneously. At the same time, I started doing a little graphic design, and I opened my etsy shop Bean Sprout Studio, designing party invitations and birth announcements. For the last four years, I have been designing stationery, and at the same time, personally designing for my digital scrapbook pages and layouts. Recently I had my second daughter and have been realizing how quickly the time goes, and I knew that I did not have nearly enough of my daughter’s lives documented. I decided to switch my focus from designing stationery products to digital scrapbooking products so I can focus more of my time on doing something that is important to me.

As cliche as it is, my daughters inspire me to create. I design and scrap to preserve their childhood memories, so I create products that I want to use in my own personal scrapbooking. My style is very clean and modern. I wish I was the type to include more photos on one page, but it just doesn’t fit my design aesthetic.

Computer: Computer- MacBookPro
OS- Mac OS X 10
RAM- 4GB
Monitor- no outside monitor.
Program: I use Photoshop CS4 and Illustrator CS4.
Camera: Nikon D90
Anything Else: I also have a Wacom Pen Tablet.

I think an important thing to remember when designing is scale. I always zoom out to view my whole layout, to make sure the size of each element makes sense in relationship to the other elements on the page. For example, when stapling a paper frame to a page, the staple needs to look proportionate in relation to the frame. Disproportionate elements on a page jump right out at me, and I usually can’t get past that to view the layout as a whole.

The Fresh Start Kit is one of my favorite kits to date. I usually map out my kits in advance, but this kit practically designed itself. I had a path in mind, but once I got into designing it, I went in a completely different direction. I love how it turned out, with just the right balance between modern and vintage style. I designed it at the end of 2011, and the focus of the kit is all on starting fresh in the new year. It’s a great versatile kit, with a soft and neutral color palette that will really compliment many products in your current arsenal.

Hands down my most popular product to date is the Day By Day Overlays. I designed these overlays to fit in with my digital Project Life, and they’ve been a great resource to have in my collection. I love the hand drawn design, and they really help a digital Project Life, feel like the real thing.

Here are some of my favorite products by Amy Jaz Designs:

Here are some more inspirational layouts using Amy Jaz Designs’s products. All of the layouts are linked to the originals with credits.

Go have a look in Amy Jaz Designs’s store! We will randomly select a winner from the comments to win $10.00 in product from her store! (Comments must be posted before midnight EST to qualify)!

Layout by SharonS, additional supplies: Template: Fiddle Dee Dee, Journal Spot: Scrapgirls, Font: CK Beetlemeyer CK Penman

Layout by Jacki. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Grungy Month Brush by Michelle Coleman; Fonts: Typewriter.

Layout by Katie. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Scrapping with Liz background template;
Fonts: Traveling Typewriter.

Layout by Anne. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Alpha by Heather Rossellini (recolored by me); Font: District Thin.

Layout by Heddy. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Family Circle template by Amy Martin.

Layout by Karen. Supplies: All Around Town by Amy Jaz Designs; Template by Emily Merritt.

When I can do more on the go with my smartphone, that frees up my time on the computer for digi scrapping! One of the best thing about phone apps is that they let you do complex tasks while you are using your phone.

When I’m waiting to pick up my daughter from class she takes outside of our home, I end up with small blocks of time ranging from 5-15 minutes. When I’m sitting in a doctor’s waiting room I can usually find at least 10 minutes of time. I used to read magazines in the doctor’s office and sometimes I had a few stashed in my car. That was all before I carried a smart phone. Now I kind of get excited when I have a few minutes of waiting time that I can use to catch up on things with my phone.

I seem to always start with my email. I really don’t like it when there’s a red number next to the mail icon so I like to get rid of it by reading my messages. I get a lot of email! Here’s a link to a post I wrote explaining how I deal with my ever-overflowing email inbox. I love powering through emails I don’t need to answer when I’m on my phone. I usually leave the ones where I need to respond with more than one sentence until I can work at my laptop. All no response or short response emails are processed with my phone when I have a few spare minutes.

I like to check in on my calendar for the day and be sure I’m remembering everything I have scheduled. I also like to look ahead to the next few days. I use Google calendar for everything, even to keep track of blog posting schedules.

My next order of business is managing any photos I’ve taken recently with my phone. I have a few favorite apps that I seem to always come back to. We’ve either written about most of these apps here or talked about them on The Digi Show so I’ll link up to all those references for each app. This is one of the best things about having a smart phone – you can take, edit, and upload pictures wherever you are!

Photos – comes with the iPhone and the app I use the most because I like to do the simple auto-enhance fix on all my photos. This is the way I edit most of my phone photos because it’s quick and easy! I only use the other editing apps if I have a little more time.

Photo 365 – I love this app (thanks to Steph!) for keeping track of my daily photo project. I add the photos to the calendar in this app whenever I have some time with my phone. At the end of the month, I upload the entire calendar image to my Flickr account.

FlickitPro (the free version is also good) – I’m constantly uploading my phone photos to my Flickr stream with this easy-to-use app. I love to get them on Flickr as soon as possible so I have a backup, and so I can share them with my friends and family.

Flickr – I use this app for browsing through my own photos as well as keeping up with what my contacts are sharing. See my post about Flickr to find out why I love the place so much!

Snapseed – a favorite app of mine for when I want to get creative with my photos. I talked about Snapseed in this episode of the Digi Show because it’s one of my go-to editing apps.

Camera+ is another favorite app for editing and creative filters. I’m constantly trying to decide if this or snapseed is my favorite one for filter effects. I guess it’s a tie!

Instagram is a new addiction for me. I love to turn photos into quirky little instagram squares and share them in my instagram feed. I also can upload them directly to Flickr (or a variety of social network sites) at the same time. I love the interaction from other instagram users and I get so much inspiration from the photos I see there!

Incredibooth is an app that I use when I’ve got my phone and a few minutes to capture a fun memory. My son and I like to play around with it when we are waiting in the car for my daughter.

Notica is an app that I found because of a listener pick from this episode of The Digi Show and I use it all the time now!

I like that I can generate journaled images to use later on for blog posts or scrapbook pages.

After I tackle my photo-related projects on my phone, I give myself permission to do more of the “time hog” type of activities if I still have some time to spend. This is when I delve into facebook, pinterest, hootsuite (twitter), and catching up on blogs with feedly. If I started with these activities during my waiting times, I would never get around to the photo editing and uploading. I don’t feel like I’m wasting time to use these apps because I’m able to gather a lot of inspiration, ideas, and keep in touch with people I care about. I do feel like it’s easy to spend too much time in these apps though so I’m glad that I make myself work through email, calendar, and photo management first. Also, when I use these apps on my phone instead of my computer, I always spend less time. It’s too easy to sit at the computer and hang out on Twitter or Facebook for long periods of time and I’d rather use the time on my laptop for scrapbooking.

Of course, I can do even more cool things on my phone like; exploring Daily Digi inspiration, reading, listening to audiobooks & podcasts, surfing websites, and playing games – there are almost endless possibilities! More than anything else, I really appreciate that I’m utilizing small pockets of found time to accomplish many tasks using only my phone.  I sure am grateful for all the apps out there that help me make the most of my scrapbooking time and material!